Planning a trip can be exciting, but it can also become a bit overwhelming—especially when booking multiple flights for a multi-destination itinerary or coordinating travel for friends departing from different cities. This is where using tools like Google Flight Tracker and enlisting the help of a travel advisor can make a world of difference. In this blog, we’ll cover how to use Google Flight Tracker effectively, the best times to book flights, whether you should pay with points or cash, and why working with a travel advisor is invaluable for complex travel plans.

How to Use Google Flight Tracker

Google Flight Tracker simplifies the process of finding the best flight deals. Here’s a quick guide on how to use it:

1. Go to Google Flights: Head to Google Flights and enter your travel information.
2. Track Prices: Use the “Track Prices” feature to receive notifications about any changes in the price of flights you’re considering. This feature is especially helpful if you’re booking far in advance or need to keep an eye on multiple routes.
3. Flexible Dates: If you have flexibility with your travel dates, Google Flights allows you to see which days are the cheapest to fly, giving you the power to make more cost-effective decisions.
4. Filter Flights: You can filter flights based on various factors, such as price, stops, airlines, and flight duration, ensuring you find the best options for your preferences and budget.
5. Price Insights: The tool also gives you insights into whether the current price is typical, high, or low for the route, helping you decide when to book.

Feature Highlights

• Track Prices: Get notified about price changes for flights you’re watching.
• Flexible Dates: View a calendar with fare insights to find the cheapest days to travel.
• Price Trends: Spot high, low, and typical prices for your chosen routes.
• Filters: Narrow your options based on airlines, stops, and more.

Best Time to Book Flights

For international travel, you want to be strategic with your timing:

• 6-12 Months in Advance: If possible, book international flights early to take advantage of lower fares.
• Midweek Flights: Flying midweek, typically on Tuesday or Wednesday, often yields cheaper fares compared to weekends.
• Shoulder Seasons: Booking during the shoulder season (just before or after peak travel times) can result in significant savings. For example, Europe is often more affordable in April-May or September-October.
• Avoid Last-Minute Booking: International flights tend to rise in price closer to the departure date, so it’s best to avoid waiting until the last minute.

For domestic flights, the booking window is shorter:

• 1-3 Months in Advance: The sweet spot for booking domestic flights is usually about 1-3 months ahead.
• Midweek is Best: Similar to international flights, flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays generally offers the best savings.
• Holidays Drive Prices Up: Around holidays, flight prices spike, so book as early as possible if you’re traveling during peak periods.

Points or Cash? When to Use Each

Scenario	Use Points	Use Cash
Expensive international flights	✔
Low-cost domestic flights		✔
High-value redemption rates (1.5¢+)	✔
Limited points or small price gaps		✔

• Points for High-Value Flights: If your points give you a redemption rate of 1.5 cents or more per point, it’s often worth using them, especially for international flights or premium cabins.
• Cash for Cheaper Flights: For inexpensive domestic flights, it might make more sense to pay cash and save your points for higher-value redemptions.
• Look for Points Promotions: Sometimes airlines or credit card companies offer promotions where you can buy points at a discount or get bonus points, giving you more flexibility with your bookings.
• Always Compare: Before committing to points or cash, divide the cash price by the number of points required to see what your points are worth. If the value is higher than 1.5-2 cents per point, it’s likely worth using points.

Booking Direct vs. Using Third-Party Sites

Booking Direct	Third-Party Sites
Easier to make changes	Often offers bundle deals (flight + hotel)
Loyalty perks like upgrades or miles	Convenient for comparing multiple options
Ideal for straightforward itineraries	Better for cost-saving bundles

• Booking Directly with Airlines:
  • Pros: Easier customer service, access to frequent flyer benefits, and direct communication with the airline if changes or cancellations are needed.
  • Cons: You may miss out on exclusive discounts or bundle deals found on third-party sites.
• Booking Through Third-Party Sites:
  • Pros: Third-party sites like Priceline or Expedia often offer lower prices or bundling options (such as flights + hotels) that can save you money. They also provide a convenient way to compare prices across airlines.
  • Cons: It can be trickier to manage changes or cancellations, and you might miss out on perks like frequent flyer miles or upgrades that come with booking directly.

The Benefits of Using a Travel Advisor for Multi-Destination Trips or Group Travel

When planning a more complex trip—whether it’s multi-destination travel or coordinating a group with different departure points—a travel advisor can be your best ally. Here’s why:

• Customized Itineraries: Travel advisors can build customized itineraries that fit your specific needs, including multi-city or multi-country trips. They ensure your travel plans flow smoothly, from coordinating flights to arranging activities and accommodations.
• Streamlined Group Coordination: When friends or family are traveling together but departing from different cities, a travel advisor can help coordinate everyone’s flights to ensure you all arrive at the same destination around the same time. They can also assist with seat assignments, shared transfers, and group discounts.
• Access to Exclusive Deals: Advisors often have access to exclusive deals, upgrades, or bundled packages that you won’t find online. Whether it’s discounted first-class tickets, a free hotel upgrade, or special amenities, they can add value to your trip that you wouldn’t get from self-booking.
• Expert Knowledge and Insider Tips: A travel advisor knows the best times to book, the most efficient routes, and can provide insider tips on destinations. They can also suggest off-the-beaten-path experiences or recommend accommodations that fit your group’s travel style.
• 24/7 Support: If something goes wrong—like a flight delay or cancellation—a travel advisor can help you rebook quickly and without hassle. This is especially important for multi-destination trips, where a single delay can derail your entire plan.
• Time Savings: Planning a complex trip takes time, from researching flights to comparing accommodation options. A travel advisor takes that burden off your plate, giving you more time to enjoy the anticipation of your journey instead of stressing over the details.

Conclusion

Using Google Flight Tracker is a great way to monitor flight prices and find the best deals, especially if you’re booking early or tracking multiple routes. For international flights, plan to book several months in advance, while domestic flights have a shorter booking window. Deciding whether to use points or cash should depend on the value you’re getting per point, and while booking directly with airlines offers peace of mind, third-party sites can sometimes offer better prices.

For more complex trips, like multi-destination travel or group travel with friends departing from different cities, a travel advisor brings invaluable expertise and convenience. From saving you time to providing access to exclusive perks, working with a travel advisor can transform a complicated travel plan into a seamless adventure.

Happy planning, and may your next trip be your best one yet!

Pro Tip: The Least Expensive Day to Travel

When it comes to scoring the best flight deals, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the least expensive days to fly. Most airlines release fare sales early in the week, and midweek flights tend to have less demand compared to weekend travel. This often translates into lower ticket prices. If your schedule allows for flexibility, aim to book your flights departing on these days for significant savings.

By planning your travel around these cheaper midweek options, you can stretch your budget further—whether that means upgrading your hotel or enjoying more activities during your trip!