My old coworkers were constantly in awe of my travel habits, and wondered how I was able to afford all my trips. I like to think I have a special gift for finding the best deals within the debts of the cyber-net, but maybe I just spend too much time on the internet! I usually aim to spend the least amount possible on flights, accommodation, and transport in order to have more freedom and spending money when I actually arrive. If you’re thinking about booking a vacation in the near future, below are my tips to help you save money on flights!
8 TIPS TO SAVE MONEY ON FLIGHTS
Since I am usually the go to person in my family and group of friends for travel advice, I wanted to share my top money saving tips for booking your next trip.
1. Start a Travel Fund
Once you decide on your next destination, create a separate travel fund. I used to save $50 a month from my paycheck for my travels. It may not be much, but if you have a few months to save, it will at least cover your personal expenses. This may mean sacrificing a few social activities, but I´m sure you won´t regret missing happy hour when you´re enjoying a cold margarita on the white sandy beaches of Bali!
2. Book Early
If you want to save money on flights, the best advice is to book early! I know it´s not as exciting as booking a flight across the globe a few weeks before, but your bank account will thank you! Booking early also means more time to pay off the credit card, so that by the time you actually go on the trip, it’s already paid off.
- For flights to Europe & South America (from the USA): book 3-6 months before
- Flights to Asia (from the USA or Europe): book at least 6 months before
- Flights within Europe: book 1-3 months before
3. Track & Compare Flights
Certain apps and websites will let you track flights prior to booking, and compare different airlines. I normally use a handful of different ones until I find the best deals.
- Hopper App and Google Flight to track flights
- Skyscanner and Momondo allow you to compare different airlines to find the best prices
- STA travel is great for students and anyone under 30, as they offer exclusive youth fares
4. Look into Multiple Destinations or One-way Tickets
Most believe that buying a one-way ticket is more expensive than a round-trip, and although this may be the case for some airlines it is still worth it to check. Certain websites like STA Travel have great deals on one-way tickets, and sometimes it is cheaper to use two different airlines than purchase a round-trip ticket. This is especially true if you are planning to visit more than one city.
On one of my Euro trips I wanted to visit London and Paris, but it was cheaper in the end to buy a one-way ticket to London, and my return ticket from Paris using two separate airlines. Multicity flights are also great when visiting more than one city, and sometimes end up costing the same as a round-trip.
5. Take Advantage of a Long Layover
Although not widely advertised, certain airlines provide extended layovers at no extra cost, allowing you to add another destination to your trip for free! TAP Portugal and Iceland Air both allow you to extend your layover (in Portugal or Iceland) up to 7 days for the same price. Other airlines, such as, Qatar airlines offer free accommodation or free tours for any layover that exceeds 8 hours. If you find a flight to your destination that has a long stopover, don’t immediately knock it off the list!
6. Research Alternative Airports
Most large cities have multiple airports. Make sure to search for flights into all surrounding airports, including ones that may be a one-hour train or bus ride away. If you’re traveling to Verona, for example, it may be cheaper to fly into Milan or Venice and take an express train, than fly directly into Verona.
7. Watch Out for Budget Airlines
Budget airlines are continuing to increase in popularity, with more and more new low cost airlines releasing flight routes every few months. These are fantastic options for short haul flights within Europe or Asia, but not always when booking a long-haul flight. Although they might seem like the perfect way to save money on flights, beware of all the hidden fees!
Most budget airlines offer a basic price, which does not include checked bags, seat selection, or meals (essential during long-haul flights, even if not the most delicious). In the end, all of these add-ons might make the final price higher than going with a more reputable airline.
From the United States to Europe:
For flights within Europe I frequently book with these low budget carriers.
- Ryanair
- Easy Jet
- Norwegian Air
- Wizz Air
8. Travel During Off-Season
This may seem obvious, but traveling during the summer, Christmas holidays, or Spring break tends to be more expensive. If you have flexibility with your travel schedule, chose to travel during the shoulder seasons, (October, November, and April, May). The weather tends to be favorable in most areas, and there are generally less tourists. Accommodations will also most likely be less expensive during these months.
I’m a strong believer that if you truly want to travel you can make it happen, no matter the budget! It just may require a bit of extra planning. Even if you have to save up for some time before you can take your dream vacation, it will be worth it in the end!
Safe Travels,
Vip <3
Read More:
VIP’s Guide to Hostels in Europe
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