British tourists could make huge savings by staying longer on holiday, according to new research from Which? Travel.
As strange as it sounds, the consumer group’s research found that a few times booking a package holiday for 11 nights rather than 10 actually cost less money.
The team analysed package holidays from easyJet,Jet2, Love Holidays, On The Beach and Tui. They also found cases where staying another night cost less than £5 more.
Jo Rhodes, deputy editor of Which? Travel, said: “If you’re booking a holiday, it’s worth checking if you can save money by making some small changes to your travel dates and duration of your stay.”
But the team also found several other ways to save on a holiday, including one tip to score extra perks from a hotel.
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Pick up the phone
The team said: “Online travel agents want the best prices for themselves and often prevent hotels advertising lower rates on their own websites. However, there’s nothing to stop you emailing or calling the hotel directly to ask for a better offer.
“Even if they can’t offer you a discount, the hotel might throw in a perk – like a bottle of wine or a free room upgrade.”
Hotels may have a cheaper rate available if tourists are willing to give them a call. There might be a chance to score a room upgrade too.
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Book directly with the airline
The team said: “Booking via an online travel agent (OTA) could inflate an airfare by more than £100, Which? found.
“Headline prices may look enticing, but by the time you’ve factored in luggage and other extras, that figure skyrockets.”
While this might not always be the case, it’s a good idea to check the prices available with the airline before booking with an online travel agent.
Stay in cheaper accommodation nearby
Prices are always going to surge in honeypot destinations during peak periods. However, staying at a less popular spot nearby could save money.
Which? found that staying in Dartmouth instead of Salcombe, 11 miles away, could save £59 per night on average.
In an http://Express.co.uk experiment, Plymouth was far cheaper than more popular Cornwall and Devon spots.
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