As the year turns and new travel goals take shape, one of the biggest questions that pops up is "How can I get the best flight and holiday deals?" Whether you’re dreaming of a quick weekend getaway or a longer holiday, finding affordable flights and holidays is essential. You might have overheard others discussing their trips, or maybe you’ve started researching on your own. The good news is that there are a variety of tools and strategies to help you find the best flight and holiday deals.
If you’re new to the world of travel deals, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. The good news is there are many user-friendly websites and strategies designed to help you score the best prices on flights, hotels, and holidays. Here’s a handy list of the top 10 places to look for deals that will make your holiday planning a breeze.
1. Jacks Flight Club: Exclusive flight deals for flexible travellers
Why use it: If you’re looking for hidden flight deals, Jacks Flight Club is an excellent option. This website sends out alerts about flash sales, error fares, and promotions from airlines. It’s ideal for spontaneous travellers who can adapt their travel dates for the best deals.
2. Kiwi.com: The cheapest flights with flexible routes
Why use it: Kiwi.com is fantastic for finding the cheapest flights, especially if you’re willing to be flexible with your travel dates and routes. It compares prices from a wide range of airlines, so you’ll get options that may not be listed on other sites.
3. Skyscanner: Explore anywhere feature for budget travel
Why use it: Skyscanner’s “Explore Anywhere” feature lets you find the best-priced flights to destinations worldwide. Simply enter your departure airport and dates, and Skyscanner will show you the cheapest options. It’s perfect if you don’t have a set destination in mind.
4. Holiday Pirates: Bargains for UK and International Getaways
Why use it: Holiday Pirates is a must-visit site for holidaymakers looking for deals within the UK and abroad. It curates low-cost offers for flights, package holidays, and hotel stays. You’ll find everything from last-minute deals to long-term discounts.
5. Google Flights: Monitor prices with alerts
Why use it: Google Flights allows you to set up price alerts for specific destinations, helping you track changes in airfares. If the price drops, you’ll be notified instantly, making it easier to book at the right time.
6. Secret Flying: Catch mistake fares and flash deals
Why use it: Secret Flying is a great resource for uncovering mistake fares—those rare, often drastically discounted flights that airlines accidentally list. You’ll also find information on flash sales and other limited-time offers.
7. Airline Newsletters: Get first dibs on promotions
Why use it: Sign up for your favourite airlines’ newsletters to get early access to promotions, discounts, and special offers. Many airlines send out exclusive deals to their email subscribers, so it’s an easy way to stay ahead of the crowd. Some examples include British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
8. Skiplagged: Hidden city ticketing for big savings
Why use it: If you're open to unconventional travel, Skiplagged shows you how to book hidden city tickets, where you can stop at a layover airport instead of continuing to your final destination. This trick can sometimes save you money, but make sure you're okay with the limitations.
9. Booking.com: Compare prices on hotels and rentals
Why use it: Booking.com is one of the easiest websites for booking budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. It allows you to compare prices across various properties and often features special deals for new customers or members of their Genius loyalty programme.
10. Travelzoo: Handpicked deals from trusted sources
Why use it: Travelzoo curates some of the best travel deals from top travel providers worldwide. They offer flight, hotel, and vacation package deals with the added benefit of ensuring the deals are vetted and trustworthy.
Bonus tips for extra savings:
Best times to book promotional deals: New year’s and late summer sales: Based on my experience working on big campaigns for Air France KLM, I can tell you that the best times to look for promotional deals are just after New Year’s and again in late August to September. This is when airlines tend to release their campaigns for the year, including discounted fares to select destinations. However, keep in mind that these promotions may be limited to certain routes and might not always be the cheapest available at the time.
Sign up for loyalty programs: Many airlines and travel brands offer loyalty programmes where you can earn points for every booking. Over time, these points can be redeemed for discounts or free travel perks.
Flexible travel dates: If you don’t mind changing your plans slightly, you can take advantage of lower prices by flying on less popular days or times.
Set price alerts: Many flight search engines and websites allow you to set alerts for your chosen destinations and travel dates. This way, you’ll be notified when prices drop, giving you the chance to book at the best price.
Cautions when booking holiday deals
While the search for travel deals can be exciting, there are a few things to watch out for:
Error fares: Occasionally, airlines list flights at drastically discounted prices due to errors. While these error fares are tempting, it’s important to note that airlines sometimes cancel these bookings or refuse to honour the fare, leaving you out of luck. If you do manage to book an error fare, be prepared for the possibility of being denied boarding or getting a refund instead. It's always best to act quickly when you spot one, but don’t count on it being the final price.
Group deals: Deals from websites like Wowcher are great for group bookings, but if you’re a solo traveller, the costs may not be as beneficial. In some cases, the price per person may end up being higher than booking the same holiday independently.
Additional costs: Keep in mind that low-cost flight deals often come with additional fees, such as baggage charges, seat selection, or cancellation fees. Be sure to calculate these costs before making a booking to ensure the deal is still worth it.
Whether you're looking for flight deals, discounted holiday packages, or the best rates on accommodation, there are plenty of websites and strategies to help you save on your next trip. By staying flexible, setting up price alerts, and signing up for loyalty programmes and newsletters, you’ll be well-equipped to book an affordable holiday. Remember to keep an eye on error fares, watch out for hidden fees, and take advantage of seasonal promotional sales to ensure your trip stays within budget.
Happy travels and good luck with finding the best deals!
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