Imagine strolling through the streets of Paris without elbowing your way through crowds, or scoring a five-star hotel in New York City for half the list price. What if you could explore world-famous destinations when they’re at their most peaceful, all while saving big bucks on airfare and hotels? The secret isn’t about visiting a hidden island or booking years in advance: It’s all about when you travel.
Travel expert Samantha Brown, who has spent 25 years exploring 65 countries and logged more than 24,000 hours on the road, knows that fact better than anyone. According to her, savvy travelers should look beyond just where they go and focus on when they go.
Every year, certain magical time periods — known in the travel world as “dead weeks” — offer incredible deals, fewer tourists, and a more-relaxed experience at top destinations. The best part? These weeks don’t happen at random; they follow a predictable pattern, giving you the perfect opportunity to plan dream vacations without the usual stress.
So if you’re tired of battling peak-season mayhem and want to explore the world on a budget, you’re in the right place. Read on for Brown’s insights on the best weeks to travel, when to book your flights, and why certain under-the-radar travel windows might just be your ticket to that much-needed — and much more affordable — getaway.
Katie Couric Media: We noticed that your recent Instagram post about the best weeks to travel gained a lot of attention. Why do you think this topic resonated so much?
Samantha Brown: Travelers in 2025 are definitely looking for a different approach. We’re all tired of excessive crowds, sky-high prices, and extreme heat. That’s why people are seeking not just new destinations, but also better timing when they travel.
The idea of “dead weeks” — those periods of the year when travel demand drops significantly — is well-known in the industry but not among everyday travelers. People are excited to learn that if they plan their trips strategically, they can save 30 to 50 percent on airfare and hotels and have a much more enjoyable experience.
Traveling during dead weeks also means a way better experience overall. You’ll enjoy famous destinations without the stress, the long lines, or the tourist crush. And your wallet will thank you.
What are some of the best dead weeks for travel?
The biggest dead week of the year is the Monday right after Thanksgiving, through the first one or two weeks of December. For example, this is an amazing time to visit Europe. They don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but they’re just starting to get into the holiday season, so cities are festive but not overcrowded. And the weather’s still manageable — not as freezing as January.
Another major dead week happens in January after the holidays, when most people are back to work and school. But you have to be selective. Destinations where the weather is at its peak, like Hawaii, the Caribbean, and major ski resorts, won’t see these price drops. But for most major cities, it’s a fantastic time to visit.
When should travelers book their trips to take advantage of these deals?
If you’re traveling internationally, start looking for flights about three months in advance, up until 21 days before departure. Prices tend to spike after that.
For the post-Thanksgiving dead week in December, I recommend booking around August or September, when airlines release their post-summer holiday travel fares. That’s when you’ll find flights to Europe at half the price of peak season.
For January trips, you have a little more flexibility. Since demand is naturally lower, you can often find good deals even a month or so before departure.
Are there any great U.S. destinations for traveling during dead weeks?
Major cities are the best bet for U.S. travel during dead weeks. Take New York City, for example. I live here, and the difference between December and January is huge. In December, places like Wollman Rink in Central Park are packed with tourists. In January, I took my kids ice skating there, and there was no wait.
Because the demand drops, you can score deals on hotels, get into top restaurants without reservations, and visit museums and attractions without the chaos. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, there’s so much to do indoors — cafés, shopping, Broadway shows…
Any tips for finding other dead weeks during the year?
A great trick is to Google “restaurant weeks” in different cities. For example, New York City’s Restaurant Week happens in late January and early February. These events usually indicate that it’s a low tourism season, and hotels also drop their prices to attract visitors.
The same logic applies to other cities — if there’s a big push for dining or hotel discounts, it’s likely a great time to visit with fewer crowds and lower prices.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, dead weeks are a game-changer. And who doesn’t love saving money while having a more enjoyable trip?
