People need to keep an eye on what they are booking
Holly Hamilton shared her top tips on BBC Morning Live(Image: BBC)
Travellers sorting out their next holiday have been advised to carry out straightforward checks when booking, as doing so could help them save money and secure free extras. BBC expert Holly Hamilton shared her “serial holidaymaker” expertise on Morning Live.
The journalist revealed the key tips she’s learnt for enjoying summer breaks on a budget, noting: “I will say when you do find the dream holiday, don’t book the first one that you see, because that might not actually be the best price.” Holiday-makers often face a dilemma when choosing between package deals from third-party booking platforms or visiting individual airline, hotel and activity websites directly to arrange their trip.
Holly offered her perspective on this choice, explaining there’s no one-size-fits-all answer and encouraging thorough research. She clarified that these third-party platforms function as travel agents or “middlemen” without actually owning any of the airlines, hotels or companies travellers will encounter during their break.
These platforms generate revenue through commission and advertising, meaning they may occasionally offer lower prices than booking directly with the provider. Nevertheless, Holly said she uses these platforms as a price comparison resource and advised checking the small print on provider websites.
She said: “Sometimes it can be cheaper but very often if you do go directly to the airline or to the hotel it can actually work out even cheaper if you dig a little bit deeper and read the extras.
“You might find that on the third party site, just the flight is £50 but for £60 booking it directly (with the airline) you might get your luggage included. Or in a hotel, you might get a flexible fare to avoid any cancellation fees, all that does add up very very quickly. Just read the small print on that, even a free breakfast.”
Drawing from her own experience, she cautioned that those using third-party booking platforms may encounter difficulties should problems arise. Holly continued: “You might end up stuck talking to a chatbot for a little while. It’s very difficult sometimes to get a refund.
“There is no one-size-fits-all argument here effectively. You have to think about the price, the convenience, and the security. What order you put that in, I find for me has changed throughout my life.
“There was a time in my 20s, I was very happy to hop aboard and take the risks and get a cheap price. These days, travelling with small children, I want to know where I’m going. I want to know that there’s somebody at the other end of the phone.
“I do like a package holiday. You get all your consumer rights with that… it can prove a little bit cheaper. Talk about things like your free breakfast.”
