How to Find Budget Flights to Europe

Traveloka Team
08 Feb 2025 - 4 min read

How to Find Budget Flights to Europe

Many people, including savvy Singaporeans, dream of travelling to Europe. The continent offers everything from historic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Colosseum to the charm of lesser-known towns like Ghent or Braga. But let's be honest—flights from Singapore to Europe often leave a significant hole in your wallet.

What if we told you there’s a way to jet off without breaking the bank? With the right strategies and tools (like Traveloka), finding budget flights is possible and can completely transform your travel expenses. This blog offers a step-by-step guide to discovering affordable flights to Europe without sacrificing convenience or comfort.

Seasonal Planning for the Best Deals

Timing is everything when it comes to securing budget tickets to Europe. Flights to Europe can dramatically fluctuate in price, depending on the season. Here’s when to book for your best chance at affordable fares.

High, Low, and Shoulder Seasons

Europe’s high season falls between June and August, coinciding with summer holidays. Prices and demand spike during this time, so if budget is your priority, consider avoiding these months.

The low season, from November to February (excluding Christmas and New Year), is ideal for budget-conscious travellers. Flights are cheaper, and accommodations and attractions offer discounts. However, some areas of Europe may be cold during this period.

Then comes the sweet spot—the shoulder season (April to May and September to October). With mild weather and fewer crowds, this is an optimal time to snag reasonably priced tickets while enjoying Europe’s open-air markets and scenic parks.

When to Book

Book at least 3–6 months to secure the best deals. Last-minute bookings are much more expensive, particularly for long-haul trips like Singapore to Europe. Use Traveloka's Price Alerts feature to monitor fluctuating fares and book the moment prices dip.

Airline sales and promotions can be a gold mine for budget flights if you know where to look.

Staying Updated on Airline Deals

Sign up for airline newsletters to keep tabs on flash sales and promos. Many airlines offer special discounts during public holidays, anniversaries, or off-peak times. You can also conveniently use Traveloka to browse through curated promotion lists.

Exploring Budget Airlines for Free Travel Within Europe

Low-cost carriers like Ryanair or others often offer jaw-dropping deals for flights between European destinations. By booking international flights to a central hub like London or Paris, you can easily use a budget airline to explore other cities.

Flexible Date and Destination Strategies

Flexibility is a game-changer when searching for cheap flights. Here’s how you can make the most of it.

Use Fare Comparisons for Flexible Dates

Instead of locking yourself into a fixed departure date, play around with several options. Traveloka’s Fare Calendar allows you to check the cheapest fares for any given month, providing essential insights on when to fly for less.

Consider Alternate Airports

Flying into smaller airports near your primary destination can reduce costs. Instead of booking a flight to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, consider Eindhoven or Rotterdam, then connect onward using local transport. Traveloka’s search options make it easy to filter through nearby airports for cost-effective choices.

Points and Miles for Budget Travellers

Travelling smarter, not harder, is the essence of budget travel—and nothing exemplifies this better than using points and miles.

What is Travel Hacking?

Travel hacking refers to earning and redeeming airline miles or credit card points for free or significantly discounted flights. If you frequently use credit cards, ensure you’re earning points that can contribute towards flights.

Accumulating and Redeeming Points

Opt for co-branded airline or travel credit cards that offer bonuses on sign-ups.
Use your everyday spending to optimise points accumulation for airlines like Singapore Airlines or those under the Star Alliance.
Once you’ve collected enough, redeem them strategically for long-haul flights to Europe. This could potentially save you hundreds of Singapore dollars.

Making the Most of Layovers and Stopovers

Layovers and stopovers don’t have to be dreaded—they can be transformed into opportunities for exploration.

Understanding Layovers vs. Stopovers

Layovers are short breaks (1–8 hours) between connecting flights. Many airports, such as Changi or Doha, offer lounges, shopping, and even mini-tours for layover passengers.
Stopovers are extended stays (24–72 hours) in transit cities, often offered by airlines like Singapore Airlines.

Benefits of Stopovers

Stopovers allow you to explore an additional city in your itinerary at little to no added cost. Use this strategy to explore places like Doha, Istanbul, or Helsinki en route to Europe. Search via Traveloka for multi-city itineraries that include such convenient stops.

Plan Your Adventure Without Breaking the Bank

Finding budget flights to Europe requires equal flexibility, resourcefulness, and strategic planning. To summarise:

Choose the right season for cost savings.
Use tools like Traveloka to keep track of sales and monitor airfare trends.
Be flexible with your travel dates and consider alternative airports.
Leverage points and miles to cover all or part of your flight expenses.
Turn layovers or stopovers into exciting mini-trips.

With so many options, there’s no reason to postpone your European adventure! Start planning your trip today with Traveloka—book your flights, accommodation, and the best activities in one place. Share this guide with your fellow Singapore-based travel enthusiasts, and if you have other budget flight hacks, drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear them!

In This Article

• How to Find Budget Flights to Europe
• Seasonal Planning for the Best Deals
• High, Low, and Shoulder Seasons
• When to Book
• Navigating Airline Sales and Promotions
• Staying Updated on Airline Deals
• Exploring Budget Airlines for Free Travel Within Europe
• Flexible Date and Destination Strategies
• Use Fare Comparisons for Flexible Dates
• Consider Alternate Airports
• Points and Miles for Budget Travellers
• What is Travel Hacking?
• Accumulating and Redeeming Points
• Making the Most of Layovers and Stopovers
• Understanding Layovers vs. Stopovers
• Benefits of Stopovers
• Plan Your Adventure Without Breaking the Bank
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