As travel reaches pre-pandemic levels in 2024, this is the time to go to Europe

2024 will be the year that global tourism returns to pre-pandemic levels and popular tourist destinations become overcrowded. However, there are some perfect locations. It’s a time of year when you can visit popular cities like Rome and Paris, with fewer crowds, cheaper airfares, and a more pleasant climate (and avoid the intense heat that local summer brings).

Global tourist numbers continued to increase throughout 2023, and according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, tourist numbers ended the year at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, thanks in no small part to the restart of tourism in China. The United Nations World Tourism Organization predicts that travel will return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024.

This is despite the uncertainty brought about by continuing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and an unprecedented number of elections this year in countries where travel makes a significant contribution to the economy.

Barring the climate crisis, this would be welcome news for the global economy. Nothing has halted the industry’s growth as much as the travel bans in 2020 when the coronavirus first emerged. Between 1980 and 2019, the number of international arrivals increased from 277 million to 1.5 billion per year, but the impact of SARS in 2003 and the global financial crisis in 2009 has been exacerbated by the pandemic. It was insignificant compared to.

That means during a year when travel is unpredictable, it might be worth reconsidering your usual vacation times and locations. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid old favorites like New York, Rome, and Paris. Try visiting during the off-season. The term itself becomes increasingly complex when you can work remotely while traveling. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be there in winter when the skies are at their darkest.

washington post believe in the sweet spot of Rome February and March are just after the busy holiday season in December and before it gets hot in April. The weather is nice, and according to flight booking site Skyscanner, this is also the time when airfares between the Italian capital and the United States are at their cheapest. By the way, Thanksgiving is also a good option to avoid crowds.

amazing istanbul With more than 20 million international tourists arriving in 2023, September may be the best time to visit when everyone else is departing (most people traditionally visit in July and August). visit Turkey). The next best time to fly is March, and Skyscanner reports that flights from the United States are cheapest in March, but not so cheap in September.

Hotel rooms and flights to and from the United States Paris It is lowest from February to April and again in September. Tokyo, it’s best to head between April and May.for new yorkthe best time may be September (but not during Fashion Week).

If you’re still planning a trip during the peak summer season, now is the time to book the best deal. washington post We also recommend using Google Flights to see if you can get a better deal. This will tell you if the fares offered by the airline are higher or lower than the seasonal average.

For some of the world’s most popular spots, such as Paris, London, and New York, you’ll need to work towards a 4-7 month booking window. Basically, to find the best deals on flights, buy tickets for the opposite season to your desired season. It’s currently in.