Why you probably shouldn't book a hotel on your laptop
An expert has revealed an important hack that could save you hundreds of pounds on your next hotel booking.
With third-party websites such as Expedia and Booking.com, an increasingly popular choice for finding a deal, most of us are quick to begin our search on our laptops.
But according to a travel expert, you'd be better off starting on your phone to get the best price.
In a clip shared on Tiktok, the expert from Which? explained how reaching for her mobile saved her £270 on an apartment in Amsterdam via Booking.com.
In another example, she said that using a mobile app instead of her laptop helped her slash almost £100 off a weekend getaway in Florence.
She said: 'I would never book a hotel on a computer without checking the price on a mobile phone first.
'We slashed £270 off the price of an apartment in Amsterdam on booking.com and we saved almost £100 on Expedia just by booking a mobile exclusive.'
Businesses often offer so-called 'mobile exclusive' deals in order to drive up traffic on apps and social media.
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Mobile-only pricing is also used as a marketing tool to generate faster sales.
The Which? expert also revealed that she would never book a flight with a travel agent without first checking the price directly with the airline.
She explained this is because, while travel websites can appear to work out cheaper at first glance, added costs for extras such as baggage and seat selection can fast whack up the total cost.
Booking directly with the airline can often mean getting these extras at a better price.
Speaking of airline extras, she explained that, where possible, she avoids paying extra to reserve a seat.
This is because many carriers, including British Airways and Jet2, always try to seat groups together 'wherever possible', meaning if you check in in good time, you have a reasonable chance of staying together.
However, on two airlines, Wizz Air and Irish giant Ryanair, you are far more likely to be split up if you don't specifically select and pay for seats next to each other.
And in another useful tip, she advised against buying insurance cover with hire car companies. More Trending
Booking insurance with a third party is not only cheaper and also usually gets you a more comprehensive cover.
'Book through a third-party company before you go, and don't cave to the pressure at the car hire desk.'
And in one last important tip, the expert said she would never exchange money at an airport change bureau.
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This is because exchange rates at travel hubs are 'notoriously terrible'.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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