Anybody can search for cheap flights on the internet, but of course close scrutiny is required to understand what the deal really includes. The religious and cultural attractions in major cities such as Lahore and Karachi are the reason for so many visitors making the effort to go to Pakistan. So if you are looking to visit a country such as Pakistan, whether it's to visit family, friends or on business, here are 5 top tips for finding the cheapest flights.

1. Go to a travel agent with lots of experience, who know what they're doing. It's simple for anybody to use the internet to look for low cost flights, although in the end it's the local travel agent in your town who who has a far better grip on how to get a great deal. A local travel agency may be able to surprise you and come up with a great price, just because they know the industry better than some internet based operators.

2. Go and find 3 different quotes from 3 companies. Many of us are familiar with price comparison websites, so it shouldn't be an alien concept to get 3 different quotes from 3 travel agents. 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. Use a travel agent who specialise in trips to the sub continent. Specialist travel agents who make lots of bookings to Pakistan are generally more familiar with visas and immigration. To avoid any risk, it is highly recommended to seek the help and expertise of a local expert travel agency when it comes to Visa applications. There is no substitute for getting thr right advice from the outset, and sometimes a good deal is not just about the cheapest price.

4. Use word of mouth and the recommendation of friends and family. Booking your flight ticket to Pakistan or India is no different than any other purchase in this respect. Recommendations on how to get there or what to book should always come from those who have previous experience with visiting the country. 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. These days we get carried away with how immediate the internet makes everything seem, but aeroplanes only have a limited capacity and seats do get booked up, so don't rely on always getting that bargain ticket. 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.

In summary, there are plenty of information sources to find the cheapest flight to Pakistan and India, but the cheapest flight is not always the best deal. In the end most people would agree that the most important thing is a well planned and well executed travel package, allowing you to arrive in Pakistan on schedule, with all your luggage, and with no major dramas!.