Travel Tips

Finding Flights

My Go-To Tricks for Scoring the Best Deals

Over the years, I’ve learned that finding cheap flights isn’t just luck—it’s all about using the right tools and knowing where to look. I don’t book a flight without checking these first!

Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)

If you love finding ridiculously cheap flights, Going is a game-changer. They scan the internet for the best flight deals and send them straight to your inbox. It’s a subscription service, but you can start with their free newsletter to see if it’s worth it.

If you travel often, have flexible dates, or are open to spontaneous adventures, the paid version is a no-brainer. Some of the deals are so good you’ll want to book a trip just because of the price!

Skyscanner – My First Stop for Flight Searches

Skyscanner is my go-to for checking flights. Here’s why I love it:

  • Flexible date search – It quickly shows the cheapest days to fly
  • Flexible location search – You can search from an entire country, not just one airport!
  • Price alerts – Track fares and get notified when prices drop

One thing to watch for: Skyscanner pulls in deals from a lot of small online travel agencies. Some are great, some… not so much. Always check reviews before booking! I always start here, then compare prices on Google Flights and directly with the airline.

Google Flights – The Ultimate Flight Research Tool

Google Flights is super fast and one of the best ways to compare flight prices.

  • Let’s you search up to 7 departure and arrival airports at once
  • Shows the cheapest travel dates in a simple calendar view
  • Has a map view where you can see flight prices all over the world

It’s amazing for researching routes and fares, but be careful–sometimes it lists outdated prices (aka ghost fares). Always double-check before booking!

Other Flight Tools I Use & Love

  • Hopper – Tracks prices for flights, hotels, and rental cars and predicts when to book.
  • AirTrek – Perfect if you’re planning a big multi-stop international trip (up to 25 stops!).
  • Thrifty Traveler – Put in your home airport, and they’ll email you deals from there.
  • Rome2Rio – One of my favorite tools for figuring out all the ways to get somewhere—flights, trains, buses, ferries, you name it.

These are the sites I use to book my own flights, and they’ve saved me thousands of dollars over the years. Whether you’re planning a dream trip or just looking for an excuse to get away, these tools will help you travel more for less.

Now, where are you off to next?

FLIGHT HINTS & TIPS: How I Snag the Best Deals

Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about booking cheap flights. It’s not about luck—it’s about knowing where to look, when to book, and how to be just flexible enough to score the best deals. Here’s what works for me.

When to Fly for the Best Deals

If you can avoid peak travel times, you’ll save a ton. I always try to plan my trips during the cheaper months, and it makes a huge difference.

The best times to fly (North America/Europe):

  • January – mid-May (after the holidays, fares drop big time)
  • September – early December (except for Thanksgiving, which is actually a great time for cheap international flights since most people are flying domestically)

The most expensive times to fly:

  • Peak summer: mid-June – mid-August
  • Christmas and New Year’s
  • Major festivals and holidays (flights to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day or China for Chinese New Year are never cheap)
  • If you have to travel in summer, aim for the first two weeks of June or the last two weeks of August—prices are way lower than in July

When to Book a Flight

Flights don’t follow any predictable pattern anymore. Prices can change multiple times a day based on demand, competition, and even your search history. That being said, here’s what I’ve found works best:

  • Domestic flights: Book 1 – 3 months before your trip
  • International flights: Book 2 – 8 months ahead
  • Peak season travel (Christmas, summer): Start looking up to 10 months out
  • Don’t wait until the last minute! Flight prices usually jump at the 21-day, 14- day, and 7-day marks before departure
  • Book in the opposite season. I always check summer flights around Christmastime and winter flights in the summer—prices tend to be much lower

My Favorite Flight Hacks

  • Check budget airlines, especially abroad. When we were on our 12-month round-the-world trip, we flew on smaller regional airlines and saved money. We didn’t have any issues – just make sure to check baggage policies since some budget carriers charge for everything.
  • Let the deal choose the destination. Some of my best trips happened simply because I found an unbelievable flight deal. Instead of picking a destination first, I keep an eye on cheap fares and let them guide my next adventure.
  • Compare prices before booking. I always start with Skyscanner and Google Flights, then check directly with the airline. Sometimes third-party sites look cheaper but have hidden fees, so I like to make sure that I’m getting the best deal.

These tricks have saved us money over the years and have allowed us to travel more often. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to book a trip, this might just be your sign to start looking now!

Helping you to turn “Someday” into Today! Now, where to next?

Finding Accommodation

Where We Stay & How We Save

Finding the right place to stay is just as important as finding the right flight. Over the years, I’ve stayed everywhere—from Airbnbs to hostels, from hotels to fancy resorts. Now that we are a little older – and wiser, here are some of the ways that Steve and I travel.

Airbnb – Our Go-To for Longer Stays

We use Airbnb a lot, but I spend an obsessive amount of time reading reviews to make sure we know exactly what we’re getting. I avoid brand-new listings with no reviews—sometimes they’re gems, but I don’t like to gamble when it comes to accommodation.

We always look for places with:

  • Outdoor space (patio, balcony, or backyard)
  • A kitchen so we can cook and save money
  • A bedroom with a door (because, let’s be real, one of us always snores—yes, I’m looking at Steve….and he’s looking at me).

Booking.com & Agoda.com – Best for Hotels & Budget Stays

Booking.com has one of the widest selections of budget accommodations worldwide. I’ve found some of the cheapest rooms here, especially outside of the US.

Agoda.com (which is owned by the same company as Booking.com) is fantastic for Southeast Asia.

  • The more I used Agoda, the bigger the discounts—up to 30% off after a few bookings.
  • I love their no-money-down policy for many properties, which gives flexibility if plans change.
  • We stayed in cute bungalows throughout Bali and Thailand for an average of $30/night.

Hotel Memberships – Free Perks & Points

  • Always sign up for hotel loyalty programs—you’ll earn free nights and sometimes fun surprises.
  • We scored a free night at a gorgeous Marriott resort in Thailand just from points.
  • One time, I let Hilton know we were staying for our anniversary, and they sent treats to our room. Sometimes, the little things make a big difference!

Hostels & Guesthouses – Not Just for 20-Somethings

  • If you think hostels are just for backpackers in their early 20s, think again. Many now offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms at a fraction of hotel prices.
  • Check Hostelworld for reviews and options.

Trusted Housesitters – Free Stays in Exchange for Pet Sitting

  • This is a hidden gem if you love animals and want unique stays for free.
  • My sister’s family used Trusted Housesitters to stay in incredible places like:
  • A 200-year-old stone farmhouse in southern France
  • A six-week home stay in just outside of Copenhagen
  • A country home in northern Australia
  • You stay in someone’s home while they’re away, take care of their pets, and get a free place to stay—win-win!

Other Unique Stays

  • Farm Stays – Great for a countryside experience
  • Eco-Lodges – Sustainable and often in amazing natural locations
  • Home Exchange – Swap homes with someone else traveling
  • HelpX – Work a little, stay for free
  • Stay with Friends – When in doubt, crash with someone you know!

ACCOMMODATION BOOKING TIPS

  • Book ahead, especially in peak season. You don’t want to show up with nowhere to stay! Steve would be happy to “wing it” but that gives me too much anxiety – so we always have a place to lay our head!
  • Not sure about a place? Only book the first two nights. That way, if it’s not what you expected, you’re not stuck. If you love it, you can usually extend your stay—unless it’s peak season, in which case, I suggest making sure you have your whole stay booked. When we went to Oktoberfest in Munich Germany we had to get our stay booked out 6 months in advance!

Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

Pack Light

  • Save on baggage fees and make life easier. We try to travel with only a carry-on whenever possible.
  • On our 12-month trip around the world, we used backpacks with wheels. In hindsight, I’d have preferred a sturdy, hard-sided roll bag—it would have doubled as a place to sit while waiting for buses or trains!

Eat Like a Local

  • Skip the tourist traps and eat where locals do—it’s cheaper and way more authentic.
  • We often book Airbnb food tours to find the best street food and learn about local history and culture at the same time.

Fly into Alternative Airports

  • Sometimes, flying into a major hub and taking a train or bus is cheaper than a direct flight.
  • In Portugal, we flew into Lisbon and then took the train to Albufeira—it was cheaper than a connecting flight and gave us a chance to see the countryside.

Use Public Transportation Whenever Possible

  • It’s cheaper and gives you a better feel for a place.
  • When we first started traveling, neither of us had much experience with buses or trains. Now, we take them whenever we can.
  • On our 12-month trip around the world, we logged:
  • 4,938 miles on trains and buses
  • 3,613 miles on ferries
  • Almost 600 miles walking (not all at once, thankfully)!

Travel Off-Peak

  • Fewer crowds. Cheaper prices. Enough said.

Points, Miles, Credit Cards

  • We used travel points and miles to afford our 12-month trip around the world. If you’re curious, we wrote a whole blog about how we did it!

No matter where you’re going, these tips can help you save money, find great places to stay, and make your travels smoother. Whether it’s a budget-friendly hostel, a stunning Airbnb, or a free stay through Trusted Housesitters, there’s always a way to make travel more affordable.

Now, will you turn “Someday” into today?