World Tourism Day: Beware of (Hidden) Additional Holiday Costs
Soaring costs of living mean many will have to limit their travel budget this year. It is therefore all the more annoying when (hidden) extra charges pop up during a well-deserved vacation. For World Tourism Day, the European Consumer Centres Network gives consumers advice on how to detect and avoid such extra costs.
Additional costs in hotels
Who is not familiar with this situation? After a long journey, you’re hoping to check in to your hotel room and rest for a bit straight away. However, early check-ins often come at an extra cost. Charges for breakfasts and parking have also become common practice. Local tourism taxes are levied in several European countries, such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany and Malta.
Some other situations you might run into:
- Low-cost hotels in particular sometimes charge user fees for room facilities such as TVs, safes, faster Wi-Fi or even cleaning.
- Typical additional costs differ per country. In Spain you might need to pay extra for luggage storage or a sun lounger. In France and Finland you may need to pay extra for the use of a bath robe.
- Are you bringing a pet? Some accommodations may charge a special cleaning fee.
Before concluding a contract, vacationers must have been informed of which costs are and aren’t included and of how much any additional services will cost. This can be specified in the contract itself or in the general terms and conditions. If additional services are offered at the location (towel rental, use of faster internet etc.), this must be clearly indicated beforehand or on-site.
Additional costs for package tours
Under European package travel law, tour organisers are allowed to increase the price of a package tour by a maximum of 8% under certain conditions, even after booking. This may only happen if:
- the contract contains a price adjustment clause;
- the traveller was informed of this clause by means of a form before the contract was concluded;
- this clause provides not only the possibility of an increase but also a decrease in the price of the trip;
- the price increase is communicated at least 21 days before departure;
- the calculation of the new price is transparent;
- the costs of fuel and kerosene, port or airport taxes have increased, or the exchange rates have changed. Other cost increases may not be passed on to the consumer.
However, if the cost increases were foreseeable at the time of booking or if one of the above conditions is not met, consumers may refuse payment. Conversely, the price increase is also effective without consent if all the above conditions are met.
Additional costs for flights
Travellers must be informed of the airfare – including all taxes, fees and surcharges – before booking. However, airlines will often charge extra for additional services that used to be included in the ticket price. Examples: airport check-ins (rather than online check-ins), checked baggage, seat selection, meals etc.
How to find & avoid extra costs
- Check which services are included before you book. Contact the hotel or the tour operator if have any questions.
- Read costumer reviews to see if other guests have complained about unexpected costs.
- Ask for the bill before the end of your stay to detect extra charges early on.
- Book cancellable rates. These might be slightly more expensive, but may save you high cancellation fees in the end.
- Check the insurance that comes with your credit card before you buy additional travel insurance.
- All inclusive holidays will usually come with fewer surprises when it comes to costs for food and beverages.
- Book well in advance.
- Use a less popular airport.
- Book in the off-season or on weekdays that are less busy.