Auckland,
17
October
2018
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00:59
Europe/Amsterdam

Mark the Calendar and Save Your Pennies – The Most Affordable Months to Travel with Booking.com

Booking.com, the global leader in connecting you with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, reveals the most affordable months to travel to the northern and southern hemisphere during high season* when compared to the most expensive month of the year. Plan your travels wisely and save up to an impressive 49%. From lively beach breaks in Rio and Miami, to cultural and historic city breaks in Kyoto and Saint Petersburg, and the natural beauty and contrasting landscapes of Melbourne and Auckland; there’s something for everyone’s affordable travel bucket list.

Southern hemisphere destinations

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Escape to Rio de Janeiro and embrace the legendary samba-infused nightlife, slip into a pair of comfy Havaianas and take a stroll along the iconic Copacabana Beach. The impressive mountainous landscapes will leave you mesmerised and so will one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer. The most expensive month to visit Rio is January, so travel during December which is 24% more affordable by comparison.

Where to stay: The exclusive Windsor Marapendi boasts a luxurious beachfront location set in the lively Barra da Tijuca district. Spend your days lazing on the sun lounger whilst sipping a fruity cocktail and taking in the blissful sea views. Unwind at the hotel’s spa and then round off your day with tasty regional and international cuisine served at the on-site restaurant.

Melbourne, Australia

Venture to the trendy city of Melbourne for friendly locals, unspoiled beaches, a vibrant art scene and contrasting landscapes; from skyscraper skylines to quirky beach cafes. During your stay, take a trip to the beautiful Botanical Gardens and visit the stylish Southbank for the best restaurants and bars in town. The most expensive month to visit Melbourne is January, but if you travel during February this will be 11% more affordable by comparison.

Where to stay: The stylish Bella Apartments are ideally located in Southbank, where you can indulge in shopping, restaurants and bars to your heart’s content. Opt for one or two bedroom apartments, all featuring a fully equipped kitchen, living room and magnificent views of the city and bay; perfect for watching the vibrant sunsets.

Auckland, New Zealand

Explore a fusion of cultures, cuisines and landscapes with a trip to Auckland. Travellers will be in awe of Auckland’s stunning natural beauty, from an extinct volcano, the pristine beaches in the West Coast, and the marine reserve at Goat Island, to the beautiful vineyards at Waiheke Island. The most expensive month to visit Auckland is March, so visit in October which is 15% more affordable by comparison.

Where to stay: For a home away from home, opt for the trendy CBD Viaduct Harbour apartments and take in impressive views of the bustling harbour through floor-to-ceiling windows. The finest bars, restaurants and shops are all on your doorstep, with other nearby activities including whale and dolphin safaris, fishing charters and the iconic Sky Tower.

Northern hemisphere destinations

Kyoto, Japan

Discover the wonder of Kyoto and immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture. Spot a traditionally dressed Geisha, visit a spiritual shrine or temple and be entranced by the stunning natural colours; blossom pink in spring and a rich red during autumn. The most expensive month to visit Kyoto is April so book your stay for June, which is 41% more affordable by comparison.

Where to stay: Kyoto is the very essence of bygone-era Japan, so it’s only right to book a stay at a traditional Ryokan. NAZUNA Kyoto Nijo-tei features traditional Japanese décor and furnishings, whilst providing modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs. Take a stroll in the beautifully kept gardens and go for a dip in the traditional outdoor wooden bathtub.

Miami Beach, US

Known as America’s playground, there is truly no place on earth like Miami Beach. This Art Deco paradise is all about fun, sand and sea. Whether that be sipping beachside cocktails on South Beach, cruising on a jet ski across the emerald waters, to experiencing the hedonistic party scene Downtown. The most expensive month to visit Miami Beach is January, so visit during September which is 42% more affordable by comparison.

Where to stay: With an enviable beachfront location in the heart of South Beach, the luxurious Redbury South Beach is a must for your Miami getaway. Go for a dip in the extravagant rooftop pool, tuck into tasty Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the on-site Cleo restaurant and take a trip to nearby Lincoln Road Mall to indulge in luxury shopping.

Saint Petersburg, Russia

Often referred to as Russia’s cultural hub, Saint Petersburg is the perfect city break for travellers looking to soak up the rich art and history. Take a trip to the Mariinsky Theatre for opera and ballet, or the State Russian Museum for art. Stroll along the historic canals and be in awe of the sheer grandeur and steep history of Russia’s imperial capital. The most expensive month to visit Saint Petersburg is June, so travel during April which is 49% more affordable by comparison.

Where to stay: For travellers looking to soak up the rich art and culture of Saint Petersburg, book a stay at the quirky Soul Kitchen Hostel. This design hostel is located in the centre of the city, on the Moika River Embankment and set in a 19th-Century building. Both St. Isaac Cathedral and the Hermitage Museum are a short walk away, plus an array of cafes, restaurants and bars are also on your doorstep.

*Most affordable month is calculated within each hemisphere’s respective high season as compared to the most expensive month of the year. For the southern hemisphere the high season is taken for October to March and for the northern hemisphere from April to September. 3, 4 and 5-star accommodations across varying cities as a way to be indicative of overall pricing trends in accommodations of all levels.