Yes, You Can Afford to Go to Europe This Year
Rick Seaney shares his secrets on how to fly abroad without breaking the bank.
Feb. 2, 2011 — -- This is a great year to go to Europe -- so many big events, and obscure ones, too.
For instance, if you go to London, there's that Royal Wedding set for April 29 (I'd provide more details except my invitation seems to be lost in the mail). If the royals aren't your thing, it's also the 49th anniversary of a group called the Rolling Stones, and I understand they've done rather well.
In other areas, this is the 250th anniversary of the first veterinarian school, in Lyon, France; expect even more yappy little dogs frolicking at sidewalk cafes. Or celebrate the 150th anniversary of a united Italy, and look for hoopla throughout the country, especially in Turin.
But you don't need a reason to go to Europe; all you need is an airline ticket, preferably a relatively cheap one. And that's where I come in.
The best time to fly to Europe? Easy. Just learn the secret of the airfare seasons.
For more travel news and insights view Rick's blog at farecompare.com
The price of most airfare is ruled by one consideration: the airlines want to pry as much cash out of you as possible. C'mon, you practice it too; I've yet to meet the home-seller who said, "Gee, I don't know if this couple can really afford my curb-appealing McMansion, so I better lower the price."
Capacity comes into play too, especially on domestic flights. U.S. airlines have been ditching seats left and right in the past few years, and by controlling the seat supply, prices ebb and flow with demand.
It's a somewhat different story on international routes, especially when it comes to Europe because these airfare prices are mainly governed by seasons.
To an extent, it's a no-brainer: Summer is the most expensive season to fly because that's the time when everyone wants to travel, and winter is cheapest, because few wish to stroll the Champs-Elysees in a blizzard (OK, blizzards are rare in Paris, but snow did shut down the Eiffel Tower this past December).
What to do? For starters, know your European airfare seasons, especially when they begin and end.
