21 Travel Hacks Only Frequent Flyers Know (and You Should Too)

3. “Reverse” Search for Accommodations First

An unconventional but clever tactic is to secure accommodations before finalizing flights. Sounds backwards, but here’s why it works: hotels and vacation rentals often experience price drops or limited-time promos independent of flight schedules. If you spot a stellar deal on an all-inclusive resort or a discounted urban Airbnb, you can build your trip around those dates and destination specifics. Next, you research flights to fit this set timeline, using flexible date searches to snag cheaper fares. Frequent travelers find that lodging promos can outshine airline discounts in terms of total savings, especially when you lock in peak-season stays at off-peak rates. Booking flights last also means you can check multiple departure airports or airline combos to find a flight itinerary that syncs perfectly. This “reverse” method ensures you don’t overspend on lodging while you’re chasing flight bargains—ultimately creating a balanced, money-saving synergy between where you sleep and how you get there.