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Once you've decided where you're going to embark on your international locum tenens assignment, you're faced with a predicament: Where should you vacation nearby when you get there and when should you buy your airline tickets? Of course we'll help you take care of your travel getting there but what about those flights you want to book when you have some time away from the hospital? Here are some tips.
We know how it goes – purchasing at just the right time can make a world of difference for you and your bank account. Luckily, there are guidelines out there for snagging the perfect price. Want to know more?
Timing is everything
It's generally best to purchase your tickets 45 to 60 days out, depending on whether you're flying domestically or internationally. The reason for this is simple – while yes, flights will be cheaper before high demand kicks in, airlines are also using sales from previous years to price their tickets. If flying to the Caribbean on March 31 was popular last year, it will likely be the same this year, and they'll price their tickets accordingly – regardless of when you book them. Any closer to your departure, however, and the prices will go up.
Another good thing to keep in mind while you're deciding when to buy tickets: the time of day you're flying. Popular (and therefore more expensive) times to fly are essentially any hours of the day you'd likely be awake. The wee hours of the morning are the cheapest, because who wants to wake up at 3 a.m. to fly to Canada? The savvy traveler does, that's who.
Days to avoid buying
Most ticket sales are offered at the very beginning of each week, with Tuesday taking the lead as the most inexpensive day.
Days to avoid flying
The most expensive days of the week to fly are Friday and Sunday, so plan your arrival and departure on different days. Weekdays are your best bet – especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays.