Travel Tips- Flights to Europe

Flights to Europe

Best days to Travel

Remember that all ticket prices are based on the law of supply and demand. The least expensive days to fly to or from Europe are Monday through Thursday. If you fly any leg of your trip on a weekend day (including Friday) you can expect to pay $25-$60 more. So a couple flying to Paris on Saturday and returning two weeks later on a Friday might pay $160 more than they would flying out on Monday and returning on a Monday. If your schedule will allow you to avoid the weekend flights, we recommend it. Sales naturally do happen, but you must check availability and take action quickly. It always proves best for us to buy tickets months in advance rather than waiting for that next sale that may never come.

Seasons for Travel

Airlines charge vastly different amounts of money for the same flights at different times of the year, dictated again by supply and demand. We've provided these general "season" dates and typical prices from the West Coast, in order to help you decide when to go. Of course you may be able to find lower prices due to special promotions.

Open jaw tickets fly you into one city and out of another. These tickets allow you to travel in one direction while in Europe instead of backtracking. They can also save you money on the ticket price itself, not because you may be flying fewer miles, but because some airports are more expensive to use (due to taxes and fees) while others are less expensive.

Our best advice is to do whatever you can to make your flight restful. The more rest / sleep on the flight you get, the easier it will be for you to beat the jet lag upon arrival. Plan your day so that you will be ready to rest 2 hours after the flight takes off.

For many people this may mean get up early on the day of your flight. For others it may mean changing the times of your meals that day. Some people avoid alcohol on the flight while others find a glass of wine soothing.

Make sure that your morning is stress free by having all of your packing done at least 24 hours before departure. Wear comfortable clothes on the plane which will allow you to sleep. Also wear loose fitting shoes and bring a pair of comfy socks. Once you are on the plane slip your shoes off and put your extra socks on to act as slippers.

After your rest, make a trip to the restroom to brush your teeth and splash water on your face before arrival in your European destination. You goal is to make it through the first day without a nap. If you can do this, you'll have a great nights sleep and wake early the next day, ready to see Europe.

Travels with Friends: Learn more about other European destinations and tips for traveling within Europe. www.TravelsWithFriends.com

Private Guides: See Europe and learn about its history with your own private guide. www.PrivateGuidesInEurope.com