Athens is included in the Top 10 international destinations that German vacationers choose to travel by air in 2026, according to Expedia ‘s Air Hacks 2026 report, which also reveals the cheapest day for bookings and departures in the German market and some other points for cost savings, flexibility, and comfort in flights.
According to Expedia data, Athens is in eighth place in the top ten most popular international flight destinations from Germany, with Mallorca (Spain) in first place, Istanbul (Turkey) in second, Bangkok (Thailand) in third, and the top five being completed by Barcelona (Spain) and Antalya (Turkey) in fourth and fifth place, respectively. The remaining ten are made up of New York (USA), Lisbon (Portugal), Tokyo (Japan), and Dubai (United Arab Emirates), in sixth, seventh, ninth, and tenth place, respectively.
In terms of destinations that have seen the largest increase in searches, Mersin on the Turkish Mediterranean coast is the dominant destination with a 225% annual increase. Interest has also increased significantly in Pescara on the Italian Adriatic coast, with a 165% increase, and in Çanakkale, Turkey, with a 140% increase. According to Expedia data, Macau (+115%) and Cyprus (+110%) are also among the destinations with the strongest increase in searches.
The annual analysis of Expedia’s flight prices, now in its tenth year, reveals that the day of departure has a greater impact on potential savings than the day of booking. While Wednesday remains the cheapest day to book flights from Germany, Sunday is the most expensive. However, the average price difference between these two days is only 3%.
The potential for savings is significantly greater when the right departure day is chosen. So, those who depart on Friday save, on average, 18%, compared to those who depart on Saturday, which, according to the Air Hacks 2026 Report, is the most expensive day for travel.
Travelers departing from Germany can save an average of 80 euros on international flights by booking their tickets 31 to 45 days before departure. However, on popular routes or during holiday periods, the cheapest ticket categories often sell out quickly, and in these cases, booking early is the best option, according to Expedia.
The most important tricks for travel in 2026
Departure makes all the difference
-Those who start their vacation on Friday can save an average of 18% compared to departing on Saturday.
– The cheapest day to depart on a business class flight is Thursday, while Tuesdays usually have the highest prices. An average 18% savings is possible.
– May is the cheapest month for flights, while December is the most expensive. Flights in May are on average 39% cheaper, with an average savings of 130 euros. For business class flights, June is the best month in terms of price.
The correct booking date is particularly important for business class flights
-For business class flights, the right booking day can make a difference in price of around 11%. Prices are lower on Sundays, while the most expensive prices are on Fridays.
-Regardless of the booking category, the price difference is only 3% when comparing the cheapest day of the week, Wednesday, with the most expensive, Sunday.
Booking flights too early is not always the best solution
– Air travelers can save an average of €80 if they book their tickets 31 to 45 days before departure, instead of six months in advance.
-However, flight reservations should be made earlier, especially on busy routes or during holiday periods.
-The ideal booking period for business class flights is between 61 and 75 days before departure. During this period, one can save an average of 225 euros.
Airports with the most people during peak hours
-The busiest hours at airports are in the morning. 52% of all air travelers book flights in the morning, and only 15% depart for their trip in the evening.
-On average, Tuesday is the quietest day for travel, and January is the quietest month for travel.
-As German Unity Day and Easter approach, travel activity increases: Last year, the days with the most travel activity in Germany were October 2 and 3, as well as April 18. On the other hand, there were reservations for a few flights on December 2, 3, and 8.
Prices vary depending on the departure airport
– The cheapest flights for travelers from Germany are offered from Frankfurt Airport, while good prices German vacationers can find at Lübeck, Memmingen, and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airports.
Among the most expensive departure airports are Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, and Nuremberg.
