My Trusted Flight Booking Tools
“Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of platforms to find the best flight deals. To save you time and headaches, I’ve gathered the tools I personally use and trust to plan my travels.”
Kiwi.com
Best for complex itineraries using their unique 'self-transfer' feature. They can find creative routes by combining airlines that don't normally work together.
WayAway
Excellent for earning real money back on your travels. Their "Wayaway Plus" membership offers cashback on flights, hotels, and more. Instead of points, you get actual cash sent to your PayPal.
Traveloka
My go-to choice for trips in Southeast Asia. It's an all-in-one platform that often has the best deals for flights and hotels in destinations like Thailand, Bali, and Singapore.
Popular Destinations
This is the most important first step. Being denied entry because of visa issues can ruin an entire trip. Before booking anything, use a reliable service like iVisa to check the latest entry requirements for your passport.
This is non-negotiable. From unexpected medical emergencies to trip cancellations, insurance is your safety net. I personally use and recommend VisitorsCoverage for their clear and reliable plans.
Avoid shocking roaming fees the moment you land. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that you can install in minutes. My go-to for affordable data in over 200 countries is Airalo.
The last thing you want after a long flight is to haggle with taxis or get scammed. Arranging your ride in advance with a trusted service like Welcome Pickups or KiwiTaxi ensures a stress-free arrival.
Worried about lost bags or finding a place for your luggage after checkout? Use a service like Radical Storage to safely store your bags in local shops and hotels, giving you more freedom to explore.
Flights Map
Generally, yes, but there's a "sweet spot". For international flights, the best prices are often found 3-6 months out. For domestic trips, aim for 1-3 months in advance. Booking too early (over a year) or too late (within a few weeks) usually results in higher prices.
'Self-transfer' means you are booking two separate flights that are not on the same airline alliance. You will need to collect your luggage and check it in again for the next flight. While it can save you a lot of money, Kiwi.com offers a guarantee that protects you if your first flight is delayed and you miss your connection.
Yes, it's a good practice. Some airline and booking sites use browser cookies to track your searches. They might increase the price if they see you are repeatedly searching for a specific route. Using an incognito or private window ensures you see a fresh, unbiased price.
The ticket price is definitely lower, but you need to be careful with extra fees. Budget airlines charge extra for everything: checked luggage, seat selection, and even printing a boarding pass at the airport. If you travel light with only a backpack, they are a fantastic deal. If you have a lot of luggage, compare the final cost with a traditional airline.
A flight aggregator (or metasearch engine) like Wayaway or the tools I recommend is a search engine that doesn't sell tickets itself. Instead, it scans hundreds of online travel agencies and airline websites at once to find the cheapest options for you. It's the most powerful way to compare the market quickly.
