Booking flights and accommodation can sometimes feel like a high-stakes game, where the price you see might change at any moment. But savvy travelers have found a powerful tool to tilt the odds in their favor: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). While VPNs are often used for privacy and security benefits, they also offer a clever way to save money on flights.

Fortunately, TechTimes has done a simple review with tips and tricks regarding VPNs. Here's how they work and why they might be your next best travel hack!

The Mystery of Flight Pricing: Solving It with Surfshark VPN

First, let's demystify how flight prices work. Have you ever noticed how checking a flight multiple times increases the price? That's not your imagination. Airlines and travel booking sites often use a technique called dynamic pricing. 

This means that these agencies adjust prices based on factors such as your location, browsing history, and, of course, the demand. A $600 plane ticket can go as low as $400 or spike up to $800 because of this. Sometimes, it can even depend on the time of day you're searching. 

Websites trigger this kind of dynamic pricing by using cookies to track your interest. They may continuously raise prices to create a sense of urgency and pressure you into buying a ticket now while the price is relatively lower than later.

To avoid this, a great VPN like Surfshark can help you access different prices and possibly lower rates. This intelligent software works by masking your IP address and appearing as though you're browsing from a different location, changing all the factors and how they influence dynamic pricing.

Using Surfshark VPN allows you to compare prices from different locations and avoid tracking-based price hikes. Its user-friendly interface, extensive server network, and robust privacy features make it a valuable tool for frequent travelers looking to save on airfare.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Surfshark VPN for Cheaper Flights

Step 1: Get Surfshark VPN

First, you need to subscribe to Surfshark VPN. Surfshark offers low-cost, user-friendly apps for smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Surfshark VPN offers competitive pricing with several plans tailored to different budgets. The most economical option is the 2-year plan with 86% off + 3 months extra when purchased.

The 2-year plan options include Surfshark Starter at $2.19 per month with three free months, Surfshark One at $2.69 per month with added features like antivirus and data breach alerts, and Surfshark One+ at $4.69 per month, which includes identity theft protection services. 

Step 2: Clear Your Browser Cookies and Connect to Surfshark VPN

Before you start searching for flights, clear your browser cookies. Airlines and travel sites use cookies to track your searches and may increase prices if they notice repeated searches for the same route. 

After this, you can connect to Surfshark VPN and choose a server location. When you connect to a different server, Surfshark assigns you a new IP address from the selected server's location. This new IP address masks your real IP, making it appear as though your internet traffic is coming from the VPN server's location rather than your actual physical location.

Step 3: Search for Flights with Surfshark VPN

With your Surfshark VPN connected, search for flights using an incognito or private browsing window. This prevents the sites from tracking your searches.

Take note that prices can vary significantly between regions. To find the best deal, disconnect the VPN, select a new server location, and search again. Once you find a favorable price using Surfshark VPN, you can now happily proceed with booking.

Additional Tips

• Check for Local Deals: Some airlines offer special deals and discounts that are only available to users from specific regions, so use Surfshark VPN to change your IP address to the area with discounts.
• Use Multiple Devices: Sometimes prices can differ based on your device. Try searching on both desktop and mobile devices equipped with Surfshark VPN.

Understanding Hotel Pricing

Like the Airlines mentioned before, hotels also use dynamic pricing strategies. Businesses, including hotel booking websites, often change prices based on a user's location. This means that someone searching for a hotel room from New York might see a different rate compared to someone searching from Bangkok, even for the same room on the same dates. 

These price variations are due to various factors such as regional demand, purchasing power, and even local economic conditions. So, if you've ever noticed the prices fluctuating depending on when and how you search, that's how you know you've been a victim of price discrimination. 

Surfshark VPN saves the day again because connecting to a server in a country where online travel agencies (OTAs) are based or where the hotel is located increases your chances of unlocking bargains. You can use it with RatePunk, a free and secure tool that automates the price comparison process across major OTAs and devices, even pinpointing the countries offering the lowest hotel rates.

Tips and Tricks of the Trade: Using Surfshark VPN for Cheaper Hotel Prices

1. Learning Currencies and Exchange Rates

One of the main reasons hotel prices differ across borders is currency fluctuations. The value of currencies is always changing due to various economic factors. These exchange rate differences can significantly affect the cost of accommodations in different regions. 

Choosing a VPN server in a country with a good exchange rate can help you save a lot of money.

2. Choosing the Right Locations 

Keep in mind that where online travel agencies (OTAs) are located can affect pricing. Usually, providers offer lower prices in their home countries, so using a VPN like Surfshark to connect to servers in those regions can be helpful. If you match the location of the OTA, you also might get access to discounted rates.

Additionally, using the IP address of the destination you're looking to stay at can give you the best results. By using the local IP address, travelers can take advantage of local pricing and potentially secure the most competitive rates available.

3. Loyalty Programs

Sometimes, getting the best hotel deals isn't just about using a VPN. You should compare prices on different websites and devices to make sure you're getting the best deal. Loyalty programs might not always have the lowest rates, so it's a good idea to log out of your account to see if there are better prices. This shows how important it is to be diligent when booking.

Conclusion

Unlock the power of Surfshark VPN and gain access to exclusive deals on flights and hotels. With Surfshark, you can bypass geo-restrictions and tap into region-specific pricing, potentially saving big on your travel expenses. Surfshark also ensures your online transactions are secure and your personal data is encrypted, giving you peace of mind while booking your next adventure. 

Don't miss out on the opportunity to save money when booking flights and hotels online with Surfshark VPN! Get 86% off + 3 months extra when you subscribe to Surfshark for two years.