World Tourism Day: beware of (hidden) extra charges while on holiday

Extra charges at the hotel

Hotels often charge extra costs for certain options, such as an earlier check-in or breakfast. Especially at hotels in a lower price category, these types of options are often not included. The charges you can expect vary by country. Be sure to read the hotel's offer, and preferably the terms and conditions, carefully before you make a reservation. You also need to pay tourism tax on arrival in most countries. Some hotels charge a supplement for the use of:

• The TV
• The WiFi (sometimes you can also pay for high-speed WiFi)
• The safe in the hotel room
• Luggage storage
• The hairdryer
• Parking areas
• Cleaning services
• Bathrobes
• Beach loungers
• Shuttle services to and from the airport
• Bringing a pet (plus extra cleaning costs)

The hotel must inform you of which costs are included and which are not prior to booking. Can you select extra options in the hotel, such as faster internet or borrowing a bathrobe? Then it must be clearly indicated that you have to pay extra for this.

Extra charges for package trips

Are costs for petrol, kerosene, (air)port taxes or exchange rates rising? Then the organiser of a package trip may increase the cost of your trip by a maximum of 8%. The travel agent may also do this after you have booked. However, a number of conditions apply:

• Your contract must include an agreement about price changes.
• The agent must have informed you of this agreement via a form.
• The agreement applies not just to scenarios in which prices rise, but also to scenarios in which prices fall.
• The travel agent must inform you of a price change at least 21 days before departure.
• It must be possible to verify the calculation of the extra charges.

Did the travel agent expect these extra costs? Or are all the conditions listed above not being complied with? Then you may refuse to pay. The travel agent does not require your permission if all conditions have been met.

Are the costs increasing by over 8%? Then the travel agent must inform you and request your approval. You may then choose to cancel the trip. The travel agent must tell you within how many days you have to make a decision. If you do not respond in time, it means you automatically agree to the price change. Be sure to communicate your decision in a timely fashion.

Extra charges for flights

An airline must show you the full price of the ticket before you book. This includes all taxes and supplements. Many airlines now apply extra charges for:

• Checking in at the desk (instead of online)
• Checking luggage
• Seat selection
• Meals

How can I avoid extra charges?

It is important to read the information on the website, in the booking agreement as well as the terms and conditions carefully. Is something not entirely clear? Then contact the hotel, the organiser of the package trip or the airline. Pay attention to the following to save on costs:

• Read reviews by other guests to see whether they complain about unexpected charges.
• Ask for the bill before the end of your stay. That way, you can discuss any unexpected charges with an employee. This is often more difficult after your return.
• Some hotels charge for parking. Be sure to check whether there are free public parking bays in the vicinity.
• Consider paying a little more for the option of being able to cancel the trip. Are you not able to travel after all? Then this often saves you high cancellation charges.
• Are you considering taking out travel insurance? Be sure to check the conditions of your credit card. Sometimes a credit card alone offers sufficient insurance.
• All-inclusive trips mean fewer surprises, such as charges for eating in the hotel.
• Book in the low season and on off-peak weekdays.
• Fly via less crowded and popular airports.
• Book your journey well in advance.