What Is The Ideal Duration For A Worthwhile Overseas Trip?

Industry data suggests that the ideal length for domestic flights is 28 days, while international flights are 60 days. However, experts recommend booking earlier for peak travel periods like summer and the holiday season. Week-long international vacations are worth it, but be mindful of the length of travel and realistic about how much you’re going to see. Travelmath provides an online travel time calculator to help you figure out flight and driving times, which can affect the total duration of your trip.

For Europe, the best time to buy an international plane ticket is between one month to six months before departure for Europe, one month to five months before for Europe. Science, sleep, psychology, and trip planning experts have shed light on how to craft a better trip using the clock as a guide. To get the most out of your vacation, it’s recommended to travel for a minimum of eight days.

Long-term travel differs greatly from short-term travel, with some standing firmly behind the idea that it takes two weeks to fully unwind. Business Insider’s reporter has taken trips ranging from three days to three weeks and thinks any under two weeks aren’t worth the long-haul. According to research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, the ideal length of a vacation is exactly eight days.

Trip duration is everything, and using this formula to calculate how much time to travel to a certain destination depends on your specific life situation. By following these tips, you can create a more enjoyable and memorable trip.


📹 HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO EUROPE (STEP BY STEP) FOR FIRST TIMERS | Flights, Accommodation & More!

HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO EUROPE STEP BY STEP: ➡️ Grab my free Europe trip planning workbook: …


How far out should I plan an international trip?

Booking a flight and vacation can be done 1-3 months in advance for domestic flights and 2-6 months for international flights, depending on the destination. Peak travel seasons like summer or major holidays may require booking earlier. For vacation planning, start during the off-peak season, such as winter, when demand is lower and better deals are available. Booking flights and accommodations about three to four months in advance can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel. Keep an eye out for special deals and promotions, and consider using price tracking tools to alert you when prices drop.

How much time should I give for international travel?

International flight travel is generally recommended to arrive at the airport three hours before your scheduled departure, covering every step of the airport process, from bag check-in to passport control and security. The boarding process is longer, typically 45 minutes to an hour, due to larger aircraft. It’s crucial to plan accordingly. International flight check-in times are usually 24 hours in advance, similar to domestic check-in times, but some airlines, like Dutch carrier KLM, offer 30 hours’ check-in time. This extra time is essential for a smooth and efficient international flight experience.

What is the recommended time for international travel?

Traveling outside the United States, it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before departure, check in 1 hour before your scheduled departure, and be ready to board 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Some airports require earlier check-in times for international flights, and checking in after that time is not permitted. These guidelines may vary by airport, flight schedules, or other events. The suggested minimum time at the airport before departure is 45 minutes.

Can you book a trip 2 years in advance?

To ensure a great deal on a suite, consider booking at least six months in advance. If six months seems too soon, consider booking up to one year in advance with The Excellence Collection. If you prefer spontaneity, last-minute deals may be available for travel within the next month or two. Alternatively, booking a suite three to five months away may not offer some of the higher discounts. Compare the advantages of each option and choose the date that suits your preferences.

Is 2 weeks in Europe too long?

A period of two weeks in Europe is sufficient to overcome the effects of jetlag, to explore a variety of destinations, and to create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Although the decision to fly to Europe for a week is a controversial one, it is still a consideration for some individuals. The linguistic diversity of Europe is considerable, yet the complexity of the language barrier is often overestimated by those planning to visit for the first time.

How long is a good trip?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How long is a good trip?

Utrip, a company that uses artificial intelligence and psychology to create personalized trips, found that most people describe the “perfect trip” as a seven- to ten-day trip. For those who prefer adventure, it is recommended to have activities planned, as most longer trips are about discovery and exploration. Adapting to different time zones requires a day for every time zone you travel, as every bodily action, including heart beats, digestion, and sleep, happens in a rhythm based on timing.

W. Christopher Winter, M. D., a neurologist and sleep specialist, explains that the adjustment period shortens as you start flying halfway around the world, but it is still difficult. Waking up early, planning to get up and outside, and eating regularly timed meals can speed up acclimatization, as the brain signals the new start time for the day.

How long is the average overseas trip?

A study conducted in March 2024 revealed that the average expenditure of leisure travelers worldwide was 5. The mean length of stay on trips over the past 12 months was 5 days, with South Africa reporting the highest mean length of stay at 10 days. The mean duration of leisure travel was 6 days.

Is 3 weeks in Europe long enough?

This itinerary showcases the benefits of using a Eurail train pass for independent travelers looking to create their own Europe itinerary. The Eurail Global Pass offers luxury and flexibility, allowing travel in all countries on any day of the trip. The pass allows for flexibility in spending time in different cities, with the option to choose a longer validity period for more time in one city and less time in another. This itinerary is perfect for those looking to make their own Europe itinerary.

What is the ideal length of a trip to Europe?

A period of over 14 days spent in Europe allows for the coverage of a greater number of countries and the opportunity to experience a greater variety of activities and attractions. The duration of the trip is contingent upon the traveler’s preferences and the number of days they intend to spend exploring. There is no prescribed duration for a European trip; thus, it is optimal to visit multiple countries in a single vacation.

What is the ideal vacation length?

The study suggests that eight days of vacation is the ideal length for health and wellbeing, as it leads to increased stress, burnout, and adverse health conditions. Research shows that taking regular breaks from work is beneficial for both employees and their organizations, as prolonged absence can lead to increased stress and burnout. Therefore, there is no scientifically-proven perfect length of vacation.

What is the best length for international vacation?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What is the best length for international vacation?

The author suggests that for long-haul trips, a five-day period of no transit is optimal, with the possibility of extending this to more days if the journey involves multiple locations. For a truly vacation-like experience, a total of 10 days, including travel days, is recommended.


📹 How Much a 1 Year Trip Cost Us

This is not the end 🙂 Just the end of our 1 year RTW trip. Something different, and awesome coming very very soon!


What Is The Ideal Duration For A Worthwhile Overseas Trip?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

About me

9 comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Thank you for your articles! I used them to make plans for my first RTW trip, which starts in 3 weeks! I plan to track my expenses the way that you did, so we’ll see how it shakes out. However, one thing that has already surprised me in this process is the pre-trip medical costs from the US. I have spent $4k for all the vaccines, malaria meds, 2 travel clinic visits, and routine checkups with my insurance. That’s in addition to the technology upgrades (phone, tablet, headphones) and new travel backpack. I know that for myself I underestimated this whole pre-trip chunk of costs, so I intend to spread the word!

  • I’m late to this article and not trying to be an ad for United but have you guys heard of the Excursionist perk that United offers to Mileage Plus members. I have a Chase Sapphire as well and I transfer a lot of points to my United account. It’s not talked about often but it is such an amazing bonus for international travel. Search for it online if you haven’t heard about it to find out more about it but basically get a free award flight during multi-city bookings as long as you follow certain guidelines.

  • Wow! Thank you for sharing your 1 year journey around the world. Not only it was so fun traveling vicariously with you but also you guys inspired me to plan my travels next year! It is actually surprisingly less than what I thought which makes me think more realistic for me as well! I’m so looking forward to seeing more from your year two of your travel.

  • Hello Lisa and Josh, It seems to me that there’s a little oversight here. Your calculations only work with 2 constants. These constants are Lisa and Josh. If both participants aren’t on board, a holiday like this just won’t work. Your Camino documentary turned out well, so should the next. Thankyou so much for this article

  • This article gives me all the good feelings – travel, money, spreadsheets – what’s not to love? Fellow spreadsheet nerd. I got ones for everything in my life. I was updating my travel vaccines one recently. Many vaccines are vastly cheaper in foreign countries or not even available in the US. For example, get your Japanese Encephalitis (live version lasts lifetime or ten years) shots in Korea or Thailand. Or Rabies shots. I’m spending about $3k USD/month right now in Japan, staying only in hotels (cheaper than airbnbs). I don’t drink but been dating, so there’s those costs. It’s been nice that as the JPY keeps diving, my costs go down.

  • Well that is about $114 USD per day for 2 people… I was going to go around the world but ended-up moving to France for 2 years. You have re-sparked my desire to travel the world for 1 year. I actually just discovered your website today (05/07/24) by perusal your trip to Osaka & Kyoto, followed by your 2nd trek on the Camino de Santiago. I’m not fully subscribed !

  • Really, really enjoyed every article you made this last year! What an adventure! And great job in the budget! We have $24,000 budgeted for travel and we can go through that in 4 weeks of travel! This year we did walk the Camino Frances so that was a little cheaper than our usual trips. We also got to go to Maui, Disneyland, and Colorado. Next year is Maui and Greece!

  • So it is possible for a single person to travel for a year for half of your budget – less than $25k? Maybe not as much fun traveling alone but it’s nice to know you can. But those points really made a difference and impacted your budget. Some of us would have to build up that momentum. After the year of travel, will you stop and return home for a while or continue to travel? Thanks for sharing.

  • Hi there. I love this article. So helpful as I’m soon taking off for at least one year. I’ve already worked out that it may cost me LESS to travel than it does to keep living here. Because Australia is now one of the most expensive places to live, and particularly it’s housing costs. I wanted to ask you specifically about frequent flyer points (such impressive savings you had!). I honestly know nothing about them and need to take a crash course. Did you start saving points before you left? Do you use a credit card to pay for everything and pay off the balance before you are charged interest? Are you able to accrue points booking Airbnb? Any information would be helpful – thanks 🙏