How to find cheap flights, according to Google Flights


Comment

Ever wonder how to game Google Flights? Us, too.

To help us on our quest for cheaper travel, Google Flights published five years’ worth of airfare data on Wednesday.

The research supports some classic travel wisdom — like the myth we busted that Tuesday isn’t the best day to find cheap flights. But there are also some results that may surprise well-informed travelers — like prices for domestic flights are lowest between 21 and 60 days out.

The engineers looked at average round-trip airfares on Google Flights between Aug. 1, 2017, and Aug. 1, 2022, for six- to nine-day trips and 13- to 16-day trips departing from 4,000 markets in the United States.

The rules of flying like a decent human

James Byers, Google Flights product manager, says they hope their findings will answer users’ top questions, like when to start shopping, particularly as they consider Thanksgiving and Christmas travel.

“We know that holidays this year are extra important to a lot of travelers who might have had to skip them in past years,” Byers said.

Of course, the findings aren’t ultimate truths; they’re patterns. Your best bet is to set up price alerts early, and jump on good fares when they’re available.

How do you actually get those $49 flights? There’s always a catch to airline sales.

Google Flights data showed prices for domestic flights have usually been their lowest between 21 and 60 days out. Those prices tend to bottom out around 44 days before takeoff.

Look for flights that depart in the middle of the week instead of weekends. Flights early in the week are 12 percent cheaper than weekend ones, and Sundays are particularly pricey.

If you’re willing to take a little longer to get to your destination, opt for a layover to find a better deal. Nonstop fares have been 20 percent higher than ones with stops.

Aim to get way ahead of your European travel plans. Prices are lowest between 50 and 179 days before takeoff. The best of those deals tend to pop up 129 days out.

7 Italy vacations that check every travel style

For Mexico and the Caribbean

Set your shopping window for travel to Mexico and the Caribbean between 37 and 87 days out. The lowest prices were found about two months from departure.

For Thanksgiving and Christmas

For Thanksgiving and Christmas, they looked at trips departing before and returning after the holiday. The results showed you don’t have to lock something in a year in advance, but you shouldn’t wait until the last minute.

Look for domestic Thanksgiving flights within 36 to 74 days ahead of time. The lowest prices were found 52 days out.

For domestic Christmas travel, price drops have occurred within 20 and 88 days before the holiday. early. The lowest average prices showed up 22 days beforehand, although it may be stressful to wait until December to book.

Spring break data was taken from trips beginning in March or April, and showed domestic travelers should look to book flights 23 to 59 days (nearly two months) before their trip. The Google Flight trends shows they tend to hit their lowest price 38 days out.

Google Flight engineers calculated summer data for trips beginning in July or August. Their results found booking flights for those months are lowest on average 21 days out.



Source link

Alternative guide to Mallorca – through the eyes of those who know it best | Mallorca holidays


Mallorca has fought hard against its sun, sea and sand stereotype and now tries promote itself more as a year-long travel destination, offering summer and winter sporting options, a burgeoning gastronomy scene and a long-established arts tradition.

I spent three years co-writing and and taking photographs for Faces of Mallorca a new book featuring 59 island characters. I would like to introduce you to five, to experience the essence of Mallorca through their eyes.

Tomeu Arbona, bakery owner

Tomeu Arbona: ‘I became a real food archaeologist.’
Tomeu Arbona: ‘I became a real food archaeologist’

Tomeu worked with “kids on the street” as a social worker, later retraining as a psychotherapist, but lost his job after just four years as a result of the economic crisis. Needing an income to pay for his children’s university fees, he and his wife decided to open a small bakery, Fornet de la Soca, focusing on traditional recipes.

A freshly baked ensaïmada.
A freshly baked ensaïmada

“We were lucky, as people immediately liked our idea of reviving old Mallorquín recipes – I became a real food archaeologist. One important insight I gained was the history of the ensaïmada. Very few people know that ensaïmades [sweet spiral pastries] and panades [little meat pies] come from Jewish culture.”

In addition to owning one of Palma’s most exquisite bakeries, Tomeu also sings traditional Mallorcan songs at special events. Every afternoon he cycles through the downtown area. He’s “in love” with the areas of ​​Pla de Mallorca, Sineu, Pina and Lloret, places that retain a great essence and a certain primitivism, and he likes to to go to the alternative Cineciutat cinema. He recommends that all visitors see the Tramuntana mountains: “It is my little paradise that transcends beauty.”

With his eye for stunning vistas, Tomeu says the Ermita de la Trinitat in Valldemossa is well worth the trip: “I love the peacefulness and the beautiful view of the coastline.”

To eat on a special occasion, he recommends Montimar, “a small restaurant of high-quality traditional cuisine, with a stunning landscape”. Other favourite restaurants include Ca Na Toneta, Botànic and Dins de Santi Taura – “they each represent different, authentic aspects of Mallorcan cuisine”.

Francesca Martí, international artist

Francesca Martí: ‘A good gallery brings energy to our soul.’
Francesca Martí: ‘A good gallery brings energy to our soul’

Francesca expresses herself through sculpture and multimedia to convey her unique societal reflections. She is perhaps best known for Dreamers, a set of sculptures dotted around Mallorca “shining in solitary contemplation”.

One of Francesca Martí’s Dreamers, at Sóller train station.
One of Francesca Martí’s Dreamers, at Sóller railway station

“I live in Sóller and love to visit the Ecocirer hotel, where you can enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast. In Port de Sóller, there are several restaurants facing the sea. Pick any of these to eat fresh fish – you will not be disappointed! To relax, I like to be out on the water having a picnic or fishing around the coast. Two restaurants I absolutely love, which combine great food with beautiful sea views, are Sa Foradada and C’as Patro March in Deià; they are just super authentic!”

Palma is a cultural city. A visit to a good gallery “brings energy to our soul”; try Gallery Kewenig, Gerhard Braun Gallery or Es Baluard museum. Museu Can Marquès offers a fusion of past and present.

Maria Gibert, cook and YouTube sensation

Maria Gibert: ‘I am a bit of a local celebrity!’
Maria Gibert’s has become a YouTuber thanks to advice from a grandson

Maria, 84, is a custodian of traditional Mallorcan cooking and a media sensation with a YouTube audience of more than 43,000 and numerous TV appearances. Her first cooking experience as a child was when she stole some dry pasta from her mother’s pantry and attempted to cook it. It didn’t turn out well but her mother made her eat the whole plate of pasta as punishment: “That might have been the moment I decided to become a better cook!”

Seven years ago, her grandson, who lives in Japan, had the idea of making videos in her kitchen and publishing them on YouTube. “Little did we know that this was going to get so much attention. Now I am a bit of a local celebrity!

“I love preparing authentic Mallorcan dishes like sopes mallorquines [bread and vegetable soup], which is one of my favourites, or escaldums [turkey stew with tomatoes and herbs] and I am happy I get to share these original recipes, so they are not forgotten. Few people have the patience for slow cooking – everything has to be fast – but I have a feeling that the meditative experience of taking time to cook dishes in the traditional way is starting to appeal again.”

Maria likes to wander down to the “incredible” restaurant, Bodega La Rambla – “I have to say, Mallorcan variats [Mallorcan twists on tapas] are the best.” She is often to be found walking around the city. “I’m a walker and my passion is to relax by strolling along the promenade of Palma. The old town hides many stories and I find it very beautiful. The Paseo del Molinar and Portixol areas take me back to my childhood.”

Maria also recommends a visit to Palma’s Teatre Principal, and a trip to the village of Deià: “These are beautiful corners of magic and history in our little paradise”.

Nuria and Mikel, sailors

Nuria: ‘We always wanted to live life on our own terms, feel free.’
Nuria: ‘We always wanted to live life on our own terms, feel free’

Nuria and her partner Mikel are owners of the beautiful Rafael Verdera, used for sailing trips around the island. Built in 1841, it is the oldest operating boat of the Spanish naval fleet. The couple have lived on board for the past 40 years and Nuria gave birth to their children, Sara and Iñaki, on the boat. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Sara and Iñaki practising acrobatics on deck.

Iñaki and Sara.
Iñaki and Sara’s onboard acrobatics

“I first met Mikel on this very boat, many years ago, and we have been living together on it ever since. I guess there are people who think we are crazy, but we wanted to live our lives on our own terms; we wanted to always feel free.”

Nuria suggests taking advantage of the dolphin and whale watching around Mallorca: “Not so many people know about this.” For keen swimmers, she recommends heading to the beach at El Toro. “The waters are always so calm, and I always have the best swims there.”

She strongly recommends a trip to Cabrera, a tiny island 10 miles off the southernmost tip of Mallorca. It is “an unspoilt oasis with the most aquamarine blue seas – and you have the best view of the stars at night”. Joan Aguiló, street artist

Joan Aguiló: ‘I am proud I helped to bring street art to the island’
Joan Aguiló: ‘I am proud I helped to bring street art to the island’

Joan’s huge murals can be found all over the island. They are easily recognisable as his style is unique, typically featuring Mallorcan childhood experiences.

“I discovered street art in Berlin and was immediately fascinated. When I came back here, I thought it would be easy to find other street artists in Mallorca, but this scene barely existed. I am proud that I helped to bring this culture to the island. The annual street art festival I have created in Can Picafort has become quite popular, and it excites me that many of the best street artists from various countries come together for this event.”

Joan Aguiló in front of one of his creations, Calvià.
Joan Aguiló in front of one of his creations, Calvià Photograph: Mark Julian Edwards

Joan’s go-to place in Palma for a good exhibition or interesting cultural event is the CaixaForum Gran Hotel. “It feels like it’s from another era; you can’t tell what century you’re in, and that’s spectacular.”

Out of town, he suggests going to Ermita de la Victoria, with a view of the bay of Alcudia, and hike for about half an hour to the Atalaya, the highest point, to see the bay of Pollença and visit Caló D’Es Cans beach near Colonia de Sant Pere: “It’s a delight!”

Faces of Mallorca by Mark Julian Edwards and Stephanie Schulz is published by Triangle Postals (£31.99).



Source link

India vs West Indies Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- India Tour of West Indies, 2nd T20I


India vs West Indies Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update of the match between India and West Indies. They will play against each other for the second time in the three-match T20I series between them.

India vs West Indies Match Details India Tour of West Indies 2nd T20I:

The 2nd T20I match between India and West Indies will be played on 1st August at Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts.

For all the Dream11 Tips and Fantasy Cricket Live Updates, follow us on Cricketaddictor Telegram Channel.

This game is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM IST and live score and commentary can be seen on FanCode and CricketAddictor website.

This whole series will be a live telecast on DD Sports. DD Sports is the official and exclusive broadcaster of the India tour of West Indies 2022. The live streaming will be presented by the Fan Code app.

India vs West Indies Match Preview India Tour of West Indies 2nd T20I:

India and West Indies played one match against each other in this three-match T20I series so far where India won that game and is currently leading the series by 1-0.

In the first T20I match, India beat West Indies by 68 runs. In that game, West Indies won the toss and decided to field first. Coming to bat, India posted 190 runs on the board where Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik smashed 64 runs and 41 runs respectively for the team. Alzarri Joseph took 2 wickets for West Indies.

Coming to the chase, West Indies failed to chase down the target and managed to put just 122 runs on the board where none of their batters was able to cross even the 20-run mark. Arshdeep Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi grabbed 2 wickets each for India.

India vs West Indies Match Weather Report India Tour of West Indies 2nd T20I:

The temperature is expected to hover around 27°C on the matchday with 79% humidity and 6-8 km/hr wind speed. There are no chances of precipitation during the game.

India vs West Indies Match Pitch Report India Tour of West Indies 2nd T20I:

Warner Park provides a neutral wicket where both the departments are expected to earn a reasonable amount of help from the surface. Spinners will play a decent role in the middle overs.

Average 1st innings score:

The average first innings score on this wicket is 143 runs.

Record of chasing teams:

The team batting second has great records here. They have maintained a winning percentage of 60 on this ground.

India vs West Indies Match Injury Update India Tour of West Indies 2nd T20I:

(Will be added when there is an update)

India vs West Indies Match Probable XIs India Tour of West Indies 2nd T20I:

India: Rohit Sharma ©, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi

West Indies: Kyle Mayers, Shamarh Brooks, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Odean Smith, Keemo Paul, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy

Top Picks For Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium pacer from India. He took 1 wicket in the last game and can come in handy once again here.

Hardik Pandya is a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium fast bowler from India. He scored only 1 run in the last game but can score big in the upcoming match.

Akeal Hosein is a left-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox spinner from West Indies. He marked 11 runs and grabbed 1 wicket in the last game. He will be a safe pick to consider for this match.

Nicholas Pooran is a left-handed batsman from West Indies. He smashed 18 runs in the last match and will look to capitalize on the start here.

India vs West Indies Match Captain and Vice-Captain Choices India Tour of West Indies 2nd T20I:

Captain – Nicholas Pooran, Hardik Pandya

Vice-Captain – Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Akeal Hosein

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for India vs West Indies Dream11 Team:

Keeper – Nicholas Pooran (C), Rishabh Pant

Batsmen – Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Kyle Mayers

All-rounders – Jason Holder, Hardik Pandya

Bowlers – Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (VC), Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph

India vs West Indies Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Dream11 Team India Tour of West Indies
India vs West Indies Dream11 Prediction

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for India vs West Indies Dream11 Team:

Keeper – Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant

Batsmen – Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shamarh Brooks

All-rounders – Jason Holder, Hardik Pandya (C), Odean Smith

Bowlers – Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Akeal Hosein (VC)

India vs West Indies Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Dream11 Team India Tour of West Indies
India vs West Indies Dream11 Prediction

India vs West Indies Match Expert Advice India Tour of West Indies 2nd T20I:

Nicholas Pooran will be a good captaincy choice for the small leagues. Hardik Pandya will be a decent captaincy choice for the grand leagues.

Shamarh Brooks and Odean Smith are among the punt picks here. The best-suggested fantasy/Dream11 combination for this game is 2-3-2-4.

India vs West Indies Match Probable Winners India Tour of West Indies 2nd T20I:

Considering the team combination, India is expected to win this match.





Source link