Whether you’re flying from Minneapolis to Reykjavik or planning a round-the-world trip, airfare isn’t cheap. How do you trot the globe if you’re short on money? Here’s a brief roundup of the practical tips when traveling on a budget.
1. Select the cheapest days
If you’re flexible with your dates, try to book the least popular and, consequently, the cheapest days to fly. Travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Thus, you’ll be get the best deals.
2. Choose low-cost airlines
Although low-cost airlines don’t provide free meals or big, comfy seats, one of their advantages is comparatively low ticket prices. Whether you choose Miami to Denver flightsor hop on international flights, ensure a low-cost is reliable. Before buying your tickets, read reviews, find out whether you need to pay extra for carry-on and checked baggage, and check if the airline offers flexible travel dates.
3. Consider a less popular departure time
There is a reason why early morning or night flights are less expensive; after all, there aren’t many people who want to wake up at 3 a.m. Although you need to account for arranging transportation to the airport in the early hours, cheaper flight prices may be worth the trouble.
4. Travel to smaller airports
Typically, large cities have a couple of airports. You will save a pretty penny by choosing smaller airports located near large cities (unlike small airports located in remote locations).
Although additional transportation expenses may increase your budget, hotels and hostels near secondary airports are likely to compensate for it with more affordable prices.
5. Compare direct and connecting flights
A persisting myth dictates that direct flights are always cheaper than connecting ones. In reality, it’s rarely true, as Google Flight data shows that direct flights can be up to 20% more expensive. Prior to buying a ticket, research and compare the airfare prices for both direct and connecting flights.
To travel on a budget, you should plan in advance and be proactive when looking for cheap tickets. To save money on airfare, fly low-cost airlines, be flexible with dates, departure hours, and locations, and consider connecting flights. Bon voyage!