Booking mistakes that cost you money
Most of the money lost on a trip is lost before you leave home, on the booking screen. These are the errors that cost most.
Comparing prices without baggage
Mistake number one. A cheap base fare with an expensive checked bag ends up costing more than a fare that already included it. Always compare the final price with the luggage you'll genuinely carry.
Booking accommodation without checking the map
A hotel fifteen minutes from the centre could be fifteen minutes on foot or fifteen minutes down a motorway. Always open the map and work out the real journey to where you'll actually spend your time.
Not reading the cancellation policy
The gap between refundable and non-refundable fares is usually small, and non-refundable returns nothing whatever happens. If your dates aren't completely certain, that difference is cheap insurance.
Paying in euros abroad
When a cash machine or card terminal offers to charge you in euros rather than the local currency, it's applying its own exchange rate, which is worse. Always choose the local currency.
Skipping travel insurance
It costs little and covers what can genuinely ruin you: a medical emergency abroad, which without cover can run into thousands. Check what your card already includes first, because sometimes something is covered.
Booking a completely fixed itinerary
Leaving zero margin between plans means one delay collapses the whole chain. Leave gaps, especially around connections and on the first and last day.
Buying excursions before arriving
Except those that genuinely sell out, most are cheaper booked at the destination. Book ahead only for things you know have limited capacity.
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