The Winter Olympics are just around the corner, but there’s still time to figure out some tips and tricks to make your Vancouver travels easier.

If you still haven’t bought your airline tickets, now is the time to do it. But don’t just jump on the obvious carriers—this is the time to look for “secret flights.”

A secret flight is when a carrier makes a stop in a city that you may not expect.

For example, the Cathay Pacific flies non-stop between New York and Vancouver.

This is a foreign airline that consistently wins awards for its service and comfort—as opposed to U.S. airlines that fly the same route.

If you’re having a hard time finding accommodations in Vancouver, think outside the box—or outside Canada.

Seattle and Bellingham, Washington, are just a couple of hours outside of Vancouver.

And to make life easier, Amtrak added a second daily train service between Seattle and Vancouver just in time for the Olympics.

Or you can take the Quick Shuttle service from Sea-Tac Airport, downtown Seattle, and Bellingham Airport into Vancouver.

No, it’s not the quickest way in, but it’s affordable, about $50 each way, and drops you in downtown Vancouver.

In travel scenarios like the Olympics when you’re guaranteed to deal with high prices and big crowds, it pays to think like a contrarian.

Get more ideas with Olympics Travel section.

And don’t miss our article on secret flights: Cheap, “Secret” Intercontinental Flights for Asia, Europe & America.

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