The glorious days are approaching and it’s time to book a vacation abroad or in the country in advance. Some tips are good to know, if you want to lighten your budget and enjoy your stay on site.

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Install Google Flights

To find the best flights at unbeatable prices, use the Google Flights search engine. You need to fill in your departure and final destination, along with a set of filters to pay for the best value ticket.
Google Flight offers you an alert system by email or on the Google Now application that warns you when the price of your plane ticket is likely to go up or down. You’ll find a “box” of the best routes at the top of the listing, which offers you the best possible flight options on the route you’re looking for.

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Avoid school vacations

Depending on the day of the week, the price of your ticket may vary. That’s why you should be flexible and sometimes delay your trip by a day or two. The final price can change completely if you change the point of departure and arrival, if you choose stopovers or if you take a more economical means of transportation.
The cheapest way to get to London is by bus. Its price is between 30 and 50 euros, with a 16-hour journey. For the train, you need to save at least 65 euros. Look for the cheapest option for each trip.

Alternative accommodations

There are many alternatives to avoid renting a place to stay that will eat into your budget. Youth hostels can be a good plan for students. However, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is advisable to read the reviews carefully before booking. Check if it is a dormitory or if you prefer a private room. Don’t forget to always carry padlocks with you to ensure the safety of your personal belongings.

For the smart travelers who want to travel the world at a lower cost, you can try couchsurfing. It is an alternative that allows you to stay for free with a local and learn the local language. Woofing is a concept that consists of working on a farm in exchange for room and board. There is also pet-sitting, where you stay in a private home in their absence with the only obligation: to take care of the pets. More adapted to families, home exchange is offered by several sites such as Homeexchange, Intervac or Switchome.

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Doing good for your wallet and the planet

Air travel is the most CO2 intensive mode of transportation, per passenger and per km. That’s why it’s essential to use your own car or to carpool. If you are determined, the bus remains the least expensive means of transportation with companies like Flixbus or Ouibus. The carbon emissions of the bus are 10 times lower than those of the plane. Then, the train also allows you to save a lot of money.

In conclusion, try several flight comparators to find the best price for your plane tickets, to plan your trips and organize your vacations.