10 hidden holiday costs and how to avoid them

As many prepare to jet off for their holidays, Admiral Travel Insurance shows holidaymakers how to avoid 10 unexpected expenses they could face this summer.

• New research reveals a family of four could pay up to £278 on flight-related extras ONLY, including four meal deals (£35), overweight bags (£196) and infant charges (£47)
• Including a GPS and two children’s car seats could see an extra £265 added to car hire costs for a family with kids under five, with costs totalling £651 
• Passport panic means a family could pay over £604 for fast-track passport updates
• Admiral’s holiday budget influencer, Ricky Willis - aka Skint Dad, shares unmissable advice for travellers about dodging hidden costs

With two-thirds of Brits planning an international holiday in 2024, new research from Admiral Travel Insurance reveals that ‘hidden’ or unexpected charges could add over £1,600 to the cost of a holiday this summer. 

This is the price a family of four could pay on top of their airfare and accommodation, on ‘hidden’ extras such as luggage fees, reserved seats, car parking, car hire extras and passport renewals. Some of the findings included flight-related extras setting back a family of four £278 on average, while adding a GPS and car seats could cost an extra £265, with the total average car hire cost totalling £651.

Aside from air travel and accommodation, unplanned costs can arise from airport parking, car hire, baggage costs, passport renewal and data roaming charges. With commentary from Ricky Willis, the budgeting expert Skint Dad, Admiral highlights the top 10 hidden costs of holidays this summer - and how you can avoid getting burned: 

• Book airport parking early or park and ride. 

Average family cost: £135.46

The closer to the time of travel; the higher the fee, so book in advance where possible. It’s also worth exploring all transport options, such as a coach or train for travel to and from the airport. 

Ricky, aka Skint Dad, adds, “It may feel easier to park in the airport's short-stay car park, but you can save by leaving your car at off-site parking and travelling by shuttle bus or taxi to the terminal.”

• Pack your own car hire extras

Average family cost: £565.65

The car-based costs don’t stop at airport parking - those renting cars could pay a total of £385.96 to hire a family car for one week. Adding a child’s car seat and a satnav would bring total car hire to an eye-watering £565.65 – all for just one week in Spain.

Skint Dad says: “Some airlines allow you to take a car seat and store it in the hold at no additional cost, which saves you hiring a seat abroad. You can save money by packing a car phone holder and downloading a map app before you arrive.”

• Weigh luggage at home to avoid excess baggage fees

Average cost per bag: £49.25

Unsuspecting passengers with overweight luggage can be subject to a charge per bag or per kilogram, depending on the airline. However, portable luggage scales are available for as little as £3.50. 

Ricky reminds Brits to be tactical with what they bring on holiday, adding: “Consider how much space you need and whether you need to splash out on the extra costs of adding luggage to the hold. Also, pick up a luggage scale from a pound shop to ensure you're within the carry-on limits with the airline you're flying with.”

• Eat before you fly

Average cost per meal deal: £8.78

Meal deals can cost more than double the price of a standard supermarket meal deal, but it is possible to bring a packed lunch from home, to avoid paying for any additional food or drinks.

Skint Dad points out that food and drink could work out much cheaper when purchased in the airport, if done tactically: “Buy some food slightly cheaper after you go through security or consider packing a sandwich, fruit and cakes in your hand luggage before you set off. While solid foods are allowed on flights, it's best to declare what you're taking to security staff, so it won't slow down checks. Check with the airport before you travel for any restrictions.”

• Keep your passport safe and always check its status, validity, condition and renewal dates early

Cost for 1-day premium renewal: £207.50

The UK Government offers a fast-track renewal service, which sets adults back £207.50, or £166.50 for a one-week fast-track passport. Children’s passports are not exempt from expenses - a one-week fast-track passport costs £135.50.

Always check the rules for entry for the country you are travelling to before you book your trip and continue to do so right up to your departure date to make sure you meet the requirements as this will allow time to apply for a new passport if required. You can find the most up-to-date information and advice on travelling abroad on the government website. 

Ricky highlights the importance of keeping passports safe, adding: “Keep your passports in a safe place, away from potential hazards of toddlers ripping them or dogs chewing them in the days before you travel.”

• Turn off data roaming before you land, or connect to Wi-Fi

Cost per MB: £6

As soon as the plane has touched down, a daily rate applies to phones for texting or accessing the internet abroad, which can reach up to £6 per MB of data. 

Remember, roaming charges now apply to Brits who visit the EU. Try connecting to Wi-Fi, but check that the network is secure, particularly if you’re sharing personal information.

• Check for the best deals online to avoid hidden ATM or card charges

Average cost: £5

Some banks charge an extra fee for withdrawing cash, which can add up fast.

Skint Dad advises: “Convert any currency you want to take well in advance and use an online service to find the best deals. Also, you could open up a new bank account to only use when travelling. A handful of good debit cards offer 0% fees and allow you to pay in the local currency (anywhere Visa or Mastercard are accepted) without adding a non-sterling purchase fee.”

• Don’t forget sports baggage fees 

Average cost: £48.60

Don’t forget that sports equipment, such as bikes and golf clubs, often incur a charge when flying, and need to be packaged in a certain way. Always double-check with your airline before flying to avoid being caught out and explore your options for hiring items abroad.

• Be aware of the specific charges for infants

Average cost: £23.33

Remember that even if an infant isn’t occupying a seat, you will likely still have to pay a fare for them to travel on your lap. Additionally, bulky items like nappies and powdered milk can increase baggage weight, leading to overweight luggage if not factored into the allowance.

• Factor in sitting together on your flight beforehand

Average cost: £ varies

For families who want to make sure they’re seated together on the plane, it’s worth remembering that most airlines will charge an additional fee to select seats, and the cost of this varies depending on your route and location. Don’t assume you’ll have reserved seats, check your ticket type and booking.

Cosmin Sarbu, Head of Travel at Admiral Insurance comments: “It’s easy to forget just how much those hidden extras add to the overall cost of your holiday.

“Going on holiday has a substantial cost for families, and the cost of things like car hire, fees when you’re abroad and airport parking really bump up the price of going away so it’s useful to make sure you check any potential charges well in advance. It’s important to make sure you have the right level of travel insurance before you go, so you’re fully covered if, for example, you lose your bags.”