Whether you’re going on holiday in search of a White Christmas, squeezing in a trip during school break or looking for a summertime getaway, the end of the year is one of the most popular times to travel. To help you bag a bargain, we’ve delved into our data to find the quietest days for holiday trips.
This should hopefully help you find the cheapest flights and the best deals on accommodation.
Quietest days for holiday trips before Christmas
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, 12 December is by far the most popular date for flights. After that, it generally peters down towards the big day, although there are a few dips in that trend. Have a look at 14 December, 16 December and 19 December to avoid the crowds before Christmas.
Other peaks of activity occur on 15 and 17 December and then again on 21 and 22 December.
Quietest days for holiday trips after Christmas
After Christmas, the quietest days to travel start with the new year. Early searches again show a few trends. The first few days after Christmas have high search volume, which dips noticeably for 30 and 31 December. Searches pick up again on 1, 7, 11 and 12 January. The few days from 8-10 January remain fairly quiet, which makes it a prime time to return home.
Busiest destination countries for holiday travel
Christmas is all about family and, for most Australians, that means looking at domestic flights. If you’re looking to travel within Australia during this time, you may notice a rise in costs and a drop in availability.
For overseas flights, the top five searched destinations are:
Busiest Australian cities for holiday travel
For travellers based in Australia and hoping to stick around for the holidays, the top searched domestic cities are:
If you want to secure a good deal on any of these destinations, the best advice is to book well ahead and to be as flexible with dates as possible.
Busiest international cities for holiday travel
If you’re one of the many Australians heading overseas for Christmas and the New Year (or more generally the school holidays), there are a few locations that have been attracting more searches than others.
The top five cities searched for over Christmas have been:
Flight prices vary significantly by dates and airlines, as well as destinations, so booking ahead is definitely the way forward.
Booking the best hotels during the quietest days for holiday trips
As well as getting the best deals on flights, holiday travel throws up the hunt for the best hotel deals. While staying with family may have its drawbacks, it does often come with free accommodation. If you’re going overseas for the holidays, you’ll probably want to book a hotel (and pronto).
Here are some of our suggestions for holiday hotels in the most popular destinations. We’ve divided them into budget, mid-range, and luxury options.
Hotels in Bali
Best budget hotel: Surfer Paradise Villas. On the western coast, past Seminyak, check into a villa for an incredible price. At Surfer Paradise Villas, you get cosy accommodation with a pool and cabana, just a few minutes from the beach and within walking distance from a range of dining options.
Best mid-range hotel: Villa Semana Resort & Spa. Ubud is a destination that’s rising in popularity for a good reason. The town is home to yoga, spirituality and a laid-back lifestyle. Villa Semana offers suites and villas with private pools, an onsite Indonesian restaurant and a free shuttle service into Ubud town centre.
Best luxury hotel: The Edge Bali. When you pay for luxury in Bali, it really delivers. The Edge is situated on a clifftop in Uluwatu, close to the famous temple. Enjoy views of the ocean from the infinity pool overhanging the cliffs, make use of the 24-hour butler service and choose from a range of dining options. The onsite restaurant is one of the best on the island, or you can request a privately cooked meal in your villa. Wine and cocktail lovers will be impressed by the offerings at The Edge, and we won’t blame you for extending your stay.
Hotels in Tokyo
Best budget hotel: Capsule and Sauna Rosco. The capsule hotel concept originates from Japan, and in Tokyo, you can get all sorts of different experiences. At Rosco, they offer a capsule with the options of a sauna and jacuzzi too. The location is great, just a couple of minutes away from the main train system.
Best mid-range hotel: BnA_WALL. The counterpart to the traditional BnB, BnA (bed and art) is a hotel with a purpose. Found in downtown Tokyo, this hotel has each of its rooms designed by local independent artists. The hotel donates part of each stay to the artist who decorated the room booked.
Best luxury hotel: Hoshinoya. A traditional ryokan option, which is becoming rarer in the big cities, Hoshinoya spoils visitors. Book an entire floor and be amazed by the elegance on display while wearing your complimentary kimono. A communal lounge offers seasonal sake and the chance to meet other guests. When it’s time to unwind, relax in the hotel’s indoor hot springs.
Hotels in Bangkok
Best budget hotel: United Residence. Cheap and cheerful, United Residence is a hotel for people who want to spend all day exploring the city. The apartments are on a quiet street but within easy walking distance of convenience stores and restaurants. Free coffee, a rarity in Thailand, is available in the lobby.
Best mid-range hotel: Siamotif Boutique Hotel. This waterside hotel is an attraction as much as accommodation. With canal views from your bed or balcony, timber rooms give guests an easy introduction to Thai life. Walk to local shops, head to the nearby floating markets or go to the pier for a water taxi to explore Bangkok.
Best luxury hotel: The Sukhothai Hotel. Named after the ancient capital, the Sukhothai Hotel is a five-star hotel that makes you feel like you’re in a hidden oasis inside the bustling city. A mix of modern and classical designs intermingle to give the best of both worlds. Make the most of your stay with the extensive spa facilities and the champagne brunch, considered by many as the best in the capital.
Hotels in London
Best budget hotel: Bexley Village Hotel. Hotels in London are generally very expensive, but you can find beautiful budget options in the outskirts. On the eastern fringes, useful for those flying into Stansted, is Bexley Village Hotel. This Grade II listed property, built in the 17th century, will whisk you back to simpler times.
Best mid-range hotel: Bay Tree House Bed & Breakfast. The Brits love their B&Bs, and having a home-cooked breakfast included in your stay makes things a bit easier and a lot more authentic. Bay Tree House is to the north of the city and is within easy walking distance of the Tube and a few dining options.
Best luxury hotel: Egerton House. An English London townhouse converted into a five-star hotel, Egerton House offers luxury in London. Close to highlights like Harrods, Kensington Gardens and the V&A, you’re well-positioned to enjoy the capital. Egerton House’s food is some of the tastiest in the city — the breakfast was named the best in the country, and there are traditional afternoon teas and martinis on offer too.
Hotels in Singapore
Best budget hotel: Dream Lodge. A hostel with a modern twist, Dream Lodge is best suited for singles or couples who are looking for a wallet-friendly stay. Rather than bunk beds, you get your own little pod to sleep in, and reviews all compliment the cleanliness of the facility. It’s very close to public transport, so it’s easy to get around.
Best mid-range hotel: lyf one-north. A great option for families, it offers a range of different apartments for rent. There’s a range of communal facilities to enjoy with other residents, including a gym, lap pool and green space with regular exercise classes. This option is a little out of the CBD but is just a two-minute walk to the nearest MRT station.
Best luxury hotel: Dao by Dorsett Amtd. Enjoy the luxury of spacious rooms (or suites), an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the city and one of the best cocktail bars in Singapore. Dao makes exploring Singapore easy — you’re close to the MRT system, and you can use the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to visit some of the most popular sites. Dao is pet-friendly and also offers a plant library where you can take a pot plant to look after during your stay.
Snag top travel deals for the quietest days for holiday trips
Read more about holiday travel
- How (and why) to make last-minute travel to places unknown a reality: discover the science behind spontaneous trips
- Ready to explore your home country? Here’s how to get the most out of Australia’s top cities on a budget
- Want to go shopping? Find out about the best Christmas markets in Australia
- Where should you travel if you want to go somewhere hot in December?
- Worried about costs? Read out 10 money-saving travel tips that actually work
