The cost of withdrawing cash abroad, tourist trips and the cost of hotel wifi are the three biggest holiday rip-offs according to a survey of more than 600 travellers conducted by Skyscanner; Europe’s leading travel search site.
Last week, international hotel group Accor announced it will make in-room internet and WiFi free of charge for guests. The Skyscanner survey finds that this will be a welcome change, with travellers naming it the third biggest holiday ‘rip off’ taking 13% of the vote. With some hotels charging more than £20 for internet access, hotel WiFi costs are a real bugbear for travellers.
Ahead of WiFi charges, almost one in five travellers said the cost of withdrawing cash abroad was the number one ‘rip off’, and with many banks charging commission of up to 3% of the withdrawal amount, this leaves many holidaymakers feeling short changed.
Organised tours and excursions took second place with 17% of those polled claiming these were often “overhyped, overrated and overpriced”.
However, it’s not all bad news for Brits abroad with 99% of holidaymakers happy with the cost of a pint, saying alcohol in-resort often comes at a fair price.
Victoria Bailie at Skyscanner commented: “Extra charges and hidden costs can catch out even the savviest jetsetter. Many Brits are still feeling the pinch and unplanned and unexpected charges abroad can quickly amount. While many hotels still charge for WiFi, we would hope that they will soon follow Accor’s lead and offer this as a free service in the very near future.”
The top ten biggest holiday rip-offs:
1. Cost of withdrawing cash abroad 19%
2. Organised tours and excursions 17%
3. Hotel WiFi 13%
4. Taxi fares 9%
5. Credit card charges 8%
6. Paying for a sunbed 8%
7. Duty free ‘bargains’ 4%
8. Late check-out fees at hotels 4%
9. Buying bottled water 3%
10. Tipping in bars and restaurants 3%
