When it comes to traveling, one of the questions I get most often from family, friends and readers alike is “How do you do it?” Most people automatically assume that myself and so many other young millennials you see on social media posing in Rome at the Coliseum, or catching a ride in a tuk tuk through the bustling streets of Bangkok are spending our life savings to travel the world. This is absolutely untrue, and if they are; they’re doing it wrong. So far, I’ve managed to travel continuously for years without the help of a travel agent, not belonging to any “travel clubs”, or sacrificing my social life, meals or a roof over my head. By following these simple pieces of advice, here’s how you too can soon be on a plane making your travel dreams a reality.
1) KNOW WHICH SITES TO FOLLOW AND SUBSCRIBE TO
As I’ve stated, I’ve been able to visit more than 50 countries thus far without the help of a certified travel agent. While it is great to have someone else searching for a reasonable flight and accommodations, it’s not always necessary. Following the right sites that constantly post error fares, sales and tips is the most important thing you can do. These sites are the first to know when there’s a glitch in an airline’s system that allows people to book flights at unimaginable prices. Be warned, because of this, the airlines are not guaranteed to honor your fare. However, they more than likely will, and you’ll typically know within 24 hours. Luckily, I’ve yet to have a fare not honored. Two of the sites that I closely follow on social media are Secret Flying and The Flight Deal. There are numerous others out there as well.
Some of the incredible deals I’ve booked over the years include:
- $217 Roundtrip on Etihad Airways from Washington, DC to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- $125 Roundtrip on Copa Airlines from Washington DC to Guatemala City, Guatemala
- $282 Roundtrip on TAP Portugal from New York to Lisbon, Portugal
- $414 Roundtrip on Etihad Airways from New York to Nairobi, Kenya
- $444 Roundtrip on Delta Airlines from Washington, DC to Hong Kong, China
These are just a few. There’s so many other deals I may have missed or passed on that others were able to grab such as $190 from New York to Athens, Greece on Delta Airlines. I’d say the most I’ve ever spent on a flight was about $650 from New York to Bangkok, Thailand and that was by far, not even the cheapest I’ve seen.
2) BE FLEXIBLE
I get it. You want to spend your birthday partying on a yacht in the Dubai marina with 10 of your closest friends. What better way to celebrate another year of life right? Maybe you’ve dreamed of spending your anniversary under the Eiffel Tower holding hands with the one you love. Sounds good, but what if that special day falls during peak travel season and fares are well into the $1000’s for a round trip ticket? Suppose the same ticket was available for less than half that price during a prior or following month? Why pass up the trip of a lifetime simply because the dates don’t align? When these outrageous flight deals pop up, just book it and plan your trip! Unless you’re absolutely adamant about being in a particular place on exact dates, you’re passing up one hell of an opportunity. I never planned on spending Memorial Day Weekend in Guatemala, but when I was alerted of a $125 round trip flight, Guatemala it was. Just go.
Antigua, Guatemala
3) DON’T WAIT ON OTHERS
So now you’ve found this amazing round trip ticket across the globe and you’re ready to go and see the world. You send a group text telling your friends/family and all you get back is “I’ll let you know”, “I’ve never heard of this airline” or “But, where are we going to stay?” BOOK IT! While you’re waiting on them, tons of other travelers are crashing websites, getting confirmations and the airline is quickly learning of their mistake. Within minutes that deal is gone, everybody else is now booking accommodations and excursions and you and your friends are left feeling disappointed. The next few months will be spent scrolling through social media seeing everybody enjoying the trip you missed out on. Those same friends you waited for? They’re still asking questions and making up every possible reason they’re supposedly glad they didn’t go…
“Don’t they have Zika there?”
“What kind of food are they eating?”
“Do the locals even speak English?”
If I had let people and those questions hold me back, I’d still have an empty passport and postponed dreams of someday seeing the world. Time waits for no one and neither do departing flights.
Hopefully these few tips can serve as a starting point for those who are anxious to start traveling, while also inspiring other travelers to continue exploring this amazing place we call earth. What are you waiting for? See you at the gate!
Great info Brian. With the roundtrip
airfare, I assume that you are limited with your departure and return dates. How much time are you able to spend exploring a country when you discover & book the low fares through the ‘glitch’ system?
Thanks for reading Jaye. Honestly, it varies. Normally you have pretty good control over how long you plan to stay. Some deals will require a 7 day trip while others are totally up to you. I’ve seen deals with departure and return dates available for 5-6 months. Google Flights is a great tool for checking the prices of different dates prior to booking as well.
This is great information! So glad I found your blog 🙂
This absolutely blessed my life! Thank you! See you in the air!
Thanks for reading! Glad it could help and yup,see you soon! 😉
Great insight. Thanks Brian!
Wow that is very interesting bro. I am going to take a trip out of the country in 2017 for sure. I will be getting with you to get some more ideas for places to travel to.
Awesome tips. Thanks!
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Excellent tips. I’m quick to jump on a deal for a flight and worry about a hotel later. Any other suggestions besides Flight Deal and Secret Flying??
Thanks Alexis. You can also check out Airfare Spot and Thrifty Traveler. I’d recommend setting it up on Facebook so that the posts from the sites show first on your timeline. That way you won’t miss a good deal when it pops up.
Thanks Brian. Knowledge is power!
This is awesome advice!!! Can’t wait to see what 2017 brings!!! Thank you.
Best post thus far. You are a rock star Brian!
Great post! I can’t wait to utilize these sites and deals.
Flights may be inexpensive. But what about hotel stay? Is that also inexpensive?
Hey Brian I’m trying to go to Dubai sometime before March of next year. It would be my first time ever flying and I don’t want to spend a lot of money. I’m not even sure where to start on the two websites you showed up there. Any help or advice?
Great info! Thanks for sharing ??
I found your blog through @thischicnatural….thanks for the tips. I’m learning to just up and go! Like you stated, waiting on others…you’ll never get there. Another thing i like to do is pay out right then, no payment plans because things come up, life happens….thanks again! safe travels❤
Great information! Thank you for sharing.
Great post man! Will start to check into these sites. I’m sure things may have changed or even new sites and info. Looking forward to your next post!