What appears to be a good deal might not always be the case – and this applies to all aspects of travel, whether it be flights, last-minute deals, all-inclusive holidays or currency.
But, with a little travel savvy, you can make sure you stay ahead of the game and avoid being ripped off. Here’s how…
1) Look out for extra charges on budget flights
Ryanair may seem to have the lowest airfares to Europe, for example, but look out for hidden charges like airport tax, baggage fees and, if the operator had its way, ‘spending a penny’! Budget airlines can often charge up to £70 each way for checking-in luggage, depending on the weight you are carrying. Just make sure you’re aware of all the extras before you book.
2) Beware last-minute deals
Booking a last-minute holiday to the likes of Benidorm, Greece or Cyprus might seem like a good idea but be warned that most hotels are not ‘named’ till the last minute. What it means, essentially, is that you might end up with the garbage that nobody wants. This kind of accommodation has a minimum three-star rating but standards vary from country to country and you’ll have no idea what you’re letting yourself in for until you get there. You might land lucky, but you might also end up in a noisy, bug infested apartment above a group of Club 18-30 revellers. It won’t seem such a good deal if you have to upgrade – and ultimately pay more – to get away from the noise… or worse.
3) Bear in mind all-inclusive holidays could still cost you a packet
All-inclusive holidays sound like bliss but could be a nightmare when you get there – for a number of reasons. The first reason is that, yes, it’s all-inclusive… up to a point. Prepare to drink cheap, local and unbranded drinks and settle for what the buffet is offering. If you’re specific about your favourite tipple, the likelihood is that you’ll end up paying extra for what you really want… you are on holiday, after all. And if the buffet isn’t up to much, you’ll find yourself eating out (which many travellers prefer to do anyway) and paying for your meals twice. Not only that, but you’re likely to find the resort overrun by drunks – basically Brits gone mad because it’s ‘all you can drink’.
4) Don’t buy Duty Free
If you think that tax free shopping at the airport is going to save you money, think again. You’re twice as likely to get these products cheaper on the high street or, even better, at your holiday destination. Just make sure you’re in-the-know about exactly how many cigarettes, bottles of wine etc you can legitimately bring home as foreign vendors will have no problem selling them in bulk. Whether or not you can get them across the border is a different story and, if you’re over the specified limit, not only will they be confiscated but you’ll pay a hefty fine.
5) Always exchange currency before you travel
Currency is NEVER cheaper at the airport and can be confusing at your holiday destination so make sure you compare and buy before you go. Plan well in advance and shop around for the best deals as airport bureaux will hold you captive and have planned for you leaving it till the last minute. Typically, currency is cheaper to buy online anyway. Check out our travel money comparison tool for the latest rates.
