My kids have a busy summer with volunteering, sports, school obligations, etc. But we have about 10 days free from the last day of July through school starting on August 12th.

I would like to run away with the family somewhere, but do not have a specific location. Could be Denver and the Rockies, could be Philadelphia, could be Chicago, etc.

Just like the destination is flexible, the departure and return date are flexible by a couple of days each way.

I know there are sites out there to search cheap flights for certain dates ranges and it will give lots of random city options. Which one of these do you use?

I usually use Expedia for research, but I find myself having to put in each city and date range independently and it's rather time consuming.

The southwest site/app is pretty good with it. I assume you are flying out of Orlando so that gives quite a bit of options.

I love your way of thinking - good luck. I would like to plan an escape well in between everything.. I have used Hopper (app) in the past.

As an experienced business traveler, I am comfortable booking my own travel. I no longer travel for business but I am a member of several airline loyalty programs. Here is the method I use.

I use one of the aggregator sites (Expedia, Priceline, etc.) to check flight info for the dates I want to travel. I am about 1/2 way between two airports so I like to query both departure points. The aggregator sites will give you info on a bunch of airlines at the same time and allow you to easily change your search criteria. They will also show you a span of days and you may be able to pinpoint a day with better pricing.

When I find a flight I like I will go to the airline site directly to book the tickets.

this one.

https://www.skyscanner.com/tra...b/?oym=2408&iym=2408

quote:

Originally posted by daikyu:
As an experienced business traveler, I am comfortable booking my own travel. I no longer travel for business but I am a member of several airline loyalty programs. Here is the method I use.

I use one of the aggregator sites (Expedia, Priceline, etc.) to check flight info for the dates I want to travel. I am about 1/2 way between two airports so I like to query both departure points. The aggregator sites will give you info on a bunch of airlines at the same time and allow you to easily change your search criteria. They will also show you a span of days and you may be able to pinpoint a day with better pricing.

When I find a flight I like I will go to the airline site directly to book the tickets.

100% this. Find your flight however, but book direct for much better (or any) service should something go wrong.

-Rob

quote:

Originally posted by FenderBender:
this one.

https://www.skyscanner.com/tra...b/?oym=2408&iym=2408

Exactly what I was looking for!

Using an aggregator for actual purchase is very tempting, but ill-advised. Day of travel chaos means you have no one to help you. Book direct.

I use my travel card site for point travel.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
Using an aggregator for actual purchase is very tempting, but ill-advised.

I never do, always book direct. Just makes it easier to search.