Latest news with #eShores
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Airports hate these sneaky hacks that can save travelers money this summer, experts say
Airports can seem over the top with their food and beverage prices — but according to travel experts at eShores, sometimes splurging will save you money in the long run. The experts claimed that travelers are wasting their money on 'unnecessary' add-ons for flights, such as early boarding and seat selection, when they should be allocating their money elsewhere. Instead of shelling out money on these frivolous options, the specialists advise spending on extras that will enhance the overall travel experience. Here are the expert-backed add-ons that are worth the splurge and the ones that should be avoided. The experts told the Daily Mail that lounge passes are worth the extra money. The eShore team claimed that the pricey cost of airport lounge access might end up being less money travelers would eventually spend on meals and drinks at the terminal. An airport meal can range from around $20 to $50, while access to a lounge can cost approximately $40 to $60 per person and includes so much more. Another pricey add-on worth looking into is fast-track security, which allows passengers to get their belongings checked in a separate private lane with a reduced wait time. Investing in a program like TSA Pre-Check or CLEAR, or sometimes even third-party services, will help passengers get to their lounge or gate faster. Day trip excursions are also worth the money, according to experts. Rather than paying for separate flights and accommodations while traveling, globetrotters can save a buck by booking an organized day trip. An excursion can offer benefits such as visiting multiple destinations at a cheaper price, which can also include meals and transport. While some perks are worth the money — many others aren't, such as early boarding. The eShore experts claim that paying extra for early boarding is 'rarely' an advantage, especially if a traveler already has an assigned seat. 'Early boarding doesn't guarantee faster departure times; you'll still disembark in the same order,' the experts told the outlet. 'Unless you have mobility needs or are travelling with very young children, it's money better spent on your actual holiday.' Some budget airlines charge passengers to choose their seats on a plane. But the experts claim this isn't worth the money — especially for short flights. 'For short-haul flights under two hours, for many people, being separated isn't the end of the world (and might even mean a bit of quiet time),' they explained. 'Unless you're flying with young children or sitting with your travel companion is a must, this is an easy cost to skip.' Unless you're going on a longer trip, paying for checked luggage might be a waste of money. The experts advise travelers going on a weekend getaway or trips that are just a few days long to skip checking a bag and instead utilize carry-ons. 'With smart packing techniques (think compression cubes and versatile outfits), everything you need for a long weekend or week-long city break can easily fit in hand luggage.'
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
Airports hate these sneaky hacks that can save travelers money this summer, experts say
Airports can seem over the top with their food and beverage prices — but according to travel experts at eShores, sometimes splurging will save you money in the long run. The experts claimed that travelers are wasting their money on 'unnecessary' add-ons for flights, such as early boarding and seat selection, when they should be allocating their money elsewhere. Instead of shelling out money on these frivolous options, the specialists advise spending on extras that will enhance the overall travel experience. Here are the expert-backed add-ons that are worth the splurge and the ones that should be avoided. The experts told the Daily Mail that lounge passes are worth the extra money. 3 Access to a lounge would cost about $40 to $60, but it's a good bang for your buck. Viacheslav Yakobchuk – The eShore team claimed that the pricey cost of airport lounge access might end up being less money travelers would eventually spend on meals and drinks at the terminal. An airport meal can range from around $20 to $50, while access to a lounge can cost approximately $40 to $60 per person and includes so much more. Another pricey add-on worth looking into is fast-track security, which allows passengers to get their belongings checked in a separate private lane with a reduced wait time. Investing in a program like TSA Pre-Check or CLEAR, or sometimes even third-party services, will help passengers get to their lounge or gate faster. 3 The experts advise spending on extras that will enhance the travel experience. Adamov – Day trip excursions are also worth the money, according to experts. Rather than paying for separate flights and accommodations while traveling, globetrotters can save a buck by booking an organized day trip. An excursion can offer benefits such as visiting multiple destinations at a cheaper price, which can also include meals and transport. While some perks are worth the money — many others aren't, such as early boarding. The eShore experts claim that paying extra for early boarding is 'rarely' an advantage, especially if a traveler already has an assigned seat. 'Early boarding doesn't guarantee faster departure times; you'll still disembark in the same order,' the experts told the outlet. 'Unless you have mobility needs or are travelling with very young children, it's money better spent on your actual holiday.' Some budget airlines charge passengers to choose their seats on a plane. But the experts claim this isn't worth the money — especially for short flights. 3 According to travel experts at eShores, sometimes splurging will end up saving you money at the airport. Jacob Lund – 'For short-haul flights under two hours, for many people, being separated isn't the end of the world (and might even mean a bit of quiet time),' they explained. 'Unless you're flying with young children or sitting with your travel companion is a must, this is an easy cost to skip.' Unless you're going on a longer trip, paying for checked luggage might be a waste of money. The experts advise travelers going on a weekend getaway or trips that are just a few days long to skip checking a bag and instead utilize carry-ons. 'With smart packing techniques (think compression cubes and versatile outfits), everything you need for a long weekend or week-long city break can easily fit in hand luggage.'
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Daily Mail
I'm a travel expert - how paying extra for lounge access could actually SAVE you money at the airport
Airport expenses can quickly blow through travellers' budgets before the trip has started - from inflated food and beverage costs, parking and drop-off charges, and even terminal user fees. But according to travel experts at eShores, you could be forking out more on one meal and drinks in the terminal than on a single pass for lounge access. The specialists say holidaymakers are wasting money on 'unnecessary' flight add-ons, including early boarding and seat selections. Instead of splurging on costly add-ons, they advise travellers to instead splash out on extras that will improve their travel experience, such as lounge access and fast-track security. From pre-booked airport transfers to seat selection fees that might not be worth the extra cost, here's what holidaymakers should prioritise when catching flights this summer. The travel add-ons to buy 1. Lounge pass According to experts at eShore, many travellers spend an eye-watering amount on a main meal and a couple of drinks at the terminal, which averages just over £38 at Heathrow. According to travel experts at eShores, you could be forking out more on one meal and drinks in the terminal than on a single pass for lounge access. However, access to an airport lounge typically costs around £30 to £45 per person - with some providers offering luxe for less from just £26. Holidaymakers who are partial to an airport coffee, meal and drinks can save a substantial amount by investing in a lounge pass - and enjoy extra perks, such as free-WiFi, charging points and snacks, too. 2. Fast track security Fast-track security is a dedicated, private lane that offers a reduced wait time at security checkpoints, allowing passengers to make their way to the departure lounge quicker. During peak summer travel, security queues at major UK airports, such as Heathrow or Manchester, can cost travellers 45 to 60 minutes of their time. At Manchester Airport, travellers who invest in fast-tracking security can reduce their wait time to under 10 minutes for around £7 per person, which is especially beneficial for those flying with young children or during school holidays. 3. Day trip excursions Booking organised day trip abroad, especially in nations with close borders, offers several benefits, such as the opportunity to visit multiple destinations for less. Access to an airport lounge typically costs around £30 to £45 per person - with some providers offering luxury for less from just £26 Some guided tours start as low as £50 and can include meals and transport, which offers a way to experience another country without forking out on separate accommodation and flights. 4. Pre-booked airport transfer Pre-booking airport transfers saves time, money, and hassle, as it offers fixed pricing, guaranteed availability, and peace of mind. In major European cities, a taxi on arrival can exceed £100, while pre-booked options, whether it's a shuttle or public transport, can cost around £5 to £15 per person The travel add-ons to ditch 1. Early boarding According to eShore experts, early boarding 'rarely' offers a real advantage, as holidaymakers are essentially shelling out up to £10 per person to sit on a stationary plane for longer. They add: 'Early boarding doesn't guarantee faster departure times; you'll still disembark in the same order. 'Unless you have mobility needs or are travelling with very young children, it's money better spent on your actual holiday.' 2. Seat selection Budget airlines can charge up to £25 to choose where you sit on the plane - but these fees are one of the many ways low-cost carriers make money while keeping flight fees as low as possible. Some airlines will make a conscious effort to seat people on the same booking together, but others may randomly place travellers on near-opposite ends of the plane unless they cough up the cash. They added: 'But for short-haul flights under two hours, for many people, being separated isn't the end of the world (and might even mean a bit of quiet time). 'Unless you're flying with young children or sitting with your travel companion is a must, this is an easy cost to skip.' 3. Checked bag for short breaks For days-long trips or weekend breaks, paying £25 to £50 for checked baggage is likely to be a waste. In fact, many travellers will find they overpack for short breaks and end up paying for luggage they don't really need. The experts add: 'With smart packing techniques (think compression cubes and versatile outfits), everything you need for a long weekend or week-long city break can easily fit in hand luggage.' It comes after.
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Daily Mail
The gorgeous islands dubbed 'Hawaii of Europe'
A gorgeous set of European islands have been described as the continent's answer to Hawaii with 'Caribbean-style luxury' - and it's not hard to see why. The Azores, an autonomous region off the coast of Portugal, are known for their tropical landscapes which make them feel like they're somewhere far more exotic than Europe. Gavin Lapidus, a travel expert and the founder of eShores, says: 'These volcanic Portuguese islands are Europe's best-kept secret. 'Think Caribbean-style luxury with an eco-conscious soul - dramatic coastlines,mystical crater lakes, and world-class whale watching, all powered by sustainable initiatives. 'Shorter flights from the UK make this archipelago even more appealing. Each of the nine islands has its own distinct personality, from the thermal pools of Sao Miguel to the perfect cone of Pico Mountain, making island-hopping an irresistible adventure.' Sao Miguel is the largest Azores island and has an international airport, making it the starting point for many adventurers. Known as the 'Green Island', Sao Miguel is an incredible spot for whale and dolphin watching. Holidaymakers are in with a chance of spotting bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, blue whales, minke whales. Tourists can also head to Sete Cidades, to see the island's spectacular twin blue and green lakes. The lakes differ in colour due to their varied depths, the deeper blue lake reflects the sky, while the green shallow lake reflects the green surroundings. Sao Miguel's Furnas Valley is a dormant volcanic caldera with plenty of thermal pools to take a dip in. At the island's Terra Nostra Park, tourists can relax in iron-rich thermal water at temperatures of 37 degrees. But Sao Miguel isn't the only island worth exploring. On Pico, known as 'Mountain Island', tourists can enjoy locally produced wine and tackle Mount Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal. If it's beaches you're after, Faial has the best shoreline according to Lonely Planet which says its 'stretches of sand are worth visiting'. And Flores is known for its incredible natural beauty, which ranges from waterfalls to lagoons and volcanic craters. How to get to the Azores British Airways and Ryanair both offer direct flights to Sao Miguel. Once there, tourists can catch ferries or domestic flights to reach the rest of the islands. The flight takes just over four hours from the UK. Best time of year to visit the Azores The Azores can be visited year-round, but the water can sometimes be too choppy for boat tours in December and January. During July and August, the weather is warmest but the islands tend to be at their busiest. The months between April and September are the best time to see whales and dolphins. Language Portuguese is the official language in the Azores but English is commonly spoken, particularly in touristy areas. Currency The Azores uses the Euro as standard currency.
The Independent
16-05-2025
- The Independent
Experts' top tips to save money on your summer holiday
Soaring living costs are casting a shadow over summer holiday plans, as new research reveals that most Britons are seeking ways to trim their travel expenses. A OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK residents, conducted for the home-swapping platform Kindred, found that 83 per cent plan to reduce their holiday spending this summer. Meanwhile, 12 per cent of respondents have already managed to save on their holiday budgets. Among those who have trimmed their travel costs, 22 per cent said they were concerned about political or economic instability, 40 per cent had worries about to the increased cost of living, 36 per cent pointed to soaring travel prices, and 30 per cent said reduced disposable income was their main motivation for cutting back. To help you stretch your money further, we've turned to some travel experts to gather their best tips and tricks for saving on your summer getaway. Here are their suggestions, from when to travel and book, to the best tech tools to use to get a bargain. 1. Utilise technology 'Use multiple flight search engines to search for flights and have price alerts set up on your phone, which will notify you when the price drops for your preferred route,' recommends Gavin Lapidus, company director at travel company eShores. 'Browser extension tools can also track flight prices, find deals, and search for coupon codes.' Social media can also come in handy for this too. 'Join Facebook and Twitter groups as well as signing up to newsletters as companies may send discount codes,' advises Mr Lapidus. 'It can often work out cheaper to buy the 10kg bag when you first book your flight,' says Mr Lapidus. 'However, on less popular flights when there's enough space on the plane, the offer you will get at check-in to get the priority package will be significantly cheaper than the one you were initially offered. 'So, it's worthwhile considering how busy your flight is likely to be.' 3. Book one-way tickets 'By booking two one-way tickets, you get the flexibility of mixing and matching airlines, meaning you're not tied to a single carrier and their prices,' says Mr Lapidus. 'There will be so many more flight options to choose from, and at varying times of the day to suit your needs. 'Just be sure to check that the luggage requirements are the same across the airlines.' 4. Don't rely on last-minute deals While the allure of last-minute summer deal ads popping up on social media can be enticing, booking in advance generally leads to better savings. 'Always book as far in advance as possible,' recommends Mr Lapidus. 'While there are occasionally good 'last-minute' deals on flights and holidays, it's very dependent on how many seats are left on a flight – there may be none, or demand may be high, so prices can spike closer to the date of travel and you can end up paying more. 'Last-minute deals can be great for booking cheap, impromptu trips, but relying on them for a planned holiday can be a huge risk.' 5. Be flexible with airports You may have your favourite go-to UK-based airport, but being flexible can make a big difference to flight prices. 'When searching for flights, be sure to tick the 'add nearby airports' option, which will bring up a lot more flight options, possibly at a cheaper price,' recommends Mr Lapidus. 'It might even work out that another airport is closer to your destination, so it's well worth looking at. 'The same goes for the inbound flight, especially if you live in or around London or other well-connected areas.' Lucinda Faucheux, co-founder of Travel Support Circle, agrees and adds: 'Regional departures or alternative arrival hubs can come in cheaper and pairing flights with budget accommodation outside the main tourist zones stretches your money further.' 6. Consider booking experiences and transfers in advance You'll be surprised at how much you can save with a little bit of planning ahead. 'It's worth booking experiences or transfers in advance because doing it on the ground usually ends up being more expensive, especially in popular spots,' says Ms Faucheux. 'Accommodation-wise, house swaps or short-term holiday rentals with kitchens can save you a small fortune on meals, especially if you're travelling as a group or with kids,' says Louise Truman, founder of Plotpackers. 8. Wait until shoulder season If you aren't tied to the busy summer holiday dates, you can save a lot of money by waiting until September for your getaway. 'Don't get caught up in chasing the weather,' says Ms Truman. 'Shoulder season in cooler destinations can still be gorgeous and much cheaper. 'You might not be lying on a beach every day, but you'll get quieter streets, better availability, and more authentic local experiences.'
