Martin Lewis
MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has shared money-saving advice for holidaymakers. The consumer advice website, founded by Martin Lewis, often shares evidence-backed recommendations.
In a new social media update, the experts posted advice for people making travel arrangements. Writing on X, MSE urged consumers to opt for bookings with free cancellation. The post explained that travellers can use this strategy to secure the most competitive deal, as they can simply cancel and rebook if prices fall.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
MSE wrote: "Top travel tip: Try to book a hotel or car hire with free cancellation. Why? Because if the price drops, you can simply cancel and rebook at this cheaper rate!" The post also asked social media user to share their experiences in the comments.
It read: "Have you ever done this successfully? How much did you save?" In response, several MSE fans shared their own success stories.
For example, a commenter named Kathryn replied: "I've done this with a hotel. Got a much better grade room and saved about £50 on the price the original room would have cost! I usually try to do this now. I book the new room first though before cancelling the existing one... Just in case!"
Another reply said: "I’ve done this for a hotel booking. Made a great saving on original booking price but found my room was at the furthest point away from the reception / dining areas. A good trade off in that situation."
Elsewhere, Someone said they managed to find their £160 car hire reduced to just £80 using a similar tactic when they visited Portugal last year. A commenter with another car story said they had booked their rental car three times, starting with an initial price of almost £300 and getting it down to £121, despite using the same rental company to book the same car.
They explained: "Pre-Christmas price over £300. 1st booking March £285. 2nd booking £185 early May. 3rd time mid-May £121." Praising the method, the social media user added: "Refunded each time within four days. Result!"
Top travel tip: Try to book a hotel or car hire with free cancellation.
Why? Because if the price drops, you can simply cancel and rebook at this cheaper rate!
Have you ever done this successfully? How much did you save?
Meanwhile, a holidaymaker claimed to save £400 on a trip to New York. The comment read: "£400 saved on a trip to NYC. Free cancellation costs more but the flexibility makes it worth it."
According to the MSE website: "Most booking sites and hotel websites give you a non-refundable and a free cancellation option for each room type. Non-refundable rooms tend to be cheaper, so you'll need to weigh up if paying more for free cancellation is worth it."