Cheap International Flights

[burbuja0512]

Hi all - 

Inspired by the cheap domestic flights thread, I wanted to post a few tips that I've picked up from my 100-200k miles a year that I travel internationally.   

• Don't go to Europe in the summer.   Just don't do it.
  
• If you do go to Europe in the summer, consider non-traditional destinations in Eastern Europe.  
  
• Major destinations in Europe like Paris or London are MUCH, MUCH better starting in October and through February.
  
• No, it's not a secret to do a "bumper season" trip to Europe in April or September.  Your savings and enjoyment levels will be only minimally better.   Just put on a scarf and do it in Feb or October.   For many of us in the US, the temperatures are brisk, but not too cold during those months.   If you're from Florida, yes, you may get uncomfortable, but not too bad.
  
• Have a bucket list of vacation destinations and several dates that you can go.   This way, you can check multiple locations and multiple dates to find the absolute best deal.  
  
• Look outside of traditional destinations.   My best adventure vacation ever was Mongolia!  
  
• Weigh the cost of cheap airfare against the cost of living in the country.   The aforementioned trip to Mongolia was very expensive from a flight perspective, but once in the country, everything was dirt cheap.   Hubby and I got an AirBnB in a yurt in the middle of the steppes of Central Asia with all meals and entertainment included for under $100/day.  
  
• Also count your time standing in lines as wasted money.    Tokyo is an expensive flight and not a bargain to stay in, but it's not a huge travel destination for westerners.  If you pick the right month, you can go anywhere and do anything without too much wasted time.   Except Disney.   (But Disney by the Sea in Tokyo is the best Disney park in the world, so worth terrible lines IMHO)
  
• Don't stress the cost of a passport.   You only need one every 10 years.  I've seen people jump through hoops to avoid getting a passport and they end up having less fun and spending way more than they could have in a foreign country.
  
• Really think about that AirBnb.   In many countries you can get a Best Western or a Holiday Inn for 60 bucks a day.   AirBnB has given me the coolest experiences ever, but sometimes you arrive exhausted and just want to have someone there to give you local advice.   So, for the charm, do Air BnB but know that there is some risk.   (I have only walked out of one, and that was surprisingly in Iceland)
  
• Does your hotel include breakfast?  9 times out of 10 you will save money this way unless you're certain that you won't eat at the hotel.    
  
• Strongly consider the location of your hotel.   Do you know how much transportation will cost in your destination country?  Is your hotel near a metro station?  Is it even safe to take public transportation?
  
• In countries where Uber is allowed, it is generally cheap and safe, though of course you need to do your local research.  Look also for other local or competitive versions of Uber like Didi.  
  
• Research your food choices ahead of time.   Take advantage of jet lag.   Not hungry for dinner?  Don't eat, but do bring a snack back to the hotel in case you wake up hungry.
  
• Did I mention research your food choices?  Choose your hotel based on proximity not only to transport, but also to shopping centers and convenience store.  You'll be fine in most countries, Asia and Iceland excepted.   
  
• Don't skimp on a guide where needed.  India and China fall into these categories, especially India.   That warrants a whole other post, so I won't go into details unless requested.
  

Ha - got to run to a meeting so that's all I'll post for now.  What are your tips?