BBC expert Holly Hamilton has urged UK travellers planning holidays in 2026 to avoid booking the first deal they find, warning that it may not be the best price. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, the journalist shared her "serial holidaymaker" tips for cutting costs and securing free extras.
Don't Book the First Holiday You See
Hamilton stressed that impulse booking can lead to overspending. "When you do find the dream holiday, don't book the first one that you see, because that might not actually be the best price," she said. She advised travellers to compare options thoroughly before committing.
Third-Party Sites vs Direct Bookings
The expert addressed the common dilemma between using third-party booking websites or booking directly with airlines, hotels, and activity providers. She noted that third-party sites act as modern travel agents, earning commission and advertising revenue without owning the services. While these sites can sometimes offer lower prices, Hamilton recommended using them primarily as a price comparison tool.
She advised checking terms and conditions on supplier sites: "Sometimes it can be cheaper but very often if you do go directly to the airline or to the hotel it can actually work out even cheaper if you dig a little bit deeper and read the extras."
Hidden Costs and Free Benefits
Hamilton highlighted that direct bookings often include added value. "You might find that on the third party site, just the flight is £50 but for £60 booking it directly (with the airline) you might get your luggage included. Or in a hotel, you might get a flexible fare to avoid any cancellation fees, all that does add up very quickly. Just read the small print on that, even a free breakfast."
Risks of Third-Party Bookings
Based on personal experience, Hamilton warned that travellers using third-party websites could face difficulties if problems arise. "You might end up stuck talking to a chatbot for a little while. It's very difficult sometimes to get a refund," she said. She noted that there is no universal solution, and priorities vary by life stage: "There is no one-size-fits-all argument here effectively. You have to think about the price, the convenience, and the security. What order you put that in, I find for me has changed throughout my life."
Package Holidays Offer Consumer Rights
Hamilton recommended package holidays for added security, especially for families. "There was a time in my 20s, I was very happy to hop aboard and take the risks and get a cheap price. These days, travelling with small children, I want to know where I'm going. I want to know that there's somebody at the other end of the phone. I do like a package holiday. You get all your consumer rights with that... it can prove a little bit cheaper. Talk about things like your free breakfast."
