Traveling to Europe is a dream for many Americans. From the beautiful cities of Paris and Rome to the quaint countryside villages of Germany and Spain, there is so much to explore and experience in Europe. However, one of the biggest obstacles for many travelers is the cost of airfare. Flights to Europe can be expensive, but with some tips, tricks, and flexibility, you can find cheap airfare to Europe from the United States. Let’s look at seven strategies to help you save money on your next European adventure.
Be flexible with your travel dates and times
One of the most important strategies for finding cheap airfare to Europe is to be flexible with your travel dates and times. The price of flights to Europe can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and even the time of day. For example, flights on weekdays are often cheaper than flights on weekends. In addition, traveling during the off-season, which is typically from November to March, can also save you money. If you’re able to be flexible with your travel dates, use a search engine to compare prices for different dates to find the cheapest options.
Be flexible with your location
Really, your best friend in finding great deals is Google Flights. You can look from your initial location to the entirety of Europe at once and use that to narrow down where (and when) to go. It’s amazing how different the flight prices to different European cities can be–I found a ticket from Baltimore to Barcelona for $350 round trip while a flight to Amsterdam was $845.
Book in the sweet spot
The earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be–to a point. Aim to book your flight at least three months in advance, and even earlier if you’re traveling during peak season. By booking in advance, you’ll have more options and better prices to choose from. However, if you try booking too early, the airlines might not have lower fares available yet, so be wary of booking more than 9 months early unless it’s a screaming deal. In addition, last-minute flights can be significantly more expensive, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Consider alternative airports
Flying to a smaller or less popular airport can sometimes save you money. For example, if you’re flying to Paris, consider flying into Orly Airport instead of Charles de Gaulle Airport. Obviously, using Google Flights will help find these alternate airports! London has 5 international airports near it, so make sure to check them all. Be sure to check prices for nearby airports as well. In addition, consider flying into a city that is a few hours away from your final destination and taking a train or bus to save money.
Look for deals and discounts
Many airlines and travel companies offer discounts and promotions throughout the year. Sign up for email alerts or follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest deals. In addition, some airlines offer student discounts or military discounts. Be sure to check for these discounts when booking your flight.
Be open to layovers
Flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. If you’re not in a rush, consider a layover to save some money. In addition, some airlines offer free stopovers, which allow you to visit another city on your way to your final destination. This can be a great way to save money and see more of Europe.
Use a travel rewards credit card
If you have a travel rewards credit card, you can earn points or miles that can be redeemed for free flights or upgrades. Some travel rewards credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses, which can be a great way to earn points quickly. Be sure to compare the benefits and fees of different travel rewards credit cards to find the best one for you.
Conclusion
Traveling to Europe can be an expensive adventure, but with some planning and research, you can find cheap airfare to Europe from the United States. By being flexible with your travel dates and times