If you’re subscribed to the weekly Nomad Deals newsletter or follow our social media channels, then you’ve almost certainly seen our regular cheap airfare segment showcasing flight deals around the world.
So what’s our secret for finding these bargains?
The trick is to start with the city first, and leave the rest open. Digital nomads have more flexibility to book cheap, one-way flights from their present location, regardless of the date and destination. A few flight search sites contain useful tools for exactly this purpose, but many of these nomad-friendly features remain largely unknown.
Let’s take a closer look at these hidden resources for scoring cheap flights.
Flight search tools
1. Google Explore
Google Flights’ Explore tool provides an excellent visualization of cheap flights from a location and timeframe of your choosing, Simply enter your departure date, travel dates, and budget, and you can also set parameters for bags, duration, airline, price, and the number of stops. An interactive map appears highlighting the best deals. Clicking on any of the destination icons will open a sidebar where you can view specific flight options, as well as expected weather month-to-month, top tourist activities, and travel FAQs.
2. Skyscanner
Flexible travelers can type “Explore everywhere” into Skyscanner’s main search bar and get a full list of the cheapest flights to countries around the world. Like Google, you can set a specified date range or choose a particular month, as well as specify either one-way or direct flights. Skyscanner sorts the results based on price, duration, number of stops, and other factors that you can specify. Clicking on any country will open a new window showing the best flight prices available to all major cities.
3. FlightList
If you’re looking for a full list of individual flights within a specified timeframe, then you ought to check out FlightList. This airfare search tool will show you the best flight deals according to the parameters that you set, including country/region, duration, airline, and more. Unlike Google and Skyscanner, FlightList shows multiple dates and destinations on one visually-pleasing table.
More Flight Hacks
Self-transfer
When flying overseas, you can sometimes save big money by “self-transferring” between two different airlines, rather than booking a connecting flight with a single airline. This hack works by flying directly to a major airport before taking a local budget airline to your final destination.
In one example uncovered by Nomad Deals, the cheapest September 28, 2024 flight from Boston to Guadalajara was $360 one-way on Aeromexico. But by first flying Delta to Cancun for $157 and then self-transferring to a Volaris flight to Guadalajara for $70, a traveler could have saved $133.
Time your booking
In 2024, a study by CheapAir.com analyzed how far in advance you should buy flights in order to get the best price.
As it turns out, a lot depends on your destination. The cheapest tickets to Mexico can be purchased approximately two months in advance, while flights to Europe are best bought more than ten months out. Regarding the best days for travel, the analysis found that Tuesday and Wednesday departures generally save the most money.
Set alerts
Google and Skyscanner both offer tools that monitor flight prices across many airlines and travel websites. When the price drops below your specified threshold or meets other criteria you’ve set, you’ll receive a notification, usually via email or push notification.
Flight prices often fluctuate significantly. By setting alerts, you can be notified when prices drop, allowing you to book flights when they are at their most affordable. This is especially useful for digital nomads and flexible travelers that don’t necessarily need to lock in a specific flight for fixed vacation plans.
Airline email lists
Airlines often send exclusive deals and promotions to their email subscribers, including discounts, flash sales, and limited-time offers. Subscribers often receive early access to sales and promotions, giving you a head start on booking your flights. By leveraging your travel history and preferences, you’re also more likely to receive deals that match your interests.
Master the Art of Flight Booking
The world is your oyster as a digital nomad, but keeping flight costs under control is key to maximizing your travel budget and exploring more destinations. By embracing flexibility and utilizing the resources highlighted here, you can become a pro at unearthing incredible flight deals.
Remember:
- Focus on location first: Explore flight options with open dates and destinations for maximum savings.
- Utilize hidden gems: Google Explore, Skyscanner’s “Explore Everywhere” feature, and FlightList offer powerful tools for finding the cheapest flights.
- Embrace self-transfers: Consider splitting your journey between airlines for potential savings.
- Book strategically: Research ideal booking windows for your target destinations and capitalize on weekday departures.
- Set price alerts: Stay ahead of the game by receiving notifications when prices drop on Google Flights and Skyscanner.
- Join airline email lists: Access exclusive deals and promotions tailored to your travel preferences.
With these strategies in your arsenal, you can book cheap flights and spend more time exploring and working remotely from the world’s most exciting locations. Pack your laptop, embrace the freedom of the digital nomad lifestyle, and get ready to experience the world at a fraction of the cost!
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