Money

Expert trick to save on your hotel bill with one email

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2024

Ahron Young

Travelers are constantly seeking ways to cut costs without compromising on comfort.

Enter a savvy trick that could save you a significant chunk on your next hotel booking – all with just one email.

Jason Higgs, the Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii, unveils a simple yet effective strategy to score a discount on your hotel stay.

What Happens When You Use An Official Booking Website

Booking accommodations through popular platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com has become second nature for many travelers.

These platforms offer convenience, a plethora of deals, and secure booking processes.

However, what many may not realize is that hotels pay a commission fee, typically between 15% and 20% of the booking amount, to these booking websites.

Hotels embrace technology amid rising infestations

Who You Should Email And What You Should Ask

After making your reservation through a booking website, Higgs advises reaching out directly to the hotel via email. Inquiring whether they can offer a lower rate if you book directly through them could yield surprising results.

Hotels, keen to avoid paying hefty commissions, may be inclined to offer a discount, often around 10%.

The Implications For Your Cancellation Policy

Booking directly with the hotel might not only save you money but could also lead to a more favorable cancellation policy. Some hotels extend more lenient cancellation terms, potentially allowing for a full refund if canceled within 24-48 hours of your stay or even within 24 hours with a valid reason.

Draft Email Template You Can Adapt

To simplify the process, Higgs provides a template for the email you can send to hotels:

[Template]

*Dear Sir or Madam,*

*On [date], I made a booking using [the website you used, e.g., Booking.com]. Here are the details:*

*Booking Reference No.:*

*Check-in and check-out dates:*

*Name/s:*

*No. of guests:*

*Room/s booked:*

*Reservation status: [confirmed or pending]*

*Total reservation price:*

*Additional information:*

*I would like to know whether I could secure a discount if I book my stay directly through you, rather than [booking website]. If this is possible, please provide the new price and instructions on how to proceed.*

*I look forward to hearing from you shortly.*

*Best regards,*

*[Your Name]*

Higgs emphasises that there’s nothing to lose by sending the email, and the potential benefits for both parties are significant. So, next time you’re gearing up for a trip, don’t forget to hit ‘send’ on that money-saving email – it could make all the difference.

Money

Markets tumble as Trump tariffs, Greenland rhetoric and Europe backlash collide

U.S. stocks plummet over 800 points amid renewed tariff threats and political tensions from Trump, sparking global trade concerns.

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks plummet over 800 points amid renewed tariff threats and political tensions from Trump, sparking global trade concerns.

U.S. equities took a sharp hit as markets reacted to renewed tariff threats and heightened political rhetoric from President Donald Trump. The Dow plunged more than 800 points, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also sliding as investor nerves rattled risk assets.

The sell-off highlights growing concern around global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, with markets struggling to price in what comes next for U.S. economic leadership and policy direction.

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#USMarkets #WallStreet #TrumpTariffs #GlobalMarkets #USDebt #Europe #Davos #Ticker

Money

Gold hits record highs as investors flee risk

Gold surges amid global uncertainty, with February futures rising 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, signaling safe-haven demand.

Published

3 days ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Gold surges amid global uncertainty, with February futures rising 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, signaling safe-haven demand.

Gold is shining brighter than ever as investors flock to safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty. U.S. gold futures for February delivery jumped 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, while spot gold rose 1.6% to $4,668.14.

The surge comes as geopolitical tensions continue to worry traders, prompting a rush into metals perceived as stable and secure. Analysts say gold is proving its status as the ultimate hedge during turbulent times.

Investors are closely watching markets as gold sets new benchmarks, signalling growing caution across the financial landscape.

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#GoldRally #SafeHaven #InvestingTips #FinancialMarkets #GoldPrices #GlobalEconomy #MarketUpdate #TickerNews

Money

Markets edge higher as 10-year yields hit new highs

Major stock indices rise slightly; 10-year Treasury yield hits 4.23% amid Fed Chair speculation, affecting small and mega-cap stocks.

Published

4 days ago

January 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Major stock indices rise slightly; 10-year Treasury yield hits 4.23% amid Fed Chair speculation, affecting small and mega-cap stocks.

All major stock indices are starting the week slightly higher, giving investors cautious optimism. Analysts are keeping an eye on movements in small caps and mega-cap tech stocks amid these early gains.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note has climbed to 4.23%, the highest since last September. This follows Kevin Warsh emerging as the frontrunner for the next Federal Reserve Chair, sparking speculation on future monetary policy.

Rising yields could trigger a pullback in small-cap stocks, while investors may pivot toward mega-cap tech, expected to deliver strong earnings growth. Overall, the market is likely to see a neutral to slightly bearish trend next week due to overbought conditions.

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