Travel experts share their go-to hacks to transform your holiday
A group of travel experts have shared their holy grail hacks to transform your next holiday.
From the best days to book your flights, to how to score an upgrade at a hotel, these seasoned travellers told the Mail Online how to get the most out of your next trip.
Pay in the local currency
When you make a transaction via card in a foreign country, EFTPOS machines will often prompt you if you want to pay in your home currency or the local currency.
By opting for the local currency, you can avoid potentially unfavourable currency conversions made by retailers, as the transaction will be made according to the standard daily rates set by Visa or MasterCard.
Likewise, if withdrawing currency from a foreign ATM, always select the local currency to avoid paying the Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which is effectively a way to squeeze more cash out of unwitting customers.
Book a midweek flight
Travellers are usually keen to book flights between Thursday and Monday to line up with the beginning and end of the week.
However, flights booked midweek, especially from Monday to Wednesday, are consistently around 20-30 per cent less than at the weekend.
Connect with an eSim card
To avoid extortionate overseas data roaming charges, those travelling abroad should invest in an eSim card to keep using your phone on holiday.
An eSim is cheaper and less hassle than dealing with buying an international physical Sim card, and can be changed for the best fees depending on regions.
Book your hotel direct
Many travellers opt to book their accommodation through a third-party after being enticed by deals, book now pay later schemes, or the abundance of options.
However the Daily Mail’s Inspector hotel reviewer says “it almost always pays” to call and say you have seen a price that is lower than on the hotel’s website elsewhere.
“Quite often you will get a lower rate, or an upgrade or a complimentary bottle in your room or a voucher for a drink at the bar,” the reporter says.
By calling the hotel and asking them to match a price found on a third party site, you can often score the lower price, and even a better room.
Never use airport currency exchange booths
Currency exchange booths at airports are notorious for jacking up their conversion fees, meaning unsuspecting travellers can pay more to get their own money.
It’s best not to leave cash conversion until the last minute. In the weeks before your trip, shop around at other exchange offices to ensure you’re getting the best rate on your own cash.
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