With so much to see and do in Australia, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. If you’re making plans to travel to the land down under, finding the best prices on flights can help you save money on what will probably be the most expensive part of your travels, airfare. Airfares to Australia can be pricey, but finding bargains on flights is just a matter of knowing where to look and planning in advance.

Travelers take trips to Australia for many reasons including vacation, holiday, and business. Some travel by cruise ship, but most will take flights, meaning that depending on when you plan to travel, you’ll need to plan ahead. The price you pay to fly to Australia is based on a variety of factors that include:

• Where you are flying from – The further you are traveling from to reach Australia, the more money you will pay. The price of fuel for airlines is expensive as well as other fees and expenses air carriers incur to travel internationally.

Tip – Book your flight as early as possible and from a location as close to Australia as you can get.

• The time of year – The tourist season in Australia varies by region, but the peak season is normally the summer months of June-August for the north and October to February for the southern states. All major holidays will also be high traffic periods.

Tip -Avoid the busy seasons and purchase your ticket early.

• How long will you visit Australia? – The longer you visit Australia, the more you will pay for airfare. Cheap airfares are normally offered on shorter visits and most air carriers stipulate that any changes in the dates of fights will incur steep charges and other penalties.

Tip – Look for package deals if you are staying for at least a week and if you are visiting for a very long time, consider purchasing a one-way ticket. By doing so you’ll be able to take advantage of current savings at the times you want to fly.

• Which airline you choose? – The price you pay for your flight can vary greatly depending on the rates of the airline you are traveling on. Virgin Blue, Jetstar Airways, Qantas, and Regional Express Airlines all fly to Australia and offer various rates and specials.

Tip – Compare multiple airlines before booking your flight. Look for specials based on your destination, amount of days traveling, and reward programs such as frequent flyer specials.

• Whether you shop direct or use a travel agency – Shopping direct for flights to Australia may save you more money than using a travel agency, whom often mark up their prices to offset the costs of doing business. Also, many airlines post available tickets and discounted seating in real time directly on their sites, which is often difficult for third-party sellers to offer.

Tip – When comparing prices don’t forget to shop directly with the airlines. It’s always best to book your flight as early as possible but if you can afford to wait, you may be able to book a cheap flight to Australia at the last minute by shopping direct.