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Beware the Hidden Costs of Holidays
This summer in the UK e hope not to bear witnessonce again to the torrential rain which blighted much of 2008. Who can forget the howling winds and flooding of homes and businesses throughout the UK during what was supposed to be a hot and dry summer season? Instead, all the water, wind and damage caused by the freak weather had us turning on our heels and heading for the nearest travel agent for the next flight out to somewhere hot and dry. However, not for the first time, people were taken in by the promise of ‘guaranteed’ free flights, two seats for the price of one, or fly for a 1p and there is little doubt that, with the country in the grip of recession, these offers will be brought to bear again as the summer progresses. However, bear in mind that these deals come hand-in-hand with caveats that make most of these tempting deals likely to be, unlikely!
Once you look at the price of holidays, it tends to happen that you find you’re paying more than you actually planned, no matter how great holiday deals sound. Once upon a time a meal on a plane came as standard, but now services on flights has been stripped to the bare bones so that the cost of your flight is literally for your seat only. To have anything more means careful consideration of a confusing raft of expensive add-ons and supplements.
There is a host of common ‘hidden expenses’ to look out for as you prepare your holiday plans. One of the biggest bug bears for most single travelers is ‘under-occupancy’. Prices tend to be based on number of beds rather than bedrooms, and calculated on the premise that two will be sharing a room, meaning an extra expense to the single traveler of £80 per night.
The most radical change to hidden costs is the ‘flight supplement’. Taking to the skies used to be so simple and reasonably cost effective, with two price tariffs – first class and economy. Now, booking a flight comes with a huge grid of price points, which drastically differ depending on whether you fly ‘cheaper’ during the night, or early hours in the morning, or whether you fly ‘expensively’ from regional airports such as Manchester or Birmingham.
Other add-ons include more leg room; wider seats; reserved seating; speedy boarding; late check-in; extra baggage; whether you require food or drinks; comfort plus seats; economy plus seats – the list is endless, and so are the prices.
By now you could be broke just getting onto a flight, but more charges are ahead with the long-list of supplements you could expect from your accommodation. Hotels love adding on costs for sea views, at nearly £60 extra per night in some cases. Balconies and baths are expensive too in Europe and in hotels around the world – cities and coastal towns alike. Basic necessities such as air-conditioning, a highchair for your child and even a cot can set you back almost £30 per night.
Despite all the hidden costs to be wary of, there are the costs than can be simply forgotten about. Car hire, children’s clubs and food, entry fees and taxis accumulate to become a big expense in any holiday destination. Travel insurance is a big necessity too, which often gets forgotten about. Although opting for multi trip travel insurance will actually save you money if you tend to travel more than once a year.
The biggest lesson for any traveler, whether single, with a partner or a family of four, strip all costs to the bare bones and add-on your add-ons as you go along, that way you cannot get stung by any nasty, hidden costs, and you’ll be ready for that holiday of a lifetime.
About the Author
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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