At least once a day, a travel influencer’s video shows up on my FYP. There they are, lounging in a first-class seat sipping champagne, and raving about how they scored the “deal of the century.” But here’s the truth behind those videos: those influencers have had a lot of practice, and at one point in their life probably spent hours refreshing tabs and comparing prices to find the best deal.
We’ve all been there – scrolling the internet, trying to find a flight that works with our schedule and doesn’t break the bank. That is why booking flights will always be the hardest part of planning any vacation because it separates you from planning the trip to actually going on the vacation. Once you click “purchase flight”, the real fun can begin.
So how do I make sure I’m getting the best possible deal on airfare? Well I’m about to share my go-to tools, strategies, and favorite travel hacks. Let’s go!
My Favorite Flight Search Tools
Whenever I start any flight search, I always go to the same three websites:
The first two sites are very similar, but I always check both. Sometimes GoogleFlights will uncover a deal with a new low-cost carrier that SkyScanner hasn’t picked up yet – or vice versa – so it’s worth comparing the two to understand all of your options and what the prices look like.
Wander Bea Tip: Always search in Incognito mode. Sites can track your activity and may bump up prices when they know your looking
Now, let’s talk about my current obsession: PointsYeah. This tool does all the points and miles math for you. Just plug in your destination, select what rewards programs you are a part of, and you’ll be able to see all the best redemption offers for the day. It even accounts for transfer bonuses – a total game-changer when I booked my summer trip to Greece. (More on that win here!)
Flexibility is Your Superpower!
Planning ahead and staying flexible is your greatest superpower when it comes to finding flight deals. Airlines profit from travelers who are locked into specific dates, and so if you can leave a day earlier or return a day later, your chances of getting a better deal become exponentially higher. Taking a weekend trip? Try flying home on a Monday morning before the work day begins. All of the sites I mentioned in my flight search toolkit make this easy with user-friendly, color-coded calendars that highlight the cheapest days to fly.
Write It Down
Let’s be real: searching for flights means juggling a lot of information: dates, departure times, layovers, airlines, etc. The best way to stay on top of it all and not forget something? Write it down!
I keep a simple spreadsheet to track everything. It helps me compare options side-by-side to ensure I am getting the best deal. And honestly, I treat it like my own little travel-hacking trophy.
Is Flying the Best (or Only) Option?
Flying somewhere might be the obvious choice – but it is by no means the only one. If you’re traveling within Europe or certain regions of Asia, trains and buses are often cheaper, more scenic, and sometimes a lot less stressful.
I’ve even had times where I rented a car and took a road trip. I saved some money and got to stop at a lot of cool places along the way.
TL;DR – My Flight Booking Formula
Booking a flight can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve got a lot of people involved. But if you stick to these tips & tricks, you’ll save money, avoid stress, and get to the fun part faster – actually going on vacation!
Wander Bea’s Flight Booking Tips
- Check My Favorite Sites
- Book Early & Stay Flexible
- Write Down Your Options
- Explore All Of Your Options
Happy deal hunting,
