BRITS heading off for their summer break could find they are hit with a load of costly hidden holiday extras.
Those hidden or unexpected charges could add as much as £1,600 to the overall cost of a trip abroad for a family of four, according to new research.
The hidden extras that could trip you up include things like luggage fees, reserved seats, car hire extras and passport renewals, according to Admiral Travel Insurance.
Some of the findings related to extras for flights which could set a family of four back as much as £278, on average.
While if you add a GPS and car seats to your car hire, this could cost an additional £265, with the total average car hire cost coming to £651.
Cosmin Sarbu, Head of Travel at Admiral Insurance said: “It’s easy to forget just how much those hidden extras add to the overall cost of your holiday.
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“Going on holiday has a substantial cost for families, and the cost of things like car hire, fees when you’re abroad and airport parking really bump up the price of going away so it’s useful to make sure you check any potential charges well in advance.
“It’s important to make sure you have the right level of travel insurance before you go, so you’re fully covered if, for example, you lose your bags.”
But don’t despair as help is at hand from Ricky Willis, the budgeting expert known as Skint Dad, who has come up with ways to cut down or swerve those charges highlighted by Admiral.
Book airport parking early or park and ride
Average family cost: £135.46
Airport parking charges rise the closer to the time of travel so it is best to book in advance, if you can.
It is also worth exploring other ways to get to the airport such as by bus or train or the tube.
Ricky, aka Skint Dad, said: “It may feel easier to park in the airport’s short-stay car park, but you can save by leaving your car at off-site parking and travelling by shuttle bus or taxi to the terminal.”
Pack your own car hire extras
Average family cost: £565.65
Hiring a family car in Spain for a week can expect to pay on average £385.96, according to Admiral.
But if you add on a child’s car seat and a sat nav this would bump the price up to a sizeable £565.65.
Skint Dad said: “Some airlines allow you to take a car seat and store it in the hold at no additional cost, which saves you hiring a seat abroad.
“You can save money by packing a car phone holder and downloading a map app before you arrive.”
Weigh luggage at home to avoid excess baggage fees
Average cost per bag: £49.25
Depending on the airline, passengers with overweight luggage can be hit with a charge per bag or per kilogram.
But portable luggage scales can be bought for as little as £3.50.
Ricky said: “Consider how much space you need and whether you need to splash out on the extra costs of adding luggage to the hold.
“Also, pick up a luggage scale from a pound shop to ensure you’re within the carry-on limits with the airline you’re flying with.”
Eat before you fly
Average cost per meal deal: £8.78
A meal deal at an airport can be double the price of a standard supermarket deal but you can bring your own packed lunch from home in your hand luggage to avoid paying for additional food or drinks.
Skint Dad said food and drink could work out cheaper when purchased in the airport, if done tactically: “Buy some food slightly cheaper after you go through security or consider packing a sandwich, fruit and cakes in your hand luggage before you set off.
“While solid foods are allowed on flights, it’s best to declare what you’re taking to security staff, so it won’t slow down checks.
“Check with the airport before you travel for any restrictions.”
Keep your passport safe and always check its status, validity, condition and renewal dates early
Cost for one-day premium renewal: £207.50
The UK Government does offer a fast-track renewal service, which costs adults £207.50, or £166.50 for a one-week fast-track passport.
A one-week fast-track children’s passport costs £135.50.
Always check the rules for entry for the country you are travelling to before you book your trip and continue to do so right up to your departure date to make sure you meet the requirements as this will allow time to apply for a new passport if required.
The latest information and advice on travelling abroad is available on the government’s website.
Ricky said: “Keep your passports in a safe place, away from potential hazards of toddlers ripping them or dogs chewing them in the days before you travel.”
The tips you need to know to avoid hidden fees
Book airport parking early or park and ride
Pack your own car hire extras
Weigh luggage at home to avoid excess baggage fees
Eat before you fly
Keep your passport safe and always check its status, validity, condition and renewal dates early
Turn off data roaming before you land, or connect to Wi-Fi
Check for the best deals online to avoid hidden ATM or card charges
Don’t forget sports baggage fees
Be aware of the specific charges for infants
Factor in sitting together on your flight beforehand
Turn off data roaming before you land, or connect to Wi-Fi
Cost per MB: £6
As soon as the plane has touched down, a daily rate applies to phones for texting or accessing the internet abroad, which can reach up to £6 per MB of data.
Remember, roaming charges now apply to Brits who visit the EU.
Try connecting to Wi-Fi, but check that the network is secure, particularly if you’re sharing personal information.
Check for the best deals online to avoid hidden ATM or card charges
Average cost: £5
Some banks charge an extra fee for withdrawing cash, which can quickly add up fast.
Skint Dad said: “Convert any currency you want to take well in advance and use an online service to find the best deals.
“Also, you could open up a new bank account to only use when travelling.
“A handful of good debit cards offer 0 per cent fees and allow you to pay in the local currency (anywhere Visa or Mastercard are accepted) without adding a non-sterling purchase fee.”
Don’t forget sports baggage fees
Average cost: £48.60
Often sports equipment, such as bikes and golf clubs, incur a charge when flying, and need to be packaged in a certain way.
Double-check with your airline before flying to avoid being caught out and explore your options for hiring items abroad.
Be aware of the specific charges for infants
Average cost: £23.33
Even if a toddler isn’t occupying a seat, you will likely still have to pay a fare for them to travel on your lap.
Additionally, bulky items like nappies and powdered milk can increase baggage weight, leading to overweight luggage if not factored into the allowance.
Factor in sitting together on your flight
Average cost: £ varies
It’s worth remembering that most airlines will charge an additional fee to select seats, and the cost of this varies depending on your route and location.
Don’t assume you’ll have reserved seats, check your ticket type and booking.