Save a fortune on your next vacation with this simple booking trick – you won't believe how much you could be overspending!

As we all eagerly anticipate our next getaway, whether it's a sun-soaked beach holiday or a cultural city break, it's crucial to ensure that we're getting the best deal possible. After all, vacations are a time to relax and unwind, not fret over unnecessary expenses. But did you know that the device you use to book your holiday could significantly impact the price you pay?

Recent findings have revealed a startling discrepancy in holiday booking prices depending on whether you use a computer or a smartphone app. It turns out that families planning their vacations could be paying up to a whopping 50 per cent more if they book through a computer rather than using a travel firm's smartphone app.


This exclusive insight comes from a thorough investigation that has shown a consistent pattern of higher prices for those who book on desktops or laptops. For instance, one London hotel was found to charge £200 extra per night when the booking was made on a computer. On average, rooms for a family of four in the UK and Europe during half-term were about 16 per cent more expensive per night – nearly £50 – if the booking was made on a computer.


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Holiday goers may have spent more in their accommodations if they booked via a computer or laptop. Image Credit: Shutterstock/mindea


The most shocking example was The Cumberland hotel in London, which charged a family of four £388 for booking two rooms via the Booking.com smartphone app, but a staggering £588 on its website – that's a 52 per cent increase. And it's not just one-off cases; a comparison of 35 hotels on Booking.com showed that 30 out of the 35 hotels increased their prices between four per cent and 52 per cent when booked through the website.


For smaller parties, such as two adults with no children, the price hike was slightly less but still significant, with an average of 10% more being charged on the website. Interestingly, while some of the cheaper app prices were explicitly labeled as 'mobile-only' deals, many were not, leaving consumers in the dark about potential savings.

Consumer experts have criticized this pricing system, labeling it as 'unfair' and 'bizarre'. It's clear that families, and indeed all travelers, are unwittingly paying over the odds for their holidays. With no clear indication to website customers that cheaper prices might be available on the app, many are missing out on substantial savings.

So, what can you do to avoid falling into this price trap? The solution is simple: next time you're booking a holiday, take a moment to compare prices on both the travel firm's website and their smartphone app. You might be surprised at how much you can save by making this small change in your booking process.


At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the value of every dollar, especially when it comes to enjoying your well-earned holidays. We encourage our members to be savvy shoppers and take advantage of all available discounts – including those hiding in plain sight on your smartphone.
Key Takeaways

  • A Mail on Sunday investigation has revealed that families could pay up to 50 per cent more for holiday bookings via a computer compared to a smartphone app.
  • The investigation focused on comparisons between prices on the Booking.com website and its smartphone app, finding substantial differences in pricing for the same rooms and dates.
  • The disparity in pricing means families booking through the website could pay significantly more, with some prices not clearly labelled as 'mobile-only' deals.
  • Consumer experts have criticised the pricing system, stating that it leads to families unwittingly paying over the odds, and Booking.com has responded saying hotels set their own prices, with mobile-only rates intended to appeal to app users.
Remember, it's not just about finding the best destination; it's also about securing the best deal. So before you finalize your next vacation booking, grab your smartphone and check if that dream holiday can be yours for less. Share your experiences with us in the comments below – have you found better deals through an app compared to a website? Let's help each other save and make the most of our travel adventures!
 
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