The internet is full of companies advertising cheap flights, but buyer beware – very often these prices are just designed to lure people in, and end up charging a far higher price once the extras have been included. Every year there are countless thousands of visitors who wish to experience the varied sights and sounds of Pakistan, and not least the religious and holy attractions in the major Pakistani cities of Islamabad and Karachi. If your travel plans will be taking you to Pakistan or India this year, have a read of these top tips for getting hold of a great travel deal.

1. Go to a travel agent with lots of experience, who know what they’re doing. Whilst it’s easy to go online and use Google to search for cheap flights, ultimately a local travel agent who has been in business for many years will know the industry far better than you. Local travel agents are often overlooked in our rush to use the internet for everything, however don’t forget about them as they just might surprise you with what flight deals they can find.

2. Get up to 3 prices from different travel agents so you can compare details. We all use those websites where you can compare prices on just about anything, so the notion of getting a number of different prices from different companies isn’t that strange. You may be surprised with the offer you get, since they know you’ve been doing your homework and looking around. But either way, a flight ticket is not a cheap item, so do your research and make sure you understand all the added extras (baggage allowance, airport taxes, transfer costs, etc), before making your final decision.

3. Find an Asian travel agency. Specialist travel agents who make lots of bookings to Pakistan are generally more familiar with visas and immigration. Certainly on the subject of Visas, it is always good practice to enlist the expertise of a local travel agent. When it comes to finding a good deal on your flights and travel costs, there is often no substitute for the correct advice and an industry expert, even if it means not finding the cheapest flight option.

4. Use word of mouth and the recommendation of friends and family. Buying tickets to Pakistan is just the same as any other type of purchase. It’s always good advice to seek knowledge and advice from people who have been there before. Again, it may not result in the very cheapest flight but it may result in a seamless journey with minimal stress.

5. Don’t leave it too late. The internet age tends to make us believe we can get what we want, when we want it, but of course flights get booked up quickly, and whilst sometimes you can find a bargain flight, don’t rely on it. Your are always better advised to book your travel plans well in advance, to ensure tickets, visas, and other requirements are all in place before your travel date.

So to summarise, the cheapest flight to Pakistan is not always the one with the lowest price tag, but there are lots of places to go to get advice and do your research. The most important thing if you are thinking of travelling to India or Pakistan is a well-planned trip, knowing you have done your homework, find the overall best deal, and get to your final destination with no dramas and in relaxed style.