With spring break on the horizon, dozens of curious college students are beginning to finish their searches for spring break destinations. As prices soar, it is even more imperative to start making sure you are finding the best flight at the best price.
Finding these fares is not always easy; however, these travel tips are a surefire way to get a spring break trip that does not break the "piggy" bank.
1. USE: flights.google.com
If you do not already use this precious site, start now. This browser offers a wide range of destinations on a map with various prices organized by alliance, number of stops and other filters.
It is one of the most useful tips I can provide as it allows you to look at a majority of different days and analyze which is the cheapest time to fly. Google Flights also tells you the cheapest day of return or arrival, shown above. For example, returning on a Monday can save you $100 versus returning on the previous Sunday. Quick easy remedies like this can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
2. Look for flights on Tuesdays
I am sure you have heard this one before; however, I would like to vouch for this personally. I have seen price increases of sometimes $300 from Tuesday to Wednesday. For example, a flight to Beijing from Newark Airport cost $605 on American on Tuesday; however, the next day it rose to over $900. This just goes to show that Tuesdays really are one of the best days to book flights.
3. Stay Caribbean
2016 is the year of the Caribbean. With crazy sales, especially during March and April, traveling to the Caribbean is now more affordable than ever. Flying to Martinique from Baltimore is now in the $200s as opposed to the $500s just months ago. This is, in part, thanks to the introduction of Norwegian Airlines to the Americas. Norwegian offers several flights a week to the beautiful island along with several flights a week to Guadeloupe.
4. Look at surrounding airports for even better deals
If you live in a big city, surrounded by a couple of airports,do not limit yourself to just one because of convenience. Switching airports can save you hundreds of dollars. Sure, the distance may be a hassle in the beginning but taking an Uber or other transportation services will make the trip a worthwhile and easy experience. Plus, you'll save hundreds simply by switching where you take off. You can see for yourself below the massive differences between Washington's Airports (DCA and IAD) and Baltimore Airport (BWI).
5. Use the famed "Silicon Startups" (Uber, AirBnB)
If my travels have taught me one solid piece of advice, it is to use AirBnB and Uber. Both Silicon Startups offer easy alternatives to local hotels and taxi services. In some countries, especially Caribbean nations, taxis are known to scam tourists and charge astronomical fees. However, Uber's fares are price-locked and laid out before booking.
Along with Uber, AirBnB is the perfect alternative to a local hotel because it immerses you into the local atmosphere and culture. What could be cooler than staying in someone's home? A hotel could never give you the experiences that a homestay event like AirBnB could offer!
By utilizing these five tips, your chances at better deals will soar exponentially. I can say after several years of utilizing these deals, I have managed to save hundreds of dollars on lodging, airfare and taxi expenses. Like many have repeated before me, traveling does not have to be an expensive experience. Make it fun, cheap and unforgettable and you have mastered the keys to traveling, done right!
