Flights in and out of the USA are the most expensive flights you can book. Flights between other countries are much more affordable. So when I travel, I have my point A and my point B, but I look for cheaper flights with a layover of 24 hours or longer in a different city or country. That way I get a trip within a trip, and I usually save money doing it.

1. Start with Google Flights Explore

The first thing I do is open Google Flights Explore and look for cheap flights out of the country. I check the airports near me, and also major airports that are easy for me to get to. For me, that's often Atlanta.

2. Get out of the U.S. cheaply, then hop between hubs

Once I find a cheap one-way flight out of the U.S., I look for flights from there to other major hubs in the direction I'm heading. Because flights between other countries cost so much less, a few one-way tickets can add up to less than one direct flight.

3. Look for long layovers (24 hours or more)

This is my favorite part. A flight with a 24-hour or longer layover is often cheaper, and it gives you a free day or two in a city you might never have planned to visit. Instead of sitting in an airport, you're exploring a whole new place.

My real example: around the world for about $1,250

Getting there. I needed to get from Atlanta to Shanghai. When I booked, direct flights from Atlanta to Shanghai were all over $800 one way. Here's what I did instead:

  • Atlanta to Athens, Greece: a one-way flight for under $300.
  • Athens to Dubai: under $200.
  • Dubai to Shanghai, with a 28-hour layover in Chengdu, China: under $250.

All of these flights included baggage and meals. I got to Shanghai for about $750, and along the way I spent 2 days in Athens, 3 days in Dubai and 1 day in Chengdu.

Coming home. I made my way back from Shanghai with a 3-day stop in Seoul, South Korea, then a short 6-hour layover in Vancouver before landing in Atlanta. The whole trip back was about $500.

So I got a trip around the world, to all of those places, for about $1,250. Watch what I did along the way:

Heading to China? Read my first-time China travel tips, including my advice on visas.

4. Check the flights on Trip.com

After I find cheap flights on Google Flights Explore, I check the same flights on Trip.com, which almost always includes baggage. I booked each of those flights separately. Separate tickets mean a delay on one flight isn't covered by the next airline, so I leave several days between flights to adjust for that possibility. I often book directly on Trip.com because it's easier to keep track of everything in one place. You can search flights on Trip.com here (affiliate link: I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you).

5. Pay with a travel credit card and earn points twice

I pay for my flights with my Chase Sapphire card. I earn Chase points, and I get the travel insurance coverage and other benefits that come with the card. When I book through Trip.com, I also earn Trip.com points, so I'm getting points in two different places for the same purchase, and the insurance comes from my Chase Sapphire card. If you want one, here's my Chase Sapphire referral link (I can be rewarded if you apply through it and are approved).

Cheap flight checklist

  • Search Google Flights Explore from your closest airports and any major airport you can easily reach.
  • Find a cheap one-way flight out of the U.S.
  • Hop between major hubs toward your destination.
  • Look for layovers of 24 hours or more and turn them into a trip within a trip.
  • Booking separate tickets? Leave several days between flights in case of delays.
  • Compare on Trip.com (affiliate link) and check what baggage is included.
  • Pay with a travel credit card for points and travel insurance.

Watch: Athens in 2 days

Athens was the first stop on my trip around the world. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more adventures around the world.

Explore every place I've been on the interactive map.