Karl Baron
Outside of the U.S., there are literally thousands of airlines, some catering to multi-million dollar business travelers, others just to families, and some target the ultimate budget traveler. It’s the last one that we’re more interested in, especially for short international flights and travel during holidays and peak seasons, when airfares on traditional airlines tend to soar. Low-budget carriers usually take a no-frills approach, but then, who really needs frills on a short flight?
You probably already look to the likes of Southwest, JetBlue, and maybe even Spirit here in the States — but if you ever find yourself in need of a cheap flight anywhere else in the world, these are the names you want to know.
Africa and the Middle East
Largely void of continental airlines, let alone low-cost carriers, Africa recently welcomed the addition of FastJet to Tanzania. Overseen by the European budget airline EasyJet, two-year-old FastJet also currently operates throughout South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Within the next year, the carrier hopes to launch ports in Angola, Ghana, and Kenya. Flights from hub Dar es Salaam to Mt. Kilimanjaro start at $85 round-trip, and newly popular flights from Johannesburg, South Africa to the hub begin at around $100.
Largely void of continental airlines, let alone low-cost carriers, Africa recently welcomed the addition of FastJet to Tanzania. Overseen by the European budget airline EasyJet, two-year-old FastJet also currently operates throughout South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Within the next year, the carrier hopes to launch ports in Angola, Ghana, and Kenya. Flights from hub Dar es Salaam to Mt. Kilimanjaro start at $85 round-trip, and newly popular flights from Johannesburg, South Africa to the hub begin at around $100.
Middle East carriers like Air Arabia and Flydubai cater to budget travelers in north African nations like Egypt. With Air Arabia, flights from Dubai to Cairo start at under $200.
Asia & South Pacific
Asia and the South Pacific welcome the sexiest assortment of budget airlines in the world. Three-peat low-cost airline of the year champion Air Asia offers insanely cheap flights to 85 destinations around Asia, the South Pacific, and Australia. To give you a sense of how cheap we’re talking: In a recent promotion, domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur began at $14.
Asia and the South Pacific welcome the sexiest assortment of budget airlines in the world. Three-peat low-cost airline of the year champion Air Asia offers insanely cheap flights to 85 destinations around Asia, the South Pacific, and Australia. To give you a sense of how cheap we’re talking: In a recent promotion, domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur began at $14.
Four more Asia-based airline operators have placed in the top 10 of best low-cost airlines in the world. IndiGo navigates India, the Middle East, and the South Pacific. A round-trip ticket from Delhi to Mumbai, for example runs just $130. Still not convinced? Jetstar (based in Australia), Tiger Airways (Singapore), and Scoot (Singapore) also rank very well. Unlike the others, Scoot runs primarily long-haul, last-minute flights; right now, you can snag a flight from Singapore to Seoul for about $180.
Europe
Europe mastered budget airlines before that even became a thing. RyanAir offered, and continues to offer, insanely cheap flights throughout Europe — although largely at the cost of comfort, nickle-and-diming passengers for any in-flight luxury (e.g. a carry-on). Still, for those on a tight budget, RyanAir satisfies. Fall specials promote flights at $25 one-way.
Europe mastered budget airlines before that even became a thing. RyanAir offered, and continues to offer, insanely cheap flights throughout Europe — although largely at the cost of comfort, nickle-and-diming passengers for any in-flight luxury (e.g. a carry-on). Still, for those on a tight budget, RyanAir satisfies. Fall specials promote flights at $25 one-way.
Comparatively, EasyJet classes up their flights more than RyanAir but with similar low prices. In September alone, EasyJet has over eighty flights, to destinations all over Europe, starting under $50 one-way.
What if you feel like flying cross-continental? Scandinavian carrier Norwegian Airlines reduces the financial burden of flying from the U.S. to Europe, with one-way tickets from NYC to Stockholm for $166 each. (Of course, these flights don’t include checked baggage or meals, so your total costs might be higher unless you pack very lightly.)
Other low-cost providers include: SmartWings, XL Airways, Wizz Air, Icelandair, Aer Lingus, Blue Air, Vueling, Pegasus Airlines, Dobrolet Airlines, Fly Romania, and Flybe.
The Americas
Other than the cheap U.S. carriers, two major budget carriers dominate the American marketplace. Canada’s WestJet, another renown low-cost carrier of 2014, sells some of the cheapest prices at 80 destinations through Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Although peak season from Toronto to NYC is ending, we found that prices between the two cities remain convenient at $250 round-trip.
Other than the cheap U.S. carriers, two major budget carriers dominate the American marketplace. Canada’s WestJet, another renown low-cost carrier of 2014, sells some of the cheapest prices at 80 destinations through Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Although peak season from Toronto to NYC is ending, we found that prices between the two cities remain convenient at $250 round-trip.
In South America, low cost carriers vary throughout each country. What’s cheap in Colombia won’t necessarily offer cheap rates in Brazil. Brazilian airline Gol tries, but few South American airlines provide the extensive, continental network of LAN, who’s currently selling flights from Miami to Bogota, Colombia for under $500.
Other low-cost providers include: Amaszonas, Azul Brazilian Airlines, AeroSantaigo, EasyFly, VivaColombia, Interjet, Volaris, and Peruvian Airlines.
Contributed by Tommy Burson
Follow us on Twitter:@TraveloreReport
tranquil shoreline of the sea-loch Na Dal, the quaint lodge makes it easy for couples to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday modern life and unwind, relax and recharge with its “
oak-panelled walls, open fireplaces, sweeping staircases and gorgeous stained glass windows. The house also boasts its own secret terraced garden…the ultimate in romance. Food lovers will be drawn to the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, which serves up dishes that rely heavily on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced and organic produce. Before or after dinner, guests can visit the wine cellar with an incredible selection of 600 bins, and the whisky snug featuring over 300 whiskies. One Devonshire Garden’s 
its opulent Cashmere Suite, which features walls dressed in rich, claret-colored cashmere, a handcrafted limestone tub (weighing in at over a ton!), and a well-appointed lounge decked out in more cashmere and original Scottish art. The room also comes with a celebratory bottle of Bollinger champagne and chocolates. Though leaving this room may prove difficult, couples who venture to the spa will find unique treatments such as a massage and chromo energetic hydro-bath ritual or an exotic milk bath paired with an anti-aging facial to help them feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Stobo’s 
