Hey there, fellow explorers! Are you ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime without emptying your wallet? Well, you’re in luck because today, I’m spilling the beans on one of my favorite travel hacks: using Google Flights to find cheap flights to dreamy destinations around the globe. So buckle up and get ready to unlock your wanderlust!
What is Google Flights?
First things first, let’s talk about what Google Flights is all about. Think of it as your one-stop-shop for all things flight-related. It’s a powerful tool that allows you to search for flights from various airlines and booking sites, compare prices, and find the best deals—all in one convenient place. With Google Flights, the world is quite literally at your fingertips! Find it here.
Setting Your Filters
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of finding those sweet, sweet deals. When you first visit Google Flights, you’ll be greeted with a simple search interface. Enter your departure city, destination, travel dates, and the number of passengers, and you’re ready to start your search.
But wait, there’s more! Google fights also has a treasure trove of filtering options that will help you narrow down your search and find the perfect flight for your budget and preferences. Our most used filters are stops and airlines. Unless we are looking for a far-flug destination like the Maldives, we almost always choose the “1 or fewer” option. We’re not looking to spend more than 24 hours traveling. And the more connections you have, the higher chance that something will go wrong. Lost bag, late flight and missed connection are the things from our nightmares.
We also almost always use the airline filter. If we’re searching for a flight that we know American Airlines flies, I will often start with just that airine selected. We have status with AA and like to fly them whenever possible. We almost always un-select budget airlines like Frontier and Spirit, and especially avoid them for connecting flights.
Exploring Flexible Options
One of the best features of Google Flights is its ability to show you flexible options for your travel dates. Say goodbye to rigid travel plans and hello to flexibility! Simply click on the calendar icon next to your departure date, and you’ll be presented with a handy calendar view showing the prices for flights on different dates. This allows you to easily compare prices and find the cheapest days to fly. Pro tip: If you have some flexibility in your travel dates, consider using the “Flexible dates” option to see even more options for saving money.
Playing with Destinations
Feeling spontaneous? Let your wanderlust lead the way by exploring the “Explore destinations” feature on Google Flights. Simply enter your departure city, and you’ll be presented with a map showing the prices for flights to various destinations around the world. It’s like spinning a globe and letting your finger land on your next adventure! This might be our favorite feature of Google Flights. Having flexibility on dates and destination will help you find some amazing deals! Whether you’re dreaming of eating your way through Italy, or soaking up the sun in Bali, the possibilities are endless.
Tracking Prices and Setting Alerts
Found the perfect flight but not quite ready to book? No problem! Google Flights allows you to track prices and set alerts so you’ll be notified when prices drop or rise for your selected flights. Simply click on the “Track prices” toggle after selecting your flights, and Google Flights will keep an eye on the prices for you. This way, you can snag that bargain when the time is right and make every penny count!
Booking Your Dream Trip
Once you’ve found the perfect flight at the perfect price, it’s time to book your dream trip! With Google Flights, booking is a breeze. Simply click on the flight you want, and you’ll be directed to the airline site where you can complete your purchase. (We recommend always booking directly with the airline. If you encounter any issues, it’s much easier to deal directly with the airline as opposed to the third party OTA.) It’s that easy!
So there you have it, fellow adventurers—my guide to finding cheap flights with Google Flights. With its powerful search capabilities, flexible options, and handy features, Google Flights is your ticket to unlocking wanderlust and exploring the world on a budget. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today and let the journey begin!
