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Packed for Life | Family Travel

✈️ 3 Ways to Save More on Flights This Year & Next

Published 6 months ago • 3 min read

Hey Reader,

Have you got over the sugar coma from Hallowe'een yet? Miss S. got a ridiculous amount of candy. She didn't think my usual plan of taking some to work was a good idea this year lol!

It was also her first year going with just her friends instead of with us parents. Oh, it's starting already, a new era. A bit sad for us, but also interesting to see how she's taking on more independence.

Speaking of new, a new year is coming up, which means travel plans are bubbling in the air. The anticipation.

Flights tend to be a big portion of a vacation budget for families. So I wanted to share with you my top 3 ways to save on flights.

TIP #1 - Use GOING (Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights)

Going is my # 1 cheap flight hack, to save 40 - 90% on flights without having to do all the work. Which for families is amazing.

You can join their free or paid newsletter tiers, set which US airports you want cheap flight alerts for and then click through their links to book directly with the airline. So simple and easy.

I have their Premium Tier which sends timely deals on economy class tickets to destinations I want to watch. Their Elite Tier is if you want to save thousands all their incredible deals on high-class fares.

This is great for people who live in the US or near a US airport.

Read more about how Going works here

TIP #2 - Check out Google Flights & Use their tracker

Flight prices are coming down. YAY! I get excited everytime I get an email notification for Costa Rica & Thailand, the two places we're planning on flying into upcoming trips.

Tips for using Google Flights:

  • Search destinations, not airport - You get info on all airports, and sometimes it's cheaper not to fly into major airports.
  • Use google flights as a research tool & then book directly with the airline
  • Keep an eye on the price info box. It will tell you if the prices are typical, higher or lower than usual.
  • Use the calendar to see which dates are cheaper
  • Use the explore map option to find cheap destinations
  • Set up the price tracking notifications and keep your airport & airline options broad. That will give you a better idea of the best time to book.

Here's a useful article on how to use google flights.

TIP #3 - Collect & Use Reward Travel Points

Travel hacking, or collecting and using reward travel points through credit cards is one of the best ways to travel more often for less. It's easier if you have your partner onboard, working in two player mode to rack up the points.

My Derek isn't super onboard with this option, so while I have an Amex and points, it's slow going.

10x Travel has a great free course that outlines how to do it. While they focus on the US, it does give you a great overview of how it all works. For Canadians, I've been following Prince of Travel.

BONUS TIP: Use RAKUTEN to Save & earn more $$

Using Rakuten is more a strategy to save up more money from every day purchases you're already buying, that can then be used for travel, flights or anything.

They run massive Black Friday & Cyber Monday cash back promotions where you can get up to 15% back on all purchases.

Best part is it's free, easy to use & it keeps track of the best coupon codes which you can use for all your Christmas, travel or winter clothing online shopping.

Extra Bonus: If you use this link to sign up, you'll get $30

Canadian? Sign up here for the $30 bonus

Here's to travelling more for less this year, and next.

Looking for Holiday Gift Ideas? Use these helpful links:

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Packed for Life | Family Travel

Donna Garrison

An ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with my family. I give families the tools to experience the joys of travelling, no matter your budget. Through quick, practical solutions. Join me if you'd like to make more memories confidently travelling with your kids, without straining your finances, going into debt, or feeling like you'd have to sell off a kidney to fund your next vacation.

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