Are you looking for ways to save money on airline bookings and find the cheapest flights? In Joseph Ortas’ video, he shares personal tips and techniques that have saved him thousands of dollars on travel. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility in travel dates and airports, and recommends using websites like Momondo and Google Flights to search for the best flight deals. Additionally, Joseph reveals a bonus tip on how to get free stays at Airbnbs while traveling. The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to use these platforms to find cheap flights, as well as showcases various travel gear and essential travel items. By following Joseph’s travel hacks and utilizing these resources, you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your flights and make your travel dreams a reality.
Importance of Flexibility
Flexibility is a crucial factor when it comes to finding cheap flights and saving money on airline bookings. By being open to altering your travel dates and considering alternative airports, you can take advantage of the best deals available. Let’s explore the significance of flexibility in travel dates and airports.
Flexibility in Travel Dates
Being flexible with your travel dates can make a significant difference in the price of your flight tickets. By shifting your departure or return dates by a few days or even a week, you may find much cheaper options. Airlines often offer lower fares on certain days of the week or during specific seasons. By adjusting your travel dates to align with these discounted periods, you can save a substantial amount of money.
Flexibility in Airports
In addition to being flexible with travel dates, considering alternative airports can also result in significant savings. Instead of limiting yourself to one specific airport, explore options in nearby cities or regions. Larger airports tend to have more competition among airlines, leading to lower prices. By expanding your search to include neighboring airports, you increase your chances of finding cheaper flights.
Using Flight Search Engines
Flight search engines are powerful tools that can help you find the best flight deals. These platforms aggregate and compare prices from multiple airlines, saving you time and effort. Two highly recommended flight search engines are Momondo and Google Flights.
Recommendations: Momondo and Google Flights
Momondo is a popular flight search engine that consistently provides competitive prices and comprehensive search results. It offers a user-friendly interface and allows you to customize your search preferences, such as flexible dates and nearby airports.
Google Flights, on the other hand, offers a clean and intuitive interface with numerous features to help you find the best deals. It provides a calendar view of prices and allows you to set price alerts for specific routes.
Benefits of Using Flight Search Engines
Flight search engines offer several benefits. They save you the hassle of manually searching individual airline websites and provide a centralized platform for comparing prices and options. These engines also give you access to a wide range of airlines, including budget carriers, ensuring you can find the most affordable fares.
Step-by-Step Guide on Using Google Flights and Momondo
Using flight search engines is simple and user-friendly. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to use Google Flights and Momondo to find cheap flights:
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Open your preferred web browser and go to Google.com or Momondo.com.
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Enter your departure and destination cities or airports.
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Select your preferred travel dates or choose the flexible dates option to see a wider range of fare options.
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Customize your search further by selecting nearby airports or airlines.
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Review the search results and compare the prices and flight options.
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Click on the desired flight to view more details and make your booking.
Utilizing Incognito Mode
Incognito mode, also known as private browsing, can be a useful tool when searching for cheap flights. It helps prevent price increases based on your search history and personal data.
Prevention of Price Increases
When you search for flights on regular browsing mode, websites can track your cookies and search history. They may detect that you are repeatedly searching for a specific flight or destination and increase the prices accordingly. By using incognito mode, websites are unable to use your cookies to track your data, resulting in a more unbiased search experience.
How Incognito Mode Works
To enable incognito mode on most web browsers, you can press the command shift n keys simultaneously. Once in incognito mode, you can perform your flight searches without worrying about price increases based on your search history. This allows for a more objective search and protects your personal information.
Travel Hacks for Cheap Flights
In addition to using flight search engines and utilizing incognito mode, there are other travel hacks you can employ to find cheap flights. Let’s explore some of these strategies:
Using Kiwi.com
Kiwi.com is a unique platform that allows for more flexible and creative flight bookings. It makes use of various airlines, including low-cost carriers and unconventional routes, to find the best price combinations. By utilizing Kiwi.com, you may discover hidden gems of flight deals that are not available on traditional booking platforms.
Utilizing Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is a low-cost carrier known for its affordable fares. While they may have additional fees for baggage and other services, their base fares are often significantly lower than other airlines. By considering Spirit Airlines for your travel, you can save a substantial amount on your flight tickets.
Being Flexible with Travel Dates
As mentioned earlier, flexibility in travel dates is crucial for finding cheap flights. By adjusting your departure and return dates, you may come across significant savings. Consider traveling during weekdays or off-peak seasons when demand and prices tend to be lower.
Using the Plus or Minus Feature
Many flight search engines and booking platforms offer a plus or minus feature that allows you to search for flights within a specific window of time. This feature is particularly useful when you have flexible travel dates. By selecting a range of dates, you can compare prices and choose the most affordable option.
Finding Flight Deals on Kiwi.com
Kiwi.com is a valuable resource for finding flight deals. One example of an affordable flight is a trip from May 9th to May 26th for $222. Let’s explore how to use Kiwi.com to find such deals.
Example: May 9th to May 26th for $222
Suppose you are planning a trip from May 9th to May 26th and are looking for the best flight deal. By using Kiwi.com, you come across a flight for only $222. This price is significantly lower than other options you have found.
Step-by-Step Guide on Using Kiwi.com
To find great flight deals on Kiwi.com, follow these step-by-step instructions:
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Open your preferred web browser and go to Kiwi.com.
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Enter your departure and destination cities or airports.
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Select your desired travel dates or choose the flexible dates option.
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Customize your search by choosing nearby airports or specific airlines.
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Review the search results and compare the prices and flight options.
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Click on the desired flight to view more details and make your booking.
Checking Airline Websites for Discount Codes
When searching for flight deals, it is essential to check the airline’s website for any discount codes that may be available. Airlines occasionally offer promotional codes that can help you save even more on your airfare.
Importance of Checking Airline Websites
While flight search engines are useful for comparing prices, they may not always include the latest discount codes offered by airlines. By checking the airline’s website directly, you can ensure you are getting the best possible price by taking advantage of any available promo codes.
Finding and Applying Discount Codes
To find discount codes on airline websites, look for promotional banners, newsletters, or dedicated discount code pages. These codes are often entered during the booking process, either on the search page or at the payment stage. Applying the discount code can result in substantial savings on your flight ticket.
Exploring Destinations on Momondo
One of the benefits of using Momondo is the ability to explore destinations based on trip type and budget. This feature allows you to find cheap destinations and plan your trips accordingly.
Using Trip Type and Budget Filters
Momondo offers filters that allow you to search for destinations based on various trip types, such as city breaks, beach getaways, or adventure trips. You can also set a specific budget range to find destinations that align with your financial limitations. This feature is especially useful when you are flexible with your travel plans and open to exploring new places.
Benefits of Exploring Destinations
Exploring destinations on Momondo can inspire and broaden your travel options. By discovering new places within your budget range, you can plan exciting trips and create memorable experiences. This feature encourages travelers to venture beyond their comfort zone and try something new.
Example: Finding Cheap Destinations
Suppose you have a limited budget and are looking for affordable destinations. By using Momondo’s trip type and budget filters, you discover cheap flights to Cartagena, Colombia for $297 and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for $321. These prices are well within your budget, making these destinations viable options for your next trip.
Travel Hacks for Accommodations
Finding affordable accommodations is an essential part of planning a cost-effective trip. Here are some travel hacks for saving money on accommodations:
Asking for Discounts on Airbnb
When booking accommodations on Airbnb, consider asking the host for discounts. Hosts often have the flexibility to offer discounted rates, especially for longer stays. By sending a polite message to the host and proposing a deal, you may be able to secure a lower price than the listed rate.
Messaging Hosts for Better Deals
In addition to asking for discounts, communicating with hosts can lead to better deals. Engaging in friendly conversations and expressing your interest in their property can potentially result in overlooked discounts or special offers. This personalized approach shows hosts that you are a genuine and respectful guest.
Sharing Email Template for Free Nights
To help viewers obtain free nights on Airbnb, the creator of the video offers to share their email template in the comments section. This template likely includes a persuasive message to send to hosts, requesting complimentary or discounted stays. This bonus tip can be a game-changer when it comes to saving money on accommodations.
Essential Travel Gear
Having the right travel gear can enhance your travel experience and make your trips more convenient. Here are some recommended travel gear items:
Recommended Travel Gear
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Rainleaf Microfiber Towel: This lightweight and quick-drying towel is perfect for travel. It takes up minimal space in your luggage and is incredibly absorbent.
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YAMIU Packing Cubes: Packing cubes help optimize space and keep your belongings organized during your travels. They enable easy access to specific items without rummaging through your entire suitcase.
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Kandouren RFID Blocking Passport Holder Cover Case: This passport holder offers protection against identity theft and keeps your passport safe and secure during your travels.
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Anker Portable Charger 20000mAh: A portable charger is a must-have for any travel enthusiast. It ensures that your devices remain powered throughout your journey, eliminating any worries about low battery.
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Lightweight Camera Mount Tripod: A compact and sturdy tripod is a valuable tool for capturing memorable travel photos. It provides stability for your camera or smartphone, allowing you to take stunning shots wherever you go.
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International Power Adapter Travel Plug: This versatile adapter ensures that you can charge your devices regardless of the country you are visiting. It eliminates the need to purchase multiple adapters for different regions.
Benefits of Microfiber Towels and Packing Cubes
Microfiber towels and packing cubes offer several benefits for travelers. Microfiber towels are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for trips. They also dry quickly, preventing any unpleasant odors or mildew growth. Packing cubes, on the other hand, help keep your suitcase organized, maximizing space and minimizing wrinkles. They allow for efficient packing and easy access to your belongings throughout your travels.
Conclusion
In summary, finding cheap flights and saving money on airline bookings require flexibility, utilizing flight search engines, and implementing travel hacks. By being open to adjusting your travel dates and considering multiple airports, you can take advantage of the best deals available. Flight search engines like Momondo and Google Flights are invaluable tools for comparing prices and finding affordable flights. Utilizing incognito mode on browsers helps prevent price increases based on search history. Additionally, travel hacks such as using Kiwi.com, checking airline websites for discount codes, and exploring destinations on Momondo can lead to significant savings. It’s also important to consider travel gear essentials, such as microfiber towels and packing cubes, which enhance convenience during your trips. Thank you for watching, and stay tuned for more travel vlogs in the future!