#034: 4 Simple Steps to Save Big on Flights Without Wasting Hours Planning

By: Ryan Greiser, CFP®

Read Time: 3 Minutes

Discover a simple travel hack that can help you find affordable airfare without spending hours on research.

Travel can be expensive, especially when you're looking for elevated experiences. 

But what if you could save big on flights without spending hours planning?

This newsletter will reveal a simple, efficient way to find great airfare deals, answering the pressing question: How can you maximize your travel budget with minimal effort?

The Travel Hack You’ve Been Waiting For

Travel planning often feels like a daunting task, with endless searches and fluctuating prices. Even with my healthy travel budget, I still appreciate value and efficiency in my spending.

Enter Google Travel Explorer. It's a powerful tool that can transform your travel planning process.

Imagine booking a trip to a dream destination at a fraction of the cost, all without the headache of extensive research.

Why This Matters

So, can 4 simple steps using this tool really make that much difference?

The answer is yes.

Google Travel Explorer is not just another trip tool. It’s a powerful resource that, when used correctly, can uncover hidden gems in airfare pricing. 

This method is particularly effective if you have some flexibility in your travel plans, allowing you to find the best deals and explore new destinations.

Four Steps to Secure Your Travel Deal

Now, you’re probably wondering how to implement this hack. Let’s break it down:

1. Open Google Travel Explorer: Start by navigating to Google Travel Explorer in your browser. This is the gateway to finding the best flight deals without hassle.

2. Select Your Departure City: Input your departure city but leave the destination field blank. This step is crucial as it prompts Google to search for the most affordable places to fly based on the dates you’ll provide. 

My family typically flies out of Newark International Airport right outside of New York City.

3. Choose Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, select a range that suits you. The default is “1-week trip in the next six months.” Google will search for the cheapest options within the timeframe you select. This flexibility can unlock significant savings.

We’re looking to book a 1-week trip in August.

4. Explore and Adjust: Review the results on the map, which default to U.S. destinations but can be adjusted to show international options. Fine-tune your search based on preferences like the number of stops, interests, or airlines.

My family, traveling with young children, prefers direct flights and needs to check three bags. Using this method, I found a non-stop round trip for my family of five to Austin for $921 in the first week of August.

That's only $184 per person—an excellent deal to a popular destination.

Maximizing Your Travel Budget

This Google Travel hack is a game-changer for those who want to travel smart.

It’s not just about saving money. It’s about maximizing your travel experiences and getting the most value from every dollar spent.

Whether you're seeking inspiration for a spontaneous getaway or planning a specific trip, this tool simplifies the process and delivers results.

Conclusion

Travel doesn’t have to be a budget-breaking or time-consuming ordeal. With these four simple steps, you can save big on flights and spend more time enjoying your travels. Remember:

• Open Google Travel Explorer
• Select your departure city and leave the destination blank
• Choose your flexible dates
• Explore and adjust based on your preferences

 By following these steps, you can book the trip you’ve been waiting for without the stress and high costs. 

 Happy travels!

Ryan Greiser, CFP®