Sick of battling crowds? These are the quietest times to go on holiday
The cheapest and quietest times of year to go on holiday for Aussies has been revealed.
A new report says February - yes right now - is the best time of year to travel if you're looking for value.
Trips to Aussie favourites such as South East Asia, which includes Thailand and Bali, and the South Pacific, which includes Fiji see some of the biggest price drops for flights.
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A new report reveals February - yes right now - is the best time of year to travel if you're looking for value. Getty
Experts at Expedia, which has published its 2026 Air Hacks Report, say you can save up to 74 per cent - around $520 compared to going in December.
That month is, not surprisingly, the busiest time to fly, with Boxing Day the most hectic. Good Friday, which this year is on April 3, is also flagged as one of the busiest days of the year.
If you want to avoid the crowds, mid-March and end of July are quieter times of the year.
Best time to book flights
As for when to book, number crunchers reckon holding out until four to six weeks before could be worth it.
International flyers can save an average of $140.
Those who prefer to plan ahead can still save around $75 booking three months out the report claims.
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Save money on flights to Thailand depending on when you book. Getty Images/iStockphoto
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Cheapest day the fly
The report also revealed another surprise.
Friday has become the most affordable day to fly, with experts saying it's driven by reduced business travel at the end of the week.
But Tuesday is the quietest day to travel in general.
"Timing can play a big part in airfare savings," says Sarah King, Expedia Travel Expert.
"With business travellers heading home earlier in the week, leisure travellers can unlock better value by choosing smarter travel days, like Friday, with the added bonus of starting their holiday a little earlier to stretch the weekend."
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Experts reckon holding out until four to six weeks to book holidays could be worth it. Getty
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While we're talking about flights, clean freaks, look away.
Apparently, the filthiest item you'll face when travelling is something you're bringing onboard.
By the time you've hiked through the airport, touching stuff millions of hands have also fondled, one item came out on top - your passport.
JRPass.com conducted what they say was a "scientifically controlled experiment to find out which travel items carry the most bacteria."
