Planning/Flexibility is key. To quote BRITSKI “Have a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C etc…and when you run out of letters…start on the numbers.”
Play the odds, travel shoulder/off season and be mindful of the weather wildcard. ZED makes things easier Hubs give you options and trains between cities, especially in Europe, give you still more options. I contact the hotel directly to cxl a reservation – I’ve only had to do it twice, once the fee was waived and the other I was able to rebook for a later date. And as isppilot indicated a first night at an airport hotel can be a wise move.

One last thing- an old non-rev travel adage
“Getting back is always harder than getting out.”