5 Simple Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Europe

In my blog, I am collecting the best destinations in Europe. I would like to thank all of my new followers from overseas, who are now the majority. You help me keep this blog running.

To make your trip to Europe easier, I have invited a guest blogger from New Zealand – Cloe Matheson. She will give you some tips for finding cheap flights to Europe. The tips also would be useful for flights outside Europe. From now on, Cloe:

Simple and Easy Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Europe

Europe never seems to lose its appeal to visitors, and even if you’re as far away from this spectacular continent as you possibly can be, it’s still possible to find relatively cheap flights if you know what you’re looking for.

The internet has made it easier than ever to find incredible deals on everything travel-related: cheap flights, hotels, and tours can all be booked with ease.  Try the following easy tips to bag your next cheap flight and get ready to explore Europe:

1. Be prepared to compromise

Perhaps you want to go to Paris, but the only reasonably-priced flights to Europe from your area land in London. Plenty of European cities like these two are cheaply connected by budget airlines, and if you’re willing to take a bus or a train between destinations, your options are even better than if you’re only open to flying.

For example, a plane from Athens to Rome can be as low as 30 Eur. Even if you were to land in Athens, you’d easily be able to make it to your final destination without the huge extra expense.

Athens, Greece

2. Use flight aggregators – wisely

Skyscanner and other flight aggregators are useful tools to have access to when you’re planning a trip, but they’re not always 100% accurate. Often, users find the price of their dreams, but when they go to the airline’s website, the cost of their flight has mysteriously risen. Use aggregators to search, but check on individual airlines’ websites, too – sometimes they offer deals or discount codes that aren’t easily noticed when searching flights in bulk.

Some users also report increases in price when searching for the same flights more than once – so it may be wise to browse in incognito mode when you’re browsing and booking.

3. Set up airfare alerts

Many airlines and phone apps offer the option of setting up alerts, so when flights to your destination are in your price range, you’re immediately notified. This can be a passive way of keeping yourself informed on flight prices, and the concept works well as long as you’re not in any rush to book. Try several different airlines and apps so you can be sure you’re not missing anything.

4. Visit during the off-season

Travel-related costs are almost always cheaper outside the major tourist seasons (generally the summer months in most of Europe, or winter for ski areas). If you’re willing and able to commit to dates when others will likely be studying or working, you’ll often find much more affordable flights.

Famous Troll’s Tongue in Norway during the off-season. Cheaper and fewer people.

Depending on your main reasons for traveling to Europe, visiting during the off-season can even be more pleasant: while you might not be able to swim as often, you’ll also be able to avoid jostling hordes of other tourists on those sticky 35°C days.

5. Sign up for a credit card with a rewards program

This one should be undertaken with caution – if you’re not great with money, don’t sign up for a credit card without serious consideration. However, if you’re good at managing your finances, signing up for a credit card with travel miles can be a great way to earn flights that are cheap or even free.

 Use the card solely to pay for things you would buy anyway, such as groceries, and pay it off in full each month. You may be surprised at how quickly the miles add up!

Europe’s not as far away as it might feel, no matter where you are in the world. Being flexible will help to get you to the continent of fine wine and iconic ancient landmarks without the expense. Bon voyage!

Author’s bio

Cloe Matheson is a freelance writer from beautiful New Zealand. When she’s not writing articles for various blogs, sites and local business; she’s most likely in a cafe enjoying a cup of coffee with a slice of chocolate goodness. Read more about Cloe’s adventures in her blog.

Examples of Cloe’s work:
How to Enjoy Food When You Travel Without Feeling Guilty
How to Pack for the Perfect Deia Holiday

 

Further reading

Here I will provide some links to help you choose the best spots in Europe. First of all, check out my Best of Europe series. I write about the best places I’ve been to and I ask travel bloggers to do the same. Basically, experienced travelers share their best!

For a general guide, that goes beyond flights check out this Euro trip planner.

To get an overview of nature – check out this post about nature in Central Europe.

If you are planning to go on a travel van, I have made an interview with a friend from the Netherlands, he got around the whole of Europe on RV.

A fellow travel blogger has created a list of best street food in Europe.

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