Scammers, Banks, Airlines & Car Hire Firms becoming increasingly clever in adding hidden fees and sneaky tricks designed to rip off holidaymakers.
And Copycat websites, offering a fee to get a new passport, a European Health Insurance Card nhs.uk or a visa (when the direct option is free or cheaper)
Booking Scams: false ads & sites
- Avoid any deal that looks too good to be true. Check you are deal with a member of the Association of British Travel Agents https://abta.com/find-a-member.
- Make payments only through the Airbnb or a similar website’s payment system. No bank transfer (to supposibly them to save on fees)
Airport & Budget Airlines Fees
- Use local currency if you are abroad
- Print your boarding pass & check in from home
- Take carry-on luggage only
- Siit anywhere & take a packed lunch.
- Book parking in advance (up to 60% cheaper)
- Choose s uitcases with wheels or backpacks
- Take our own cosmetics plastic bag
- Buy Travel-sized 100mltoiletries at home (then refill)
- Cancelled or delayed flight… claim if an European Union airline or EU airport
Car Hire Tricks
- Condiser buying an ‘excess waiver policy’ yearly or less, from home (avoid £1,000+ excess or costly cover)
- Take photos of the vehicle before setting off (with landmarks in view)
Foreign Spending & Money
- Change at home (Airport kiosks 10+ percent more)
- Chooose a card good for travel (if away often)
Halifax’s Clarity credit card, for example, is free to use overseas,
as is the debit card from app-based Starling Bank. - Always opt to pay in the local currency
Emergencies & Private Clinics
- Dodgy hotels & taxi drivers take the ill to private clinics for a bung
(demand a EHIC state healthcare facility) - Buy comprehensive travel insurance (consider a yearly one, if away often)
We welcome other tips and advice via RealSitges.com
