[The Duke]

The best website depends on where in the world you are travelling. For travel in Eastern Europe, I like to use momondo.com.

In backwards countries, sometimes you can do better with a travel agent than any website. With Uzbekistan Airways back in 2009, I dont think there an online option. I remember for sure this airline was still using paper tickets (no e-tickets). Locals in Ukraine using travel agents can sometimes get better prices than what I can find online. I remember 10 years ago for travel within Peru, travel agents gave us much lower prices than the online options.

[LowerCaseG]

In addition to which websites are the cheapest. How would you approach a 6-8 city itinerary one way around the globe? How far in advance would you purchase tickets, and how do you get maximum flexibility without breaking the bank?

[Bad Hussar]

Round the World tickets can be good value. Especially in First and Business Class. Though obviously they are then not a budget way to get around. Check out:

http://www.oneworld.com/flights/round-th...-explorer/

Also note that the price of RTW tickets can vary a lot depending on were you start your journey. Do some research on were it is best to start from and then maybe buy a one way ticket to that destination.

You get good flexibility with RTW fares.Though availability in economy can sometimes be an issue.

[LowerCaseG]

Thanks, how far in advance do you think it's appropriate to book?

[Vicious]

(02-13-2013 12:02 PM)LowerCaseG Wrote:  

Thanks, how far in advance do you think it's appropriate to book?

Kayak did some research on this, the sweet spot is usually about two months in advance.

[Bad Hussar]

(02-13-2013 12:02 PM)LowerCaseG Wrote:  

Thanks, how far in advance do you think it's appropriate to book?

I think you can book legs about 300 days in advance. If the latter legs of your trip are beyond this time it seems you still have to book them, but are allowed to change dates free of charge. But check with BA, AA or whoever your ticketing airline would be to make sure.

Edit: Don't think the RTW fares change based on time. It's more a question off seat availability. Mid summer US-Europe it's going to be difficult to get seats on a RTW fare.

[samsamsam]

It looks lgoogle will now search and assemble an itinerary using separate tickets if you choose that option.

http://thepointsguy.com/2016/04/google-f...per-fares/

Quote:

Google Flights is one of the most effective tools for finding cheap airfares. As you search for flights, you can narrow down results to specific airlines and flight times, as well as other variables to personalize your trip and create the best possible itinerary. Recently, the service also began listing train tickets in Europe, as well as the option to book certain flights directly through Google.

A new update introduces the option to search for separate tickets, meaning that Google will search individual segments — even if that means booking from different services. As a result, the cheapest itinerary could be composed of flights booked directly through the airline or through third-party services like Orbitz (or a mix of the two). You’ll still have the option to pay directly through one service, but both choices are available nonetheless.

[samsamsam]

On a separate note, does anyone know a site where it gives you a range of days? I know google flights will show you a month and you can see all the prices.

But some sites (like United) while you are looking at a day, it will show you prices for different dates around that day. I was hoping for something like this but from a site that looks at all carriers.

Thanks.

[WeekendCasanova]

(04-12-2016 01:51 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

On a separate note, does anyone know a site where it gives you a range of days? I know google flights will show you a month and you can see all the prices.

But some sites (like United) while you are looking at a day, it will show you prices for different dates around that day. I was hoping for something like this but from a site that looks at all carriers.

Thanks.

Skyscanner is an excellent site that does this. It gives you a calendar view, with prices for various days.

I'd also like to add that Google Flights is a good tool, however, I've noticed that it doesn't include some flights. When I was returning to Canada from Kiev, it said my flight from Kiev to Frankfurt didn't exist. It's happened a few times, and I'm not sure what the deal is, but when it comes to smaller airlines it seems it can be hit or miss.

[bumborass]

I just use an app called Hopper (on apple and android phones) and go from there

I never used Kayak, but I'm sure it's exactly like that. It'll even tell you when to book your flight based on predictions as to how cheap the tickets will get.

[kinnikinik]

Been using Kayak for years. Hopper is cool if you are planning way ahead.

flights.google.com I just discovered and stumbled into a $500 roundtrip to HK from the US.. AWESOME!

[the high]

Yeah I swear by google flights ever since I found a ticket to Tokyo from the US for $653.

[bumborass]

I like that as well, I booked a flight last minute from London to Catania for $330. Awesome