Saving on the big ticket items -air.

Now that you have selected a destination, it's necessary to get there inexpensively.  For our purposes here, we'll assume that flying is your transportation of choice.   Of course there is more than one way to start so I'll make a few suggestions.
Initially you should look at your time frame and know your limitations.  The more flexible you are the better your chances of finding lower airfares..  Basically the following will affect the price of your ticket:

Timing
Are you traveling in high or low season? Although prices are lower in the off season, you'll find deals on charters and from consolidators in high season.
How long are you staying? Minimum and maximum stay restrictions often are conditions for special fares.
Which days of the week are you flying? - While weekend departures usually carry a surcharge, there are those
great weekend saver fares is you can fly on short notice.
How soon do you need to fly?  Some tickets require a 21 day advance, others are for last minute travel only.

Destination
same with timing -know if it is high or low season
How far away is it?  A destination halfway around the world costs more than one 1000 miles away.
How many airlines fly there?  If there is only one, they may charge what the market will bear..
How accessible is it? A remote destination will likely cost significantly more and not offer specials.
 

What else can be useful for reducing air costs?
Frequent flyer rewards
Coupons from Entertainment or other travel clubs
Good travel agent
Consolidators
online quotes
off season travel
last minute travel
rebaters
companion offers
student discounts
senior citizen coupons
grocery store promotions
fly to/from a different airport
use the known low-cost airlines
fly in a lower class
fly as a courier
work for or have a relative employed by an airline
air ticket auction

This list will get you started on your search for low airfares.  If you have other suggestions for flying on the cheap, please post them on the bulletin board.  To follow the process of obtaining low fares, visit The Intentional Traveler.

 
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