When it comes to travel, finding the best flight deals can make all the difference! As solo female traveler, I am always on the hunt for the best flight deals. When I am planning my trips, I typically pick the destination based on the best value of the flight – hence the time I planned a trip to Florida but ended up in Indonesia! What can I say, I love a good deal :)
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a well-deserved vacation, getting the best value for our flight tickets is important. Here are some tips that can help you find those elusive deals and save those extra dollars for more shopping or indulging in experiences at your destination.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
When searching for affordable flights, flexibility is key. Consider adjusting your travel dates by a few days to see if there’s a significant difference in fares. Often, flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons can result in lower prices and the best flight deals. While traveling during holiday weekends tends to work best with work schedules, if you can factor in a day or two of PTO, you’ll have much better luck saving on flights for that vacation you’ve always dreamed of!
2. Set Up Price Alerts For Flight Deals
Many flight booking websites and apps allow you to set up price alerts for specific routes and dates. This way, you’ll be notified when there’s a price drop, allowing you to pounce on the opportunity to book cheaper flights.
3. Consider Nearby Airports
Researching nearby airports to your destination can yield surprising savings. Sometimes flying into a smaller airport nearby can result in more affordable fares, and the cost saved could outweigh any inconvenience of shuttles or rental cars.
4. Utilize a Meta-Search Engine like Google Flights
Google Flights is my personal favorite when it comes to booking flights! This is a powerful search tool that allows you to compare prices across different airlines, months, and days. Its user-friendly interface and ability to track price changes make it an excellent resource for finding affordable flights.
5. Explore “Everywhere” and “Flexible Dates” Options
If you have the flexibility to travel to various destinations or on different dates, many search engines offer “Everywhere” or “Flexible Dates” options. This allows you to see the cheapest destinations from your departure point or the most affordable times to travel, giving you more opportunities to find budget-friendly options. Again, this is how I start booking all of my international trips + it allows me to explore off-the-beaten path destinations!
6. Book in Advance but Be Cautious
While booking well in advance can sometimes lead to better prices, it’s essential to be cautious and research typical price ranges for your route. Last-minute deals or occasional sales may also present excellent opportunities for affordable flights.
7. Consider Budget Carriers and Hidden Fees
When comparing flight prices, take into account any additional fees, such as baggage costs, seat selection, and in-flight amenities. Sometimes a seemingly affordable ticket like Spirit or Frontier can become pricier when factoring in these add-on fees for luggage and seats.
8. Use Incognito Mode and Clear Cookies
When searching for flights online, it’s a good idea to use your browser’s incognito mode or clear your cookies. Some travel websites may track your searches and raise prices based on your browsing history.
9. Consider Extended Layovers
While most people cringe at the idea of a layover, I personally love booking long layovers. Booking this way has allowed me to have overnight adventures in cities like Berlin, Madrid, Amsterdam, Shanghai, and more! If you have the option to book an extended layover internationally, I highly recommend it to save on costs and adding in an extra city to explore!
By implementing these tips and using tools like Google Flights, you can navigate the world of airfare booking with savvy precision, increasing the likelihood of finding affordable flights for your next journey. Safe travels and happy exploring!
Want more travel tips? Read more: Travel Tips or Search by Destination