Choosing an alternative destination can often lead to significant savings on airfare and open up unique travel experiences. By researching nearby cities or less popular destinations, you can avoid high prices and still enjoy a memorable trip. Here’s how to find affordable alternative destinations and save on flights.

1. Use the “Explore” Feature on Flight Search Engines

Flight search engines like Google Flights and Skyscanner offer an “Explore” option, which allows you to see a range of destinations based on your departure city and budget. This tool is ideal for finding nearby cities or less expensive destinations that offer similar experiences.

• How to use it: Enter your departure city and open the “Explore” feature, then set a budget range to see affordable destinations within your preferred price point.

2. Look for Secondary Cities Near Major Destinations

Popular tourist destinations tend to have higher airfare, especially during peak seasons. Flying into a nearby city can often be cheaper, and with a short train or bus ride, you can still access the main destination.

• Example: Instead of flying to Venice, consider flying to Treviso, which is nearby and often more affordable. For New York City, try Newark (NJ) or Philadelphia (PA) as alternatives.

3. Consider Up-and-Coming Destinations for Cheaper Fares

Certain destinations become trendy and experience a surge in tourism and airfare prices. By choosing emerging destinations instead, you can enjoy a similar experience at a lower cost. Look for alternative cities that offer similar cultural or scenic experiences.

• Example: Instead of Barcelona, consider visiting Valencia for a similar coastal city vibe but with fewer crowds and cheaper flights.

4. Use Regional Airports to Access Nearby Cities

Many regions have smaller airports located near major hubs. Flying into a regional airport, then traveling by train, bus, or rental car to your main destination can be a cost-effective way to reach high-demand areas.

• Example: For London, look at Stansted or Luton Airport rather than Heathrow; for Paris, consider Beauvais instead of Charles de Gaulle.

5. Choose Alternative Destinations with Similar Attractions

If your ideal destination is out of budget, look for alternative cities that offer similar activities, landscapes, or cultural experiences. This approach not only saves money but can lead you to discover hidden gems.

• Example: If you want to explore Tuscany but flights to Florence are expensive, consider Pisa or Bologna for a similar experience at a fraction of the cost.

6. Leverage Price Alerts for Multiple Destinations

Set up fare alerts for both your primary and alternative destinations to compare prices over time. This allows you to make a more informed decision and switch to a cheaper location if prices drop on one route but not the other.

• How to set it up: Use Google Flights or Kayak to create alerts for several potential destinations, then monitor which option provides the best deal.

7. Travel During Shoulder or Off-Peak Season to Popular Regions

Popular destinations often have steep airfare during peak season, but off-peak or shoulder seasons offer substantial savings. By traveling just outside the high season, you can enjoy similar experiences at a lower cost.

• Example: If you’re interested in a beach vacation, consider the Caribbean in early November or late April instead of peak winter months.

8. Research Less-Visited Cities in Popular Countries

In countries with popular tourist cities, lesser-known destinations often offer cheaper flights and provide a more authentic experience. Exploring smaller cities can be more budget-friendly and allows you to see a side of the country that’s off the beaten path.

• Example: Instead of Rome, try Perugia or Bari in Italy; instead of Bangkok, consider Chiang Mai in Thailand for a unique experience with fewer tourists.

9. Consider Connecting Flights for Further Savings

While non-stop flights are convenient, opting for connecting flights can often reduce airfare to a high-demand destination. Choosing a layover in an affordable hub can give you a price break without compromising on the end destination.

• Pro tip: Use Skyscanner’s “multi-city” feature to create custom routes with layovers in more affordable cities to reduce overall costs.

10. Use Travel Deal Sites That Highlight Alternative Destinations

Websites like Secret Flying, Travel Pirates, and Going often highlight deals to less popular or alternative destinations. These sites curate travel deals based on current low fares, helping you discover affordable destinations.

• How to use: Check these sites regularly, or sign up for their newsletters to receive deal alerts for destinations you may not have considered.

Conclusion: Enjoy Big Savings by Exploring Alternative Destinations

Choosing an alternative destination is a smart way to save on airfare while still experiencing new and exciting locations. By leveraging tools like flexible date searches, exploring regional airports, and setting fare alerts, you can find affordable options that fit your travel goals.