Inflation and the ensuing financial crisis have been making headlines lately, but it’s no secret that flight prices are skyrocketing.

The average flight cost has increased by 25% compared to the same period last year, and this pattern shows little signs of slowing.

Here are five tips to help you avoid peak prices and get the cheapest possible flights.

1. Travel to Budget Locations

The first tip isn’t actually about airlines but about the places you visit!

Exotic locations like Thailand, Guatemala, and Morocco may be more expensive to fly to, but they are also the cheapest to visit.

So, if you have to choose between a cheap flight to somewhere expensive or a slightly pricier ticket to somewhere that’s affordable, it may be worth considering the latter.

2. Check Prices in Different Locations

Did you know that online flight providers can see your location and change their prices accordingly?

The idea is that if you’re located in London, you’d probably pay more than if you were located in Lisbon.

This is the reason why more and more people are using VPNs to get cheaper flights.

The method is simple: find a reliable VPN that masks your location, connect to the internet through another location, and clear your site cookies.

Then, visit the flight provider’s website. Keep in mind that you may have to try a few locations before seeing a price difference. So, try to connect from cities that are far away from your current location.

3. Use Your Credit Card Miles and Rewards

Have you been collecting credit card miles and rewards? If so, this may be the best time to use these!

Contact all of your credit card providers or check your online accounts to see your miles/reward totals.

And, if you don’t collect these already, it’s never too late to open an account with a bank that offers these benefits.

4. Plan with As Much Anticipation as Possible

Anticipation and early planning are the friends of budget travelers.

In most cases, the earlier you plan your holidays, the cheaper the accommodation and flights.

So, take the time to plan ahead and decide where you want to go early on, as this alone can help cut your costs.

5. Use a Travel Agent

Call it full circle, but travel agents have become one of the best channels to get affordable holidays.

Individual renters and holiday providers are now used to selling directly to the public at the retail price.

However, agents can negotiate bundle prices that sometimes rival and beat the offers made by direct providers, so it’s worth researching this for your next trip.

Best Budget Destinations for You to Try

If you want to reduce your travel expenses, consider visiting more affordable areas that are just as magical as other places in the world.

Here are some of our recommendations.

  • Southeast Asia: unlike other budget locations, flights inside Southeast Asia are relatively affordable. This is the reason why this region attracted more than 25 million tourists annually before the pandemic crisis began.
  • Central and South America: the cost of flying within Central and South America is higher than in Southeast Asia. That said, the Spanish-speaking region offers affordable accommodation, food, and tourist activities, so it’s a must for travelers from all over the world.
  • Eastern Europe: Poland, Romania, Hungary, Albania, and Montenegro are just some of the Eastern European destinations that offer Mediterranean coastlines, historic cities with amazing architecture, and other great attractions at a fraction of the cost.

In Conclusion

If you’re passionate about traveling, exploring new destinations, and learning about new cultures, you’re probably aware of the increasing prices of flights.

The good news is that you don’t have to settle for the first offer you see.

We hope the tips above can help you lower your flight costs and give you creative ideas on visiting your favorite locations on a smaller budget.