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Everyone loves getting a good deal, but hotel prices are rising, with many destination’s hotel rates predicted to skyrocket as much as 10% over the next year. Hotels have steadily raised rates as inflation creeps into the limelight and the world moves on from the pandemic. As we move into 2023, rates are going to climb even higher, leaving many wondering how they will afford next summer’s vacation.
Luckily, there are still things travelers can do to save when it comes to finding accommodations. Travel Off Path has done the hard work for you and found the top 5 ways on hotel costs amid skyrocketing rates.
5) Use A VPN
Whether right or wrong, hotels and online travel companies like Expedia often charge different rates based on the traveler’s location during booking. During research for an article about Cancun and Punta Cana, we noticed that many all-inclusive properties had significant nightly price differences based on geographic location by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and clearing the browser cache between each location change.
Similarly, fares for flights can be cheaper when using a VPN. Another added benefit of using a VPN is the ability to access streaming shows from any country. Many Netflix shows are country-specific, but with a VPN, you can set your location, making anything and everything accessible.
There are plenty of different VPNs to choose from, such as NordVPN, CyberGhost, or Express VPN. Travel Off Path team members have tried many VPNs, and the most reliable thus far has been ExpressVPN.
4) SnapTravel
SnapTravel is an interesting travel hack that often goes unnoticed. As a self-touted “virtual travel agency,” SnapTravel works entirely through WhatsApp, Facebook, or text message. SnapTravel claims to be able to provide hotel rate savings of up to 50% by using its service. User reviews confirm that savings certainly exist.
Still, travelers should also be aware that there are reviews claiming SnapTravel doesn’t have the best customer service. Some users claim to have had a hard time getting refunds, and some even claim that they arrived at their hotel only to find they did not, in fact, have a reservation.
Author’s Anecdote
I recently used SnapTravel during an overnight layover in Miami and saved $50 off the nightly room rate. Checking in was a breeze, and everything was completed through WhatsApp. The negative reviews did worry me, but I took the risk, and it worked out.
3) Chrome Extension
Many travelers are aware of programs like Priceline’s Express Deals. When using this program, travelers are given the hotel’s star rating, one picture of the room, and a rough area of where a hotel is located. By keeping the hotel name a secret, Priceline can offer rates as much as 60% off. But here is the catch: once you book, the transaction is non-refundable.
That’s a significant risk when you aren’t sure which hotel you are booking. Luckily, a new chrome extension called Travel Arrow uses AI to figure out the hotel in question, letting you know where you are staying before committing!
2) Instagram Hack
Instagram may be your go-to spot for sharing life’s best moments with friends, but did you know you can also use it to book hotels up to 75% off? By sending a message to the @Hotel Instagram account with the word hotel, travelers will receive a unique link allowing them access to the tripscout platform, where they can find significant savings.
Travel Off Path recently put the trick to the test and found a savings of $181 per night for a 4-star hotel in Paris, so the hack certainly works!
1) Re-book At A Lower Rate
Have you ever booked a hotel and gone back to check the price later, only to see it at a lower price? There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to re-book at a lower rate, and it can be an excellent way to save some money! Just make sure when making your initial booking that you choose the “free cancellation option.”
If you are able to find the room at a lower rate, you can cancel your initial booking and re-book at the lower rate. Don’t want to do the research yourself? Use a service like Pruvo to do the hard work for you!
Do Your Research!
Hotel rates are rising, and the tips above are sure ways to combat the tide of rising costs. However, the best thing you can do to ensure you get the best deal possible is to spend some time researching. Try several different methods, platforms, and travel hacks to see what yields the best price.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.