Top Affordable Travel Websites for Bargain Voyagers
Looking for cheap travel deals? Here's a guide to help you save money on your next trip.
Master the art of finding travel bargains, and you’ll still need patience, flexibility, and the knowledge that you can take advantage of the 24-hour free federal cancelation policy to secure a time-sensitive opportunity.
Discover Cheap Flights with Skyscanner
Google Flights may be user-friendly, but for the best deals, use Skyscanner. This platform offers cheaper flight options that might not even appear on Google Flights. It also has an explore-like tool similar to Google's, where you can easily input your local airport, choose "whole month" for your dates, and click "search" to find all the possible low-cost destinations for that month (uncovering a direct flight to Cancun from Atlanta for $183 in my case).
Stay Ahead with SecretFlying's Error Fares
Airlines sometimes make mistakes, and savvy travelers should be prepared to seize those opportunities. SecretFlying is a travel deal website that alerts you to cheap flights due to errors by airlines. For instance, last month, there was an enticing Chicago to London round-trip for only $58. Error fares disappear quickly, and many may not be practical for your schedule, but catching one will definitely make for an excellent bragging point.
Expand Your Options with the Travel Arrow Extension
If you're using only Google Flights, you might overlook cheaper options. Travel Arrow is a browser extension that compares your Google Flight info with Skyscanner, Kayak, Trip, and Expedia (the major competitors to Google Flights). While it doesn't always work, it's a free tool that could more than pay for itself if it helps you book a cheaper flight. Be aware that some flights might be cheaper due to longer layovers.
Score Affordable Vacation Packages at Discounted Prices
Many websites sell travel packages that include flights, hotels, meals, and more, for much less than the individual costs if booked separately. The catch is that these packages are often specific to dates, and their cancelation policies can be less forgiving. However, you’ll find amazing deals to destinations you might not otherwise afford.
Gate1, for example, offers great deals, particularly through their weekly specials (you can subscribe to their emails) and last-minute deals, where you can find significant discounts on multi-day trips. For instance, you can embark on a 13-day Thailand trip for $2,249, which includes:
- Roundtrip flights between Los Angeles and Bangkok (or vice versa)
- Intra-flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
- 11 nights of First Class accommodations
- All travel-related taxes, fees, service charges, and porterage
- 18 meals: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Guided sightseeing tours
- Entrance fees
Other websites similar to Gate1 that offer affordable travel packages include TravelPirates, Great Value Vacations, and Going.
To get the best travel deals, consider using websites like Skyscanner for flights, as it often offers cheaper options that might not be available on Google Flights. For instance, you might discover error fares on SecretFlying, where airlines unintentionally provide cheap flights due to mistakes. To ensure you're getting the most competitive prices, leverage browser extensions like Travel Arrow, which compares flight options across multiple platforms. Lastly, explore vacation package deals from sites such as Gate1, TravelPirates, Great Value Vacations, and Going to enjoy lower costs for flights, hotels, meals, and more, contributing to a budget-friendly lifestyle in travel and shopping.
