Live Abroad in 4 Thai Havens From Just $1,200 a Month
Thailand is an exotic wonderland blessed with natural beauty and home to a friendly local population as well as a growing number of expats—as many as 4 million people are said to have chosen 'The Land of Smiles' as their new home.
Thailand has world-class health care options, a tropical climate, is generally very safe, and offers a number of visa options, including a retirement visa and a digital nomad visa.
To qualify for the retirement visa, known as the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa, you must be at least 50 years old and make a security deposit of 800,000 baht (about $24k) into a Thai bank or prove a monthly income of 65,000 baht (about $2k), or a combination of the two. This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed indefinitely.
With the digital nomad visa, officially called the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), remote workers may stay in Thailand for up to 180 days. Applicants must be at least 20 years old, be employed remotely outside of Thailand, and be able to show a bank balance of at least 500,000 baht (about $14k).
Thailand is about the same size as France and offers a wealth of lifestyle options for expats, from palm-fringed islands to bustling cities. Here's a quick look at four Thai havens where you can settle in easily and make the most of expat life.
Lying some 21 miles off the east coast of Southern Thailand is the palm-fringed paradise of Koh Samui. The flight here from Bangkok takes around 80 minutes. White and golden sand beaches rim the entire island which is just 15 miles across at its widest point.
Silver Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand
A little over 70,000 people live in Koh Samui, around 8,000 of whom are expats. It's also a popular tourist spot so there's a vast array of entertainment options available including mini-golf, archery, yoga, cooking schools, frisbee golf, tennis, kayaking, and laser tag.
For golfers, Santiburi Samui Country Club is home to a five-star, 18-hole international standard championship golf course (par 72 and 6,930 yards), ranked as one of Asia's best.
Health care facilities in Samui are well equipped and staffed. There are several hospitals on the island offering a wide range of services. Internationally accredited Bangkok Hospital Samui offers a complete slate of health care services and caters primarily to expats and tourists.
You'll find people of all ages living on Koh Samui but it's especially popular with digital nomads.
A couple could live well on Koh Samui on a monthly budget of $1,800. For a single, figure on around $1,500.
The beachside town of Hua Hin lies 124 miles south of Bangkok—the trip takes around 3 hours by road or four-and-a-half by rail.
Hua Hin railway station, Thailand.
Hua Hin is a well-appointed, increasingly cosmopolitan city that offers beautiful beaches, vast open-air markets, modern, air-conditioned malls, and restaurants that run from cheap street eats to fine dining along the waterfront.
Entertainment options include sailboarding, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, snorkelling, game fishing, cycling, hiking, Muay Thai boxing, and golf. You'll get by in English here, too.
For health care needs, the JCI-accredited Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin offers excellent standards of care.
Hua Hin stands out for its elegant, refined atmosphere. It's been the preferred retreat for the Thai royal family since the 1920s and this heritage adds a layer of charm and tranquillity. Retirees and those looking for a more relaxed pace of life will find much to like about Hua Hin.
A budget of $1,465 a month will see a couple living comfortably here, around $1,200 will cover a single.
The island of Phuket lies in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of southern Thailand.
Freedom beach, Phuket, Thailand.
The quickest way to get there from the capital, Bangkok, is to fly—it takes around 90 minutes. If you're up for a road trip, Phuket is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges, so driving or catching a bus are also options.
Phuket is Thailand's biggest island and is home to large expat community of around 100,000. English is widely spoken and you'll also find good infrastructure, and a plenty of entertainment options from water sports, hiking, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and spas.
Health care on Phuket is excellent, with a range of public and private facilities, many with English speaking staff. Medical fees vary, but you can expect to pay about $30 for a regular visit at a private hospital or $10 for the same visit at a public hospital.
A budget of $1,760 a month will see a couple living comfortably here, around $1,500 will cover a single.
Expat families, singles, retirees, and digital nomads will all find likeminded souls to connect with should they choose to settle in Phuket.
About 435 miles north of Bangkok, the city of Chiang Mai is home to some 1.2 million people.
Known as 'The Rose of the North', Chiang Mai offers a wonderful blend of the charms of the past and conveniences of the modern day. Among more than 300 ancient temples and monuments you'll find museums and universities. There are also impressive national parks, a dozen golf courses, and an international airport.
Wat Phra Singh temple, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around 75 minutes. You can also take the train—it's a scenic, 10-hour trip. Taking a bus or driving the 435-mile route is also an option.
Chiang Mai is not a party town and there's no beach. While it's popular with visitors, it's not teeming with tourists. That said, there's plenty to keep you entertained from vibrant markets and temples, to spas, malls, bars, and a thriving live music scene.
With average temperatures range of 68 to 86 F, Chiang Mai enjoys the mildest climate in Thailand. The rainy season runs from July through September.
The health care options in Chiang Mai are second only to Bangkok. Several private international hospitals offering first-rate health care and English-speaking staff are on hand here.
Chiang Mai is particularly popular with the digital nomad crowd and with retirees who enjoy the more authentic Thai lifestyle on offer here.
A budget of $2,000 a month will see a couple living comfortably here, around $1,800 will cover a single.
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Travel + Leisure
5 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
Here's Where T+L Editors Love to Travel for Food
When it comes to discovering a destination, few experiences are as revealing (or as delicious) as exploring its food scene. We asked the Travel + Leisure team to share the cities that left the strongest impression on their taste buds, from street food havens to fine-dining capitals. Whether it's bold flavors or rich culinary traditions, these food cities are the ones that served up a long-lasting experience for T+L. "Thailand is one of those places where the food itself is the destination. When my husband and I honeymooned in the land of fish sauce and chilies a few years ago, our itinerary read more like a menu, our days and nights revolving around where and what we'd eat next: boat noodles slurped outside a street stall in Bangkok; fragrant khao soi at a Chiang Mai recommendation we'd gotten from a local Uber driver; green curry in a countryside cooking class using ingredients we'd handpicked just nearby; a whole, salt-crusted fish with an ice-cold Singha on the beach in Railay; and sweet mango sticky, well, anytime we had the chance. What makes Thailand's culinary scene stand out is its flavors, yes—a pungent alchemy of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy (sometimes all at once)—but it's also about the accessibility of absurdly good food. You don't need reservations or a big budget. Some of the best meals we had came wrapped in banana leaves or served in plastic cups with a straw. Street vendors are revered like celeb chefs, and we ate well whether we were sitting outside on a wobbly plastic stool devouring som tum or tucked into a Michelin-starred restaurant being served course after course. Eating in Thailand isn't just for sustenance; it's about exploring, nourishing not only your stomach, but your senses, from following your nose through a night market or learning to pound curry paste from scratch in a countryside cooking class." — Alisha Prakash, Associate Editorial Director "When it comes to the range and quality of cuisines, New York City can't be beat. Sure, the tacos are still not as great as Los Angeles, but where else can you get top-notch cuisine from places like Uzbekistan, Armenia and Ethiopia? The diversity of Japanese cuisine alone is amazing, whether you want sushi, tempura, soba noodles, or grilled eel. That said, it's the fried chicken, caviar, champagne at Coqodaq that made me fall in love with the city again. It feels like a party every night." — Denny Lee, Articles Editor A bowl of Bucatini All'Amatriciana and small market in Rome, Italy. Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure "In Rome, life is centered around food. From the espresso crowds spilling out of tiny cafes in the mornings to long afternoons spent at sidewalk tables over pasta and wine, there's no better way to live, if you ask me. I studied abroad in Rome over 15 years ago, and I've been returning regularly ever since—mainly to eat. Without fail, I'll have a bowl of bucatini all'amatriciana in front of me within half an hour of stepping foot in the city center. If you're there in March or April, you must also eat artichokes everywhere you go. I don't make the rules." — Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director "Many American cities have their own culinary specialties but New Orleans has such a distinct preserved cuisine that stands out from other destiantion in America. Only enhancing it further are the micro-communities of immigrants who are thriving in the food space. It's a living, breathing fusion of cultures—French, African, Spanish, and Creole, to name a few. From iconic staples like gumbo and beignets to neighborhood po' boy shops, I always feel like the city tells a story with every meal. I've had some of the best Honduran and Vietnamese food here. I've been to New Orleans eight times and I'm always down to go back—just for the food." — Susmita Baral, Senior Editor "Taiwan has one of the most diverse and vibrant culinary scenes in the world because of its political history. Original Taiwanese cuisine is largely Indigenous cuisine—there are 16 recognized Indigenous communities in Taiwan, each with its own foodways. Over the centuries, immigrants from the Chinese mainland, the vast majority of them from Southern China, came to Taiwan for all sorts of reasons: to farm, fish, and, in general, most came to Taiwan to try their luck if they hadn't been able to make it on the mainland." — Mae Hamilton, Digital Editor "Charleston is the "It City" for Southern cuisine. South Carolina's Lowcountry benefits from an incredible local bounty of fresh produce and seafood, and for hundreds of years, the diverse mix of people that have called this region home have shaped what we now see as quintessential Southern food. And its not just the deep food history that makes Charleston special; new chefs and experiences are redefining what Lowcountry cooking can be and bringing new flavors and cuisines to this South Carolina city." — Elizabeth Rhodes, Senior Editor Tacos and a scenic street in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. From left:;"In San Miguel de Allende, T+L's No. 1 city in the world for 2025, the dishes are colorful, textured, flavorful and indicative of the vibrant culture there. Mexican cuisine is some of the best food I love to have when I travel. I was drawn to San Miguel being a quaint city with bustling elements so I knew there would be high-end restaurants, as well as local mom and pop shops where the food is just as good." — Kareema Bee, Senior Visual Producer "Whether you're wandering a night market or sitting down for a lengthy barbecue dinner, Korean food is perfect for sharing and trying lots of different things. I loved that small dishes of banchan (daikon, kimchi, bean sprouts, and other pickled veggies) and rice accompany almost every meal; the artfully arranged little bowls are also incredibly aesthetically pleasing." — Elizabeth Cantrell, Senior Editor Scenic view of Portland Harbor in Maine and an iconic lobster roll from Even Tide. From left: DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images; Jess Feldman/Travel + Leisure "The culinary leaders who come here are truly not afraid to be creative. (Spoiler alert: it's not just lobster rolls and oysters.) There's Southern food at Hot Suppa, New England-inspired Asian at The Honey Paw, and delicious fine-dining restaurants that do specialize in seafood, but in the best way, like Scales or Fore Street." — Jess Feldman, Special Projects Editor "Hong Kong has a trend of savory cocktails that I'm OBSESSED with. Not your typical dirty martinis. It's also home to the best bar in asia (according to 50 best). It's also a great spot for high/low dining. The street markets are filled with fun and unique bites and the city is jam-packed with Michelin-starred restaurants." — Taylor McIntyre, Senior Visuals Editor Fresh crabs and crab soup from Baltimore, Maryland. Lydia Price/Travel + Leisure "While new luxury hotels and white-cloth eateries signal an uptick in Baltimore's tourism efforts, the city's culinary roots are deep and longstanding. Eclectic local cuisine draws from Southern soul food, coastal working-class creations, and influences from Polish immigrants. These hearty dishes hit the stomach like a warm hug, perfect for satiating the appetite after a long day of work on the Chesapeake. When you visit Baltimore, come hungry for Old Bay everything and crab served in every conceivable form." — Lydia Price, Senior Editor "The foodie love, pride and appreciation found all over Portugal was something I instantly connected to and fell in love with. Talking with locals in each city visited about their countries history and the food tied into it is an incredibly experience wherever you go but doing so in one of the oldest countries in Europe carries a little something extra. Even being seeped with so much history, having some of their most iconic treats and dishes being made for over 200 years, the kindness and ease of the people is truly what drew me in." — Alessandra Amodio, Digital Photo Editor A frothy cappuccino from a cafe in Portland, Oregon. "Portland, Oregon, is an eclectic heaven—and it's culinary scene represents just that. With its food cart culture, independent coffee shops, and roughly 83 microbreweries, it's no surprise this West Coast city attracts over 12 million visitors a year. I traveled here for the coffee culture for my solo birthday trip—and it consisted of reading in a new shop every morning while drinking locally roasted, ethically sourced coffee." — Jessica Vadillo, Editorial Assistant
CNN
17 hours ago
- CNN
‘Everyone I know in the US who has a conscience wants to leave': Why this American woman relocated to Bali
Riding along the busy, narrow roads of Bali on her scooter with the sun illuminating her face, Victoria Kjos has a clear destination in sight — the beach. The 71-year-old American, who relocated to the Indonesian destination in 2022, is a regular fixture on the sands of Sanur, which extends along the southeastern coastline of the tropical destination, known as the 'Island of the Gods.' When she's not enjoying one of Bali's finest stretches of shoreline, Victoria can be found exploring sites like Besakih, a temple complex known as the 'Mother Temple of Bali,' located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the island's highest volcano, or enjoying a massage at a local spa. Her life today is miles apart from the one she built in the US, where she had a long career in government, serving as the deputy state treasurer of North Dakota back in 1979. Victoria says she is now happily settled in the Southeast Asian destination, known for its rice fields, monkey-filled forests and ancient temples, and doesn't see herself ever returning to the United States. 'For me the best thing (about living in Bali) is probably the weather,' Victoria tells CNN Travel of the 'magical place' she now calls home. 'It's the same all year long. I haven't needed a long-sleeved sweater or jacket ever in three years.' But her motivation to move to the island was something more serious — disillusionment with life in the United States. 'On the surface, as viewed from the outside, I should have had no complaints,' she says. Having also worked in real estate, banking and as a yoga instructor, in later life she had built a relatively comfortable life for herself in Phoenix, Arizona. 'I owned a nice home in a good neighborhood. Drove a convertible sports car. Frequented theater, opera, art gallery opening events. Shared regular repasts with dear friends and family,' she says. However, Victoria found that she was continuously witnessing 'trends that didn't really mesh' with her beliefs and felt that she needed a 'more meaningful existence.' She says she wanted more than her 'middle class US existence' offered her. 'I started to see that our culture had become so self-absorbed,' she says. 'So me-driven, and so money-centric, that I questioned whether or not that's where I wanted to spend the rest of my life.' It was these thoughts, the sense of growing dissatisfaction, that set her on the road to Bali. But her journey there was far from smooth. In fact, she says it wasn't even one of her top choices when she was considering places to move to In 2012, Victoria sold her house in Arizona, along with her car, and got rid of most of her personal belongings, before embarking in a 'spiritual journey' to India, armed with only a couple of guidebooks. 'I didn't know how long I would stay,' she says. 'I didn't know what the journey would be like. She spent around six months on a 'life-altering and incredibly transformative' trip around India. She traveled through 13 states, visiting temples, meditation caves and gardens, and practicing chanting, yoga and meditation. 'I 'm a different person because of India,' she says. 'I hope I've become a kinder, less judgmental, more patient and thoughtful human being.' The next few years saw her spend more time in Asia, including an 18-month stint in India in 2017, and then four months in Thailand, in the coastal town of Hua Hin, near Bangkok. There was also a visit to Nepal. All the while, Bali was slowly seeping into her consciousness. 'I kept meeting fellow travelers who would say, 'Oh, you must go to Bali. It's wonderful.' And I thought, 'Why not?'' In 2019, Victoria finally traveled to Bali and instantly fell in love with the destination. 'There are some who believe there's a convergence of various energy vortexes in Bali, which gives it its magical quality,' she says. 'There is something very special here, and I did feel it immediately.' When she returned to the US, Victoria felt that it was finally time to put roots down somewhere new, but despite being enthralled by the 'magic' of Bali, she initially opted for 'close and convenient' Mexico, moving to the Pacific resort town of Mazatlán in 2020, where she anticipated spending the rest of her life. Just over two years later, she reconsidered. 'I decided Mexico really wasn't the right place for me,' she says, explaining that she was unhappy with the 'party place' reputation of her chosen destination. She thought again about India, but by then Bali had won her over. 'And I had liked Bali, so it ended up being kind of the final choice for me.' Another incentive: Indonesia offers a retirement visa, known as a KITAS, and Victoria met the income requirements. Moving to a new country twice within a few years might seem like a daunting prospect, but she says it was made easier by her personal circumstances. 'I was married for a brief period, but I've been alone most of my life… I don't have children,' she says. 'So, it's much easier for me to kind of pick up and move, than it is for people that have kids and grandkids that kind of pull on the heartstrings.' And so, in May 2022, Victoria arrived in Bali to begin her new life and says she 'immediately felt very comfortable.' 'There was never any question that I wouldn't stay,' she adds, describing how she quickly became enthralled by Balinese culture, which is rooted in traditions and spirituality, and loved its 'calm energy.' Victoria found locals to be very welcoming and had little trouble making new friends, despite not speaking Balinese or Indonesian. But, she says she made a lot of 'missteps' in her first few months in Bali, particularly when it came to finding a place to live. 'Everybody's a real estate agent,' she says. 'But they really aren't. (It's an) everybody has a friend who has a friend, who has a friend kind of thing.' After moving in and out of several places, Victoria eventually settled in Sanur, a quiet coastal town with a strong Balinese community that is known for its beautiful beaches. It is, says Victoria, jokingly referred to as 'Snore' due to its laidback atmosphere, and popularity with retirees and families. Victoria lives in a small, modern, gated house, which features traditional Balinese-style sliding glass front doors and high ceilings, with one bedroom, a living room, kitchen and bathroom. 'My neighbor's dog barking is the only noise I ever hear here,' she says. 'So it's almost like my wake-up call or a reminder of the outside world.' Victoria, who describes herself as an 'avowed introvert,' concedes that she socializes even less in Bali than she did in the US, but says that this suits her just fine. 'I was one of those people that loved Covid,' she says, recalling lockdowns implemented during the pandemic. 'I was in heaven, because I live kind of like a hermit.' While she's been trying to learn Balinese, Victoria says that most of her friends in the country speak English and she often finds that locals prefer to speak her native language with her, even though she wants to practice. 'I think it's really important in any foreign country to learn the language, not only to benefit you and understand but also as respect,' she says. 'I'm actually more interested in learning the language to read the signs on the street and things, more so than speaking.' Although she's encountered many other foreigners who've moved to Bali, Victoria says she feels more connected to Balinese people and her friends are mainly locals. 'I haven't met a single expat here who is on that same path as I am,' she says. 'So, I spend my time with locals, not foreigners. Because I have more in common with them spiritually.' Victoria says she's an admirer of how family oriented local culture is. 'It would be like in my country a century ago, where the grandparents and the parents and the kids and the grandkids all lived in the same house,' she says. 'Generations resided together. We don't live like that in America. Once you're 17 or 18, you go off to college and you never want to go home again.' She's also noticed that life in Bali, which is a Hindu-majority region of Muslim-majority Indonesia, seems to revolve around ceremonies, which frequently take priority over work or activities. 'There are ceremonies for everything. From the baby being born to the baby being named, to the cremation, to the anniversary of the cremation,' she says. ''The ceremony comes first, which would be unheard of in my country. Except for major holidays like Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.' Last year, Victoria was invited to a Balinese cremation ceremony, known as Ngaben, and was the only non-local in attendance. 'Hence, I felt like an honored guest, witnessing the traditional washing of the body on the first day and the actual cremation on the second, with elaborate rituals, drumming, music, meals, and processions.' Bali is much slower paced than she's used to, which has its pros and cons, according to Victoria. 'Sometimes I find myself standing in the grocery line and it takes like 15 minutes and three people to do something that in the United States would take five minutes,' she says. 'But it's just the way it is.' As the cost of living is lower in Bali, Victoria's money goes further, which means she's able to afford things that she would once have considered luxuries. 'Ordering from catering services and through the food delivery is so inexpensive, almost embarrassingly,' she says, pointing out that she rarely cooks, and her housing costs are around a quarter less than they were in the United States. 'So, I don't do laundry for the same reason. It's inexpensive to take it next door, a minute away.' She gets around mainly via motor scooter, which she learned to ride at the age of 65, and while she's had a 'couple of spills' on Balinese roads, Victoria prefers two-wheel transport to a car due to regular traffic snarls in Bali. 'I'm cautious,' she says. 'And I'm old. I know my reflexes are slower than the kids. So I kind of drive slowly to the left. People pass me all the time, but I don't really care.' Although Victoria suffers from a chronic medical condition, which causes pain and fatigue, she describes herself as in 'relatively good health,' pointing out that she also walks as much as she can, and goes to yoga classes regularly. She says she's had positive experiences with the local healthcare system, which consists of both public and private healthcare providers. 'I am fortunate enough to be on the government health insurance program, which is very affordable,' she says, adding that she also has a private insurance plan that would cover her for 'something major.' Victoria points out that the standard of care is not the same as 'in the West or other countries.' 'My feeling is, if you're going to live here, you kind of have to suck it up…' she says. 'If you want Western medicine, then stay in a Western country. But overall, I've been pleased.' She notes that 'retirement centers or homes and assisted living options' are 'non-existent' in Bali as families tend to care for their elderly relatives in their later years, quipping that she may have no choice but to return to the US if she lives 'too long.' But after residing in the Indonesian island for three years, Victoria says she can't imagine going back to the life she had before. 'I jokingly say, 'The only way I'm setting foot back in the United States is if I'm demented,'' she says. 'Everyone that has a conscience and a soul in the United States that I know wants to leave now.' Victoria plans to convert her retirement visa to a KITAP visa, or permanent stay permit card, which is valid for five years, within the next two years. However, she admits that she misses simple things about living in the US, such as being able to do all of her shopping in one place. 'I know it seems sort of silly,' she says. 'But the difference is the shopping options – we get kind of spoiled (in the US). 'There's a major drugstore in every corner. You can go in, and buy everything at one place. Here, you have to go to 10 different shops and little markets. You don't have the same kind of availability.' Victoria also misses going to the opera and theater regularly, but stresses that there's 'nothing to be sad about' as she was an 'active participant in those activities for 40 years.' Although she's happily settled in Bali, Victoria concedes that she hasn't ruled out moving 'elsewhere,' describing herself as a 'vagabond.' 'I've learned never to say 'never' and always to remain flexible,' she says. Her main focus now is trying 'to live a little more consciously' and 'being of service' during what she describes as the 'last phase' of her life. 'A person's life is enriched by variety and change,' Victoria adds. 'And, I feel incredibly blessed to finish out my life in such a beautiful, peaceful location.'
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
Hotels.com discount codes for August 2025 – how to save 10% or more
Whether you're looking for a summer city break, a European beach getaway or a Thailand backpacking adventure, has plenty of options to get excited about. With everything from stately castles to sleek high rises and boutique boltholes, our team of deal experts is pulling back the covers on how to stay in your dream hotel for less. Here are all the best ways to save money on your booking. The best ways to save at Apply a discount code You can almost always save 10 per cent or more on your booking by applying a promo code. To apply the code that we've listed above, continue to the booking confirmation screen, where you'll see an 'Apply a coupon code' field under the hotel summary section. Paste in your code and apply to see your booking cost reduce. Sign up for a one key membership One key is a free loyalty program, available for UK and US customers, where you work your way up the tiers for more benefits. All members start with a blue tier membership, moving up to silver, gold and platinum, unlocking more perks with each level. Here's a breakdown of what you get: Blue: Save 10 per cent or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide Silver: Get 15 per cent or more off member pricing for 10,000+ hotels, plus three per cent one key cash (aka rewards points) towards future stays and hotel food or drink perks. Gold: Save 20 per cent or more thousands of hotels, plus room upgrade and four per cent one key cash and hotel food or drink perks. Platinum: All of the as above, plus six per cent one key cash and VIP customer support. You earn one key cash on eligible bookings, which starts at two per cent and increases with each tier. These accumulated rewards points can be used towards future hotel or car hire booking. As well as the one key membership can be used on partner sites Expedia and Vrbo, meaning more opportunities to build up your perks and discounts. You will automatically build up your one key cash pot in your account after completing eligible trips and your balance won't expire, as long as you make at least one eligible booking within an 18 months. Student and NHS discounts Students can get 10 per cent off on bookings via Unidays or Student Beans. Similarly, NHS staff and healthcare workers can also take advantage of this discount with a Health Service Discounts account. These offers can be used on top of existing member pricing or site-wide promotions. To redeem your unique code from any of these sites, simply register with a valid ID or login to your account, copy your code and apply it at checkout. Last-minute deals If you're flexible on dates or enjoy a spontaneous getaway, then you can save 20 per cent or more with last-minute hotel deals. There are plenty of reduced rates on offer, including weekend breaks in cities such as London and Paris from £200 per night. You can even book rooms on the same day, which are sometimes cheaper than normal as its the hotel's last chance to fill the room. Save with sales doesn't have a dedicated sale page, however you can expect flash sales and limited time promotions during seasonal events and key sales period, such as Black Friday, Boxing Day, Valentine's Day and in the run-up to summer. Use Tesco clubcard vouchers Tesco Clubcard members can double their voucher value, starting from £5, and use it towards any booking. For example, £10 worth of Clubcard vouchers is converted to £20 in credit. To redeem, simply login to your Tesco Clubcard account in the app or online, exchange the voucher for a code and then paste it into the coupon field at checkout. If you have any issues, try booking via the dedicated link via the Tesco Clubcard page. Group discounts offers up to 70 per cent off for group bookings of nine rooms or more. From corporate travel and wedding parties, to travelling with friends or family, it's well worth getting a direct quote from the customer service team to see if this beats any other rates. In fact, guarantees to meet or beat the price of any other quotes for the same number of rooms at another hotel of comparable quality. What to know before you book Flexible vs non-refundable rates Flexible bookings usually let you cancel up to 24 hours before check‑in for a full refund. Whilst non‑refundable rates are cheaper, they do come with a risk of losing more money should you need to change or cancel your booking. We recommend checking the cancellation policy on the room page, as times and terms vary by hotel. To amend or cancel, head to the 'Trips' tab on the main menu and click on the relevant booking. You will see options to change or update the booking, where you can follow the prompts until you reach your desired outcome. Mobile app vs website bookings It's worth downloading the app to take advantage of app-exclusive deals and lower rates. You can also set up push notifications and alerts for sales or price drops, and easily manage your booking in just a few clicks. Price match promise You can book with peace of mind that you're always getting the best deal, thanks to the price promise. This means that if you find the same room cheaper elsewhere, even after booking, you'll be refunded the difference. Just make sure to submit your claim before 11:59pm the day before check‑in. Other important details include: The cheaper rate must be for the same hotel, room type, dates, cancellation policy and currency. You can't claim on stays booked via other platforms' promotions (such as package deals, discount codes or membership pricing) The price promise is only applicable to refundable bookings. How we choose the best discount codes The team at The Independent specialises in finding the best travel deals and discount codes. We focus on great offers for hotels, flights and package holidays, ensuring that we only recommend deals we would use ourselves. If you're interested in package deals or all-inclusive options, be sure to check out the latest offers from Tui, First Choice and Loveholidays. Why you can trust us Since 1986, The Independent has been a trusted consumer advocate, harnessing extensive experience to uncover the finest deals and discounts. Whether you're planning the perfect getaway or taking advantage of major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Boxing Day sales, our dedicated team is committed to finding you the best money-saving opportunities. We handpick exceptional offers from brands we believe in, ensuring you get the incredible value you deserve. *See the website for full terms and conditions for all offers featured on this page. Information verified and correct at time of last publication date.
