Saudi families planning summer holidays could save thousands of riyals by adjusting their travel dates, according to Skyscanner’s latest Summer Travel Insights.
A family of four
travelling to one of the season’s most popular destinations could reduce return
flight costs by up to SAR4,128 ($1098.71) by choosing the cheapest week to fly.
The findings come as 44% of Saudi travellers have yet to
book their summer holidays and are still searching for the best options.
With rising airfares, fixed school holidays and limited
flexibility, comparing departure dates could significantly reduce overall
travel costs.
Skyscanner’s analysis found that the week beginning August 31
offers the best overall value for summer flights from Saudi Arabia, challenging
the belief among 41% of travellers that July is the cheapest month to travel.
While late-season travel may not suit everyone, the data
highlights the savings available by checking different dates before booking.
Denpasar, Indonesia, offers the biggest potential saving
among the destinations analysed.
Average return flights cost around SAR 2,544 per traveller,
but fares drop to approximately SAR 1,512 during the cheapest week starting 24
August.
This represents a saving of SAR1,032 per person, or SAR4,128
for a family of four.
Travellers heading to Milan could also benefit, with flights
during the week starting 31 August averaging SAR1,379 compared with the summer
average of SAR1,730. The difference could save a family of four around SAR
1,407.
The report noted that the cheapest travel period varies by
destination, making fare comparisons essential.
Saudi travellers expect to spend an average of SAR1,312 per
person on overseas summer flights, but only 33% have flexibility over travel
dates, while school holidays and other commitments limit options for many.
Skyscanner advised travellers to compare fares across
multiple weeks, monitor changing prices and review monthly flight options to
secure better value.
Even small adjustments to travel timing can help families maximise their holiday budgets without changing their preferred destinations.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner,
said: “Summer travel planning has become increasingly complex,
particularly for families balancing school calendars, budgets and changing
flight prices. Our data shows that travellers do not necessarily need to
compromise on their preferred destination to find better value. Checking a
wider range of dates and comparing the cheapest weeks can uncover substantial
savings, which can then be put towards accommodation, experiences or simply
making the overall holiday more affordable.” -TradeArabia News Service