Unlocking Savings: 4 Simple Hacks to Maximize Your Budget on Booking.com

Unlocking Savings

Unlocking Savings:
4 Simple Hacks to Maximize
Your Budget on Booking.com

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Bamboo here, and if there’s one thing I love sharing, it’s savvy ways to make your travels not just unforgettable but also budget-friendly. Today, I’m thrilled to dive into a topic that’s a game-changer for anyone seeking to save big while booking accommodations: Booking.com.

For travelers like me, Booking.com isn’t just another hotel booking website—it’s the ultimate benchmark. Its seamless interface, an abundance of options, flexible cancellation policies, and consistently competitive prices have earned it a top spot in our travel arsenal. It’s where I turn to snag incredible hotel deals without fail.

Hack 1: Unlock Cash Back on Every Reservation

Looking to score extra savings effortlessly with every hotel booking? Enter Rakuten. I’ve personally banked thousands in cash back over my years as a customer, and here’s how you can too.

How It Works:

Sign up for Rakuten and get a $30 bonus on your first purchase. Once your account is set, visit Rakuten before booking on Booking.com (or virtually any other online purchase) and click through. Typically, you’ll receive a minimum of 2% cash back on Booking.com transactions. However, keep an eye out for bonuses that can elevate this to 4% or even 6%.

Never Miss Out:
Simplify the process by installing the Rakuten browser button. It alerts you whenever a site offers a cash back reward—ensuring you never miss a chance to save!
Boost Your Earnings:
Invite friends to Rakuten (consider this your invite!) and earn bonuses—currently at $30 , sometimes soaring up to $40 per friend who signs up.
Easy Payouts:
Rakuten sends payments via check or PayPal every quarter, given your balance hits at least $5.
Simple, right?

Sign up for Rakuten today to start saving.

Hack 2: Booking Genius – Effortless Savings & Perks
last update december 2023

Booking.com’s Genius program is a game-changer in the world of hotel bookings. Unlike intricate loyalty programs, this one is refreshingly straightforward: make just two bookings within two years, and you’re in—for life!

The Perks:

No complex point tracking or worrying about past booking values. Once you attain Genius status, indicated by the inviting yellow icon next to participating properties, you automatically unlock 10-20% discounts on an array of hotels. Even budget-friendly reservations count toward your Genius status.

Extra Benefits:

And it gets better! Genius properties often sweeten the deal with added perks like early check-in, late check-out, complimentary drinks, or breakfast.

The Genius Levels:

It’s incredible how much we’ve saved using Booking.com’s Genius program, and the savings keep adding up! Here’s a concise breakdown:

Booking Genius Level 1

Unlock instant discounts on select stays and rental cars worldwide upon signing in.
10% discounts on stays
10% discounts on rental cars

Booking Genius Level 2

Enjoy this level on select stays and rental cars worldwide upon completing 5 bookings in 2 years.
10-15% discounts on stays
10% discounts on rental cars
Free breakfasts on select stays
Free room upgrades on select stays

Booking Genius Level 3

Enjoy this level on select stays and rental carsworldwide upon completing 15 bookings in 2 years.
10-20% discounts on stays
10% discounts on rental cars
Free breakfasts on select stays
Free room upgrades on select stays
Priority support on all stays

Future Expectations:

As a frequent traveler, I’m eagerly anticipating Booking.com introducing a Level 4. Imagine bonuses like free parking or waived resort fees for the most loyal customers—sounds like a dream, right?

Hack 3: Flexible Dates, Bigger Savings

Maximize your savings by playing around with your travel dates and the length of your stay. Surprisingly, booking a different set of dates or extending your visit can sometimes slash your overall hotel expenses.

The Insight:
While we typically assume hotels charge a fixed rate per night (with potential weekend surcharges), Booking.com has revealed an intriguing trend. Occasionally, adding an extra night or adjusting your dates can remarkably reduce the nightly rate.
An Eye-Opening Example:
Picture this—initially, a one-night stay in Phuket was priced at 2650 THB. Yet, when i explored a two-night stay, it was merely an additional 1000 THB !
The Reasoning:
Hotels incur more extensive cleaning procedures between guest check-outs. While daily tidying is routine, a full turnover demands changing linens, restocking amenities, thorough room checks, and more. Hotels favor longer guest stays and adjust their pricing accordingly.

Hack 4: Early Booking & Smart Monitoring

Booking.com’s free cancellation policy is a game-changer! Here’s how you can leverage it for the best deals:

Secure Your Spot:
Even if your travel dates aren’t set in stone, book your accommodation in advance. This strategy is particularly crucial for popular destinations during peak times like school holidays. Snagging early bookings often yields fantastic deals.
Monitor for Price Drops:
While booking early can be advantageous, keep an eye out for last-minute discounts. Prices can plummet by up to 50% within a day or two of travel, especially if you’re incredibly flexible or road-tripping.

The Genius Advantage:
As a Booking Genius, you’re in a prime position. Make a flexible reservation months ahead and continually monitor for better rates. With the free cancellation window, you can switch to a better deal closer to your travel date, maximizing your savings.
The Art of Flexibility:
This high-level procrastination tactic works wonders for those with extreme flexibility or on impromptu road trips. But for a more planned approach, securing an early cancellable reservation and adjusting it as better rates emerge ensures you always get the best deal.

It’s unfortunate that Booking.com has currently discontinued their sign-up bonuses. Nevertheless, if you’re new to Booking.com, there’s still a fantastic way to kickstart your savings!