Stretch your travel budget further with these tips and tools

Romania can be just as beautiful, but much cheaper, than Western Europe. (Pexels.com)

Looking for a great deal on your next plane ticket? Flexibility is key, say experts – and sometimes that requires thinking outside the box.

Now, new artificial intelligence–powered tools are offering to help travellers find cheaper flights and new destinations by scanning airlines and booking sites for the best options.

These platforms can also suggest destinations you might not have considered before, basing plans on your budget, travel dates and preferences.

Google, for example, is launching a new tool this week in Canada, the United States and India.

Called Flight Deals, the AI tool can suggest destinations based on your requested criteria.

“Search for something like ‘week-long trip this winter to a city with great food, nonstop only’ or ’10-day ski trip to a world-class resort with fresh powder.’ You’ll see the best bargains available that match your search, including destinations you may not have previously considered,” Google’s website states.

Think outside the box

Andrew D’Amours, a co-founder of travel deals site Flytrippers, tells Noovo Info that one of the best ways to cut costs is to avoid going “where everyone else is going.”

Popular hotspots in North America, the Caribbean and Western Europe often come with high price tags, he explains.

Instead, being open to new destinations — and even flights with stopovers — can unlock significant savings.

East rather than west?

Western Europe’s history and cuisine can make it a top choice for travellers, but its popularity also makes it more expensive.

Heading east, however, can stretch your budget further.

“Eastern Europe is just as beautiful as Western Europe, but with fewer crowds and much more affordable prices,” said D’Amours. “The locals are also often genuinely happy to welcome visitors.”

Numbeo’s cost-of-living index highlights the difference: France is rated at 64.44, while Romania is 38.33.

That gap can mean much cheaper meals, accommodation and day-to-day expenses.

Other affordable choices

• Türkiye and Argentina: Costs have gone up in recent years, but they remain relatively affordable compared to many other destinations. Argentina, for instance, has seen airfare prices drop, and its overall cost-of-living index is 38.35.
• Southeast Asia and India: Airfare can be pricey, but once there, travellers often find the cost of living extremely low. Meals in Cambodia, for example, can cost just a few dollars. India’s cost-of-living index is only 19.05, making it one of the most budget-friendly options.

Safety considerations

Before booking, travellers should also consult the Government of Canada’s travel advisories.

Ratings range from green (minimal risk) to red (avoid travel).

For example, France, the U.K., and Türkiye are currently rated yellow (“Exercise a high degree of caution”), while Argentina has a green rating (“Take normal security precautions”).

Make the ticket count

D’Amours suggests that if you’re flying to a faraway, budget-friendly destination like India or Cambodia, it’s worth planning a longer trip.

Even though the airfare may seem steep at first, the low cost of meals and lodging quickly balances things out.