Traveling the world has become more accessible thanks to numerous discount travel sites that help you find cheap flights, accommodations, and experiences. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-term backpacking adventure, these websites can help you stretch your budget and make your dream trip a reality. Here’s a comprehensive list of the best discount travel sites for booking cheap flights, hotels, car rentals, and activities worldwide.
1. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is one of the best flight comparison tools available. It allows you to search for flights across various airlines and booking websites, helping you find the cheapest options. Skyscanner also lets you compare flights based on flexible dates, making it easy to find deals by flying on cheaper days.
- Why use it: Skyscanner provides a comprehensive search engine that helps you find the lowest fares and is known for its user-friendly interface.
- How to save: Use the “Everywhere” feature to find the cheapest destinations worldwide. Set up price alerts for your favorite routes to get notified when prices drop.
2. Google Flights
Google Flights is an incredibly powerful tool that provides price tracking, flexible date options, and tips on how to find the best flight deals. You can track flights, compare prices, and see how much they change over time. Its interactive map also helps you search for flights by destination and cost.
- Why use it: Google Flights provides an intuitive search interface and reliable price forecasting. It also offers insights into how flexible dates and nearby airports can save you money.
- How to save: Use the Explore feature to see cheap destinations based on your departure city. Setting up price alerts is also a great way to track the cost of flights over time.
3. Kayak
Kayak aggregates flight, hotel, and car rental prices from multiple sources, offering a comprehensive overview of travel options. Kayak’s “Explore” tool allows you to enter your budget and search for destinations worldwide, helping you find affordable trips based on where and when you want to travel.
- Why use it: Kayak provides price alerts, flexible date options, and an “Explore” map that highlights the cheapest destinations within your budget.
- How to save: Use Kayak’s Price Forecast feature to find out whether you should buy your tickets now or wait for prices to drop. Kayak’s flexible date search also helps in comparing prices on different dates.
4. Momondo
Momondo is a great resource for finding discounted flights, hotels, and car rentals. Like Skyscanner, it compares prices from multiple sources to ensure you get the best deal. The site also offers insights into price trends, helping you choose the right time to buy.
- Why use it: Momondo’s colorful interface makes it fun to use, and its “Best Deals” feature can show you budget-friendly destinations from your departure city.
- How to save: Check the Flight Insight section for price trends, and use their flexible dates option to get an idea of the lowest prices during a month.
5. Expedia
Expedia is one of the most popular and trusted discount travel sites. It offers a variety of services including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and activities. With frequent promotions, deals, and bundled offers, Expedia is great for booking complete vacations.
- Why use it: Expedia often provides package deals (combining flights, hotels, and car rentals) at a discount, which can save you money in the long run.
- How to save: Look for last-minute deals and use the Expedia Rewards program to accumulate points on bookings, which can later be redeemed for discounts.
6. Airbnb
For affordable, unique, and local accommodation, Airbnb is one of the best options. From private rooms in shared houses to entire apartments or even villas, Airbnb provides a wide variety of lodging options worldwide. It’s often cheaper than hotels, and the experience of staying with locals can enhance your travel experience.
- Why use it: Airbnb often offers cheaper alternatives to hotels and provides a more authentic, local experience. You can also find long-term rental discounts for extended stays.
- How to save: Sign up for Airbnb’s newsletter or use Airbnb Plus for premium properties that are verified for quality. Look for Superhosts, as they often provide better rates and unique travel experiences.
7. Booking.com
Booking.com is another popular site for booking discounted accommodation. Known for offering great deals on hotels, hostels, apartments, and guesthouses, it’s easy to find a wide variety of accommodations for any budget. The site also frequently offers free cancellation on bookings, which is a nice bonus.
- Why use it: Booking.com is great for finding cheap hotels and accommodations, and it offers a wide selection of properties in major tourist destinations worldwide.
- How to save: Filter by free cancellation and lowest price to get the best deals. Booking last-minute can often result in even deeper discounts.
8. Hostelworld
For budget-conscious travelers, Hostelworld is an excellent resource for booking affordable hostels worldwide. It provides user reviews, detailed descriptions, and pricing options, making it easier to find safe, cheap accommodations in many countries.
- Why use it: Hostelworld specializes in budget accommodation, particularly hostels, and often provides flexible booking options for solo travelers or groups.
- How to save: Look for last-minute discounts and check for deals with free cancellation. Booking during off-peak times can also help save money.
9. Hotwire
Hotwire is an excellent option for booking discounted flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. One of its standout features is Hotwire Hot Rates, where you can book deeply discounted hotels without knowing the exact property until after you book.
- Why use it: Hotwire offers incredible discounts, especially for last-minute bookings. The Hot Rates can offer significant savings.
- How to save: Use Hotwire Hot Rates for big discounts on hotels, and search for last-minute deals to score even better rates.
10. Travelzoo
Travelzoo offers curated travel deals, including discounted flight tickets, hotels, and vacation packages. The site features offers from top travel providers, ensuring that the deals are legitimate and worthwhile.
- Why use it: Travelzoo focuses on quality travel deals, offering discounts on everything from flights and hotels to experiences and activities.
- How to save: Sign up for the Travelzoo Top 20 email to receive weekly offers on top discounted travel options.
11. CheapOair
CheapOair is another budget travel website that offers affordable flights, hotels, and car rentals. It’s particularly useful for finding discounted flight tickets, and it often runs sales or promotional deals on international and domestic flights.
- Why use it: CheapOair offers flexible date searches, flight price alerts, and great promotions for discounted airfare.
- How to save: Sign up for email alerts for discounted flights, and keep an eye out for limited-time offers or sales events.
12. Tingo
Tingo is an innovative travel site that automatically rebooks your hotel reservation if the price drops after you book. This can save you money on hotel bookings, ensuring that you never pay more than the best rate available.
- Why use it: Tingo’s unique feature—automatic rebooking when prices drop—is perfect for those looking to get the best rates on hotel stays.
- How to save: Use Tingo to book hotels and take advantage of their price-drop alerts, which can save you money if rates decrease after booking.
13. Priceline
Priceline offers great discounts on hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. It is especially well-known for its “Name Your Own Price” feature, where you can bid on hotel rooms or car rentals, often scoring significant discounts.
- Why use it: Priceline’s Express Deals and bidding features allow you to save money on last-minute bookings.
- How to save: Try the Priceline “Name Your Own Price” tool for even deeper discounts on hotels and car rentals. Express Deals offer reduced prices for flights and hotels if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
