A Place In The Sun Presenter's Device Booking Revelation Could Slash Holiday Costs
As the new year unfolds and summer plans begin to form, many British holidaymakers are actively searching for ways to stretch their travel budgets further. In a timely intervention, seasoned television presenter and travel expert Jasmine Harman has unveiled a clever technological tip that could lead to significant savings on holiday bookings.
The Device Difference: Why Your Phone Might Outperform Your Laptop
Jasmine Harman, who has been guiding property seekers on Channel 4's popular programme A Place in the Sun since 2004, recently disclosed an intriguing insight during an interview with The Sun's TV Magazine. The television favourite explained that the specific device used for making travel arrangements can dramatically influence the final price presented to consumers.
"The device you book flights on also has an effect on the prices you can get," Harman revealed. "If you're using a laptop compared to a phone, you'll get a different price. It's so much easier to do it on your laptop, but you'll get a better price on your phone!"
This surprising advice challenges conventional assumptions about online booking convenience versus cost-effectiveness. Harman further suggested that holidaymakers explore what she termed "destination dupes" – alternative locations that offer similar experiences to popular destinations but at substantially lower price points, particularly useful for those working within tighter budgetary constraints.
Expert Validation and Substantial Savings Evidence
While Harman's guidance might initially raise eyebrows among seasoned travellers, her observations find strong support from consumer protection experts. Last year, a travel specialist from the respected consumer organisation Which? provided detailed explanations about why mobile devices often secure better deals than their desktop counterparts.
Speaking through Which?'s official TikTok channel, the expert emphasised: "I would never book a hotel on a computer without checking the price on my mobile phone first." The organisation conducted practical tests that demonstrated substantial financial benefits, including slashing £270 from an Amsterdam apartment booking on Booking.com and saving nearly £100 on a Florence weekend break through Expedia simply by utilising mobile-exclusive offers.
Strategic Booking Approaches and Important Caveats
The travel expert from Which? extended practical advice beyond device selection, warning against automatically booking flights through online travel agents without conducting proper price comparisons. "Although online travel agents appear to be cheaper, they tend to whack up the prices of extras, such as bags and seats," the specialist noted. "If you need those, it might be cheaper just to go with the airline directly."
However, the consumer organisation has issued important warnings about potential pitfalls associated with mobile booking. Trevor Baker, a senior researcher and writer at Which?, cautioned on their website about unexpected fees that can accompany certain types of telephone bookings.
"However, beware when trying to book other kinds of travel by phone, such as flights and some cottage stays – as you could be hit with an unexpected fee of up to £50," Baker warned. He highlighted that this charge particularly affects vulnerable groups including blind or older travellers who may struggle with online booking systems.
Baker advised consumers facing such fees to directly request their removal from call handlers, arguing that "in the case of a disabled person who's not able to book online, we think removing the fee should be a legal obligation."
Practical Takeaways for Savvy Holiday Planners
The collective advice from television presenters and consumer experts provides holidaymakers with several actionable strategies:
- Always compare prices between mobile devices and desktop computers before confirming bookings
- Research "destination dupes" as cost-effective alternatives to popular holiday spots
- Verify whether booking directly with airlines proves cheaper than using online travel agents when additional services are required
- Remain vigilant about potential telephone booking fees and negotiate their removal where appropriate
- Consider the accessibility implications of different booking methods for all travellers
As the travel industry continues to evolve its digital pricing strategies, these insights from Harman and consumer protection experts offer valuable guidance for Britons seeking to maximise their holiday budgets while avoiding unexpected charges.
