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As warmer weather approaches, you may be itching to book your spring break trip as soon as possible. But according to data from the Orbitz-owned budget travel site CheapTickets, it pays to be patient this year.
When to book
The data show that travelers who book on CheapTickets one week out from their spring break trip in March save an average of 16% on hotels and 20% on vacation packages compared with the average price for the month. On the other hand, booking a hotel 21 to 30 days out could mean you’ll spend about 13% more than the month’s average price on hotels.
Where to book
CheapTickets also rounded up some of the least-expensive cities for the month of March. Here’s where it says spring breakers on a budget will find the best hotel deals.
Under $75 per night
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: This bustling city is a great budget destination for foodies and history buffs. Try haggling at the famous Ben Thanh market for inexpensive street food and souvenirs. For a journey back in time, go underground with a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels left from the Vietnam War. Cheap hotel rooms in the city range from $30 to $75.
Guadalajara, Mexico: Known for its tequila and mariachi music, this spot is bound to be a party for any spring break trip. Tourists often trek to Avenida Chapultepec for the weekly street market by day and the lively bars by night. The highly rated Hotel y Tú has rooms starting around $43 per night.
Lima, Peru: This historic capital city is packed with free attractions, from the Cathedral of Lima dating back to 1535 to the Pacific paths and parks of the Malecón. The Ibis Lima Reducto Miraflores is a business hotel that can be booked for just $65 a night.
$75 to $100 per night
Stockholm: This European city is a mix of Silicon Valley tech culture and medieval architecture. Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets in Old Town right outside the Royal Palace and visit the free modern art museum Moderna Museet. We found rooms at the Mornington Hotel Stockholm Bromma for $75 a night, which includes breakfast.
Lexington, Kentucky: In this horse capital of the world, you can also go on free bourbon distillery tours and listen to the region’s famous bluegrass music at local venues. The Hilton Garden Inn Lexington - Georgetown can be booked for as low as $92 per night.
Austin, Texas: Travelers on a budget might enjoy trying the city’s taco joints, walking or biking along the 10-mile path around Lady Bird Lake and learning to two-step at Broken Spoke. If you’re willing to stay a little outside of the city’s center, you can find hotels for less than $100.
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Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
