Oak + Odyssey vs. Expedia

#CheapTravelChallenge

It’s time for another #cheaptravelchallenge! The purpose of this challenge is to show you how travel search engines don’t always find the cheapest route. They definitely do a great job if you have zero flexibility in your travel plans. But if you’re willing to budge on dates a bit or fly into a different airport, then the customization that Oak + Odyssey provides is the way to go :) Let’s get started!

The Challenge: Find the cheapest flights from St. Louis to Bali in September 2017.

The Competition: Expedia

The Results: The Expedia search found me a $1,521 round-trip ticket from STL to Bali. Using Oak + Odyssey I found a round-trip ticket from STL to Bali for $893. 
By using Oak + Odyssey, you would save a total of $628. That's a months' worth of rent (depending on where you live),  185 Taco Bell crunch wrap supremes, or a flight to Europe and back.

*Side note: Expedia is a great tool to use, however, this challenge is meant to show you that there are many workarounds and customizations that aren't picked up by search engines like Expedia. 

See the two flight itinerary comparisons below and be sure to book your next trip with Oak + Odyssey.

Happy Traveling

Oak + Odyssey vs. Google Flights

#CheapTravelChallenge

I get a lot of questions on how Oak + Odyssey is different than someone just going onto Kayak or Travelocity and searching for a flight. I decided this would be a great way to show y’all how we differ and how you can save even more money by using Oak + Odyssey.

Tavel search engines don’t always find the cheapest route. They definitely do a great job if you have zero flexibility in your travel plans. But if you’re willing to budge on dates a bit or fly into a different airport, then the customization that Oak + Odyssey provides is the way to go :) Let’s get started!

The Challenge: Find the cheapest flights from Kansas City to London in 2017.

The Competition: Google Flights

The Results: Using Google Flights, the cheapest round-trip tickets I could find were in November for $910. Using Oak + Odyssey, the cheapest tickets we were able to find were in September for $569. *Drumroll please* By using Oak + Odyssey, you would save a total of $341. That's 341 small fries at McDonalds, a three year subscription to Netflix or your next weekend getaway.

*Side note: Google Flights is an amazing tool that I use all the time, however, this challenge is meant to show you that there are many workarounds and customizations that aren't picked up by search engines like Google Flights. 

See the two flight itinerary comparisons below and be sure to book your next trip with Oak + Odyssey.

Google Flights - $910

Miles Travel - KC to Orlando $124

Miles Travel - Orlando to London $445

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$109 Summer Bargain to Bergen

Bergen, Norway

Photo Credit: Azamara Club Cruises

Fly to Norway in July for $109 one-way or $330 roundtrip on Norwegian Air. Bergen, Norway is surrounded by mountains and fjords, including the longest the fjord in the country - Sognefjord. This city is the second largest in Norway, but keeps a small town charm with it's colorful wooden houses and laid-back culture. 

Happy Traveling

Kansas City → Orlando $56 Roundtrip

Get to the most magical place on earth for only $56 roundtrip. We're seeing these low prices in April with flights out of Kansas City on Frontier Airlines. See a sample flight itinerary below:

Looking for a beach vacation? Fear not - there are many close by: 

1. Miami - 3 1/2 hours

2. Tampa - 1.5 hours

3. Daytona Beach - 50 minutes

4. Marco Island - 4 hours

5. Palm Bay - 1.5 hours

6. Fort Myers - 3.5 hours

Happy Traveling

Denver → Paris $436 Roundtrip

Colorful macarons, world-renowned cuisine and high fashion.

Imagine yourself sipping café crème while reading a romance novel next to the Eiffel Tower. This could be you next month for only $436. We're seeing flights from Denver to Paris for as low as $436 on Delta Airlines. See a sample flight itinerary below: 

While you're there, take a $63 day trip to Brussels, Belgium via train, and indulge on a variety of delicious waffles.

Happy Traveling

Ft. Lauderdale → Bahamas $59

Don't miss out on this great deal: One-way flights to the Bahamas for as low as $59 on Southwest airlines. Many dates are available from now through September. Be sure to book soon before the sale ends. *Check out featured places in the Bahamas here. 

Miami → Aruba $192

Fly from Miami to Aruba with a 20 hour layover in Charlotte for $192 round trip. While in Charlotte, take an Uber to Freedom Park for a refreshing escape before heading to City Lights Rooftop - a lively urban rooftop bar that features signature summertime cocktails, upbeat lounge music and a breathtaking 360* view of Charlotte's skyline. After a full night's rest, you are ready to continue to your final destination. When you arrive, grab a cocktail and soak in the sun on Aruba's famous white sand beaches. Spend the day exploring at Arikok National Park and the evening watching the sunset while doing some SUP yoga. A must see is Flamingo Beach where you can hang with actual pink flamingos.   
Depart May 12th - Return May 21st on American Airlines for $192 roundtrip.