Are Travel Extras Actually Worthy It?
When it comes to travel you don't always get what you pay for. You've found a cheap deal online within your budget, and landed on the checkout page to finalize the purchase, but all of a sudden you find the price displayed isn't what you were showed – in fact it's much more expensive! You've probably been a victim of the sneaky pre-ticked optional extras. You needed to manually untick the paid extras.
On top of your standard travel deal, usually there are a few optional extras offered you may want to take out to enhance your travel experience and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Of course, at a cost - usually a higher one. Such extra costs can push you hundreds of dollars over budget, in some cases exceeding the cost of travel itself.
Like all businesses, travel sites are out to make a profit, so be aware that behind the headline prices there can be a multitude of extras that you may or may not want to pay for. Headline prices are usually competitive because travel agencies usually research the market and know rival prices.
If you are a savvy traveler who wouldn't pay a fortune for a week of sun and fun, you would already know to avoid extras unless you're confident of receiving more in benefits than you're paying in advance (usually unlikely). Although you can always shop around to find better value for extras, the ones you can buy as part of your original purchase can offer more convenience and hassle-free .This is especially the case when the extras involve start and end times in local timezone, making it hard for you to plan and buy your own.
Before you take out extras, ask yourself: Could you book the services or events on your own (and, maybe, for less)? How compelling are they? Do I really need them? Worth the price tag? Or would you rather spend the money on something else?
For example, you can always buy your own travel insurance for a lower price. If you are paying by credit card, you may already be eligible for a complimentary travel insurance plus other benefits. Extra tours and day trips are where higher mark-ups (agent commission) are added. Most of the time, it would be cheaper to buy your tours and day trips at your destination and pay the operator direct.
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Travel Agent vs Do It Yourself
If you're going to use a travel agent, don't pop in without having done some prior research. Even if you do, don’t buy on your first visit. Take time to think.
If you rather prefer booking online, some research is not going to be enough. You need to start your bargain hunt at least 3-4 months in advance if you are very picky and on budget.
Here we have a quick look at pros and cons of both options.
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The Best Time to Book Your Flight
It is usually cheaper if you can book your flight at least 6-7 weeks and your hotel 3-6 weeks in advance. Travelling on Friday and Saturday is generally more expensive. Also, days around school holidays, long weekends and public holidays are not meant for savvy travellers.
Do your search off-peak times of the day such as after midnight and early in the morning to make sure you see the all actual available options that are released after the temporary hold.
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Set Travel Priorities & Expectations
Set your top priorities and expectation well in advance.
What are you after? What matters most for you? Are you flexible with travel dates? are you flexible with the destination? Would rather go somewhere else if cheaper?Traveling. We have expectations of what it will be like, who it will be with and how much fun we're going to have.
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Compare Travel Deals and Packages
Weigh off all your options before buying. We have sifted through Australia’s top travel agencies and sites to shortlist the best ones. Whether you're looking for an adventure trip, family holiday or a weekend getaway, you can now search all these sites in one place. Once you find what you are after, you book directly with them. No fees or charges added on. We are 100% free! We are continuously extending the range of travel deals from trusted agencies to help everyday Australians shop around. Or Read more -
Smart Ways to Pay When You Travel
There are plenty of ways to pay for your travel online – from bank transfers and debit and credit cards to third-party payment services like Poli, Bpay and some Buy now, pay later services which allow you to purchase a product immediately and then pay it off in instalments over several months.
ere are some tips to help you stay safe when you pay for your travel deal online or you buy stuff while traveling.
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