Families planning an overseas holiday this summer could reduce travel costs significantly by choosing the right departure dates. According to new Skyscanner Summer Travel Insights, Saudi families could save more than SAR 4,100 on return flights by travelling during the cheapest week of the season.
For parents balancing school holidays, family budgets and holiday plans, the findings highlight how comparing travel dates can make a noticeable difference to the overall cost of a trip.
Almost half of Saudi travellers have not yet booked their summer holiday, giving many families an opportunity to secure better value before finalising their plans.
Best Week For Cheaper Summer Flights
Skyscanner’s latest analysis found that the week beginning 31 August offers the best overall value for summer flights from Saudi Arabia.
Interestingly, this challenges the expectations of many travellers. Around 41 per cent believe July offers the cheapest summer fares. However, the data suggests that travelling later in the summer can often result in lower ticket prices across several popular destinations.
Although not every family can delay travel until late August because of school calendars or work commitments, even moving a holiday by one or two weeks may lead to worthwhile savings.
How Much Can Saudi Families Save?
Among this summer’s most popular destinations, Denpasar in Indonesia offers the biggest opportunity to save.
Average return flights cost around SAR 2,544 per traveller during the summer. However, fares fall to approximately SAR 1,512 during the week beginning 24 August. This represents a saving of around SAR 1,032 per person or SAR 4,128 for a family of four.
Meanwhile, families travelling to Milan can also benefit by choosing the week beginning 31 August. Return fares average SAR 1,379 compared with the seasonal average of SAR 1,730, saving approximately SAR 352 per traveller or SAR 1,407 for a family of four.
Popular Destinations Offering the Biggest Savings
Skyscanner identified several destinations where changing travel dates could significantly reduce flight costs.
| Destination | Cheapest Week | Cheapest Return Fare | Average Return Fare | Saving Per Traveller | Saving For Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo, Egypt | 31 August | SAR 666 | SAR 1,142 | SAR 476 | SAR 1,905 |
| Kochi, India | 24 August | SAR 1,343 | SAR 1,516 | SAR 173 | SAR 692 |
| Bangkok, Thailand | 24 August | SAR 1,478 | SAR 2,084 | SAR 606 | SAR 2,423 |
| Milan, Italy | 31 August | SAR 1,379 | SAR 1,730 | SAR 352 | SAR 1,407 |
| Denpasar, Indonesia | 24 August | SAR 1,512 | SAR 2,544 | SAR 1,032 | SAR 4,128 |
Flexibility Can Help Families Reduce Holiday Costs
The research found that Saudi travellers expect to spend an average of SAR 1,312 per person on flights for an overseas summer holiday.
However, only one in three travellers say they have flexibility over when they can travel. Additionally, 27 per cent report that school holidays and other commitments limit their choice of dates.
Notably, 15 per cent say fixed travel dates and uncertainty over flight routes make holiday planning more difficult.
For families who do have some flexibility, comparing fares across several weeks rather than choosing a single departure date could help stretch holiday budgets further. Savings made on flights may be redirected towards accommodation, activities or other family experiences.
Advice For Parents Planning Summer Holidays
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner said,
“Summer travel planning has become increasingly complex, particularly for families balancing school calendars, budgets and changing flight prices. Our data shows that travellers do not necessarily need to compromise on their preferred destination to find better value. Checking a wider range of dates and comparing the cheapest weeks can uncover substantial savings, which can then be put towards accommodation, experiences or simply making the overall holiday more affordable.”
Parents organising overseas travel during school breaks often face higher demand and fluctuating airfares. Therefore, checking prices across an entire month instead of specific dates may uncover more affordable options. Travellers should also compare live fares regularly before booking, as prices can change depending on demand and availability.
For families still planning their summer break, taking a little extra time to compare departure dates could result in substantial savings without changing their preferred destination.
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Further Reading
- King’s College Riyadh Introduces Read Write Inc. to Boost Early Reading Skills
- Saudi Arabia Higher Education Overhaul Brings New Opportunities for Students














