Are you dreaming of traveling the world without breaking the bank on plane tickets and hotel reservations? Some expert travelers use a little-known yet powerful trick to score the best deals: using a mobile VPN.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, lets you change your virtual location, allowing you to access options often significantly lower than you'd typically see.
Here’s how a VPN works and how you can use it to your advantage when booking your next adventure. Keep reading to save big on your next adventure.
First things: What is a VPN, and how does it work?
A mobile VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, is a technology that creates an encrypted connection between a mobile device—a tablet or smartphone—and a remote server located anywhere in the world.
There are many options of mobile VPNs, such as NordVPN, Surfshark and PureVPN. When using a VPN, the device's IP address (its unique identifier on the Internet) is masked and replaced with the IP address of the server it is connected to.
This means that the online activity appears to originate from a different location, allowing users to browse the web anonymously as if they were in another country.
But how does a VPN help you find cheaper flights and hotel reservations?
Dynamic Pricing – How it Works
Airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies use dynamic pricing marketing strategies. This means they often display different prices based on the user’s location, browsing history, device, or even currency.
Pricing algorithms track users' locations and adjust rates accordingly. Many companies might charge higher prices for users accessing their sites from countries with higher incomes because they assume that customers in wealthier countries are willing to pay more. For instance, in the US, prices are often higher than in countries with a weaker currency.
Using a mobile VPN to change the virtual location, users can compare prices from different countries and take advantage of lower rates that aren’t available in their actual location.
Advantages of Using a VPN When Planning a Trip
As mentioned, a VPN allows users to connect to a server in another country, making it appear as if they’re browsing from that location. Here are the advantages of that strategy:
- By using a VPN, users can see rates offered to residents of that country. For example, if you’re looking for flights from Argentina, connecting your VPN to a server in Argentina might show you deals and lower prices.
- Companies often adjust prices based on regional demand. By switching locations, users can avoid inflated prices that result from increased search activity or demand in their current location.
- Some deals and discounts are only available in specific countries. Simulating being in that country with a VPN could help unlock those exclusive deals.
How to Use a VPN – Simple Steps
- Choose a reputable VPN with strong encryption to protect your data when browsing for deals.
- Install and set up your VPN, and choose a server based on the rates you want to explore. For example, if you plan a Euro trip, connect to a server in a European country, such as Spain or Portugal.
- Compare prices with what you see on American sites to check for significant differences.
- Turn off the VPN and cross-check. Sometimes, rates change when a site detects you are using a VPN. Some companies have policies against using VPNs to access local pricing.
- Remember to check the booking terms to ensure prices are clear and that extra fees or cancellation policies are not hidden. Some deals can have extra costs.
Final Considerations
Using a VPN to change your virtual location can be a fantastic strategy for saving money on flights, hotels, and car rentals and getting the best deal possible.
Follow all the steps and be aware of company policies to make the most of this great tool. With some planning, you can enjoy your travels without spending a fortune.