Valentine’s Day and spring break are quickly approaching, making it the perfect time to secure some travel deals if you’re looking to escape for a getaway.

Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic weekend or a lively beach escape, these valuable tips can help you maximize your budget while traveling.

Generally, being adaptable and planning ahead is beneficial, but choosing your destinations wisely can also lead to significant savings.

Here are some recommendations from Hayley Berg, chief economist at Hopper, regarding the best places and times to travel for these upcoming occasions.

Tips for Booking Valentine’s Day Trips

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s wise to make your reservations ASAP if you plan to travel. Ticket prices often rise as the date gets closer—especially in the weeks leading up to it.

Data from Hopper indicates that travelers can expect to pay just over $300 for round-trip flights to U.S. destinations for Valentine’s Day weekend. For trips to many locations in Mexico and Central America, expect a fare of just over $600, with European destinations costing around $700 for a round trip.

Top spots for this occasion include Las Vegas, Denver, New York City; Medellín, Colombia; Cancún, Mexico; and San Jose, Costa Rica.

Travelers may find hotel costs ranging from $60 to $150 per night at many Valentine’s Day destinations, based on Hopper’s findings.

Advice for Spring Break Travel

Now is also the perfect time to consider your spring break plans.

Data from Hopper suggests that the opportunity to snag the best fares on international flights is running out. However, for domestic trips, the ideal booking period is usually three to six weeks before departure.

“The cheapest weekends for spring travel are expected to be the first two weekends in March, marking the start of the spring vacation season. Conversely, the week of April 14th and the adjacent weekends will see the highest travel costs,” Berg stated. “This week coincides with both Passover and Easter Sunday when many families gather, leading to school closures for spring breaks. Expect to pay significantly more for flights during this peak travel period, with domestic fares already 33% higher than during early March weekends.”

This year’s popular spring break locations include Las Vegas, Orlando, Florida; Miami, Cancún, Mexico; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

According to Hopper, airfare for many of these destinations is higher this year compared to 2024.

General Advice for Booking Your Trip

Berg suggests the following five strategies whenever you’re planning your travel:

1. Track Prices Early: To ensure you get a good deal, start monitoring fares ahead of time and use price tracking tools to compare them to averages.
2. Stay Flexible with Dates: Flying during the week rather than on weekends can result in substantial savings on airfare.
3. Follow the Deals, Not the Destination: If your travel plans are flexible, look for the best prices available for your preferred type of vacation rather than sticking to a specific location.
4. Be Prepared for Changes: Protect yourself with travel insurance or flexible booking options in case of unexpected events.
5. Consider Waiting to Book Lodging: If you’re visiting a major city with plenty of hotel choices, waiting until the last minute to book your accommodations can yield better deals.

Zach Wichter is a reporter covering travel and the creator of the Cruising Altitude column, based in New York.