Unlock the Best Travel Deals: How to Use a VPN on Your iPhone for Big Savings 2024

Unlock the Best Travel Deals: How to Use a VPN on Your iPhone for Big Savings

Unlock the Best Travel Deals. If you’re a savvy traveler searching for the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars, there’s a hidden trick to help you save more than you might imagine: using a VPN. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) don’t just keep your browsing private—they also let you change your virtual location, which can open up a world of different travel prices. By masking your true location, you can access exclusive discounts and local deals otherwise hidden from you. Here’s how using a VPN on your iPhone can help you secure the best travel deals, along with a few tips for maximizing your savings.

Why Prices Vary Based on Your Location

Many travel booking websites use dynamic pricing. This practice means that the prices you see can vary based on factors like your location, browsing history, or even the device you’re using. A ticket booked in one country may have a different price than that same ticket booked from another location. Using a VPN allows you to “appear” in different countries or regions and access the prices available in those areas.

For example, someone booking a flight from the U.S. may see a higher fare than someone booking from a less affluent country. This is because airlines often adjust prices based on local market conditions, including average income and demand. When you change your virtual location using a VPN, you’re effectively bypassing these regional price settings and shopping around for the best possible deal.

How to Get Started with VPN Travel Savings

1. Choose a Reliable VPN App for Your iPhoneNot all VPNs are created equal. Some offer better speed and security, while others specialize in providing access to servers across numerous countries. Here are a few recommended VPN options for travel savings:
   • Surfshark: Offers extensive server options and competitive pricing, with Black Friday discounts available as low as $1.99 per month.

     

   • NordVPN: Known for its high speeds and security, with discounts on 2-year plans starting at $2.99 per month.

     

   • ExpressVPN: A premium VPN with a reputation for reliability, currently offering a 12-month plan with three extra months free for $6.67 per month.

     

   These services make it easy to connect to different servers around the world, giving you the flexibility to test prices in various regions with just a few taps on your iPhone.

2. Set Up and Connect to Your Chosen Server Location
   

   

    

   Once you’ve chosen and installed a VPN app, open it and select a server in the country or region where you want to check prices. For instance, if you’re based in the U.S. but want to see prices available in Mexico, simply select a server in Mexico. Your VPN will mask your location and make it look like you’re browsing from that region.

3. Clear Your Browsing Data or Use Private Browsing Mode
   

   

    

   Websites can track your browsing habits through cookies and cached data, often adjusting prices if they see you repeatedly searching for the same flight or hotel. To avoid this, use Incognito Mode or Private Browsing in Safari. Alternatively, you can manually clear your browsing data before starting a new search.

   • Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data to remove any stored data that might be affecting prices.
   • For Chrome users, you can go to Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data to clear your history, cache, and cookies.
4. Use Search Engines to Access Regional Sites DirectlyVPNs can change your virtual location, but you might still get routed to your country’s default site when visiting travel platforms like Expedia or Booking.com. To access regional pricing, it’s best to search for the local version of the site on a search engine.For instance, if you’re curious about prices on the Spanish version of Expedia, search for Expedia.es on Google instead of typing in the standard Expedia.com. This way, you’ll be sure to see offers and discounts available in that specific region.

Types of Discounts You Can Unlock with a VPN

Using a VPN not only helps you access regional pricing but can also open up deals typically reserved for local customers. Here are some specific ways VPNs can help you save:

1. Dynamic Location-Based PricingSome airlines, hotels, and car rental companies adjust prices based on the location of the person booking. For example, booking a flight from New York to London might cost more when purchased from the U.S. than it would when booked from a location in Asia. By changing your location, you can compare prices and select the most affordable option.
   Unlock the Best Travel Deals
2. Avoiding Price Hikes from Repeated SearchesMany websites track how often you search for a particular route, and if they notice frequent searches, they may increase the price. By using a VPN to mask your IP address, you can appear as a new user with each search, potentially bypassing these price hikes and catching deals intended for first-time visitors.
   Unlock the Best Travel Deals
3. Regional Deals and Local PerksHotels, airlines, and car rentals may offer special deals to locals. For example, hotel chains might offer bonus loyalty points to users who book from a nearby location to fill up empty rooms. Similarly, theme parks and other attractions often extend perks like discounted rates to international travelers. With a VPN, you can access these regional offers and save on accommodations, tours, and other attractions.
4. Currency Exchange Rate SavingsBooking travel in a country where the currency exchange rate is favorable can often result in lower prices than booking in your local currency. Taxes and fees might also vary. In the U.S., for example, the average sales tax is higher in certain states. If you’re booking from New York, with an average sales tax of about 8%, changing your location to a state like Montana, which has no sales tax, could lower your travel costs.

Tips for Finding the Best Prices with a VPN on Your iPhone

1. Switch Between Multiple Server Locations: Don’t just settle for one alternate location—try connecting to a few different countries or cities to compare prices. Sometimes, countries with lower average incomes or lower demand for a specific route may offer significantly lower fares.
2. Combine a VPN with Discounted Travel Dates: Use your VPN to check prices on different days, especially mid-week or off-season dates, which are often cheaper than weekend and peak-season prices.
3. Monitor Currency Exchange Rates: If you’re booking from a location where the exchange rate is favorable, you may score additional savings on your travel purchases. Keep a currency converter app handy to verify if switching your currency is making a big difference.
4. Look Out for Special VPN Deals: Some VPN providers, like Surfshark and NordVPN, offer deals during shopping holidays like Black Friday. If you don’t already have a VPN, consider subscribing during these promotions to save on your VPN service while gearing up for travel discounts.

Final Thoughts: Saving Money on Travel Has Never Been Easier

Using a VPN to shop for travel can seem like a hidden travel hack, but it’s a powerful way to save big on flights, hotels, and more. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your dream vacation, this trick could open doors to prices you wouldn’t normally see. With the flexibility to compare rates across different countries, VPNs help you make the most out of your travel budget and keep your personal information safe in the process.

With just a few steps and the right VPN app on your iPhone, you can explore global travel deals and find the best rates available. Happy travels, and enjoy the savings!
Unlock the Best Travel Deals
Unlock the Best Travel Deals
Unlock the Best Travel Deals