Guide: When and How to Book Flights

Booking flights can feel overwhelming and stressful, but having a plan and doing your own research makes all the difference. While you may be tempted to just “get it done,” trust us—taking your time pays off. Whether you’re travelling solo or booking flights for yourself and a friend/partner, this blog offers helpful tips to make the process smoother and less stressful.

Step 1: Start Early and Plan Ahead

Save money on flights by planning ahead and booking early. Start by researching your options and settling on a date that works for you. Then, use sites like Trip.com to compare prices. Remember, costs can fluctuate based on the season and demand, so the earlier you start, the better your chances of finding affordable, convenient flights that leave more room in your budget for fun.

Our team loves TRIP.COM for its ease of use and great prices on flights, hotels, and trains!

Step 2: Think About Your Onward Travel Plans

At this point, decide whether you’ll travel elsewhere after your tour or head home. Booking a return ticket is usually more affordable than booking each leg separately. For trips to Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Bali, we recommend booking a return international ticket and arranging return airport transfers separately, like domestic flights, taxis, or ferries. However, for our Vietnam trip, which starts in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s often more cost-effective to book the flights separately or as a ‘Multi-city’ ticket.

For our Australia trips, a return ticket works well for tours starting and ending in Sydney or Melbourne. However, for the Best of Oz East Coast, which finishes in Cairns, you might want to explore flights departing from Cairns instead of booking a standard return ticket.

Here are the airports you need to aim for;

• Thailand: Suvarnabhumi International (BKK) or Don Mueang International (DMK)
• Vietnam: Noi Bai International (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City International (SGN)
• Sri Lanka: Bandaranaike International (CMB)
• Bali: Gusti Ngurah Rai International (DPS)
• Australia: Sydney International (SYD), Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) or Cairns International (CNS)

Step 3: Know Your Route

Before booking your flight, it’s essential to carefully review the details of your tour, especially where it starts and ends. Many tours finish in a different location from where they begin, so you may need to arrange a ferry, domestic flight, or taxi to return to your starting airport. Later in this guide, you’ll find specific advice for each trip to help with booking your flights and planning your travel.

Step 4: Allow for Extra Time

Always allow extra time for unexpected delays, especially during layovers. This is less of a concern if your flights are booked as a single itinerary. However, if you’ve booked separate legs, known as a ‘Self Transfer,’ giving yourself additional time is crucial. Follow the airport staff’s guidance, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.

Step 5: Final Checks

Now that you’ve written everything down and taken screenshots of your plans, go back through and triple-check all the details. Pay close attention to timings and consider asking a friend or family member to review your plans for a second opinion. Once you’re 100% happy, it’s time to book that flight and start the countdown! 🥳

Bonus Step: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Before you get too overexcited, make sure you’ve arranged travel insurance! It’s essential for covering unexpected events like flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. Get your insurance as soon as you book your trip to ensure you’re fully covered. No matter how well you plan, having insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can enjoy your trip without any worries.

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Best of Thailand – 15 days 🇹🇭

As the trip starts in Bangkok, you’ll most likely arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the city’s main airport where most major international airlines operate. However, if you’re flying in from within Southeast Asia, you may land at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) instead—don’t worry, that’s completely normal!

We recommend booking return tickets to and from Bangkok, even though the trip ends in Chiang Mai. When planning your flight home from Bangkok, aim for a late afternoon or early evening departure on Day 15. This will allow you enough time to take a domestic flight from Chiang Mai late in the morning or after lunch. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes to get to the airport in Chiang Mai, where we finish the tour.

Bangkok & the South 9 days 🇹🇭

The arrival process is similar to the 15-day trip, but this time, you’ll finish the tour on the Phi Phi Islands on Day 9. Phuket International (HKT) and Krabi International (KBV) are the two closest airports.

The most common route is to take a domestic flight from Phuket to Bangkok in the early afternoon to connect with your international flight home. Don’t forget to account for the 4-hour gap we mentioned in the pro-tip above!

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do not book flights earlier than 2pm for domestic or 3pm for international journeys. This allows enough time for the ferry and minivan transfer from the islands to the airport. ⚠️

Best of Vietnam – 15 days 🇻🇳

As the trip begins in Hanoi, you’ll be arriving at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), the main gateway to northern Vietnam. The tour finishes in Ho Chi Minh City, with departures from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Both airports are well-serviced by major international airlines, so finding suitable flights should be straightforward. It takes approximately 30-45 minutes to reach the airport from our tour’s endpoint in Ho Chi Minh City.

Another option is to book a return flight to Hanoi and take a domestic flight back to Hanoi on Day 15. Like Thailand, we recommend booking a morning domestic flight and scheduling your international flight for late afternoon or evening. To reduce stress, allow at least 4 hours between landing in Hanoi and your international departure.

Hanoi to Hoi An – 10 days 🇻🇳

The arrival details are similar, with Hanoi as your initial destination. However, the key difference is that the tour finishes in Hoi An. The nearest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), about a 45-minute to 1-hour taxi ride away.

The most common option from Da Nang is to book a connecting flight to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City before flying onward. While Da Nang is an international airport, its routes are mostly limited to destinations within Southeast Asia.

Best of Bali -12 days 🇮🇩

As the trip starts in Canggu, just a stone’s throw from the beach, you’ll enjoy a prime location to begin your Bali adventure. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is relatively close, but be prepared for traffic, especially during busy times like rush hour or local festivities, which are common on the island.

The tour finishes in the stunning coastal town of Uluwatu, with the drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) taking approximately 30-45 minutes without traffic. However, it’s a good idea to allow at least an hour, especially if there are local religious ceremonies or festivals, which can cause delays.

Best of Sri Lanka – 12 days 🇱🇰

As the trip starts in Negombo, you’ll fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), the country’s main airport where all international airlines operate. Located closer to Negombo than Colombo, it’s the perfect entry point for your adventure.

We recommend booking return tickets. Although the tour starts in Negombo, it finishes in the beautiful beachside town of Unawatuna, just a short drive from the historic Galle Fort. Thanks to the easy highway access, you can usually reach the airport in about 2 – 3 hours from our final hotel. However, we suggest allowing 3-4 hours to be safe, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey to catch your flight.

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Combo: Vietnam & Bali – 28 days 🇻🇳 🇮🇩

Since the tour starts in Vietnam, your arrival will be through Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi. This is the main international airport serving northern Vietnam. After exploring Vietnam from north to south, the tour finishes in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of Day 15, where Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is about 30-45 minutes from our hotel.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Days 15 and 16 are rest days between Vietnam and Bali. You’ll have an extra night in Ho Chi Minh on Day 15 and a pre-night in Canggu on Day 16. These two days are for you to relax and enjoy at your own pace ⚠️

On Day 16 you’ll need to book a separate flight from Ho Chi Minh to Denpasar, Bali. Fortunately, direct flights are available between the two cities, making the transition smooth and hassle-free. When you land in Bali, an airport pickup will be waiting for you to kick off the Bali leg of your trip in style!

Combo: Thailand & Bali – 28 days 🇹🇭 🇮🇩

Your adventure starts in Thailand, with the first stop being Bangkok. You’ll most likely arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Bangkok’s main hub for major international airlines. If you’re flying in from Southeast Asia or on a low-cost carrier, you may land at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)—both are great options, and we’ll pick you up from either, no worries!

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Days 15 and 16 are rest days between Thailand and Bali. You’ll have an extra night in Chiang Mai on Day 15 and a pre-night in Canggu on Day 16. These two days are for you to relax and enjoy at your own pace ⚠️

On Day 16 you’ll need to book a separate flight from Chiang Mai to Denpasar, Bali, as this flight is not included in the tour. While there are no direct flights, you can easily find options with a short layover in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. When you land in Bali, an airport pickup will be ready to welcome you and kick off the Bali leg of your journey in style!

Combo: Thailand & Vietnam – 29 days 🇹🇭 🇻🇳

Your adventure starts in Thailand, with your arrival at either Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), depending on your flight.

On Day 15, you’ll need to book a separate flight from Chiang Mai to Hanoi, Vietnam, as this flight is not included in the tour. Upon arrival, an airport pickup will be waiting to kick off the Vietnam leg of your journey! If direct flights aren’t available, check out our blog on ‘Booking Connecting Flights: Thailand & Vietnam’ for useful tips. The trip ends in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of Day 29, with the airport just 30-45 minutes from the hotel.

Combo: Thailand, Vietnam & Bali – 42 days 🇹🇭 🇻🇳 🇮🇩

Your adventure begins in Thailand, with your arrival at either Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), depending on your flight. We’ll pick you up from either, so no worries!

On Day 15, you’ll need to book a separate flight from Chiang Mai to Hanoi, Vietnam, as this flight is not included in the tour. Upon arrival, an airport pickup will be waiting to kick off the Vietnam leg of your journey! If direct flights aren’t available, check out our blog on ‘Booking Connecting Flights: Thailand & Vietnam’ for useful tips.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Days 29 and 30 are rest days between Vietnam and Bali. You’ll have an extra night in Ho Chi Minh City on Day 29 and a pre-night in Canggu on Day 30. These two days are for you to relax and enjoy at your own pace ⚠️

On Day 30 you’ll need to book a separate flight from Ho Chi Minh to Denpasar, Bali. Fortunately, direct flights are available between the two cities, making the transition smooth and hassle-free. When you land in Bali, an airport pickup will be waiting for you to kick off the Bali leg of your trip in style!

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Best of Oz East Coast – 30 days 🇦🇺 🐨

Your East Coast adventure begins in Sydney, where you’ll arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), the city’s main international hub.

We recommend arriving at least 2 to 3 nights before the trip starts. This will give you plenty of time to recover from any jet lag and explore Sydney before the adventure kicks off on Day 1. It’s a great opportunity to settle in, get a feel for the local area, and check off any personal bucket list experiences that aren’t included in the tour!

We also suggest booking your return flight for later in the day on the final day to ensure you have plenty of time to get back to the airport without any stress. The airport is about 15-20 minutes from the hostel in Cairns, making for an easy transfer to catch your flight.

Welcome to Melbourne – 8 days 🇦🇺 🦘

As the trip starts in Melbourne, you’ll most likely arrive at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), the city’s main airport where most major international airlines operate.

We recommend booking return tickets if you’re only here for the trip, as it both starts and ends in Melbourne. If you’re taking the airport bus, it takes around 30-45 minutes to get from Central Melbourne to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), ensuring a smooth transfer to the airport.

Welcome to Sydney – 8 days 🇦🇺 🏄‍♀️

As the trip starts in Sydney, you’ll most likely arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), the city’s main airport where most major international airlines operate.

We recommend booking return tickets if you’re only here for the trip, as it both starts and ends in Sydney. If you’re taking the airport bus, it takes around 30-45 minutes to get from Central Sydney to Sydney Airport (SYD), ensuring a smooth transfer to the airport.

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What about visas for all these trips?

Be sure to check the visa requirements for your passport before travelling. However, keep in mind that we are not visa experts and cannot provide specific visa advice.

Each country and passport may have different rules, so it’s important to thoroughly research and ensure you meet all the necessary requirements before travelling.

Please verify your visa eligibility, as the information we provide is general. For the most up-to-date and accurate details, visit the website of your local embassy or consulate for each country you plan to visit. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary based on your nationality, so staying informed will help ensure a smooth travel experience.

Find out more: Read our blog on ‘Your ‘Unofficial’ Visa Guide for Asia & Australia’

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Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in Southeast Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure & chill time. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.

Here are a few useful links to help with that planning;
👉🏼 View all Trips
👉🏼 Frequently Asked Questions
👉🏼 Check out our Reviews
👉🏼 Why choose us?
👉🏼 How does it all work?

If you’ve got any burning questions or just need a little travel inspo… jump in the DM’s with the team via either Whatsapp, Livechat or Instagram.