Those who have not yet booked their summer vacation do not have to give up on finding good deals. Despite rising demand and the fact that the summer holiday season is already in full swing, relatively affordable flights and vacation packages are still available over the next two weeks - especially for travelers who are flexible with their departure dates.
Among the standout offers are flights to Rhodes for under $200, vacation packages to Limassol for less than $450 per person, a getaway to Budapest for under $500, and even affordable vacation options within Israel.
According to Tamar Gerzon, CEO of Gulliver, "Even though we are in the middle of the summer travel season, there are still worthwhile opportunities for travelers who are flexible with their departure dates. Over the coming weeks, it is still possible to enjoy quality vacations in Israel and abroad at attractive prices, before peak summer demand continues pushing prices higher."
Industry representatives also note that several destinations are currently offering prices that are unusual for the height of the summer season. Yoni Waxman, Deputy Chairman of Ophir Tours, said: "We recognize the public's desire to enjoy a summer vacation during peak season without paying premium prices. Over the next two weeks, there is an opportunity for couples and families to take a vacation while prices remain relatively low compared to the seasonal peak."
Flights at Surprisingly Low Prices
Travelers looking for flight-only deals can find offers such as:
Rhodes, Greece – charter flight with Arkia, departing July 11 and returning July 21, from $192 per person (Gulliver).
Varna, Bulgaria – charter flight with Israir, departing July 9 and returning July 15, from $265 per person (Gulliver).
Athens, Greece – Arkia flight, July 18–22, from $188 per person (Ophir Tours).
Crete, Greece – Bluebird Airways flight, July 19–22, from $191 per person (Ophir Tours).
Salzburg, Austria – El Al flight, July 13–20, from $290 per person, including checked baggage (Ophir Tours).
International Vacation Packages for Under $500
Affordable holiday packages are also available despite the peak travel season:
Athens, Greece – 4-star Boss Boutique Athens, including breakfast and Arkia flights, July 14–16, from $296 per person based on double occupancy (Gulliver).
Paphos, Cyprus – Atlantica Akteon Holiday Village, all-inclusive, including flights and checked baggage, July 20–23, from $307 per person based on a family of two adults and two children (Ophir Tours).
Larnaca, Cyprus – Sandy Beach Hotel, beachfront, including breakfast, flights and checked baggage, July 20–23, from $316 per person based on a family of two adults and two children (Ophir Tours).
Limassol, Cyprus – 4-star Atlantica Miramare Beach, including breakfast and TUS Airways flights, July 12–15, from $438 per person based on double occupancy (Gulliver).
Budapest, Hungary – 4-star Museum Hotel Budapest, including breakfast and Arkia flights, July 18–21, from $486 per person based on double occupancy (Gulliver). Another option is the Mercure City Center in Budapest, including flights and accommodation from July 19–22, starting at $458 per person based on double occupancy (Ophir Tours).
Additional offers include a family vacation in Larnaca at the Sandy Beach Hotel with breakfast, flights and checked baggage from $316 per person, as well as a stay at Budapest's Mercure City Center from $458 per person.
Affordable Getaways in Israel
For those who prefer to stay closer to home, there are also reasonably priced vacation options within Israel, particularly for travelers seeking a short or last-minute getaway. Industry experts note that availability changes quickly, so travelers who are flexible regarding departure dates, trip duration, or destination may find significant price differences.
It is important to remember that these are dynamic prices that change according to flight and hotel availability. Travelers with some flexibility are advised to compare different departure dates and travel options, as shifting a trip by just a day or two can significantly reduce the overall cost of their vacation.