Want to learn how to Travel on a Budget? Here are 5 steps you can take advantage of when booking flights and planning your travel itinerary!
1. Be flexible with your travel dates.
The more options you give yourself regarding dates and flight times, the more options you will have to take advantage of flight prices. Typically, that first flight out in the morning, or that redeye flight may very well be the cheapest.
2. Purchase tickets 3-5 months out.
Tuesday & Wednesday are typically the best days to purchase. But still do your due diligence and check every day when you are just about to make your purchase. Google Flights is a great resource.
3. Travel during off-peak times according to your destination.
Be aware of a particular destination's high and low seasons. Summer months are going to be more expensive anywhere you go, as well as holiday/festival dates.
4. Be open to leaving from a different airport.
For example, if it's considerably cheaper for you to leave out of Newark (EWR) as opposed to
New York (JFK), if you can catch a cheap flight to that airport, you can save a few hundred dollars!
5. Be open to various lodging options.
No need to spend top dollar for that 5-star corner suite that you will barely be in. Look at 4-star hotels/resorts or even consider a hostel, an Airbnb, or staying with friends to maximize savings.
* Bonus Tip: Extend your trip by taking long layovers.
Some destinations leave you no choice but to have a layover in a particular city. When booking, consider taking an even longer layover to take advantage and leave the airport to explore the city or stay overnight.
