Websites I Swear By for Scoreting Budget-Friendly Vacation Bargains
Score amazing travel deals with ease by sharpening your bargain-hunting skills and knowing where to look! Here are some of the best websites to land your next budget-friendly adventure:
Bargain with Skyscanner for the cheapest flights
While Google Flights might be sleeker and boast cool features like the "explore" tool, if you're all about scoring the cheapest tickets, Skyscanner is your go-to platform. It won't let you down since it shows flight options that Google Flights often misses, and it offers an "explore-like" feature that lets you find affordable destinations for a specific month with just a few clicks (I found a direct flight to Cancun from Atlanta for $183). Plus, you can take advantage of last-minute deals and set alerts for cheap flights!
SecretFlying - jumping on Error Fares
Airlines make mistakes from time to time, and smart travelers like you should be ready to pounce on these opportunities when they arise. SecretFlying is a deal website that's similar to many others but has a unique tool to uncover cheap flights due to airline errors (there was a fantastic Chicago to London round-trip for only $58 last month). However, error fares tend to go fast, so you'll need to act quickly if you don't want to miss out!
Travel Arrow - free browser extension
If you're still relying solely on Google Flights for your search, you might be missing out on some excellent deals. Travel Arrow is a browser extension that cross-references your Google Flight information against Skyscanner, Kayak, Trip, and Expedia, ensuring you always see the most budget-friendly options. Granted, it doesn't always work, but it's a free tool that could more than pay for itself if you ever book a cheaper flight using it. Just keep in mind that some flights might have longer layovers to keep the prices low.
Unbeatable vacation packages on these websites
Looking for a fully-fledged package deal that includes flights, hotels, meals, and transportation for a fraction of the regular cost? Check out the following travel websites for unbeatable package deals:
- Gate1:With over three decades in the business, Gate1 is an established player in the travel industry. Their best deals can be found through their weekly specials and last-minute deals, enabling travelers to plan affordable trips for various destinations. For example, you can enjoy a 13-day Thailand trip for $2,249, including round-trip flights, 11 nights of first-class accommodations, meals, and more.
- TravelPirates, Great Value Vacations, and Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) are other excellent websites that offer amazing deals on travel packages.
Pro tip: Remember, these package deals often have strict date requirements, and their cancelation policies might not be as forgiving, so plan accordingly!
Stay informed on the 24-hour free federal cancelation policy to safeguard yourself against any unforeseen changes or cancellations on your travels. This policy, enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), allows travelers to cancel their flight bookings within 24 hours of purchasing without incurring penalties or fees. However, some exceptions may apply, and airlines can choose to offer a 24-hour refund or a 24-hour hold on the fare instead.
Happy traveling and let the deals roll in!
- For the best chances of finding the cheapest flights, consider using Skyscanner, a platform that shows affordable flight options often missed by Google Flights and includes an "explore-like" feature.
- SecretFlying is a deal website that uncovers cheap flights due to airline errors, such as a Chicago to London round-trip for only $58 last month.
- Travel Arrow, a free browser extension, cross-references Google Flights information against Skyscanner, Kayak, Trip, and Expedia to ensure you always see the most budget-friendly options.
- For unbeatable vacation packages, check out Gate1, TravelPirates, Great Value Vacations, and Going, which offer amazing deals on travel packages, including flights, hotels, meals, and transportation for a fraction of the regular cost.
- To stay informed about any unforeseen changes or cancellations on your travels, remember the 24-hour free federal cancelation policy enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Additionally, explore lifestyle blogs, deal-and-discount sites, and shopping portals for budget-travel tips and advice, as they can provide extra savings beyond the best travel websites mentioned above.
