Travel Tips
Flight Booking Secrets: Pay Less, Fly Smarter
1. Compare Two One-Way Tickets Against a Return
Booking two separate one-way flights can sometimes cost less than a return ticket, especially when using different airlines. Always compare the total price, including baggage and seat selection.
2. Check Package Holidays Before Booking Separately
Booking flights and hotels together can occasionally work out cheaper than arranging everything yourself. Compare both options before paying, particularly for popular beach destinations.
3. Try Flying Into One City and Home From Another
These are called open-jaw flights. For example, fly into Rome, explore Italy, then fly home from Venice. This can save time and money by avoiding a return journey to your original airport.
4. Understand the Risks of Self-Transfer Flights
Some cheaper flight combinations require you to collect your luggage and check in again between flights. If your first flight is delayed, your second flight might not be protected. Check whether your connection is covered before booking.
5. Know Your Flight Delay Compensation Rights
Under UK261 rules, eligible passengers may be entitled to compensation of up to £520 for certain flight delays, cancellations or denied boarding. Eligibility depends on factors including the route, length of delay and cause of disruption. Not every delay qualifies.
Hotel Booking Tricks That Can Save You Money
1. Check the Hotel’s Own Website Before Booking
Hotel booking websites don’t always offer the best overall deal. Check the hotel’s official website for direct-booking benefits such as free breakfast, room upgrades or flexible cancellation. Always compare the final price and conditions.
2. Look for Weekend Deals in Business Districts
Hotels in business areas often cater to weekday corporate travellers. In some cities, their weekend rates can be surprisingly affordable. You could enjoy a higher-quality hotel for less than one in the main tourist district.
3. Compare 6, 7 and 8-Night Holiday Prices
An extra night doesn’t always mean a more expensive holiday. Package prices can change considerably depending on flight schedules and departure dates. Compare different lengths of stay before booking.
4. Check the Hotel’s Real Location Before Paying
A hotel advertised as being near the beach or city centre might still require expensive taxis or lengthy journeys. Check its exact location on a map, read recent guest reviews and calculate transport costs before deciding.
5. Use Refundable Bookings to Your Advantage
If the price difference is reasonable, consider booking a room with free cancellation. Check prices again before your cancellation deadline. If a better deal appears, you may be able to cancel and rebook, provided you follow the booking conditions.
Holiday Money Hacks Most Travellers Overlook
1. Always Pay in the Local Currency
When paying by card abroad, you may be asked whether to pay in pounds or the local currency. Choosing pounds often means accepting the merchant’s exchange rate, which can be worse than your card provider’s rate. Compare the costs, but paying in the local currency is usually better.
2. Avoid Expensive Airport Currency Exchanges
Airport currency exchange counters often offer less competitive rates than other providers. Compare exchange rates and fees before travelling. A suitable travel debit or credit card with low foreign transaction fees may be cheaper than exchanging large amounts of cash.
3. Watch Out for Hidden ATM Charges Abroad
Some overseas cash machines charge their own withdrawal fees, even if your bank doesn’t. Check the fee displayed before accepting a withdrawal, decline unnecessary currency conversion and compare your card provider’s overseas cash withdrawal charges.
4. Check Whether Your Phone Includes Free EU Roaming
Not all UK mobile networks include free EU roaming anymore. Some charge daily fees, and charges outside Europe can be considerably higher. Check your network’s roaming policy before travelling and consider a local SIM or travel eSIM if it’s cheaper.
5. Compare Tourist Passes Against Individual Tickets
City passes and attraction bundles can look like bargains, but they only save money if you visit enough included attractions. Add up the individual ticket prices for the places you genuinely want to visit. Sometimes booking separately, using free attractions or choosing a smaller pass works out cheaper.