How to spot a real holiday deal

"Deal" is the most overused word in travel. A price can be presented as a bargain when it is normal for the time of year, or when the extras you actually need are missing. These checks take a few minutes and can save you hundreds of pounds.

1. Compare like with like

Before you compare two prices, make sure they describe the same trip:

• the same departure airport and dates
• the same number of nights
• the same board basis (room only, bed and breakfast, half board, all inclusive)
• the same room type and number of people

A seven-night all inclusive holiday and a seven-night room-only holiday at the same hotel are different products, even if the headline price looks similar.

2. Check what is included

Package prices often leave out things you will pay for anyway. Look for:

• hold luggage: some packages include only a small cabin bag
• transfers between the airport and your hotel
• seat selection if you want to sit together
• local tourist taxes, often paid at the hotel

Add these up before deciding which offer is cheaper.

3. Price per person or in total?

Many sites show a price per person based on two adults sharing. If you are travelling alone, with children or in a group of three, the price per person can be very different. Always check the total price for your party.

4. Know what is normal for that time of year

The same week can cost twice as much in August as in early June. School holidays, Easter and half-term weeks are always more expensive. A price is a real deal only if it is low for those dates, not compared with a quiet week in November.

This is exactly why we record prices over time: so we can tell you how a price compares with what the same kind of trip usually costs.

5. Look at when the price was checked

Holiday prices change several times a day. A deal found last week may no longer be available at that price. Trust offers that tell you when the price was last checked, and always confirm the final price on the booking page before you pay.

6. Check the protection

For package holidays sold in the UK, look for ATOL protection on holidays that include flights. It protects your money if the travel company fails. The travel company should explain what protection applies before you book.

7. Read the small print on deposits and changes

A low deposit is useful, but check:

• when the balance is due
• what happens if you need to change names or dates
• the cancellation charges

A quick checklist

1. Same airport, dates, nights, board basis and room?
2. Luggage, transfers and taxes included?
3. Total price for everyone travelling?
4. Low for those specific dates, not just low in general?
5. Price checked recently and confirmed on the booking page?
6. ATOL or other protection clear?
7. Deposit, balance and change rules acceptable?

If an offer passes all seven, it is probably a genuine deal.