Travel aficionados are all abuzz on TikTok, thanks to a nifty trick on Google Flights. The tip, which promises cheaper airfares, was unveiled by a renowned travel influencer named Around the Atlas.
Within 24 hours, the video skyrocketed, amassing over 4 million views. An impressive 201,000 users saved it, eager to test the hack firsthand.
The influencer posed a question to her audience, “Is this a newfound secret or common knowledge?” She then detailed the process. Start by searching ‘Google Flights’ on Google. Once on the site, enter your departure city. The twist? For the destination, simply type ‘anywhere’. Leave the date fields empty and hit ‘explore’.
A Glimpse into the ‘Anywhere’ Magic
Capturing her laptop’s screen, she displayed a plethora of destinations boasting shockingly affordable fares. Deals included a round trip from London to Barcelona at a mere £26 ($31) and a £54 ($65) ticket to Budapest.
She spotlighted enticing long-distance deals too, like a £336 ($408) trip to New York. She did emphasize the need to stick to certain dates but was astounded by the cost-effectiveness, especially for overseas trips.
@aroundtheatlas how to get super cheap flights!! #travel #cheaptravel #fyp #travelhacks
Many viewers, though familiar with Google Flights, had no clue about this ‘anywhere’ gem. One remarked, “I’m a frequent traveler and use Google Flights. But this ‘to anywhere’ tip? That’s news to me.”
More Tips for Cheap Flights
Tips from other users poured in. Some suggested browsing in incognito mode for even lower prices. Others advised flight searches on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at midnight, combined with incognito mode, for the best bargains.
Yet, the feedback wasn’t all rosy. A few pointed out that while fares were budget-friendly, the flight schedules might not be. Issues like odd departure hours and multiple stopovers were highlighted.
Other users chimed in, mentioning that platforms like Skyscanner and Kayak have similar budget flight features. The influencer herself expressed a preference for Skyscanner, though she felt it occasionally showcased pricier options due to ads.
Google Flights isn’t stopping at the ‘anywhere’ feature. It’s now offering insights into the ideal booking times. By analyzing “reliable trend data,” it guides users on whether fares are high or low. For instance, it might hint that booking two months in advance is usually best.
For those keen on snagging the best deals, there’s a price tracking feature. Once activated, users get email alerts when fares for their selected destinations and dates plummet.
These alerts, however, require a Google registration. For those with flexible travel plans, opting for “any dates” will yield deal alerts for the upcoming three to six months.
Lastly, Google Flights has introduced a “price guarantee” badge for select flights. This badge is Google’s assurance that the listed fare is the lowest, giving travelers the confidence to book without second-guessing.
