September is the most cost-effective time to book your next getaway, especially for those who can take advantage of it. The price difference can be substantial, and you can save a lot of money and avoid the crowds if you're willing to let your kids miss a few school days.
"There's a relatively long window of opportunity this year during which you can find flights at very attractive prices," Yaneev Lanis, founder of Israeli flight finder website Secret Flights, told Ynet. "Just two days ago, we saw flights at $44 to Budapest with Ryanair and Wizz Air also has very attractive prices, such as Varna for $73, and Sofia and Larnaca for $100."
"I expect to see significant price drops during this period," he added. "If the current security escalation ends, we'll see more airlines operating from Ben Gurion Airport, increasing flight availability and lowering prices accordingly."
Ynet's inspection into flight prices found an Israir flight to Naples from September 9-13 costs $371. The same flight from August 26-30 costs $696 and from October 14-18, stands at $743.
Sharp price differences were also seen with El Al. A flight to the Greek island of Kefalonia from August 25-29 costs $730 per person. The same destination from September 15-19 costs $370 — almost half the price — and from October 6-10, $520.
Similarly, significant price differences were seen on El Al's route to Larnaca. From August 15-19, costing $756; from September 8-12, $326; and from October 1-5, $701.
Vacation package prices in September
Crete: With Aviation Links, 2-5 of September, 3 nights at the Semiramis Hotel on an all-inclusive basis. Price: from $475 per person in a room for a couple and two children.
Crete: With Flying Carpet, September, 3 nights at the 4-star Eri Beach Village Hotel on an all-inclusive basis. Price: $499 per person for a couple and two children. Note the price was $949 per person in August, meaning a family in September saves about $1800.
Corfu: With Arkia, 21-24 of September, 3 nights at a 4-star hotel including flights, $499 per person in a double room.
Rhodes: With Ophir Tours, September 5, 6 nights at the 5-star All Senses Nautica Blue Resort and Spa on an all-inclusive basis. Price: $770 per person in a room for a couple and two children.
Kos (Greece): With Vacation Lines, September (exact date not specified), 3 nights at the 5-star Panorama Kipriotis Hotel on an all-inclusive basis, and a water park. Flights with Blue Bird Airways. Price: $449 per person for a couple and two children.
Peloponnese (Greece): With Eshet Tours, 12-15 of September, 3 nights at the 5-star Aldemar Hotel on an all-inclusive basis. Price: from $579 per person for a couple and two.
Burgas (Bulgaria): With Aviation Links, 9-12.9, 3 nights at the Sol Nessebar Bay Hotel on an all-inclusive basis. Price: $475 (about ₪1,777) per person in a room for a couple and two children.
Chania (Crete): With Israir, 27-30 of September, 3 nights at the 5-star Isla Brown Hotel on a half-board basis. Price: from $639 per person.
Athens: With Issta, 9-12 of September, 3 nights at the 4-star Cubic Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Price: from $379 per person.
Paphos (Cyprus): With Arkia, 2-6 of September, 4 nights at a 4-star hotel, including flights. Price: $549 per person in a double room.
Ayia Napa (Cyprus): With Flying Carpet, September, 3 nights at the 4-star Atlantica Panthea Resort on an all-inclusive basis. Price: $499 per person for a couple and two children. The August price stood at $879 per person, meaning a family in September saves about $1500.
Varna (Bulgaria): With Israir, 16-19 of September, 3 nights at the 5-star International Hotel on a half-board basis. Price: from $379 per person.
Podgorica (Montenegro): With Eshet Tours, 26-29 of September, 3 nights at the 4-star Kings Park Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Price: from $689 per person in a double room.
Bucharest: With Issta, 8-11 of September, 3 nights at the 4-star Filitti Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Price: from $349 per person.
Rome: With Israir, 1-4, 8-11, or 22-25 of September, 3 nights at the 3-star Paris Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Price: from $683 per person.
Tbilisi (Georgia): With Eshet Tours, 4-8 of September, 3 nights at the 4-star Artizan Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Price: from $609 per person in a double room.