How to find cheap flights. Tips, strategies for traveling on a budget

Nothing beats a getaway. Whether you are jet-setting to a far-off destination or catching a quick flight to see family, changing your surroundings can feel great.

What is not so great, however, is the cost of traveling. Airfare can be the most expensive part of a trip. Trying to save money can seem impossible, and you may ask yourself, “How do I find cheap flights?”

But there are ways to book a flight without breaking your budget.

Instead of getting overwhelmed with the planning process and canceling your travels before they even begin, consider the following to help find cheap flights easily.

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How to find cheap flights

The first rule of finding cheap flights is to be flexible with your travels. While you may want to stick to a strict schedule, this does not help when it comes to pricing.

When people travel, they often select their destination and dates of travel before checking pricing. To find the cheapest flights, you have to reverse that process.

Start by checking applications and sites like Google Flights, Hopper and Skyscanner to see what prices are for your preferred travel locations. From there, you can see what dates have the cheapest options.

Also, try to book in advance. Do not wait until the last minute to schedule. Around two to three months in advance is the best time to book a flight. If you plan to travel during peak times, such as holidays, around five months is better.

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What are the best days to book a flight?

There is no exact best day to book a flight, but there are days considered better than others. Fridays and Mondays tend to be more expensive since that is when most business travelers fly, according to Nomadic Matt.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are usually the cheapest days to travel on, according to Scott’s Cheap Flights.

There are also no specific days that flights will be cheaper. Cheap flights can pop up at any time.

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Tips for cheap flights

While it may feel customary to go to carriers like United or American, do not be afraid to try out budget airlines. From Southwest to Frontier Airlines, there are plenty of alternatives to the name brands, which could be more expensive.