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Join Which? TravelDon't waste your money: 5 things I'd never do as a travel expert
From booking holidays on your desktop computer to unnecessarily spending money on plane seats, these are rookie mistakes to avoid
Holidays are expensive purchases. That is why it pays to be careful when booking one, to ensure you don’t spend extra money on anything unnecessary.
After researching holidays, flight prices and how to get the best car hire excess insurance for years, I’ve picked up some tips on how to avoid paying over the odds.
See below for my five top tips.
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5 things I'd never do as a travel expert
1. I'd never book a hotel on a computer - without checking the price on your mobile phone first
In a recent investigation, we found an apartment in Amsterdam that was £270 cheaper on Booking.com’s mobile app than on its website. And we saved almost £100 on a weekend in Florence with an Expedia mobile exclusive. Find out more about the expensive mistake you’re making when booking a hotel - as well as the mobile exclusives that don’t add up.
2. I'd never book a flight through an online travel agent (OTA) - without comparing costs with the airline directly
OTAs often appear cheaper at first glance and will appear first in search results on comparison sites because of it. But some OTAs whack up the prices of add-ons, such as bags and seats. So, if you need to add extras to your booking, going directly with the airline may be cheaper. Read more on the best-rated airlines.
3. I'd never book car hire excess insurance directly with the car hire company
Car hire excess insurance is usually less comprehensive when you take it out with the car hire company directly, and we found in recent research that it’s always more expensive than booking a third-party policy in advance. We found the price difference can be as much as £183. Next time you hire a car, buy your insurance before you go on holiday and don’t feel pressured into buying more insurance at the car hire desk. Explore the best car hire excess insurance policies.
4. I'd (almost) never pay to sit with companions on a plane
When we asked airlines whether they split groups that don’t pay to sit together, BA and Jet2 said they won’t unless there’s no space. Wizz Air and Ryanair, however, are more likely to split you up unless you pay to sit with your travel companion. Find out whether airlines can split parents up from their children.
5. I'd never change money up at the airport
Because you’re a captive audience at the airport, exchange rates at airport bureaux de change are notoriously bad compared with those at the high street or online bureaux. Change your money before you go. However, specialised travel debit and credit cards – such as Halifax Clarity and Starling – are often your best bet for spending overseas, as they offer competitive exchange rates without extra charges. See more on the best travel debit cards and best travel credit cards to use abroad.
