BRITS could be paying hundreds of pounds more for their summer holiday, with less refund protection, depending on which website they use.
A report by Which? has revealed how the same UK bookings are much more expensive and less protected, if booked using certain platforms.
Even with the same location and dates, some offers are nearly £650 more expensive.
The report analysed six different holiday cottages across major booking platforms including Airbnb, Booking.com and Sykes
A three-bedroom cottage in Suffolk was found to be £650 more on Airbnb, due to the cleaning and service charges, than holiday rental website Kid & Coe.
However, the cancellation rates also vary – Airbnb offer free 24-hour cancellations while Kid & Coe charge £375 if cancelling up to six weeks before.
Another UK holiday cottage was cheaper on Love Cottages than on Expedia and Vrbo by £150 – but also enforces £50 charges to change the date.
A holiday cottage in Wales varied in price between £568 and £639 even when booking on the same dates.
With the risk of last-minute cancellations due to Covid, Which? warn families opting for a UK trip to check the cancellation rights and charges before booking, in regard to extra fees and flexibility on refunds.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, advised Brits to look around before booking a UK holiday this year, for both price and refund protection.
He said: “Many people might assume a UK holiday would be risk-free compared to taking a trip abroad this year. But while the risks may be lower, that doesn’t mean they’re non-existent – and not all providers will protect you.
“The best way to ensure your money is protected when booking is to make sure you choose a provider that offers a robust refund policy. Some companies that claim you can book with confidence actually offer very little flexibility, so always check the terms."
He also said that booking with a credit card is advised, as some travel insurance may not offer full protection.
Many Brits are opting for domestic holidays this year due to the uncertainty of travelling abroad, with glamping and caravan booking booming.
This week’s best UK deals
- Cheap seaside hotel stays in England from £29
Last-minute hotel breaks for the May bank holiday - Last-minute UK holiday deals for May & June from £49 per stay
- EasyHotel launch 20% off room sale – with city stays from £29.99
- Disney cruise Magic at Sea tickets now on sale from £269pp
- Beachfront hotels breaks in Southend, Brighton & Blackpool from £59
Thousands of Brits were left fearing their holidays to Portugal would be cancelled at the last-minute if they were turned away at the border next week.
However, Portugal has confirmed that they will be welcoming Brits back from May 17 with a negative Covid test.
From May 17, not only can foreign holidays go ahead but UK hotels can reopen and Brits can go on group trips again.
Here is everything you need to know about your holiday refund rights.
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