Do you love exploring new countries, new destinations and new cultures? Are you going crazy with the increase in air fare? Everybody could use some ideas on how to travel cheap. If you are willing to put some time and effort, you can save big time on your next flight. Read on to learn how... Internet- Your Best Buddy Never book your tickets on the first fare you see. No matter how easy or good it sounds, use the Internet and compare all the fares in the major online travel providers. If you keep checking regularly, you will find a pattern on when the fares are discounted, and which is the best time to fly. You can book accordingly. Airline prices go up and down constantly. Once you find the price you are looking for, don't wait, it may change the very next day. You can also watch the news, or read the newspaper for cheap airfares. Avoid The Peak Season Some travel destination are very popular during a particular period. At this time the prices can get ridiculously expensive. For example In the month of February, Paris will be a big no-no, as many couples go there to have a romantic holiday. Christmas time is also another expensive period to fly. Another reason why you shouldn't fly in the peak season is because most airlines overbook and it is impossible to find a seat. Days To Avoid If you can, travel on a Thursday and come back on a Monday, Instead of flying on a Friday and coming back on a Sunday. If you avoid the regular traveling days, you can get a better deal over all. Late night flights, or early morning flights are also the ones most likely to be discounted. Booking Early Or Booking Late If you are planning ahead for international tickets, you can book 3 6 months in advance, this way, you get the best deals. At the same time, if you buy tickets at the very last minute you may get a great deal, because airlines will be looking for somebody to fill up their last seats. If you are flexible with your trip, this is an amazing tactic to save some bucks. Being Flexible If you are willing to experiment with a few dates to travel, you can take up a good deal as soon as you see it. Being flexible with your destination works wonders too. You may want to take a vacation to a spot that has a beach, or go skiing. If you are flexible in this aspect, chances are you will get a good deal. Don't Be Too Patient If you have been searching for sometime, and a good price comes along, go for it immediately. Sometimes it is necessary to go with your gut instinct. Buy Direct If possible, try to avoid the intermediaries. Buy your tickets directly from the airline's own site. Often you will find their price the best (this is not true always). This way you will get a better customer service as well, and not pay additional charges, if any. Very Same Airline Make sure you fly in the very same airline each time you travel. That way you can build up frequent flyer points and miles which you can redeem for free airline tickets. If you are planning to fly very far (such as from New York to Sydney- Australia), you will get so many points that you may even qualify for a short flight within the US (such as New York City to Boston). Make sure you are using those frequent flyer benefits! Staying with the same airline during your entire trip also enables you to receive round-trip or connecting fare discounts.
