Dreaming of a getaway but dreading the high costs?

One minute you can afford it, and the next minute it becomes a little bit too expensive for you; you wonder why the price fluctuates like the stock market. Well, here is the good news:s you can cut the cost of your flights and accommodation, with a better planning style to turn that dream trip into a reality.  

Here is how to get the best deals when you want to travel.

1. Be flexible with your schedule
To travel cheaply, flexibility is a very important rule. Flight prices fluctuate wildly based on the day, month, and even time of day. Fly Mid-Week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often the cheapest days to fly, with savings of up to 20% compared to flying on a Sunday, which is typically the most expensive

2. Utilise search tools
Use websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to compare and view prices across an entire month. This will immediately show you the cheapest days to depart and return. You can also look at it like shopping for flights on a clearance rack.

3. Clear your browsing history
Ever notice that flight prices seem to go up the more you search? That’s because airlines track your browsing history on routes you visited multiple times and adjust prices accordingly. To avoid this sneaky tactic, always search for flights in incognito mode or clear your cookies before browsing. Your wallet will thank you.

How to do it: On Chrome, just hit Ctrl+Shift+N or Cmd+Shift+N on a Mac to open an incognito window.

4. Set Price Alerts
Set up price alerts on your preferred routes using tools like Google Flights or Hopper. You’ll be notified the moment the fare drops, allowing you to snatch up a deal before it disappears.  

5. Mix and match airlines
Who says you have to fly the same airline for your entire journey? Sometimes, booking one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. It requires a bit more research, because the savings is worth it.

Use a tool like Kiwi.com to find the best mix-and-match deals across airlines.

6. Book accommodation early for peak season
If your dates are fixed and you are travelling during a popular time, book your accommodation months in advance.  

7. Hunt for last-minute deals
Make proper use of flexibility, apps like HotelTonight or certain booking sites that can offer you big discounts on empty rooms within a day or two of arrival. Non-refundable rates booked last-minute can also be significantly cheaper.  

8. Look for free cancellation

Book a deal with free cancellation early on, and then continue watching for price drops closer to your date. If the price falls, cancel and rebook again. Smart travel doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure; it means mastering the art of the budget booking