EXTRA CHARGES Archives

Vacation rentals may seem like the perfect solution, but don’t be fooled by glossy photos and cheap listings. From artificially enhanced pictures to sneaky extra fees, the vacation rental game has plenty of hidden traps. With prices on the rise, how can you find a deal? The key is in negotiating directly, using the right tools, and asking the right questions. But even then, are you really getting what you paid for? Before you book, arm yourself with these insights and strategies to avoid the biggest vacation rental gotchas.

New strategies for avoiding vacation rental “gotchas”

November 25, 2024October 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re looking for a vacation rental this holiday season, you already know about the biggest gotcha: the high price.

When William Houck returns his rental car to LAX, Budget tries to charge him a fee for refueling and cleaning. But he brought the car back with a full gas tank, and it was clean. How can he fight these charges?

Budget wants to charge me for refueling and cleaning. Is that allowed?

May 4, 2024July 10, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

When William Houck returns his rental car to LAX, Budget tries to charge him a fee for refueling and cleaning. But he brought the car back with a full gas tank, and it was clean. How can he fight these charges?

If enough travelers stopped paying the travel industry's infuriating surcharges and fees, would the unwanted add-ons simply disappear?

Just say no: If travelers refused to pay fees

February 5, 2024October 23, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

If enough travelers stopped paying the travel industry’s infuriating surcharges and fees, would the unwanted add-ons simply disappear? Would extra charges for checked luggage, ticket change fees and mandatory hotel resort fees vanish into thin air?

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