Hotel Booking Tricks: Expert Tips to Save Big on Your Next Stay

Have you ever felt that pang of frustration when booking hotel stays, knowing there might be a cheaper option?

As an experienced globetrotter, I’ve perfected a few tricks to make this process much less painful on the wallet.

Let me share with you a little inside information on how to save money when booking hotels. In this post I’ll focus on incorporating technologies like VPNs (virtual private networks) and smart tips for savvy travelers.

Here are our tips on how to save money when booking a hotel stay.

Understand VPNs and their benefits

First things first, let’s talk about VPNs. You may already use one for privacy reasons, but did you know that a VPN can also help you save money on hotel reservations?

By connecting to a server in a different country via a VPN, you can potentially unlock lower prices that vary due to currency fluctuations and regional pricing strategies. For example, hoteliers in the EU are not allowed to offer different hotel prices to different guests from different countries… and yet this sometimes seems to happen. And outside the EU? Different country, different laws. 😉

Then it is worth hiring a service like SurfsharkVPN, which is a fantastic tool for checking accommodation prices. They are compatible with various devices such as Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux and more. With a subscription, you can protect an unlimited number of devices, which is perfect for the committed traveler.

Why prices vary by country

Prices can differ greatly from country to country for a number of reasons, including currency fluctuations and the location of the online travel agency (OTA) or hotel provider.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Currency fluctuations: The value of currencies can change rapidly and significantly affect hotel prices in different countries.
• Supplier Location: Servers in the provider’s home country usually offer lower rates. For example, booking a hotel from a European server may result in a better deal than from the US.

Pro Tips for Selecting the Best Country for Hotel Deals

Based on extensive research and my own travel experiences, here are some tips to consider:

1. Consult European countries: European servers usually offer the lowest prices. It is a good starting point for your search.
2. Don’t ignore the UK: Bookings from the UK can sometimes show even lower prices than those from European countries, so be sure to check there too.
3. Connect to the destination IP address: If you are booking a hotel in Thailand, for example, connect to a Thai server. This trick usually results in lower rates.

Comparison is key

Once you have found a hotel you like, whatever the country, don’t rush to book. Comparing prices on different devices can reveal significant savings.

Helpful advice

Use the TarifaPunk either trivago tool, which automates this process by checking the top OTAs and showing the cheapest options in seconds. It can even reveal which country servers offer the best rates, allowing you to strategically change your VPN location using the VPN service. Keep in mind that those tools are not always the cheapest.

Be skeptical of loyalty programs

While loyalty programs can offer benefits, they don’t always guarantee the lowest prices. Sometimes signing out of your loyalty account and checking it out as a guest can result in cheaper rates. It’s worth a try!

Play the currency exchange game

Pay attention to the conversion rates between your currency and the one used at your destination. Sometimes booking in the local currency or another globally stable currency like the Euro can save you money. During economic crises, the value of some currencies can fall, making it more advantageous to book in a different one.

Check various websites

Different OTAs may have different agreements with hotels, resulting in significant price differences. Checking multiple platforms, even if it takes a little more time, can be worth it.

Each site may add a commission ranging from 5% to 25%, and this can vary over time. Comparing multiple sources ensures that you get the best deal. Also check the hotel’s own website, as this is where the hotelier does not have to include commission and should be able to offer cheaper rates. 😉

Some real world examples

ReservaCom

Hotels in London: 17.06.-19.06.2024

Save up to €156 in this example.

ReservaCom

Until: Bali / Date: 01.-15.08. / 1 person

Same hotels, different prices depending on location (Indonesia vs Germany)

Save up to €314 in this example.

Airbnb:

To: New York / Date: 01.-15.08. / 1 person

Same hotels, different prices depending on location (Germany vs Brazil)

Save up to €68 in this example.

How to use a VPN to book hotels

Step by step guide:

1. Facility– Set up software like Surfshark on your desktop, smartphone, or other preferred device.
2. Connect to a server: Depending on where you’re booking, choose a server in that country or in suggested low-priced regions like the UK or various European countries.
3. Compare prices: Use RatePunk or Trivago to manually compare prices between different OTAs. Check prices while connected to different servers to maximize savings.
4. currency check: If applicable, consider changing the currency during booking to see if this results in lower costs.
5. Finalize reservation: Once you’ve found the best deal, complete your reservation and enjoy the savings.

VPN: a traveler’s best friend

Let’s take a closer look Why Surfshark VPN? It’s a solid option for travelers looking to save money:

• Strong security: Uses AES-256-GCM encryption, one of the strongest encryption standards available.
• Unlimited devices: A single subscription covers unlimited devices, making it perfect for families or tech-savvy individuals.
• Privacy protections: With a 2048-bit RSA encryption key and RAM-only servers, your data is safe and cleaned regularly.
• Geoblocked content– Access local content, blocked websites, or even international streaming services with ease.

With Surfshark, you can easily switch between countries to find the best hotel rates. Plus, it helps you maintain privacy, which is invaluable in today’s digital age.

Additional Money Saving Tips

1. Book in advance: Early bookings usually offer discounts and better availability.
2. Travel during off-peak hours: Rates can be significantly lower during low season. Research your destination’s peak hours and plan accordingly.
3. Flexible Appointments: If your travel dates are flexible, use tools that allow you to view prices across a range of dates to find the cheapest options.

So, the next time you plan a trip, remember that a little tech know-how can go a long way in saving you money.

With VPNs like Surfshark and tools like RatePunk/Trivago, combined with these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting the best hotel deals.

Happy travels and may your trips be exciting and affordable!