In mere weeks, more than 13,000 mighty athletes will be shipped straight to London, while we mortals are jumping hurdles (we couldn’t resist) to navigate through high airfare and hotel accommodations.
Flight search share from the US to London for the Games increased 44% from last year while London hotel searches increased 373%, according to searches on KAYAK. The price increases are just as astounding: the average airfare to London increased 11% from last year ($1,332) and the average rate for hotels increased 62% from last year ($346).
Our data also shows us that a majority of KAYAK users searched in January for flights and hotels to the Games. Procrastinators fear not – there’s still time to get a great deal on hotels. The “Hotels Near Me” feature on our mobile app pulls up nearby hotels using your phone’s location data and offers great deals (up to 35% on hotels in Europe) for same-day booking.
Still want to get a little ahead of the game? Based on a recent KAYAK search, you can book a roundtrip flight from New York for just $899, departing on 7/28 and returning on 8/5 (enough time to cram in some gymnastics and swimming events). Tickets to the Games are already sold out, but you can watch some competitions from the sidelines, including sailing and cycling. The BBC will also run official “big screens” around the country for live coverage of the events, no matter where you are.
So, stretch those finger muscles, crack those knuckles and get booking. READY…SET…GO!
(Preview photo cred: iStock.com/PeterHulse)
