If you’ve ever booked the cheapest flight… only to find yourself on a three-layover marathon wishing you’d spent a little more, this episode is going to change how you search forever.

I’m joined by Taima Ramsey from Poor in a Private Plane, who’s made a career out of finding luxury travel experiences without the luxury price tag. 

Together, we’re breaking down how to find the best flights—not just the cheapest—so you can travel in comfort without blowing your budget.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why “budget” doesn’t have to mean “cheap” (and how to get intentional about your travel choices)
• How to use Google Flights Explore to discover destinations you didn’t even know were possible
• The price tracking trick that saved Taima’s parents $400 in just 24 hours
• The “date grid” feature that can shave hundreds off your airfare
• Hidden tools like the Points Path Chrome extension for points and miles fans
• Why booking direct is usually smarter than third-party sites
• Taima’s “Travel Roulette” method for spontaneous, affordable trips
• Mistakes to avoid when using points & miles so you get the best value

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction
• 00:56 Taima's Journey to Luxury Travel on a Budget
• 02:43 Defining Budget Travel vs. Cheap Travel
• 04:28 Strategies for Budget Travel
• 08:57 Google Flights: A Powerful Tool for Travelers
• 13:16 Exploring Google Flights Features
• 24:19 Other Travel Search Engines and Tools
• 33:29 Favorite Airlines and Travel Preferences
• 34:22 Traveling to the Philippines: Flight Challenges
• 34:35 Loyalty to Delta and Its Partners
• 35:41 Avoiding Budget Airlines
• 37:25 Budgeting for Better Travel Experiences
• 38:37 Finding the Best Flight Deals
• 40:30 Maximizing Points and Miles
• 40:42 Planning a Trip to Mexico on a Budget
• 42:22 Using Google Flights for Travel Planning
• 47:01 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Points
• 52:11 Rapid Fire Travel Questions
• 56:54 Travel Roulette: Planning Spontaneous Trips
• 58:52 Final Thoughts and Where to Follow

Links & Resources:

• Taima’s Blog: Poor in a Private Plane
• Taima’s Facebook Group: Luxury Travel on a Budget Insider Tips
• Points Path Chrome Extension: Download Here

Follow Taima:
Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok – @poorinaprivateplane

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