As winter lingers into late January, many travelers are planning summer escapes to capitalize on lower rates. Jasmine Harman, host of Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun since 2004, offers a practical strategy to maximize savings on flights and accommodations.
Jasmine Harman’s Booking Advice
Harman emphasizes that the device used for booking can influence prices significantly. She explains that while laptops offer convenience, mobile phones often yield better deals.
“The device you book flights on also has an effect on the prices you can get. If you’re using a laptop compared to a phone, you’ll get a different price. It’s so much easier to do it on your laptop, but you’ll get a better price on your phone! I think a lot of people will be impressed by the destination dupes too – where if you want one type of holiday but don’t have the budget, there are alternative places to try.”
This approach can surprise users, but data supports it, showing mobile-exclusive discounts on various platforms.
Real Savings from Mobile Bookings
Travel specialists confirm that checking prices on a phone before finalizing can lead to substantial reductions. For instance, one apartment booking in Amsterdam dropped by £270 on a major site, and a Florence weekend getaway saved nearly £100 through another provider, simply by using mobile offers.
Experts recommend always comparing rates across devices to ensure the lowest cost.
Comparing Airlines and Avoiding Hidden Costs
When booking flights, it’s wise to verify prices directly with airlines rather than relying solely on online travel agents. Although agents may show lower base fares, they often increase charges for extras like baggage or seat selection.
A travel expert advises: “Although online travel agents appear to be cheaper, they tend to whack up the prices of extras, such as bags and seats. If you need those, it might be cheaper just to go with the airline directly.”
Potential Fees and Precautions
While mobile booking proves convenient and cost-effective, caution is needed for certain arrangements. Senior researcher Trevor Baker warns that phone bookings for flights or cottage stays might incur unexpected fees up to £50, particularly affecting those less comfortable with online methods, such as older or visually impaired individuals.
Baker suggests: “However, beware when trying to book other kinds of travel by phone, such as flights and some cottage stays – as you could be hit with an unexpected fee of up to £50. It’s a charge that’s likely to particularly affect people who are less able to book online, such as blind or older travellers. If there is a fee for booking by phone, then always ask the call handler if that can be removed. In the case of a disabled person who’s not able to book online, we think removing the fee should be a legal obligation.”
Travelers should inquire about waiving such fees when applicable to ensure fair access.
