A Thrifty Traveler’s Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights
A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Seek Out Shoulder Season Savings
One of the best ways to score affordable flights for scenic getaways is by traveling during shoulder season. Shoulder season refers to the time between peak and off-peak seasons. For example, if summer is peak season, then spring and fall would be shoulder seasons. Flights tend to be cheaper during these times since demand drops off once kids are back in school and the weather cools. However, the views are still spectacular without summer's crowds and congestion.
Personally, I'm a huge fan of shoulder season travel. Some of my most memorable trips have been during these overlooked windows. One such adventure was an impromptu October visit to Maine. Flights from Chicago to Portland were under $200 roundtrip, versus $400+ during summer. Temperatures were crisp but comfortable, with autumn's palette on full display. We stayed at a local B&B for nearly half the summer rate. Sites like Acadia National Park were far less crowded, so we could leisurely take in the sweeping Atlantic vistas along Park Loop Road.
Another epic shoulder season trip was a springtime visit to Zion National Park before Memorial Day. I watched sunrise paint the red rock cliffs from Observation Point, a moderate hike with only a handful of other trekkers. Afternoons were ideal for hiking the Narrows since the water runs warmer earlier in the season. Flights to Vegas were under $300, and we scored a campsite outside the park for $20 per night.
A final example was chasing fall foliage one September in Vermont. Fares to Burlington were under $250 from Dallas, versus nearly $600 at peak leaf peeping time in October. We stayed at budget motels for $75 or less and never encountered crowds on our drives through the Green Mountains. That affordable trip remains one of my all-time favorite foliage view-fests.
What else is in this post?
- A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Seek Out Shoulder Season Savings
- A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Consider Alternative Airports for Better Deals
- A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Research Regional Carriers and Budget Airlines
- A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Use Miles for Free Flights to Faraway Views
- A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Stay in Hostels or Camp Near Scenic Sites
- A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Pack a Picnic to Avoid Pricey Viewpoint Restaurants
- A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Hike or Bike to Beat Parking Fees
- A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Sunrise and Sunset Are Free Daily Shows
A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Consider Alternative Airports for Better Deals
When flight shopping, don’t just search your home airport. Expanding your airport options can unlock substantial savings, especially on international itineraries. Alternative airports give you access to more carriers and flight combinations. This opens the door for mistake fares and glitches that align perfectly with your travel dates.
Take Los Angeles for example. Most visitors fly into LAX given its massive route network. But consider Long Beach Airport. JetBlue, Alaska and Delta run daily service from Long Beach. Thanks to its cozy size, the airport offers a swift and stress-free experience. Parking and Uber rides run cheaper than LAX. And JetBlue and Alaska frequently publish excellent sale fares from Long Beach.
I recently booked a $350 roundtrip fare from Long Beach to Boston on JetBlue. The same dates from LAX would have cost $550 or more. Even after the $30 Uber ride from LAX to my hotel, I still came out over $150 ahead by starting in Long Beach.
Another tip is looking at alternate airports on island or beach destinations. Hawaii is a prime example. Most tourists flock to Honolulu, resulting in nosebleed airfares. But you can escape Honolulu’s high costs by flying into Kona on the Big Island or Lihue on Kauai. These smaller airports still offer ample rental cars and resort shuttle service. And the unspoiled surroundings deliver a more authentic Hawaiian experience away from the crowds.
The same principle applies in Europe. London has five major airports. But which one has the cheapest fare for your dates? Take a few minutes to price them all out including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City. You may luck into an unbelievable deal that makes a rail transfer worthwhile. This also works for Paris with Orly and Beauvais complementing Charles de Gaulle.
Finally, don’t forget secondary airports near U.S. cities. Chicago has Midway in addition to O’Hare. Washington D.C. offers Dulles and Reagan National. The New York area features Newark, JFK and LaGuardia. Checking them all can lead to big savings compared to only looking at your closest hub. And it gives you multiple options for scoring those elusive mistake fares.
A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Research Regional Carriers and Budget Airlines
Google Flights makes it a cinch to search routes across both major carriers and regional/budget airlines. Don’t make the rookie mistake of only pricing the big guys like Delta, American and United. You may be leaving hundreds of dollars in savings on the table. Regional and budget airlines exist to undercut the majors. They trim costs by eliminating seat assignments, checked bags and other amenities most leisure travelers won’t miss.
Let’s look at a Chicago to Phoenix example. Nonstop prices in October on American and United run around $400 roundtrip. However, if you search across all airlines, Spirit pops up for just $260 roundtrip nonstop. That $140 savings means extra cash for hiking Camelback Mountain or tasting your way through downtown Scottsdale’s culinary scene. Even after paying for a checked bag, you still come out way ahead.
Another instance is Denver to Seattle. Mainline fares hover around $350 for fall dates. But check out budget upstart Avelo Airlines. They fly nonstop from their Denver base to Seattle's convenient Boeing Field for under $150 roundtrip. Yes, you’ll get nickel and dimed for bags and seat assignments. But pack light, print your boarding pass early and the savings are tremendous.
Don't forget about Alaska Airlines either. While not a true budget carrier, Alaska aggressively discounts certain routes, especially on the West Coast. I recently snagged Los Angeles to Portland for $120 roundtrip compared to $300 on other major airlines for the same dates. Alaska offered the same amenities like free bags, seat selection and drink/snack. The only difference was the fare, making Alaska the obvious choice.
Google Flights makes it easy to compare pricing across carriers by simply selecting “All Airlines” when entering your route. You can filter the results by stops, departure time, duration and other handy criteria. I always recommend taking a few minutes to scan the full list of airlines before booking. It takes little effort and prevents that sinking feeling when you find out you overpaid by hundreds.
Another pro trick is checking regional carriers to hub airports. For example, Contour serves West Virginia and Pittsburgh with direct links to American's Charlotte hub. Boutique carrier JSX flies from Phoenix to Orange County with connections via their partner American. These niche airlines give unique access to routes where majors may dominate pricing. Don't forget about inter-island carriers like Mokulele in Hawaii or Cape Air serving Nantucket. Cast a wide net and let Google Flights surface every possible option.
A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Use Miles for Free Flights to Faraway Views
Frequent flyer miles remain one of the best tools for scoring free or heavily discounted flights to bucket-list destinations. Major carriers continue to devalue award charts, but sweet spots still exist with a little legwork. And airline miles can be supplemented with flexible programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards to cover any gaps. Here are some of my favorite tips for redeeming miles for unforgettable trips to scenic overlooks across the globe.
One approach is targeting off-peak award availability when airlines release more award seats. British Airways is known for opening up enviable rewards on partners American and Alaska Airlines. I frequently see abundant award space on American from the West Coast to Hawaii during winter and early spring. Alaska also excels for last-minute domestic awards, especially along the West Coast. The deals pop up sporadically, so flexibility and diligence are key. Sign up for expert award alert services to stay on top of ever-changing options.
Another milestone perk is taking advantage of reduced mileage requirements on a major carrier where you hold status. For example, United Global Services members can book Lufthansa first class awards at a discounted mileage rate. One couple used this perk for an unforgettable trip in Lufthansa First Class suites from San Francisco to Munich. They woke up refreshed from lay-flat seats to stunning views of the Swiss Alps out their windows. Make sure you understand all the status benefits across partner airlines and how to maximize them.
Consider redeeming miles for premium cabin upgrades as well. A trick I use is burning United miles to upgrade paid economy awards on partners like Lufthansa, ANA and Air Canada. The upgrade cost is reasonable at 30,000 - 50,000 miles each way. But it grants access to lie-flat business or first seats that enhance rest and relaxation on long journeys. Use Miles on Budget Carriers Too - Certain programs like Southwest Rapid Rewards offer excellent redemption value on budget carriers. One Seattle couple traded 60,000 Southwest points for roundtrip flights to Hawaii. That covered all interisland hops plus roundtrip service from the mainland. Be sure to compare cash and points pricing as programs like Southwest offer lots of flexibility.
Finally, watch for bonuses and seasonal specials when airlines discount award rates. United recently ran a 30% discount on awards to Europe during off-peak months. American and Alaska frequently offer similar sales too. The deals are short-lived but can unlock incredible value if your dates line up. Sign up for airline and loyalty program emails to stay informed.
A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Stay in Hostels or Camp Near Scenic Sites
Budget-friendly lodging can take scenic road trips to the next level without draining your wallet. Consider staying at hostels near national parks or public lands known for jaw-dropping vistas. Top hostels make exploration a social adventure by organizing group hikes, stargazing nights and other activities. Plus they offer handy amenities like fully-equipped kitchens, recreation rooms, device charging stations and complimentary breakfast.
A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Pack a Picnic to Avoid Pricey Viewpoint Restaurants
Look, we all love a sit-down meal with a panoramic vista, but let's be real—prices at scenic restaurants and cafes can run exorbitant thanks to their coveted locations. As travelers chasing maximum value, picnic provisions present a thrifty alternative to lines, pricey entrees, and steep drink costs. Packing a well-planned picnic allows you to customize the meal that suits your group's tastes. And you'll avoid inflated costs simply for Insta-worthy ambiance.
On a recent trip, my crew hit up a grocery store in Estes Park before entering Rocky Mountain National Park. For under $50 total, we assembled Italian subs, fresh fruit, trail mix, and sports drinks. After appreciating panoramic views from the Bear Lake Trailhead, we hiked down to an empty lakeside picnic table. Enjoying our BYO spread of food and drink while soaking in the alpine scenery was infinitely more memorable—and budget-friendly—than dropping $25 per person at the on-site restaurant.
Another budget-savvy idea I've used is picking up takeout from a local spot, then driving to an outdoor public area with seating. Grabbing pad Thai or tacos to-go, then eating them while watching the sunset over the ocean or from a mountain lookout can be a sublime (and wallet-friendly) experience. Some road trip pros even pack a compact camping stove and cook easy one-pot meals on site. The flexibility of picnicking allows you to chase the perfect viewpoint unencumbered.
If you're road tripping, make sure to stock a designated picnic tub or cooler in your trunk. Stuff it with non-perishables like trail mix, protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and nut butters. Produce like apples, oranges, carrots and snap peas also hold up well. Pre-make sandwiches and wraps if you'll be picnicking in your room or tent. And don't forget utensils, napkins, cups, paper plates, and a sharp knife—you'll be shocked how handy those are.
A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Hike or Bike to Beat Parking Fees
Trailheads accessing top scenic overlooks often charge pricey daily parking fees, yet another budget drain on your idyllic mountain getaway. But experienced outdoor enthusiasts utilize recreationalsportsto skirt the pesky parking costs entirely. Biking and hiking into coveted nature viewpoints allows you to save cash while getting in a fun workout.
Looking back, some of my all-time favorite Rocky Mountain vistas were earned via my own footpower. While researching hikes near Telluride, I discovered the steep yet epic Bear Creek Trail culminating in a breathtaking canyon panorama. Parking at the trailhead reputedly filled up early, requiring a pre-dawn arrival to secure a spot. But wanting to avoid the parking headache and fee, I mapped out a 5-mile bike ride from town to the Bear Creek Trailhead.
That chilly but invigorating morning ride warmed me up perfectly for the intense uphill hike. I soon reached the iconic viewpoint and had it all to myself for nearly 30 minutes. As the morning sun lit up the cascading waterfalls and colorful canyon walls, I appreciated the sweeping scene even more knowing I'd arrived via my own grit.
Another iconic climb I conquered using pedal power was the grueling ride upCadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. From Bar Harbor, it's 13 miles and 1,530 feet of elevation gain. While you can drive the twisting road to the top, cyclists can access the paved path early before the auto road opens. I'll never forget watching the sunrise from Cadillac's granite summit after grinding my way up twist after twist. The light spreading across Frenchman Bay and dotting the Porcupine Islands was a magical reward.
Out West, you can combine biking and hiking to bag peaks like Colorado's famed Longs PeakorHalf Dome inYosemite. Ride bikestothe trailheads before dawn to skip parking logjams and fees. Just be sure to lock up bikes securely at the trailhead before embarking on your hike.
Scenic desert hikes also get supplemented with pedal power. Trails likeAntelopeCanyon andThe Wave in Arizonaoften require paid shuttle transport from gateway towns. However, gateway B&Bs rent bikes so guests can avoid the shuttle cost and ride directly to the trailhead. Just make sure to carry plenty of water in this thirsty environment.
A Thrifty Traveler's Guide to Scenic Overlooks via Affordable Flights - Sunrise and Sunset Are Free Daily Shows
Chasing the golden hour is one of travel's simplest yet most rewarding pleasures. Sunrise and sunset offer a daily spectacle, transforming familiar landscapes into masterpieces of light and color. As thrifty travelers, we can capitalize on these free shows to enrich our sightseeing. No tickets or tour groups required!
I'll never forget watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat in Cambodia after climbing early to a hilltop viewpoint. Seeing the temple ruins light up in hues of orange and pink was mesmerizing. The ebb and flow of shadows gave new depth to intricate carvings as we circled the complex before the crowds arrived. Similarly, at Uluru in Australia's Red Centre, we viewed the sun sinking behind the iconic sandstone monolith. As darkness enveloped the rock, it seemed to glow redder, emphasizing its spiritual significance.
Planning your days around dawn and dusk amplifies the impact of scenic overlooks. On a California coast road trip, my wife and I timed sunset at McWay Falls perfectly. We scrambled down a path just as the golden light struck the pristine cove, reflecting brilliantly on the cascade spilling onto the beach. Similarly, watching the sunrise illumine the Grand Canyon from Desert View Watchtower remains an all-time travel memory. The early start rewarded us with epic views and solitude before crowds poured in at mid-morning.
When possible, extend your overnight stays to experience both sunrise and sunset. This worked beautifully on an autumn trip to Acadia National Park. One evening we watched the sunset paint Frenchman Bay a fiery red from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The next morning we returned to Cadillac before dawn, watching the breaking daylight spread across the Porcupine Islands and distant Maine coastline. Seeing Acadia's vistas transform through the full light cycle enriched our trip immensely.
You can chase sunrises and sunsets nearly anywhere, whether lounging beachside with a cocktail or shivering atop an icy peak. City skylines transition radically too, as office towers morph into shadowy silhouettes. And don’t forget waterfronts—watching the sunset reflect on ocean, lakes or rivers never gets old. For a memorable coastal sunset, try Santa Monica Pier in California, Mallory Square in Key West, or Cadillac Mountain's rugged Atlantic overlooks. Lakeside, classics like Lake Powell, Crater Lake and Lake Tahoe glow under the evening light. And riverside, Seattle's Alki Beach, San Antonio's River Walk, or Chicago's Lake Shore Drive offer contenders.