Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations
Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Look Beyond Mainstream Sites for Airfare Sales
When it comes to finding cheap flights, most travelers head straight to the major online travel agencies like Expedia, Priceline, or Kayak. While these sites can offer convenience, looking beyond them to more niche sites and airlines can unlock huge savings.
One of the best-kept secrets is to check out the websites of international or budget carriers that don't spend big on advertising. Airlines like Norwegian, WOW Air, and Air Asia offer rock bottom fares to destinations all over the world. Their deals often won't show up on the mainstream sites, so going directly to their booking engines is a must.
Signing up for fare alerts and sales notifications from individual airlines is another great way to get wind of deals before the masses. Airlines frequently offer flash sales, especially on new routes they are trying to promote. Being on their email list gives you first dibs.
Don't forget about alternatives like package booking sites. Companies like HolidayPirates specialize in combing the web for mistake fares and incredible package deals. The savings they dig up often aren't advertised elsewhere.
Social media can also be a goldmine. Follow travel deal accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to get real-time updates on sales and coupon codes. The online travel community loves to share intel on bargains, and joining relevant groups and chats can help you tap into that knowledge.
Finally, don't underestimate old fashioned travel agents. Many specialize in niche routes and have insider access to unpublished discounts. While booking fees can apply, for complex international itineraries an agent's expertise can really pay off.
What else is in this post?
- Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Look Beyond Mainstream Sites for Airfare Sales
- Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Mix and Match Budget Airlines for Maximum Savings
- Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Use Alternative Airports to Access Cheaper Flights
- Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Find package deals that include airfare and lodging
- Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Travel in the off-season for fewer crowds and lower prices
- Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Get creative with multi-city itineraries
- Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Leverage points and miles for free flights
- Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Consider road trips to nearby underrated spots
Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Mix and Match Budget Airlines for Maximum Savings
Budget airlines have revolutionized air travel, opening the skies to millions who previously couldn’t afford to fly. By unbundling amenities and charging for extras, they provide basic, low cost transport. Yet frequent budget airline flyers know that sticking to just one can limit your options. The secret is mixing and matching across airlines and airports to create savings super-itineraries.
Take a trip from the US East Coast to London. Booking two one-ways on Norwegian from New York to London and back could cost around $500 roundtrip. Not bad, but we can do better. Instead, book your outbound to Dublin for $150 on Norwegian. Then hop a $50 RyanAir flight over to London. Reverse that coming home. Just by adding one connection you’ve sliced the fare almost in half.
It gets even more powerful when you start factoring in nearby airports. A Spirit flight from Chicago to London is usually $350+ roundtrip, but flying them from Detroit to London and back can be $250 or less. If the savings outweigh the cost of the positioning flight, it’s worth considering.
Nearby airports are especially useful for budget airlines like Allegiant or SunCountry that only serve regional hubs. Allegiant flies from Mesa, Arizona to Boise for under $50 one-way, whereas getting there on a major airline would be 5x more.
Don’t forget about airlines like Jetstar in Asia/Pacific and Volaris in Mexico. Mixing one of their cheap hops into your itinerary can lead to big savings, even after accounting for additional flights needed to position.
When stitching together budget flights, be sure to budget ample layover time in case of delays. Also check baggage allowances, as the ultra-low cost carriers often charge for both checked bags and carry-ons. Do the math to confirm your savings given those potential fees.
It takes more time and effort than booking directly with one airline. But the trade-off for hundreds of dollars in savings is well worth it for savvy travelers. And the flexibility of an à la carte approach lets you optimize each leg. Why settle for one airline’s schedule when mixing and matching dates and carriers can lead to better timing, airports, and of course fares?
Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Use Alternative Airports to Access Cheaper Flights
Most travelers start their flight search by inputting their home airport and desired destination. While this approach seems logical, it often overlooks nearby airports that can provide huge savings. Expanding your airport search by just 25 or 50 miles can unlock deals that don’t appear for your home base.
Take Atlanta, for example. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the world. Flights in and out are plentiful, but fares from ATL are rarely a steal. Savvy locals know that shopping fares from nearby airports like Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) or Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) can save hundreds.
Flights on the same exact route can vary widely in price depending on the airport. New Yorkers pay a premium to fly internationally out of JFK or Newark. But travelers willing to position to Philadelphia or Hartford have found transatlantic fares for hundreds less. Even a short commuter flight or Amtrak ticket to connect can pay for itself in airfare savings.
The key is searching routes segment by segment. Don’t just look at NYC to London. Look at New York to Philly, Philly to London, London to Philly and Philly back to New York. Run the numbers including connections before ruling anything out.
West Coast residents have been known to drive or take the train to Palm Springs or Las Vegas first to get cheaper fares abroad from these secondary airports. East Coasters sometimes position through Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) or Providence's T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) to access deals not offered from the crowded Northeast hubs.
International travelers should consider regional airports when visiting popular tourist cities. Flights into Paris' Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) are often hundreds more than flying into Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA) 70 miles outside the city. A short shuttle bus ride delivers substantial savings. Trains also connect many alternate airports to city centers quickly and affordably.
Even different airports serving the same metro area can have major fare differences. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) flights are consistently higher priced than comparable routes from Oakland International Airport (OAK) across the Bay. Savvy travelers don't limit themselves to one airport — they check pricing from all options in a region.
Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Find package deals that include airfare and lodging
The allure of a one-stop shop for booking flights and hotels is undeniable. Yet many travelers fail to realize how heavily package deals can slash trip costs. By bundling both major travel expenses into a single booking, you gain negotiating leverage that summons significant savings. This holistic approach creates opportunities not visible when viewing airfare and lodging separately.
Avid travelers like Michael and Rebecca swear by packages for adventures abroad. A trip to Spain last spring found the couple initially pricing flights and hotels at around $2,000 total for their week-long getaway. Separately, the airfare quotes were $800 roundtrip and hotels were $150/night in the locations on their Spanish itinerary.
Yet a flash sale package on HolidayPirates bundled roundtrip airfare and 7 nights hotel into a too-good-to-be-true $980 package. They expected hidden fees or a shoddy hotel given the drastic reduction, but it exceeded expectations with a 4-star property steps from Barcelona's prime attractions.
Intrepid explorers Eric and Samantha trumpet the merits of packaging as well. A 2-week journey through Thailand was full of surprises thanks to an air inclusive package from Gate1Travel. The deal offered flights from Los Angeles and 10 nights hotels for just under $1000 per person.
They visited highlights like Bangkok and Phuket while staying in deluxe 4-star hotels. With the savings, they were able to splurge on a 3-day extension to Siem Reap, Cambodia to see Angkor Wat. The package opened the doors to this incredible detour that would've otherwise bust their budget.
From frequent travelers to occasional vacationers, the package advantage persists. By bundling multiple travel elements, you create economies of scale that transform good deals into great ones. Savvy travelers check packaging sites like HolidayPirates and Secret Escapes first when planning more complex itineraries.
Even general online travel agencies like Expedia or Priceline spotlight package discounts not visible when pricing just one element. Partnerships, bulk buying power and creative negotiation all enable package providers to deliver deals you simply can't find piecing together a trip solo.
Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Travel in the off-season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Skipping the peak tourist season is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to save on travel costs and avoid crowds. By shifting your dates a few weeks or months, you gain access to substantial airfare and lodging discounts that let you stretch your budget further. For travelers with flexible schedules, traveling during shoulder and off-seasons unlocks huge value.
Mark and Katie, a retired couple from Michigan, plan all their big trips for fall through early spring. A 3-week Australian adventure in October encountered ideal weather with highs in the 70s, little rainfall, and no bushfire smoke. Better still, flight and hotel prices were slashed 30-50% compared to peak season.
By basing themselves in apartments with kitchens, they kept food costs low by self-catering. The savings from traveling in Australia’s shoulder season let them splurge on tours, cruises, and other once-in-a-lifetime experiences Down Under. “We saw it all, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Center Outback,” Mark said. “Saving on basics like flights meant we had plenty left over for memorable excursions.”
Jen and Greg, a couple from Chicago, used the same off-season strategy for an epic 2-week Italian getaway in late October. “Between our jobs as teachers and having kids, summer travel isn’t an option,” Jen said. “But traveling in late fall was magical – the summer crowds were gone, temperatures were still mild, and everything from museums to hotels were uncrowded.”
By traveling just weeks after peak season ended, they estimated saving $800 each on airfares and hotels. That meant they could indulge in foodie experiences like wine tastings in Tuscany and private cooking classes in Rome. “Eating our way through Italy was a highlight, and the money we saved on basics made it possible,”
said Greg.
Ashley, a new mom from Seattle, used the off-season advantage for a 10-day spring trip to Paris last May. “I don’t get a lot of vacation time, so I try to maximize each trip,” she said. By traveling before Memorial Day, she took advantage of low pre-summer airfares and hotel rates. Her savings translated into affordability that let Ashley and her husband enjoy memorable food and even a family photoshoot.
“Paris was so magical in spring – the chestnut trees were blooming and the city felt so alive,” said Ashley. “Saving on airfare and lodging was huge for us. It meant we had money left over for splurges like hiring a photographer to capture our family.”
Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Get creative with multi-city itineraries
Multi-city itineraries unlock savings and experiences that basic roundtrips just can’t match. By piecing together flights that don’t normally connect, you gain flexibility to discover hidden gems and optimize pricing. Travelers willing to transit through multiple cities on a journey can benefit from significantly lower fares than forcing a simple outbound and return.
Samantha, a freelance journalist from San Francisco, used this multi-city approach to plan an epic 2-month backpacking adventure across Southeast Asia. Starting on the west coast in Bangkok, she made stops in Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap before ending in Singapore.
Rather than an inefficient out and back or convoluted circle trip, Samantha plotted a routing that bounced from highlight to highlight. Regional budget airlines like AirAsia and VietJet made the connections affordable and accessible. By breaking the trip into segments, she also took advantage of heavily discounted one-way fares that kept costs low.
“I loved how the multi-city approach let me focus each destination without needless backtracking or revisiting places,” she said. “I tried to limit travel days to just 2 per week, spending 5 days at each spot. And not locking myself into a set return date meant I could extend stays if I was really loving a new place.”
Eric and Anne, a couple from Denver, swear by the multi-city method for maximizing their limited vacation days. “With just two weeks off work, we have to make every day count,” Eric explained. For an epic Italian honeymoon, they started in Milan, stopped in Florence, continued to Naples, then finished their trip in Rome.
“Multi-city flights were way cheaper than an open jaw would have been,” Anne said. “It was also nice knowing we just had to get to the next stop without worrying about returning to a set departure point.” The flexibility of not booking a roundtrip allowed them to slow travel between cities, taking trains and stopping in smaller towns along the way.
Multi-city approaches also work well for travelers looking to combine a major destination with a “side quest” somewhere totally different. Mark, a Los Angeles based foodie, plotted the ultimate multi-city gastro adventure last fall. He started in LA, then stopped in Copenhagen, continued to Tokyo, jumped to Singapore, and finally returned home after an incredible 23 day journey.
“I was able to really take advantage of airline discounts by not limiting myself to a simple roundtrip booking,” Mark explained. “And not feeling tied to a return date meant I could be spontaneous and go with the flow once on the ground. That agility let me take detours to amazing places, all while keeping costs low.”
Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Leverage points and miles for free flights
For frequent flyers, racking up points and miles with loyalty programs opens the door to complimentary flights and dream redemptions. Even infrequent travelers can cash in small balances to offset the cost of award bookings. Getting to know the ins and outs of airline and hotel programs helps you maximize every mile earned.
James, an accountant from Minneapolis, uses his mileage balances to subsidize two big trips every year. “By staying loyal to Delta and Marriott brands, I earn enough points on my routine business travel to take the whole family to Hawaii or the Caribbean once or twice annually.” Even earning at basic membership levels nets him free flights or hotel nights to lower the cash cost of these vacations.
Anne and Mark, a retired couple in Florida, love exploring Europe on a mix of cash bookings and points redemptions. “We’re all about travel hacking,” Mark said. “Using credit card bonuses and signup offers definitely helps us bank miles fast.” Transferring points between their Chase Ultimate Rewards and United MileagePlus accounts opens up additional redemption options.
For a 3-week Baltic and Nordic cruise this summer, they redeemed United miles for roundtrip flights to Copenhagen. Since the cruise ended in Stockholm, positioning flights would have been costly. Mileage redemptions cut their upfront costs and simplified the logistics. “With free flights, we could really splurge on excursions and drinks packages aboard the ship,” said Anne.
Even small mileage balances can make a difference, especially for budget-conscious travelers. College roommates Megan and Priya only fly a few times per year but always save up frequent flyer miles. “Using our points from various airline shopping portals helped knock almost $100 off each of our tickets for a Labor Day trip to Charleston last fall,” Megan said.
Every mile counted for the grad students working with limited vacation budgets. Their creative approach let them enjoy an affordable city getaway using rewards earned from everyday purchases. “We’re already saving up our miles again for our next girls’ trip on the cheap,” Priya added.
Flying Under the Radar: Tracking Down Deals to Hidden Gem Destinations - Consider road trips to nearby underrated spots
Road trips unlock affordable access to underrated destinations hidden in plain sight. By venturing just a few hours from home, previously overlooked gems become viable long weekend escapes. Driving opens flexibility to chart your own journey, creating space for rewarding detours.
Katie and Tyler, a Nashville couple, stumbled upon serendipitous exploration on a long weekend road trip to Asheville, North Carolina. “We hadn’t heard much about the area but wanted an easy mountain getaway from Tennessee,” Katie said. The beauty of self-driving meant they could be spontaneous and Activity pivot based on recommendations from locals along their route.
A chance lunch stop in Knoxville turned into an overnight stay to enjoy the charming Old City neighborhood and Market Square scene. In Asheville, they stretched their trip by booking cozy cabins on Airbnb. “Being on our own timeline meant we could really slow down,” said Tyler. “We went hiking, enjoyed breweries, browsed the amazing art galleries, and even did a foraging tour to hunt mushrooms.”
An impromptu detour on the drive home led them to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “The chance to explore America’s most visited national park was incredible,” Katie said. “We never would have experienced its beauty on a short flight trip.” She credits the flexibility of a road trip for opening her eyes beyond mainstream destinations.
Mark and Anne, a Washington DC couple, avoid crowded beach trips in favor of road trip roulette. “We like to drive 5-6 hours in any direction and see what we discover,” Mark said. Weekend getaways have uncovered charming towns like Charlottesville, Virginia and Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.
“We use tools like Roadtrippers to find interesting stops, but some of the best moments come from taking the road less traveled,” he continued. Their sense of adventure means every trip unlocks new places worth revisiting. Anne recommends road trips as an affordable way to still travel close to home with kids. “Adding just one overnight can make even a familiar regional destination feel special,” she said.