Exploring Ethiopia on a Budget: How to Score Cheap Airline Tickets
Ethiopia is a country that offers a feast to the senses with its rich history, vibrant culture, ancient architecture, and diverse landscapes. Whether it’s trekking in the Simien Mountains, marveling at the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, or exploring the bustling markets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia has something to offer to every type of traveler.
However, for budget-conscious travelers, one of the biggest hurdles to exploring Ethiopia can be the cost of airline tickets. But fear not, there are ways to score cheap airline tickets to Ethiopia if you know where to look and how to plan your trip.
Be flexible with your travel dates
The first tip for scoring cheap airline tickets to Ethiopia is to be flexible with your travel dates. If you have the luxury of choosing when you travel, try to book your flights during the low season which generally runs from May to September. During this period, airlines may offer lower fares to fill their planes.
Another way to be flexible is to search for flights on different weekdays. Flying on weekdays such as Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday may be cheaper than on weekends when most people tend to travel.
Book early or last minute
Another way to score cheap airline tickets to Ethiopia is to book your flights as early as possible or at the last minute. Airlines often offer lower fares to passengers who book their flights well in advance. If you are planning your trip months in advance, keep an eye on airline websites and travel portals to book your tickets as soon as they become available.
On the other hand, if you are a spontaneous traveler and can afford to book your flights at the last minute, you may find some great deals. Airlines sometimes offer lucrative discounts on unsold seats a few days before the flight. However, this option can be risky, as there is no guarantee that the flights will have unsold seats.
Compare prices and use different search engines
One secret to scoring cheap airline tickets to Ethiopia is to compare prices across different airlines and travel portals. There are several online resources such as Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights that allow you to compare prices and find the best deals. You can also subscribe to airlines’ newsletters to receive notifications of limited-time offers and discounts.
It’s also a good idea to clear your browser’s cache and search history before starting your search for flights. Some airlines and travel portals use cookies to track your browsing history and may increase the prices if they think you are a more serious buyer.
Consider alternative airports
Another trick for scoring cheap airline tickets to Ethiopia is to consider alternative airports. For example, instead of flying directly to Addis Ababa, you could search for flights to other nearby airports such as Dire Dawa, Mekele, or Bahir Dar. From there, you can take a bus or a domestic flight to your final destination, which may be cheaper than a direct flight.
Final thoughts
Exploring Ethiopia on a budget is not as challenging as it may seem. With a little bit of planning, flexibility, and research, you can score cheap airline tickets and enjoy the beauty and diversity of this fascinating country. So start planning, pack your bags, and set out on an adventure of a lifetime.
