How to find good flights anywhere (and where to stay when you get there)

There’s a reason why most of us love travelling. It brings those beautiful glossy magazine pages or scenes from movies or TV shows to life and turns them into tangible experiences. It allows travellers to dive into new cultures, taste foods they can’t pronounce, and see those postcard-perfect sights in full colour.

But let’s face it; the real journey starts well before you set foot in a new country — it begins with the hunt for the best flight and finding a cosy place to stay when you get there. Whether you dream of a quick city break or a long, unplugged beach escape, everyone wants affordable, hassle-free travel.

So, let’s find out how to book the best flights, get top deals, and choose a relaxing spot to unwind at the end of the day.

4 tips to keep in mind before booking your flight

1. Book in advance if you can

Those with time on their side who want to plan ahead should book 6 months in advance for international flights to take advantage of early bird rates. But if you’re jetting off across Europe, 1-2 months should be enough; plus, for the most affordable fares, book your flight on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. But don’t worry—you can still find good deals last minute if you’re flexible with your dates and destinations by watching out for flash sales and special offers.

2. Avoid booking on weekends to save money

You might be wondering if there is a day of the week when flights are less expensive. Well, historically, booking flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays can lead to lower prices. Airlines typically release their new sales late on Mondays, and by Tuesday, other airlines match these prices on competitive routes. Prices also tend to be higher on weekends when more people have time to plan their travels, so try to avoid that as much as possible!

3. Keep an eye on annual airline sales

Some airlines have set annual sales, and bargain hunters can take advantage of these key moments from the start of January to the shopping frenzy of Black Friday. Below is a summary of when these airline sales usually take place, so mark your calendar!

4. Sign up to Jack’s Flight Club

Jack’s Flight Club is one of the best-kept secrets in the travel world. The site is essentially your passport to finding really low airfares and being alerted to errors on airline platforms, allowing you to make serious savings. As a member, you can receive regular alerts tailored to your preferred departure airports, and you’ll have the inside scoop on deals that are often too good to miss.

Annual airline sales to watch

British Airways and Virgin

These two airlines tend to mirror their calendars, including a worldwide sale starting on Boxing Day and lasting until the end of January. They also often offer another sale toward the end of August and a Black Friday sale in November.

Etihad

Although not tied to specific events, Etihad’s sales pop up every 3-6 months, often with unbeatable non-stop fares to Abu Dhabi and attractive deals to major cities across Southeast Asia and Australia.

Finnair

Like most other airlines, Finnair rolls out special offers around Black Friday. Though they tend to price their flights in phases, this event is a great time to check for deals, especially to Helsinki.

Lufthansa Group

Their best sales typically happen in early and late winter, with “companion deals” that offer nearly half-price flights when you book two or more tickets. And the best bit? They’re valid across economy, premium economy, and business class!

Ryanair

Ryanair is almost always on sale, but their “buy one get one free” deal during Black Friday is particularly attractive for pairs and families.

Wizz Air

Taking part in Black Friday and Christmas sales throughout the year, Wizz Air’s discounts can really be a hit, and their expanding network means potential steals to destinations like Greece or the Canary Islands.

Stay ahead by signing up for alerts on your favourite travel websites and airlines for sales and price drops, following airlines on social media for flash sales, and joining frequent flyer programs for early access and exclusive discounts!

The best platforms for finding flight deals

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is an all-encompassing search engine that scans flights from airlines and travel agents to find the best deals. Its flexible search options, including the ‘Everywhere’ button, are great for those open to exploring any destination that fits their budget. The calendar view also lets you see the best days to fly if you’re looking to save money.

Google Flights

With real-time updates, Google Flights offers a fast and efficient way to compare flight prices across different airlines. Its flexible date calendar and price tracking tools help you find the cheapest fly times, making planning your trip easier.

Kayak

Kayak compares prices from hundreds of travel sites simultaneously, giving you a broad view of the options available for flights, hotels, and car rentals. Its Price Forecast tool can also predict whether flight prices will increase or decrease, helping you decide the best time to book.

Expedia

As one of the leading full-service online travel platforms, Expedia allows users to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and even holiday packages. It often offers exclusive deals and bundles that can save money, especially when booking multiple parts of your trip together.

Where to stay after landing

But the savings continue beyond booking your flight! Once you land, knowing you have a cosy and welcoming place to stay is just as important. Park Plaza hotels offer stylish and comfortable rooms in some of Europe’s most exciting cities and great deals. Here’s where you can rest your head after a day of exploration:

London – Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

Set in the city’s heart, this hotel offers stunning views of the Thames, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament – the most iconic sights! It’s an ideal base for exploring the history and lively culture of the UK’s capital. Enjoy fantastic food at the hotel’s Brasserie Joël, which serves superb French cuisine, or unwind at the Mandara Spa, an indulgent retreat offering a range of treatments.

Amsterdam – Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam

Located just steps from Amsterdam Central Station, this hotel is your gateway to the charming canals, historic houses, and bustling cafes of this beautiful Dutch city. And you don’t have to venture far for local delicacies. The hotel’s Carstens Brasserie puts a modern twist on Dutch classics, providing a unique dining experience that mirrors the city’s innovative spirit.

Berlin – Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte

Immerse yourself in Berlin’s past and modern art scene with a stay at this stylish hotel inspired by New York’s Wall Street. It’s an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s museums, galleries, and nightlife. And after a day of sightseeing, relax at the hotel’s Light Lounge Bar, which offers a selection of creative cocktails and light snacks in a chic setting.

Croatia – Park Plaza Histria Pula

Overlooking the blue waters of the Adriatic, this resort offers a tranquil retreat on Croatia’s Istrian coast. Pula’s ancient Roman ruins, including the magnificent Arena, are just a short distance away, ready to take you back in time. The hotel also features an impressive wellness and spa centre, complete with a sea-view gym, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation.

So, as you set out on your journey to see different parts of the world, remember that every adventure begins with finding the right flight and ends with the perfect place to lay your head. Here’s to your next travel plans, where the world is your oyster, waiting to be explored.