Once your Canada Visa application is successfully approved, the steps to take next is to make your travel arrangements, specifically booking your flight and securing accommodation.
As you embark on relocating to Canada, you’ll quickly realize that one of the most substantial challenges lies in securing both your flight and accommodation.
To assist you in navigating these challenges, we have crafted this article with the dual purpose of providing insights into securing affordable flights and guiding you on the intricacies of making accommodation reservations in Canada.
This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the necessary information you need to book your flight and accommodation.
Tricks To Book Cheap Flights To Canada
1. Check When it’s Cheapest To Fly To Canada
Generally, flying during the week is cheaper than on weekends. Specifically, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are good days to find lower prices because they are not as popular for travel.
Many airline websites now make it easier to find the cheapest days to fly. Look for booking systems with a ‘calendar view’ option, allowing you to see prices throughout the week you’re looking at. Skyscanner, a comparison site, has a useful graph that shows flight prices, helping you clearly identify the cheapest days. Google Flights also has a similar calendar function, displaying exact prices for available dates.
Keep in mind the time of your flight too. While a 6 am flight might be cheaper, consider if you can get to the airport on time. Public transport might be limited, and finding a ride could be challenging. Always weigh the cost savings against the convenience of the flight time.
Keep in mind that when it’s peak season in Canada, it might not be the same in other parts of the world. The cost of flights can vary depending on your destination.
2. Be Flexible With Your Flight Destination
If you’re open to flying anywhere and want to save money, try this simple trick:
1. Visit Skyscanner.
2. Enter the airport you’re departing from.
3. Click on the destination box like you’re going to type something.
4. A box will pop up with an ‘Everywhere’ option.
5. Choose ‘Everywhere,’ pick your dates, and click search.
You’ll then see a list of all the flights leaving from your chosen airport on that date, arranged from the cheapest to the most expensive. This is a fantastic option if you can’t be flexible with your travel dates but are open to exploring new places.
Don’t dismiss locations you’ve never thought about before. Do a bit of research online, and you might discover a destination that has everything you’re looking for—sun, sea, sand, and more.
3. Check Flight Price Search Engines
Just like when you’re shopping for anything else, taking the time to compare options and do some research is the key to finding great deals.
The good news is that there are plenty of websites designed to make it easy and quick for you to compare flight prices.
Consider using platforms like Expedia, which allows you to search for package deals (such as flights and a hotel). Check this option before visiting individual airline websites to see if it’s more cost-effective to book separately.
Here are some top flight comparison sites:
1. Momondo: This site provides a graph that shows the cheapest days to fly around your chosen dates. You can also customize your search to prioritize the quickest route if that’s more important to you.
2. Skyscanner: Known for its handy graph displaying flight prices, Skyscanner is a user-friendly platform to find the best deals.
3. Google Flights: Google Flights offers a calendar function that shows exact prices for available dates, helping you plan your trip efficiently.
4. Travel Supermarket: This site is another excellent option for comparing flight prices and finding the most affordable options.
5. Kayak: Kayak is a reliable platform that allows you to compare flight prices and find the best deals for your travel plans.
By using these flight comparison sites, you’ll be well-equipped to find the most budget-friendly options for your journey.
4. Using Incognito Mode While Searching For Flight
Flight prices go up and down based on demand. Airlines use data from people searching and buying tickets to set their prices. If you’ve been eyeing a specific flight and checking it frequently, you might notice the price creeping up. The airline knows you’re interested, and they might be trying to get a little more money from you.
To avoid this, try deleting your search cookies. Check how the price changes after wiping your browser history.
Alternatively, you can use an incognito browser for your search (you can find this option when opening a new tab or window). This way, your location and identity remain hidden from airlines, reducing the chances of them adjusting prices based on your search history. Keep it stealthy to secure the best flight deals!
5. Book Your Flight Early, Last-Minute Deals Are More Expensive
While last-minute deals might sound like a budget-friendly option, the reality is often different. In many cases, waiting until the last minute doesn’t lead to significant savings.
The smarter approach is to book your flights early, even up to a year in advance. Typically, seats are more affordable when they are first released, usually about a year before the actual flight, or sometimes even earlier. So, hop online as soon as the flights become available for booking.
This is especially important if you’re traveling during school holidays or when there’s a significant local event (like Canada Day). Prices tend to rise rapidly during these periods, so securing your tickets early can help you avoid inflated costs.
While prices may fluctuate before the departure date, waiting until the last few days is a risky strategy. The cost might dip, but there’s also a chance it won’t, especially for popular flights, or the seats might sell out before you get a chance to book.
If you’re a bit more flexible with your travel plans, you can explore sites like lastminute.com, which often features flights that drop in price as the departure date approaches.
For those wanting to gauge whether it’s worth waiting until the last minute, the Hopper app is a valuable tool. Simply enter your departure and destination locations, and the app will show you when prices are likely to rise or fall based on historical flight data. This way, you can make an informed decision about when to book your flight for the best possible deal.
6. Book Your Flight and Accommodation Together
When you book flight and hotel, you’re not only in for affordability, but you’ll likely snag discounts on flights, accommodation, airport transfers, and even activities like bus tours at your destination. If you need some summer holiday inspiration, we’ve got you covered with some great package deals.
These flight and accommodation companies book in big quantities, scoring the most substantial discounts. Sometimes, you might end up paying less for an entire package than just a regular flight alone.
Where To Book Both Flight and Accommodation Together
1. Expedia
This is one of the best platforms for a seamless and stress-free booking experience for budget-friendly flights and hotels. Expedia is renowned as one of the globe’s largest travel platforms, Expedia consistently provides discounted rates for airfare and hotel reservations if you are travelling to Canada.
Expedia offers a wealth of great deals, facilitated by options such as “popular destinations,” “price drops,” “airport takeoffs,” and “borderless dates.” A notable feature is Expedia’s price match guarantee – should you discover a lower rate within 24 hours of booking, Expedia pledges to refund the difference.
Setting itself apart from the ordinary, Expedia goes the extra mile by presenting an array of flight and hotel packages to Canada. This comprehensive approach simplifies the process for travelers, allowing them to effortlessly find and book all their travel needs in one convenient place.
2. Momondo
Momondo is a travel search site that makes it easy for you to find and compare the best deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. If you’ve used Kayak before, you’ll notice that Momondo’s user interface is quite similar because they are part of the same company. However, there are some functional differences tailored to meet the needs of different travelers.
When you use Momondo, you’ll find options on the left side of the screen for searching various aspects of your trip. Once you’ve conducted your search, you’ll have additional choices for sorting and filtering the results.
One standout feature of both Kayak and Momondo is that you can instantly see the highest and lowest prices for your destination even before you click the search button. The calendar for selecting dates is color-coded based on cost, making it convenient for finding a budget-friendly flight early in the planning process.
Hotel searches on Momondo are quite similar to Kayak’s process. It’s worth mentioning that, like tracking flight prices, you can also track hotel rates. This feature is particularly helpful because hotel cancellation policies are often more flexible than those of airlines, allowing you to save money until the last minute.
3. Booking.com
Booking.com is a widely used travel platform globally, offering an incredible variety of options for your travel needs. On Booking.com website you can book both your flight and accommodation. The platform features numerous travel packages, allowing you to select the one that best fits your preferences. Whether you’re looking for hotels in any city, private vacation rentals, or other types of accommodation, Booking.com has you covered.
The search process on Booking.com is straightforward, and the results are easy to navigate. The platform’s user-friendly system makes decision-making a breeze. Booking.com excels in providing you with the right options and information without overwhelming you, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable booking experience.
4. Kiwi
Another helpful website for finding affordable flights and hotels is Kiwi, offering a refreshing alternative to well-known travel sites. Kiwi stands out as an online travel agency, which means it exclusively displays its own fares, presenting both advantages and disadvantages.
Travelers appreciate Kiwi for its user-friendly approach to identifying the cheapest dates for flights. Once you enter your departure and arrival points, the calendar shows the lowest fares for each day of the month. After selecting a date, you can also check price trends on a graph for that specific day or week, making it simple to grab a deal if you have flexibility in your travel dates.
One noteworthy feature of Kiwi is its option to “lock in” a fare for a few days, requiring a small down payment upfront, with the remaining amount paid later. If the fare drops during this period, you’ll be pleasantly notified, adding a nice element of surprise to your booking experience.
5. Skyscanner
Skyscanner isn’t just for finding flight deals; it’s your one-stop-shop for hotels and car rentals too. It makes planning your entire trip a breeze by simplifying the process and offering useful filters and suggestions.
A standout feature on Skyscanner is the Explore Everywhere function, perfect for adventurous travelers with a wanderlust spirit. Simply enter your departure point, and Skyscanner will guide you to the best flight ideas based on price and convenience. The initial results show major destinations sorted by the cheapest and most direct flights, allowing you to explore further for specific cities and options.
Below the flight details, you’ll find information on the best hotels at your chosen destination, complete with prices and various amenities. This dual-functionality not only helps you discover deals but also serves as an excellent source of travel inspiration. Skyscanner goes beyond just exploration; it’s a fantastic platform for booking your next flight and hotel individually. Enjoy the convenience and inspiration that Skyscanner brings to your travel planning!
Google Flights
Google Flights is my go-to website for discovering affordable flights and hotels. The simplicity and efficiency of searching for flight and hotel deals, especially when you’re bored and doing multiple searches, are unbeatable.
We’ve created a comprehensive guide on using Google Flights effectively to find budget-friendly airfare. The user-friendly system comes with various functions, including setting up price alerts, viewing trends, filtering for your preferences, and entering multiple destinations. The “Explore” function is fantastic for drawing inspiration from a map of the cheapest destinations to fly to.
Not everyone is aware that there’s a tab for hotels at the top of the Google Flights page. Similar to flights, you input your destination and dates, and Google intelligently presents you with excellent accommodation ideas. Whether it’s flights or hotels, Google checks prices from numerous sites to ensure you have a wide range of options for destinations worldwide.
Relocating to Canada doesn’t need to strain your budget. By following these tips and making use of the recommended platforms, you can greatly cut down on the expenses related to flights and accommodation. It’s crucial to plan in advance, ove. And don’t overlook the importance of booking your flight early this will save you a lot of money and stress. We wish you a safe trip to Canada.
