Open Jaw or Normal but with two internal flights that saves around 400 euros

Maximizing Travel Value: Comparing Open Jaw and Multi-Flight Itineraries to Europe

Planning an international trip often involves balancing convenience, cost, and efficiency. For travelers heading to Europe from South America, particularly Buenos Aires, flight options can significantly impact both the budget and the overall experience. Recently, I explored different itinerary options for a journey scheduled for April 2026, focusing on Italy and Spain, and wanted to share insights into how strategic routing can save approximately 400 euros.

The Journey Concept

The primary goal was to visit Spain and Italy, covering major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Venice, Florence, Naples, and Rome. The challenge was to choose an itinerary that minimizes costs while offering flexibility in travel routes.

Option 1: Open Jaw Route Covering Multiple Cities

• Itinerary: Buenos Aires → Madrid → Barcelona → Venice → Florence → Naples → Rome → Buenos Aires
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately €1,700 plus €50 in additional fees
• Details: This option involves flying into Madrid, then traveling to Barcelona followed by Italian cities, ultimately returning home from Buenos Aires.

Option 2: Multi-Flight Loop with Two Internal Flights

• Itinerary: Buenos Aires → Madrid → Venice → Florence → Rome → Naples → Barcelona → Madrid → Buenos Aires
• Estimated Cost: Around €1,200 plus €50 + €50 in fees
• Key Feature: Incorporates two internal flights within Europe, resulting in substantial savings.
• Additional Notes: Flight costs to Madrid tend to be higher than to Barcelona, influencing the overall budget.

Option 3: Alternative Multi-Stop Route

• Itinerary: Buenos Aires → Madrid → Barcelona → Venice → Florence → Rome → Naples → Madrid → Buenos Aires
• Estimated Cost: Roughly €1,200 plus €50 + €100 in fees
• Observation: Similar to Option 2 but with a different routing to optimize costs, particularly focusing on flight price differences.

Cost-Saving Insights

Analyzing these options reveals that incorporating two internal flights within Europe can reduce the overall expenditure by approximately €400 compared to a more direct open jaw route. Although the initial flights to Madrid are pricier than to Barcelona, the internal flights’ lower costs compensate for this difference.

Recommendations and Final Thoughts

When planning complex itineraries, it’s essential to consider not just the initial flight costs but also the internal travel expenses. Flexibility in