Dive into Deals: Finding Affordable Flights & Hotels
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One of the best-kept secrets to traveling in style without breaking the bank is knowing where to find the deals. For me, discovering services like Thrifty Traveler completely changed the way I plan trips. Whether it’s scoring an incredible flight deal to your dream destination or finding a 5-star hotel for a 3-star price, the right tools and services make all the difference.
In this post, I’ll break down the services and strategies I use to find amazing flight and hotel deals—including Google Flights, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), Expedia, and more—so you can elevate your travels while keeping more money in your wallet.
Thrifty Traveler: The Gateway to Unbeatable Flight Deals
If you’re not already following Thrifty Traveler, you’re missing out. This service is a game-changer when it comes to finding incredible airfare deals.
Here’s what makes it so valuable:
Fare Alerts: With a subscription to Thrifty Traveler Premium, you’ll get instant alerts for insanely low airfare deals (like international flights for under $500 roundtrip or domestic flights for $99).
Points and Miles Opportunities: They don’t just show you cash fares—they also highlight when you can book deals with points and miles, maximizing your rewards.
Delta Hub Perks: Since I live in a Delta hub city (Minneapolis), Thrifty Traveler frequently highlights deals from my local airport, which makes finding the best deals even easier.
Whether you’re flexible with dates or have a specific destination in mind, Thrifty Traveler simplifies the process of finding the perfect flight.
TIP: Use my referral link, and get $20 off your first year of premium flight and/or hotel alerts!
Google Flights Alerts: The Power of Automation
Google Flights is another essential tool in my travel planning arsenal. It’s simple, powerful, and perfect for finding deals on your own terms.
How I use it:
Price Alerts: Set up alerts for your desired route, and Google will notify you when prices drop. This is perfect for travelers with specific destinations and dates in mind.
Explore Tool: If you’re flexible on where you go, the Explore tool shows you the best prices for destinations around the world, based on your departure city.
Historical Data: Google Flights will even tell you if the current price is low, average, or high based on historical trends, so you know when to book.
Pro Tip: Once you find a deal on Google Flights, book directly with the airline for better customer service and easier changes if needed.
Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights): Flight Deals Sent Straight to You
Going is another great service for finding amazing flight deals, especially if you don’t want to spend hours searching yourself.
Why I love it:
Customizable Alerts: Choose your departure airport and let Going do the work of finding the deals.
Insanely Cheap Flights: They often highlight “mistake fares” or limited-time sales where flights are dramatically lower than normal.
Free vs. Premium: The free tier is great for casual travelers, while the premium subscription unlocks more frequent deals and premium cabin alerts.
I’ve found some amazing international deals with Going, including roundtrip flights to Europe for under $400. It’s a must-have tool for budget-conscious travelers who want to fly in style.
Google Hotels & Expedia: Finding the Best Stay for Less
When it comes to hotels, Google Hotels and Expedia are two of my go-to platforms for comparison shopping and unlocking great deals.
Google Hotels:
Google’s hotel search is simple and streamlined. It aggregates prices from various booking platforms, showing you the lowest rates available.
Filters: Narrow down your options by star rating, guest reviews, and location to find the perfect fit.
Price Trends: Like Google Flights, it gives you an idea of whether the current rate is a good deal or if you should wait.
With Expedia Rewards, you can earn points on every booking—whether it’s a hotel, flight, or car rental—and redeem them for future stays.
VIP Access Hotels: Once you reach Expedia’s Silver or Gold status, you gain access to perks like free upgrades, late checkout, and complimentary amenities at participating properties.
Bundling Discounts: Expedia often offers discounts when you bundle your hotel and flight, making it a great option for planning trips all in one place.
Both tools are perfect for finding the best price on your stay, whether you’re booking a luxury hotel or something more budget-friendly. Plus, Expedia’s rewards system makes it an excellent choice for free agents who want to earn benefits without committing to a single hotel chain.
Final Thoughts
Finding incredible flight and hotel deals isn’t just about saving money—it’s about traveling smarter. Services like Thrifty Traveler, Google Flights, and Going have made it easier than ever to find affordable airfare, while tools like Google Hotels and Expedia help you score great deals on accommodations.
Whether you’re planning a bucket list trip or a quick weekend getaway, these strategies will help you elevate your travel experience without blowing your budget. So start exploring, stay flexible, and let the deals come to you—you’ll be surprised at just how far your travel dollars can go.
