How to Find Cheap Flights and Accommodation - Travel on a Budget!

How to Find Cheap Flights and Accommodation - Travel on a Budget!

Vancouver, Canada 2019

Hey there! 🌍✈️ Ever wondered how I travel so much and explore new places all the time without breaking the bank? Well, here are my secrets to spending less while travelling more! Let's dive in:

1️⃣ Be Flexible: Instead of fixating on a specific destination, use “Anywhere” as your search option. This way, you can find the most affordable flights and plan your trips during off-peak seasons when prices are lower. This photo is an example of a search done on Sunday, July 11, 2021, with a departure in less than a week. Imagine going to Dublin for only 32 Euros!!! Click on the photo to check the prices!

2️⃣ Compare Prices: Don't stick to just one booking platform! Use multiple websites to compare prices and snag the best deals for your flights and accommodations. I've curated a list of top booking sites to help you out (click here)!

3️⃣ Pack Light: Trust me, a 30-litre backpack is all you need for a weekend trip or even a week in summer. Embrace a minimalist approach and focus on comfort and convenience. Save extra costs and skip the hassle of checking in bulky luggage.

4️⃣ Travel Comfortably: Opt for comfy, non-metallic clothing, and avoid bags or accessories that may slow you down during airport security checks. Remember, safety first! Security screenings are essential to ensure a smooth travel experience.

5️⃣ Check Nearby Airports: Don't forget to explore nearby airports or alternative transportation options like trains, buses, or car sharing. Sometimes, switching airports can lead to significant savings on your travel expenses!

Oh, and here's a bonus tip: Use the website www.viamichelin.com to estimate driving distances and costs throughout Europe. It's super handy for planning road trips and calculating expenses.

The Easiest Way to Find Cheap Flights and Affordable Accommodation!

Looking for budget flights? First, choose your departure airport. Now, do you have a specific time or destination in mind?

Let me guide you through the key steps to save big on your tickets.

If you don't know where to go yet, try typing “Anywhere” in the destination box. If the search engine doesn't offer this option, enter a city you'd love to visit.

For short flights, direct routes are ideal, or at most, one layover with a minimum of a 2-hour stop to avoid missing your next flight in case of delays.

Usually, direct flights are available within the continent, especially during summer. But in winter, you might have to rely on layovers or nearby airports.

If you know where to go but not when, some sites allow you to select an entire month for departure or arrival to display a price chart like this photo.

Once you find the right destination and price, check the airline and their baggage policy (cheap fares often exclude checked baggage) and proceed to book. My favourite flight search engines are Kiwi.com and Trip.com.

Before purchasing, compare prices from both sites.

Finding Accommodation:

Assuming you already have dates and a destination, let's move on. If you just want to get an idea of prices, select dates that cover multiple weekends to see the maximum cost you might face.

Once you enter the city, choose the maximum nightly budget you want to pay and the options you need, such as 24/7 check-in, private bathroom, breakfast included, or pet-friendly.

Now you'll see a list of accommodations that I further narrow down by selecting a maximum distance of 1 km from the city center to avoid options claiming to be central when they're miles away.

Some claim to have a sea view but are actually 5 km uphill from the beach!

The last step before seeing the complete list is to sort by “cheapest price” to compare costs and offerings.

This is the best way to find affordable lodging on any platform.

Don't forget to select your preferred language or translate the page (right-click>translate) and select your payment currency.

My favourite platforms are Booking.com, Hostelworld.com, and Hotellook.com.

Do you have any tactics to find the best prices? Now you're all set to embark on budget-friendly adventures! 🎉 Share your travel stories with me, and let's inspire others to explore the world without breaking the bank. Don't forget to hit the like button and follow OigresTravelDiary for more travel tips and wanderlust inspiration! Happy travels! 😊🌴✨

Meanwhile, check out OigresTravelDiary's Travel Journal, designed for reorganizing your life in 90 days.

It's a daily motivational agenda/diary/planner that focuses on personal awareness and improving habits.

If you liked this article, share it on Facebook. On the Oigres Travel Diary page, you will find the photo albums and on the Instagram profile my daily experiences. See you soon.