As we approach the end of the year (um seriously, where did the time go!?) chances are, you’re starting to think about what’s on the cards for 2019. And if you’re anything like us, travel features high on that agenda. That poses two questions. 1) where am I going to go in 2019 and 2) how the heck am I going to afford to go there? Don’t worry, girl, we’ve got you covered on both counts. Read on for the top 2019 travel destinations you need to know about and how you can find cheap flights there with the help of our friends over at Dollar Flight Club who are guaranteed to help save you a penny or two.
The top travel destinations of 2019
Marrakesh, Morocco
Chances are, you’ve seen this historical city around a lot more on your Instagram feed lately. It’s no coincidence—it’s become quite the travel hot spot, due to its photogenic apricot-hued buildings, bustling souks (markets) and awe-inspiring mosques.
Kauai, Hawaii
For those who want to experience the breathtaking scenery and chilled Hawaiian lifestyle away from the hordes of tourists, Kauai is a must-visit. You’ll want to get in quick, though, as searches for the ‘other’, more rugged island is on the rise!
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Move over, Lisbon and Porto. This city on São Miguel Island is set to take centre stage in 2019, thanks to its lush greenery, rich history and plentiful lakes, craters and thermal pools.
Austin, Texas
While Texas was once known almost exclusively for country music, it’s capital, Austin, has transformed into something of a trendy metropolis. Sure, it’s still the live music capital of the world, but you’re just as likely to find healthy brunch spots and cool bars in this vibrant city.
Hokkaido, Japan
Yep, believe it or not, this place is real. Boasting colourful, patchwork fields in spring and snow-capped mountain ranges and thermal springs in winter, the Northern Japanese island of Hokkaido is spectacular all year round.
Estonia
Not only was this charming Baltic nation voted one of the healthiest places in the world, they’re about to introduce a digital nomad visa to entice digital-savvy millennials. Whether you’re looking to relocate to Europe or just come for a visit, Estonia deserves a spot on any 2019 travel list.
Laos
While tourists tend to flock to its neighbours, Cambodia and Thailand, Laos is putting itself on the map—with tourism set to explode to more than 6 million annual visitors by 2020. From the rugged mountain ranges and pristine beaches to the French Colonial architecture and Buddhist monasteries, there’s no shortage of awesome reasons to visit.
Okay, so now that you know where to go, the next question is—how are you going to afford to get there? Read on for 5 hacks for finding cheap flights to the must-visit destinations of 2019.
5 hacks to find cheap flights
1. Be flexible with travel dates
Take it from someone who once paid $1000 to fly from Sydney to Darwin (both cities in Australia) with a budget airline—nobody ever scored the cheapest flight deals by booking for a specific date at the last minute. Your best bet is to start looking for flight options to your destination at least 2 to 3 months before you want to leave. It also helps if you’re open to travelling to places in the off-season. For example, it’s much cheaper to fly from Australia to Hawaii in their ‘winter’ and it’s still around 25 degrees.
It also pays to be flexible with the days of the week you fly on. It’s always much cheaper to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday than on a Friday or Sunday.
2. Be flexible with airports
Thinking outside the box when it comes to your route can save you bucketloads of cash. Make sure you check all of the airports around both your departure and arrival city to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal. It’s also worth noting that in Europe, there are lots of extremely cheaper budget airlines, so it’s worth checking whether it’s cheap to fly into a different airport, before making your way to your destination. Flights with longer stop-overs also tend to be cheaper, and they’re a great way to experience a different destination beyond just the airport!
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3. Sign up for fare alerts
Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner and Momondo make it easy to find cheap flights. However, it can be time-consuming and stressful constantly having to search for the best deals. Your best bet is to sign up to a newsletter like Dollar Flight Club, which sends the best international flight deals straight to your inbox. You can also use the aforementioned website to sign up for alerts for fares on the specific place you want to travel.
4. Know your ranges
So, you’ve found a flight that seems crazy cheap and it expires in 24 hours. You don’t want to miss out, but you’re left wondering if it’s really the best possible deal you can get. Dollar Flight Club have put together a handy guide, which you can check out here. It’s also worth knowing what the ranges are for a good deal to your destination.
Bonus tip: Always clear your cookies or use an incognito browser when searching for flight deals, as Google can remember the previous rates and show them to you instead of the new deals.
5. Look for mistakes
Here’s the thing: airlines sometimes make mistakes when listing fare rates. While it’s not great for them, it’s excellent news for us— as they have to honour that rate. Think $249 for a round trip from New York to New Zealand. So, how do we find these magical mistake fares? The easiest way is to sign up for Dollar Flight Club, as they spend all day, every day looking for these.
