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Money Hack: How to nab peak-season hotel rooms for cheap

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Score stellar prices by securing your room early. Even if you're not completely set on your trip yet.

Peak holiday periods are notorious for bringing about steep prices on everything from flights to hotels.

Thinking of going away, but still in those early stages of planning? If you cringe at the idea of footing the bill for an inflated hotel room during the busy season because demand is trumping supply, secure your room while the cost is still reasonable and the rooms are plenty. If your plans change, you won't have to pay a thing.

The hack

Search and book hotels that offer "free cancellation" as soon as you start thinking about your peak-season trip or when you see a sale on.

More often than not, hotels offer free cancellation policies at no charge to you when you cancel one month prior or sometimes even by midday on the day you're supposed to arrive. Just remember to mark the final date to cancel for free down in case you really can't make it, otherwise, you may have to pay a penalty for cancelling or not showing up on the day.

Want to play the market? If you see your booked hotel drop you can snipe this new price by cancelling your previous booking – which sites like booking.com and hotels.com let you do simply and easily online – and re-book at the new price. You'll have to re-book immediately in case someone else sees the room available, though I haven't had any problems each time I've used this trick.

The same idea applies if you see another hotel you like dip in price. Book that room and cancel your previous booking at no added expense.

Curious about prices and availability for your next trip? You can compare and browse hotels below:


finder money hacks is a bi-weekly round-up of the latest tips and tricks to improve your finances. Check back every Wednesday and Saturday for new hacks.

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