Checking in this week with our new favorite cheapo travel airfare guru Rick Seaney, we found the economical soothsayer dispensing advise on travel to everyone’s favorite summer destination: Europe. In his recent article, Rick notes how baseline fees (gas, taxes, etc…) start at $523 right now, an amount already blowing most travelers’ budgets.

With this in mind, he recommends pinching pennies at every step of the way. Save up to $300 by avoiding non-stop flights, choose so-called midweek flight dates (Monday-Wednesday) to knock of another $80, and in what is probably the best advice: just don’t do it. Just don’t fly during summer, try the peripheral dates to score amazing deals.

If you’re able to, try to visit in late March/early April, or in late August/early September. From my own experience, not only will you save a ton on airfare, but hotels will be cheaper, crowds will have dissipated, and for the most part the weather will be milder, all making it a better trip in the end.

Next assignement Rick: Find me a cheap apartment in New York City.

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Matt Stabile