Fare forecasting goes international

— -- The popular travel site Farecast.com, which uses historical airfare data and "predictive technology" to advise consumers whether to buy a ticket now or wait for a better deal to materialize, is spreading its wings by adding international fares.

Starting today, the site offers predictions for more than 200 markets between U.S. cities and Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada. Travelers can search for international trips up to two weeks long and six months out (vs. eight days long and three months ahead for U.S. trips), and Farecast will predict whether fares will go up, down or hold steady over the next week. Current fares to Europe during the peak summer months are averaging 11% more than last year, says Farecast, and summer travelers can expect to pay at least $600 to $1,500 from top U.S. cities to most European destinations.