rates higher this year..?
 

Is it just me or are international rates higher this year. I usually go to western europe around the 2nd week in may, and stay for 10 to 14 days. In the past the most I've paid (tax included) is $550. I'm looking to fly from IAH to CDG leaving May 9th returning on the 21st. I've been keeping track of the rates for a couple months now first it was..

$592 (of course I didnt book because I figured it would drop $50-$100)

then around $640

now $670 :confused:

I'm getting a bit worried because I'm usually booked by this time of year. Do you guys think there is any chance they will go down? I'd appreciate any advice. I'd like to fly on CO or AF (they have nonstops from IAH to CDG)

Thanks!

For me CDG has been the cheapest European destination to get. Where were you at all those fare sales?

A fare of under $600 isn't too bad for that time period. If you end up spending an extra $90 because you got caught trying to save the last $40, you won't be the first person to do it. In looking at Air France and Continental flights for the dates you mention, there are certainly plenty of seats open but there is no question that they have been selling some, too...

If you are going for yourself and not to visit family, why not try someplace new? Is UAL's fare sale to Narita still going on? Or use Travelocity Dream Maps and see where you can go in the world for under $600.

The period you mention is peak travel time in Europe this year (but wasn't peak travel time last year).

Ascension Day and the Monday after Pentecost are public holiday in most of Europe. They are ten days apart, and a lot of Europeans use the Ascension/Pentecost period for travel. Last year Ascension was at the very end of May and Pentecost was in June. This year they are on 5 and 16 May respectively.

I would definetely take going somewhere else into consideration, however I had planned to drop by and see some friends in Madrid. I wanted to takes the trains around France a bit as well. Also I usually go on vacation during thanksgiving week (usually overseas) by myself or with a friend and go to new places then.

Is it true that sometimes if you get on sites like orbitz or expedia late at night or early in the AM you can get better deals?