Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
22 March 2011 10:52
Tourists have been warned over hidden charges when booking their holidays online
Online booking is growing in popularity for holidaymakers, but some have been hit by "hidden extras" when it comes to paying, a survey has shown.
ConsumerIntelligence.com questioned 2,439 people and found that 56% of those booking holidays in the last 12 months did so through the internet.
But almost two-fifths (38%) of them found that when they called to confirm the booking there were hidden extras on top of the cost they had been quoted.
With travellers having to put money aside for other expenses such as travel insurance or spending money, this research demonstrates how important it is to make sure people know what they are paying in advance.
While 56% booked via the internet, only 20% of people used a travel agent's office for their holiday.
Lastminute.com was the package holiday website that most people (92.5%) had heard of, while the next-most familiar was Thomascook.com followed by Thomson.co.uk.
ConsumerIntelligence.com managing director Ian Hughes said: "The way people book holidays has changed beyond recognition over the past decade or two, and it's important that holiday websites offer the same positive customer experience that they would get face to face.
"Our research shows that the majority of these websites are doing a good job, with great customer approval ratings. However, some sites need to be careful not to annoy their customers by adding hidden costs, as this is a big source of irritation for many customers."
09 December 2019
We asked for the tale behind tea and found ourselves more infused than ever.
[more...]
Marvel at views of the world's most spectacular peaks.
02 December 2019
Marvel at the world's most magnificent creatures in untouched corners of the globe.
28 November 2019
Forget stopovers, sleeping pills and binging on in-flight entertainment. A slice of winter sun is just a short flight away.
Will you see in 2020 from a totally new destination? See how they celebrate around the world.
18 November 2019
Keen to get under the skin of the samba city? Take a look at some of the must-sees and must-dos in Rio de Janeiro.
While the Amazon amazes, there's much more to Brazil than the world's largest rainforest. Join us for an expedition into the country's lesser known natural attractions.
12 November 2019
The nation on the Nile offers intrigue beyond your wildest imagination. Check out our top 5 things to see and do.
Immerse yourself in the food, parades and spirit of America's favourite holiday, across five unique locations.
04 November 2019
Head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun, sea and spectacles of the wild kind.
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.