How a VPN Can Save You Money on Flights and Hotels in 2025

4 min read 29 Jan 2025, 19:37 UTC

Did you know airlines and hotels often charge travelers more based on their location or browsing history? In 2025, dynamic pricing algorithms are smarter than ever—but so are the tools to outsmart them. By using a VPN like SSH Tunnel Net, a free, ad-supported service, you can unlock hidden discounts, dodge price discrimination, and save hundreds on travel. Here’s how.

Why Your Location Costs You Money

Travel companies use your IP address to:

Inflate prices for users in wealthier countries (e.g., the US, Canada, or Germany).
Track your searches and raise prices if you repeatedly check the same route.
Offer regional deals unavailable in your area (e.g., discounts for Indian or Turkish users).

A VPN masks your IP address, making you appear to browse from a different country—and unlocking cheaper rates instantly.

Step 1: Choose a VPN with Global Servers

To maximize savings, pick a VPN with servers in regions known for lower prices. SSH Tunnel Net offers three key regions:

Asia & Oceania (https://www.ssh-tunnel.net/asia-oceania/): Ideal for Southeast Asian or Australian deals.
Europe & Africa (https://www.ssh-tunnel.net/europe-africa/): Access EU discounts or Middle Eastern promotions.
America (https://www.ssh-tunnel.net/america/): Unlock US/Canada-specific offers.

Pro Tip: Connect to countries with weaker currencies (e.g., Turkey, Argentina) for the steepest discounts.

Step 2: Create a Free SSH Tunnel Net Account

Visit SSH Tunnel Net and sign up (email verification required).
Log in to access server details for your chosen region.

Step 3: Set Up the VPN Manually

Since SSH Tunnel Net doesn’t have an app, use these steps:

For WireGuard (Fastest Speeds)

Download a WireGuard client (Windows | Android | iOS).
Download a config file from your chosen server region (e.g., Europe & Africa).
Import the file into WireGuard and connect.

For Shadowsocks (Bypass VPN Detection)

Download a Shadowsocks client (Windows | Android).
Copy server details (IP, port, password) from your region’s page (e.g., Asia & Oceania).
Input the details and connect.

Step 4: Hunt for Discounts Like a Pro

Clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode to avoid being tracked.
Search for flights/hotels on:
- Aggregators: Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak.
- Local Sites: Cleartrip (India), Yemeksepeti (Turkey), or Despegar (Latin America).
Compare prices across regions.

Real-World Example:

A round-trip flight from London to New York might cost $700 from a UK IP but $550 from an Argentinian IP.
A 5-star hotel in Bali could drop from $200/night to $140/night when booked via an Indonesian server.

Step 5: Book Safely and Securely

Use a privacy-focused browser: Brave or Firefox Focus to avoid tracking.
Pay with a travel card: Avoid foreign transaction fees (e.g., Revolut, Wise).
Disconnect the VPN after booking to ensure confirmation emails arrive.

Why SSH Tunnel Net Works Best

Free & Ad-Supported: No hidden costs—just occasional non-intrusive ads.
No-Logs Policy: Your searches and bookings stay private.
Shadowsocks Protocol: Bypasses VPN detection on travel sites.

Ethical? Legal? Safe?

Legal: Using a VPN to compare prices isn’t illegal.
Ethical: You’re leveraging public pricing data—not hacking.
Safe: SSH Tunnel Net uses military-grade encryption (AES-256) for secure bookings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Prices don’t change

Fix: Try smaller countries (e.g., Slovakia, Vietnam) or clear your cache.

Problem: Payment declined

Fix: Temporarily disconnect the VPN during checkout.

Problem: Site blocks VPN users

Fix: Switch to Shadowsocks or V2Ray protocol (harder to detect).

2025 Travel Hacks

Book on Tuesdays: Airlines often release deals midweek.
Use Incognito Mode: Prevent sites from inflating prices based on your search history.
Combine with Cashback: Sites like Rakuten or Honey add extra savings.