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Flying out to a destination on holiday over the Christmas period should be a fun experience, but it could be a costly one.
It can be an incredibly busy period for travel, which is often combined with high prices for flights.
If you want the greatest chance of avoiding the worst of the costs and busyness, there is a preferable day to fly out.
Research from the travel search engine KAYAK has looked into this to find the best day to travel over the Christmas period to avoid higher costs.
When is the best time to book and fly this festive season?
According to last year's trends, booking international flights around six weeks before Christmas offered the best value, with prices rising by 15% in the final week before the holiday.
The timing of departures also plays a key role in securing cheaper fares.
KAYAK’s latest search data shows that December 23 looks like the sweet spot for international departures, offering a good balance of price and timing.
Average return economy fares are at £615, 36% lower than on December 19, the most searched and most expensive day to depart during the festive period.
Travellers willing to fly on Christmas Eve could save even more, with average return fares dropping to £584.
For those looking to travel after Christmas, New Year's Eve offers the lowest fares of the festive period, averaging just £275.
Rachel Mumford, UK travel expert at KAYAK, said: "Whether you’re exploring Christmas markets, escaping somewhere sunny or visiting family and friends, flexibility over where and when you travel can help your budget go further.
"Comparing nearby departure and return dates is a useful starting point.
"Checking accommodation, transfers and baggage costs alongside the airfare can also give you a clearer picture of the total cost.
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"Smart comparison tools like KAYAK’s Ask AI lets you explore dates and compare flight and hotel options in one place, with live prices updating alongside the conversation, without juggling multiple searches and tabs.
"Price Alerts can then notify you when flight prices or hotel rates change for the trip you’re considering."
Are you planning to fly out for a holiday over the Christmas period? Let us know in the comments.