In the ever-changing world of online hotel bookings, prices can fluctuate wildly depending on where you're browsing from. But don't fret – with a few insider tricks, you can outsmart the system and bag yourself a bargain. Here's how to navigate the murky waters of price discrimination and come out on top. Here’s why to use a VPN to save on hotels.
First things first: you’ll want to get yourself a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Don't worry if that sounds complicated — it's actually quite simple to use and can save you a good chunk of change on your next trip. This nifty tool allows you to connect to servers in different countries, potentially unlocking lower prices.
When you use a VPN, it's like you're browsing the web from a different location — maybe New York, London, or Tokyo — even though you're sitting at home. This is perfectly legal and safe, just like using a library computer in another town.
Using a VPN can save you a ton of money on hotels © Shutterstock
But why use a VPN? Here's the interesting part: hotels and booking websites often show different prices to people in different countries.
This practice, known as dynamic pricing or price discrimination, is based on factors such as the user's location, browsing history, and the perceived willingness to pay. By using a VPN, you can see these different prices and pick the best one.
Using a VPN might seem a bit high-tech at first, but it's becoming as common as using a credit card online. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose a reputable VPN service. We recommend Surfshark. Get 86% off and three months extra on your subscription through this link.
2. Install the VPN on your computer or tablet. Most are as easy to set up as any other program.
3. Find your deal. When you're ready to book, turn on the VPN and select a country to connect to. Try a few different ones to see where you get the best hotel prices.
4. Book your hotel as normal through your favourite website.
If all this sounds like hard work, fear not. Once you've identified the cheapest country, simply fire up your VPN and connect to a server in that location. Et voilà – hotel savings at your fingertips. A little extra effort in your search can lead to significant savings, and leave you with more cash to splurge on your actual holiday.
Travelling can be cheaper with some hidden tricks © Shutterstock
With a VPN installed, and a destination in mind — we’re able to move on to more money saving tricks.
When it comes to finding the best deals, not all countries are created equal. European countries, especially Eastern European nations, often show lower prices.
After this, try the UK. The United Kingdom frequently offers competitive rates, possibly due to the highly competitive nature of its travel market.
Also — don't overlook less obvious choices like Mexico, Brazil, or Indonesia — they can sometimes yield surprising deals. These countries often have lower costs of living, which can translate to better hotel prices.
An interesting strategy is to try connecting to an IP address in your destination country. For example, if you're booking that dream Thai beach resort, setting your VPN to a Thai IP might just be your ticket to savings. This approach can sometimes unlock local deals or promotions that aren't visible to international visitors.
Don't settle for the first price you see. After finding your desired hotel, resist the urge to book immediately — make some comparisons. Different websites have varying agreements with hotels, so cast a wide net when searching. These websites will often add on their commission, which can range between 5-25%.
Therefore, the price might vary significantly on different websites. By checking more than one of them, you'll have more chances of securing a lower rate than always booking from the same one.
Keep a close eye on exchange rates as well. Booking in dollars might be pricier than euros, or vice versa, depending on current market conditions. A little currency savvy can go a long way in securing a better deal.
For example, if you're booking a hotel in Japan, you might find that paying in yen offers a better deal than paying in dollars or euros. Similarly, if you're booking from the US but find a great rate on a UK-based site, check if your credit card offers favourable exchange rates for British pounds. Some credit cards offer better exchange rates than others – choose wisely.
Save money on hotels and have more money for your trip © Shutterstock
Want to outsmart those tech-savvy travel websites and save some cash on your next hotel stay? Here's a nifty trick: clear out those pesky "cookies" on your computer — these are little bits of information websites store to remember you.
Travel sites are sneaky — they might jack up prices if they think you're really interested in a place. By clearing cookies and switching gadgets, you'll look like a brand new customer to them. It's like getting a fresh start each time you search, and you might just stumble upon better deals.
Ever heard of handy tools like RatePunk? They're like your personal bargain-hunting tool. These websites zip through all the big booking sites, comparing prices in a matter of seconds. They even check rates on different devices to make sure you're getting the absolute best deal.
The best part? Some of these tools can tell you which country has the lowest price for your dream hotel, making it easy to book with a VPN.
Looking to stretch your travel budget further? Here are more savvy strategies to help you snag the best hotel deals:
Timing is crucial when it comes to securing the best hotel deals. Studies show that booking 15-30 days in advance often yields the best rates for domestic trips. For international travel, aim for 3-4 months ahead.
This sweet spot allows you to take advantage of early bird discounts without booking so far in advance that you miss out on last-minute price drops.
However, keep in mind that these are general guidelines. For popular destinations during peak seasons, you might need to book even further in advance to secure the best rates.
One of the most effective ways to save on hotel bookings is to travel during shoulder seasons. These are the periods between peak and off-peak seasons when the weather is still favourable, but the crowds have thinned out. Hotels often slash prices during these less busy periods to attract customers.
For example, visiting Europe in late spring or early fall can offer significant savings compared to the peak summer months. Not only will you enjoy lower hotel rates, but you'll also benefit from smaller crowds at popular attractions and more pleasant weather conditions.
It's easy to save money on hotels if you know how © Shutterstock
Finding the best hotel deals requires a bit of effort and savvy, but the potential savings make it well worth your time. By leveraging tools like VPNs, comparing prices across different platforms and currencies, timing your bookings strategically, and taking advantage of shoulder seasons, you can significantly reduce your accommodation costs.
Remember, the key is to be flexible and persistent in your search. Don't be afraid to try different approaches and always double-check the final price before confirming your booking. With these strategies in your travel toolkit, you'll be well on your way to unlocking hidden savings and making your travel budget go further. Happy travels and happy saving.
This post was made in partnership with Surfshark.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 21.08.2024
Rough Guides connects you with vetted travel agents who create personalized trip plans from scratch based on your travel style, pace, interests, and budget. Instead of choosing from fixed packages, you can receive up to 3 different itinerary proposals, compare approaches from different local agents, and refine the preferred trip together until it fits the way you want to travel.
