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Planning on travelling long-distance? Then you'll need to book your flights three months ahead, according to a travel blog which claims to have found the secret to hassle-free holidays.
Travel comparison website Kayak analysed millions of online flights to reveal the ideal time to book, and the best days to fly.
And rather than snapping up last-minute deals, they recommend that British travellers should, on average, buy air tickets three months ahead of their departure date – unless they're planning to go to Asia.
The best online flight deals for the region, they reported, could be found seven months in advance.
For South America and the Middle East, the most attractive prices can be found around five months in advance - and four months in advance for the Caribbean.
Whereas those wanting to go away to Central America and the South Pacific should book three months in advance.
Region
Time before travel
North America
2 weeks
Central America
3 months
Africa
2 months
Asia
7 months
Caribbean
4 months
Europe
1 month
South America
5 months
Middle East
5 months
South Pacific
3 months
According to the website, spontaneity isn't completely dead, however - and late bookers will find the best deals for Europe and North America two weeks before travel.
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It also analysed the best time to fly long-distance, and found that travelling in the middle of the week is the cheapest option. The best day to fly is Thursday – returning between Tuesday and Thursday – except for long weekends in Europe.
The best combination for those sees travellers departing on Thursday and returning on Sunday.
Region
Depart
Return
North America
Wednesday
Tuesday
Central America
Thursday
Tuesday
Africa
Monday
Thursday
Asia
Tuesday
Tuesday
Caribbean
Thursday
Thursday
Europe
Thursday
Sunday
South America
Thursday
Monday
Middle East
Wednesday
Monday
South Pacific
Tuesday
Wednesday
Kayak based its research on flight searches conducted between November 2013 to February 2015, from the UK, for travel dates between November 11, 2013 and February 2015.
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