Turning up at the hotel check-in desk straight away might be harming your chances of getting a more premium holiday experience
Timing is everything when it comes to checking in at your hotel(Image: Getty Images)
Checking into your holiday at the earliest possible opportunity might seem like the savvy move at first, but it could be ruining your chances of getting a luxury hotel room free-of-charge. According to industry analysis from travel experts, checking-in during a specific 90-minute window could be the ultimate strategy.
Graziano Gagliardi at Private Italy Tour claims that turning up at the front desk between 4.30pm and 6pm gives reception staff a much clearer picture of the premium suites that remain available. Arriving too early, say 2pm for instance, means housekeeping is likely still preparing and cleaning rooms, which leaves workers unable to confirm what higher-tier options are unoccupied for the night.
Gagliardi said: “If standard check-in begins at 2pm or 3pm, arriving immediately may not give you the best chance of an upgrade. Housekeeping may still be preparing rooms, while reception staff may not yet know which guests are arriving, cancelling or requesting changes.
“By around 4.30pm, the hotel usually has a much clearer picture of its room availability. If a larger room, a better view or a higher category is likely to remain empty, staff may have more flexibility to offer it.”
Turning up extremely late can also backfire, he claims, particularly at smaller boutique properties that operate limited front desk hours. He said: “Turning up at 10pm without warning is not a clever upgrade trick. If you expect to arrive late, always notify the hotel in advance.”
Holidaymakers booking shorter stays of one or two nights stand a significantly higher chance of being bumped up to a better class of room. Terms outlined by major hotel chains like Hilton confirm that complimentary upgrades strictly depend on space being continuously available for the entire duration of a guest’s stay.
A similar policy is enforced by Marriott, which explicitly states that room improvements are determined upon physical arrival at the front desk. Experts warn that travellers should remain realistic, as an upgrade often means securing a quieter location, higher floor, or better balcony view rather than the top luxury suite.
To maximise your chances, Private Italy Tour recommends using a specific phrase to politely ask front desk staff without sounding overly demanding or entitled. The travel guru suggests asking: “I understand it depends entirely on availability, but if there are any complimentary upgrades available this evening, I would be very grateful to be considered.”
Joining a hotel’s free membership scheme prior to travel can also boost your odds, as many major operators prioritize enrolled guests for empty premium spaces. However, guidelines published by Hilton Honors clarify that simply signing up does not guarantee a better room without holding eligible membership status or rates.
Guests celebrating genuine milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons are advised to notify the hotel a few days before their arrival date. Mentioning a real special occasion often encourages reception teams to offer a complimentary perk or a room improvement.
Finally, the experts strongly warn holidaymakers against manufacturing fake complaints or inventing faults with their original room just to pressure staff into moving them. Dishonesty is far more likely to harm your chances than help them, meaning a polite, well-timed request during that crucial 90-minute window remains your absolute best bet.
Fred. Olsen has launched the special offer on selected fly cruises visiting Spain, Greece, Italy, the Canary Islands and more this autumn and winter
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fred. Olsen has three ships in its fleet that can visit smaller ports due to their size(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Summer holiday season is well under way – and for those returning from abroad already dreaming of their next trip, there’s the option to book a getaway in autumn and winter when there are fewer crowds. For travellers looking to visit multiple destinations without the fuss of several bookings, a cruise is a top option with a number of money-saving deals now on offer.
Fred. Olsen has launched offers on selected fly cruises, offering holidaymakers the chance to skip the sea days and discover their destination sooner with flights from London or Manchester. Whether jet-setters want to soak up the sunshine in the Canary Islands or explore the picturesque coastlines of the Mediterranean, there’s plenty of options for swapping out the chilly UK weather for somewhere warmer.
The popular cruise line, favoured for its smaller ships which mean the fleet can visit ports that bigger cruise liners can’t reach, is offering passengers £150 on board credit per cabin to spend on selected fly cruises this year. This offer ends on September 30 and is in addition to half price flight offers on some trips – terms and conditions can be found here.
READ MORE:
The first cruise to be included in the offer is the Wonders of the Mediterranean holiday, a 21-night exploration of iconic landmarks and lesser-known ports starting from Limassol, Cyprus on November 9. Priced from £3,099 per person, the next stop after Cyprus is Alexandria in Egypt, followed by Marmaris and Istanbul in Turkey, then visits to Greece, Malta, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, and finally Tenerife.
Also in the £150 credit deal is the Mediterranean Icons voyage from £4,299 per person, offering the chance for UK holidaymakers to escape the dreary winter weather for a whole month by setting sail on November 9 for a 31-night adventure. Also beginning in Limassol, this cruise adds an extra 10 nights on to the aforementioned Wonders of the Mediterranean trip, following the stop in Tenerife with visits to Las Palmas and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, then Funchal, Lisbon and Matosinhos in Portugal.
Fred. Olsen is offering holidaymakers up to £150 credit per cabin to spend on board selected fly cruises in 2026.
Alternatively, holidaymakers can opt to go Country-Hopping from Greece to Tenerife, and take advantage of half price flights as well as the £150 to spend on board. Beginning in Piraeus, Greece and priced from £1,499 per person, this 11-night cruise sails on November 19 to stop off in Malta, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco, before finishing in the Canary Islands at Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Another winter sun option is the Mediterranean & Canary Islands Warmth trip, which is on offer with a half price flight at the start of the cruise as well as the £150 credit. Also starting in Piraeus, Greece on November 19 before embarking on a 21-night adventure around the Mediterranean via Malta, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco, followed by stop-offs across the Canary Islands in Tenerife, Las Palmas and Lanzarote, before finishing in Portugal, this cruise is priced from £2,399 per person.
Rounding off the year is the Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta, which also has a half price flight deal at the start of the cruise on top of the £150 per cabin spend. Priced from £1,329 per person and beginning in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on November 30 before embarking on a 10-night tour of the Canary Islands and Portugal, this holiday is centred around the festivities that come with the reunion of the Fred. Olsen fleet in Las Palmas.
For more last-minute fly cruise deals, TUI’s Marella Cruises is also offering trips with flights included in their price as a budget-friendly family option. Among the cheapest options are the Highlights of the Mediterranean cruise beginning from Majorca and stopping off across Corsica, Italy and Spain, which is on offer for £985 per person, and the Grecian Discovery holiday sailing from Cyprus to mainland Greece, Santorini, Turkey and Crete, now priced from £994 per person.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Cruise Line also has special offers on selected Caribbean fly cruises sailing this year. For those who can’t wait to get away, the earliest departure date is on the Atlantic Horizons and Caribbean Discovery cruise, which is priced from £1,499 per person with the option to get 50% off flight upgrades and free coach transport.
Back at Fred. Olsen, holidaymakers who want to plan ahead for next year can also choose from more than 20 fly cruises scheduled for 2027. The shortest option is the Scenic Greek Island Hopping trip from £1,349pp, while the longest is the Scenic Shores & Ancient Wonders of the Mediterranean from £3,899pp which lasts a whopping 33 nights.
Fred. Olsen has earned a rating of 4.6 out of five stars on Trustpilot based on more than 15,000 reviews. One of the newest reviews reads: “Fantastic suite with extras included. Great, friendly and efficient staff. Many varied activities available. Food was exceptional. Boat size was enough and the atmosphere was lovely and friendly.”
Another passenger fed back recently: “Cabin was spacious with plenty of storage. All the staff were superb and went the extra mile to look after everyone. Food was exceptional everywhere on the ship. It never felt crowded as everyone was doing their own thing all over in the numerous areas to relax. Our first cruise and no doubt we will do it again.”
And a third echoed: “Probably the cleanest ship we’ve ever been on! Staff were excellent with a good variety of food. Definitely will return!”
Regarding fly cruises, some customers felt that the schedule had room for improvement, with one writing: “Sadly the Fred. Olsen pre arranged flight back to the UK was too late in the day. It should have been arranged for early afternoon, which would have allowed us to arrive in Manchester by 6pm rather than 10pm.”
While a different reviewer suggested: “For guests joining the ship at various locations along the way a morning flight would be better, this would enable guests to settle in before evening meal and be refreshed for any excursions they have booked the following day.”
The advice is to check with your travel provider for the latest information
The Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance(Image: Getty)
Families heading abroad on their summer holidays are urged to keep a close eye on travel updates. The Foreign Office has published fresh travel guidance for a popular sunny EU destination. The latest advice urges travellers to “check with your travel provider” for the latest information in light of a “national emergency”.
This comes as many flights were disrupted recently to the south of Italy, after eruptions from Mount Etna caused clouds of ash to be thrown into the air. The Foreign Office has since updated its guidance for Italy on Tuesday, August 11, with new information regarding ‘Volcanoes’ in the ‘Safety and security’ section. The latest guidance informs visitors: “There are several active volcanoes in southern Italy. National emergency planning is in place for the Phlegraean fields, an area that remains active experiencing regular tremors.”
People heading to the Mediterranean country are warned that “airspace can be affected during eruptions”. The Phlegraean fields (Campi Flegrei) is an area just west of Naples and so is close to Naples Airport.
‘Heightened activity’
The guidance includes a word of warning for another airport in the region. You may need to take action ahead of your trip: “If you are travelling to or from Catania, during a period of heightened activity, check with your travel provider or with Catania airport.”
State Pensioners to face major tax change
The Government body also advises: “Read what to do in the event of a volcanic eruption and follow the instructions of the local authorities.” The guidance includes a link to more information on the Civil Protection Department website of the Italian Government.
This information reminds visitors that Italy has “the greatest concentration of active volcanoes in Europe” along with Iceland. The guidance sets out that there is a “varying degree of hazard” for these volcanoes.
‘Wrong information’
People trying to find the latest guidance in the media are warned that “wrong information” can be sent out in times of crisis. The guidance urges: “For this reason it is important to follow the civil protection authorities’ instructions transmitted by radio, TV, in the daily press, on Internet and by the various toll-free numbers that will be set up.
“During eruptions, it is also important not heed the forbidden to enter signs at the areas involved by the eruption. It is dangerous to approach the crater area even if there is no eruptive activity as sudden explosive phenomena or gas emissions are always possible.”
Setting sail from Southampton, the 98-night Fred. Olsen cruise makes more than 25 stops across the continents via vibrant cities, pristine beaches and lush rainforests
16:20, 07 Aug 2026Updated 16:20, 07 Aug 2026
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The Borealis ship will set sail for the three-month journey in January(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Summer holiday season often means time spent soaking up the sun in the usual haunts year after year – but holidaymakers looking to embark on a getaway with more of a wow factor can take a trip around the world from the UK in 2027. Fred. Olsen’s longest cruise available to book sets sail from Southampton this January for a “once-in-a-lifetime” voyage.
The World Cruise with Japan & Hawaii is a 98-night holiday calling at over 25 ports across the continents, from Singapore to Spain to South Africa and beyond. Setting off from the port of Southampton on January 21 and not returning until April 29, this incredible trip gives passengers the chance to skip the UK winter altogether in favour of soaking up the history, culture and scenery of more than 15 countries.
Unsurprisingly, a coveted spot aboard this adults-only cruise doesn’t come cheap, with the cheapest cabins priced from £13,999 per person. However, for those lucky enough to have the cash to spare, it’s worth bearing in mind that this works out at as little as £143 per night, with travel, accommodation and full board dining all included, plus an offer of £200 credit per cabin to spend on board.
READ MORE:
The first stops on the World Cruise with Japan & Hawaii are the bustling Portuguese capital of Lisbon and the breathtaking scenery of Madeira, before the soft white sands and crystal waters of the Caribbean beckon with visits to Barbados and Grenada. Any of these destinations would make a top-drawer holiday on their own – but on this cruise, they’re just the start of the three-month adventure.
The Borealis ship will then spend four days exploring the islands of Hawaii. With the volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and lush rainforests providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to this section of the trip, passengers will also have the chance to embrace the spirit of Aloha at a traditional Luau, enjoying hula, music and local cuisine.
This cruise sets sail from Southampton in 2027 for a 98-night journey visiting more than 25 ports across the world.
The highlights of this cruise holiday include overnight stays in Tokyo and Osaka offering up the opportunity to experience Japan’s unique history and culture. Passengers will have the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions, from tasting sake and sushi to meeting Geisha and experiencing an authentic tea ceremony.
Fred. Olsen writes of this leg of the trip: “Timed for fewer crowds and the chance to witness the beauty of the late plum blossom season (Ume), your journey through Japan allows you to explore ancient castles and temples, take in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, ride the bullet train in Osaka and enjoy our maiden call into Shimizu.”
After stops in bustling Hong Kong and Singapore, passengers can relax on the beautiful beaches of Phuket and Mauritius before discovering Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain. Holidaymakers can also take the chance to experience whale watching in the Canary Islands due to their year-round warm waters, completing their epic journey around the world.
Fred. Olsen writes of the epic cruise: “This journey offers once-in-a-lifetime moments, from whale watching in the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii to witnessing Hong Kong’s iconic skyline illuminated by the Symphony of Lights.
“You’ll have the chance to visit Pearl Harbor, wander through Singapore’s futuristic Gardens by the Bay and experience the untamed beauty of South Africa, where you can seek out the ‘Big Five’ and admire the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain.”
As well as travel and accommodation, the price of a cruise also includes full board dining, from five-course à la carte dinners to afternoon tea, and selected drinks with lunch and dinner. And there’s no shortage of things to do on the ship, with the fare also including access to the swimming pools, fitness centre and classes, expert talks and lectures and a variety of other activities, as well as evening shows with live music and dancing.
For those seeking something more budget-friendly, the longest cruise on offer from fellow cruise line Ambassador is the Caribbean Sunsets and South American Secrets holiday. Sailing from London Tilbury in January 2027, this cruise currently has 30% off all cabins with prices now starting from £3,233 per person, and visits 12 countries over 45 nights, including Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize.
Meanwhile, TUI’s Marella Cruises is also offering last-minute summer cruise deals with flights included in their price. Among the cheapest options are the Highlights of the Mediterranean cruise, which is on offer for £944pp reduced from £1,623, and the Grecian Discovery holiday, now priced from £949pp down from £1,598.
Back with Fred. Olsen, the cruise line has earned a rating of 4.6 out of five stars on Trustpilot based on nearly 15,000 reviews, ranking it among the top-rated cruise companies operating in the UK. One passenger wrote: “We have just booked a second world cruise for 2028. We loved our previous cruises , one world, one Mediterranean on Borealis.”
They continued: “It’s a lovely ship which feels like home to us now because of the wonderful staff who can’t do enough for you. The food is great and we enjoyed so many of the facilities, shows, quizzes, the lectures, the classical recitals and the choir. Looking forward to 2028 and hope to see some of the friends we have made on past cruises.”
Another reviewer praised: “Everything was perfect! The cabin, the staff, the food were all impeccable. We’re already planning on taking their world cruise and have already booked another cruise with them in two months.”
And a third customer echoed: “Fantastic trip to and from the Antarctic on the Borealis. Excellent ship, brilliant crew and marvellous itinerary. Already really looking forward to next year’s world cruise.”
Some felt that the facilities on board had room for improvement, with one person feeding back: “The wine that was included in our freedom fare was OK but maybe a couple of choices of each varietal would have been nice.”
While a different person fed back: “Just love Fred. Olsen ships, the staff are brilliant. Food good but could be better vegetarian options.”
Unity Holidays has summer holidays under £400 across its three holiday parks but they’re giving families an opportunity to stretch their budget that little bit further
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The summer holidays have officially arrived
The school holidays have officially kicked off and if you’re tempted to book a last-minute holiday with the kids then you’re in luck, as there are plenty of late deals to be found.
Unity Holidays is already offering up to 25% off all summer breaks, but that’s not the only saving to be had with the holiday parks firm. For every summer break booked by September 28, 2026, Unity Holidays are offering a £100 food and drink voucher that can be used at any of the venues on site (excluding the grocery stores).
There are three brilliant locations to choose from; Unity Beach in Somerset from £396, Skirlington in Yorkshire from £399, and Seven Lakes from £209. All three have undergone a major £10million transformation just in time for the summer too; we’re talking the likes of new lidos with cabanas, water parks with plenty of fun slides sure to be a hit with the kids, upgrades to bars and venues, and a host of new activities to book including archery and axe throwing.
The parks are dog-friendly too, and there are even new dog agility parks for those who want to let their fluffy friends run off plenty of energy too!
Unity Beach’s brand new lido has already been a hit since opening earlier this month, thanks to its new heated pools (including one specially designed for children), alongside its indoor pool, splash zones and slides.
Former Olympic swimmer Baroness Sharron Davies MBE was at the opening, and said at the time: “At a time when we are seeing the amount of swimming facilities in the country dwindle – we’ve lost 500 since 2010 – to have Unity Holidays investing millions in pools and lidos across the country, and creating jobs for local people, is tremendous.
“They are enabling children to gain water confidence and learn to swim, while giving families a stunning location to enjoy amazing spaces to play and relax. Our seaside towns need this injection of funds, and I was honoured to officially open the lido and water park in Brean while also seeing first-hand how impressive what a modern, 21st-century family holiday park has to offer can be.”
It’s not just Unity that’s got tempting food and drink offers this summer. Haven for example has a number of different deals ranging from ‘Kids eat for £1’ to ‘Two mains for £20’ at its onsite venues (you can see the full list on the Haven website), while Parkdean Resorts recently introduced all-inclusive packages at its holiday parks that include three meals a day, as well as unlimited soft drinks and Costa Coffee.
TV presenter and content creator Jordon Cox said the ‘secret’ could help holidaymakers save hundreds
The TV presenter shared a helpful tip for holidaymakers(Image: Jordon Cox/YouTube)
Holidymakers could ‘save hundreds’ on their next hotel booking using a ‘secret’ booking trick. The advice was shared by Jordon Cox, an ITV presenter and content creator, known as the ‘Coupon King.’
Posting on YouTube and Facebook, the deals expert shared a tip for anyone making a hotel booking. He explained how people can save hundreds by taking advantage of the ‘free cancellation’ policy often found on bookings if they find the same booking at a lower price closer to the date.
While it won’t always apply, Jordon said he’s saved £400 in the past using the trick – and shared exactly when he would check back to look for offers. Jordon claimed: “Hotels don’t want you to know this hack.”
In his caption, he explained: “If you book a hotel stay which includes ‘Free Cancellation’ – you could use this as a trick to save you money. Even after you’ve booked, check back at the website you booked through to see if prices change.
“If the price drops, you can cancel your original booking, get your money back, and rebook at the cheaper price! It’s worth having a look at prices around two months, two weeks and five days before you travel (although check when your last day for free cancellation is. Most are up to about 48 hours before).
“I once got £400 off a week’s hotel stay by using this trick. So it could pay a lot to check! It won’t work every time, but set a reminder in your phone, and spend a few minutes to potentially save £100s!”
Sharing another tip in the comment section, Jordon added: “Works on Car Hire too! Always worth a look – set some reminders!” The post delighted social media users, gaining over 20k views and hundreds of likes.
Commenting under the video, a viewer said: “That’s a decent tip tbf.” A second comment claimed: “And that’s why hotels don’t offer cancellation for long.”
Someone else replied: “Recommend doing it the other way round. Make a new booking at the lower price, THEN cancel the original. Much safer in case someone else books.”
MoneySavingExpert also shares similar advice for holidaymakers. On a webpage sharing tips for cheap hotel bookings, the consumer website advises: “You can also save by cancelling if the price drops after you’ve booked. To do this, simply cancel the original booking, then rebook at the cheaper price. Often this can work with the site you booked with.
“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.”
The consumer experts shared a money-saving hack for holidaymakers this summer
11:45, 29 Jun 2026Updated 12:45, 29 Jun 2026
Martin Lewis founded MoneySavingExpert (stock photo)(Image: ITV)
MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has issued an alert for holidaymakers who still need to book their hotel or rental car. The consumer advice website, founded by journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis, regularly shares tips for Brits.
In a recent social media post, the experts shared advice for people making travel bookings. Posting on X, MSE advised consumers to choose bookings that offer free cancellation if possible. The experts explained that travellers can use this tactic to get the best deal on their booking, as they can simply cancel and rebook if prices go down.
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 asked social media user to share their experiences in the comments.
The post asked: “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 social media user 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.”
Someone else said they managed to find their £160 car hire reduced to just £80 using a similar tactic when they visited Portugal last year. Similarly, 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!”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Sharing another success story, 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 Skyscanner comparison site holidaymakers can jet off on a summer break for less than £80 – and they shared the cheapest day to travel
A beautiful beach on Comino island, Malta(Image: Getty)
Millions of people across the UK have already booked their summer holidays, but there are still plenty of options for those yet to make plans. While travel can be costly, a trip abroad can cost less than £80 for the flights.
According to Skyscanner, UK travellers could find return flights for under £80 next month. Skyscanner is a travel comparison website that lets users search and compare flights from hundreds of airlines and travel providers. It also offers tools such as price alerts, flexible date searches, and its “Everywhere” feature, which helps travellers find the cheapest destinations.
The company says Dublin, Milan and Prague are among the cheapest places to visit in June. And for those holding out for a summer getaway in July and wanting a little extra time to save, these are the 10 destinations worth considering for a last-minute holiday.
Top 10 cheapest destinations in July 2026
Dublin, Ireland: Average return is £76 and the cheapest day to fly out is Tuesday
Milan, Italy: Average return is £103 and the cheapest day to fly out is Tuesday
Palma, Spain: Average return is £111 and the cheapest day to fly out is Tuesday
Ibiza, Spain: Average return is £137 and the cheapest day to fly out is Tuesday
Rome, Italy: Average return is £137 and the cheapest day to fly out is Tuesday
Alicante, Spain: Average return is £150 and the cheapest day to fly out is Tuesday
Budapest, Hungary: Average return is £162 and the cheapest day to fly out is Sunday
Faro, Portugal: Average return is £171 and the cheapest day to fly out is Monday
Marrakech, Morocco: Average return is £177 and the cheapest day to fly out is Tuesday
Valletta, Malta: Average return is £183 and the cheapest day to fly out is Tuesday
The comparison experts say the prices are based on the median cost of economy return flights booked through Skyscanner for travel in 2025 on the selected route and month, including taxes and fees.
Experts say many people assume their travel insurance automatically covers phones, tablets and other gadgets. But policies vary, so it’s worth checking the small print before you travel to avoid unexpected costs.
It notes: “Not all travel insurance policies include gadget cover. And travel insurance payouts for valuables are often low – as little as £200 for one item or £500 in total.”
Travellers are being urged not to get caught out and ways to avoid fees
Passengers could face fees of up to £125 at the airport(Image: Getty)
Millions of people across the UK fly with well-known airlines, such as Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair and TUI, and with the peak summer travel season mere weeks away, travellers are being issued handy luggage guidance. With Brits continuing to prioritise travel in 2026, particularly short-haul trips, city breaks and budget airline holidays, the way people pack is evolving.
More travellers are opting for hand luggage only to save time and avoid extra fees. Yet many are still being caught out by oversized cabin bags or overweight suitcases, facing charges of up to £60 at the gate or £65 for exceeding hold luggage limits, which can add up to £125.
As a result, travellers are increasingly looking for smarter, more organised ways to maximise space while staying within airline restrictions. In response to this shift, Nick Gaskin, Sales and Marketing Director at IT Luggage has shared practical advice to help travellers pack more efficiently, whether they’re travelling light with cabin bags or checking in a full suitcase.
Nick Gaskin said: “Packing well isn’t about fitting more in; it’s about travelling smarter. With more people choosing flexible, shorter trips and hand-luggage-only options, organisation and preparation can make a huge difference to the overall travel experience. A few simple habits can save time, reduce stress and help travellers feel more in control from departure to arrival.”
As hand-luggage-only travel becomes increasingly common, making every inch of space count is key. Nick recommends creating a micro essentials kit.
He explains: “Treat your cabin bag as a safety net. Include essentials like underwear, key toiletries – remembering liquid limits – medication and a charger. That way, you’re covered for delays or lost luggage without relying on airport shops.”
He added: “Pack one complete spare outfit”. Rather than throwing in random extras, pack a full outfit using crease-resistant fabrics. This ensures you stay comfortable and presentable if plans change or bags are delayed.
The specialist also suggests carrying a boarding pass backup. “Technology fails more often than people expect”, Nick explains. “Keeping a screenshot or printed boarding pass avoids stress if airport Wi-Fi or apps stop working at a critical moment.”
Keep in-flight items within reach, Nick says. Store items like headphones, snacks and lip balm in a small pouch that fits under the seat, so you don’t need to access the overhead locker mid-flight.
For longer trips or checked bags, organisation is key to avoiding overpacking and keeping belongings in good condition, Nick says. “Pack by outfit, not by item. Grouping complete outfits together — including accessories — makes getting ready easier and prevents packing combinations that don’t work,” he added.
Weigh as you go with packing cubes. “Packing cubes aren’t just for organisation — they’re great for managing weight,” says Nick. “Weigh each cube as you pack it. It’s much easier to adjust before everything goes in the suitcase than deal with excess baggage at the airport.”
Nick also recommends positioning shoes strategically. Place shoes heel-to-toe around the edges of your suitcase and fill them with socks or smaller items to maximise space and help them keep their shape, he said.
Separate clean and worn clothes. A lightweight laundry bag keeps worn clothes contained, helping maintain freshness and making unpacking simpler when you return home, Nick adds.
Combine rolling and folding. He said: “Rolling softer items like T-shirts saves space, while structured garments such as jackets should be folded to reduce creasing. A mixed approach delivers the best results.”
Photograph your packed suitcase. “Taking a quick photo before you travel is a simple but effective step,” Nick adds. “It can support insurance claims if luggage is lost and acts as a reminder of what you’ve packed.”
Important message for anyone with a package holiday booked
09:50, 08 Jun 2026Updated 09:53, 08 Jun 2026
Simon Calder reminded people to give ‘immediate notice’ and to not wait if they encounter issues(Image: ITV)
Travel expert Simon Calder has shared important advice for anyone with a package holiday booked, as people are being urged to act ‘as soon as possible’. His message comes ahead of the peak travel season, and as new research by Citizens Advice has revealed that four million people have faced issues with their package holiday over the last year.
On today’s (June 8) episode of ITV’s Good Morning Britain, TV host Kate Garraway spoke to correspondent Nick Dixon about the findings. He said: “The complaints that we’ve been hearing about were involving all-inclusive holidays, with many saying they just didn’t ultimately match up to the glossy brochures we see online, or indeed at the travel agents.
“Citizens Advice say that they found 33% of holiday-related complaints ultimately were about things like poor quality hotels, bad food, facilities being unavailable as well – 19% down to customer service.” He added: “Things like long waits on the phone, complaints ignored and administration errors, and 25% of complaints ultimately led to stress, anxiety or upset.
“And if your dream holiday does turn into a wee bit of a nightmare, there are steps you can take… Many of us with these kinds of complaints about our holidays end up trying to fight for compensation, which is why it is so important to keep a record of everything just in case to have any chance of getting money back.”
British travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder then spoke to viewers, sharing a crucial message for those with a package holiday, especially if they encounter problems during their trip. He urged holidaymakers to act ‘immediately’.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
He said: “If you get to your destination and things aren’t right, maybe there’s a problem with your room, maybe the facilities are simply not as described, then you have to give the travel company immediate notice and allow them the opportunity to sort things out.”
How can I claim compensation for a holiday?
Reporting a problem right away is a legal concept called “mitigating your losses”. If you don’t allow the travel provider to address the room or facilities issue while you’re there, you could really hurt your chances of receiving a full refund or compensation.
Citizens Advice says: “If you’re still on holiday, tell the company or travel agent about the problem as soon as possible. You might be able to get it sorted quicker – like if there’s a problem with the room. If you don’t say anything until you get home, you might get less compensation or none at all.”
The person you need to contact depends on how you arranged your holiday. If you went for a package holiday, reach out to the customer service team of the tour operator you chose.
However, if you organised it yourself or set up a linked travel arrangement, you should contact the accommodation or service provider directly, such as the hotel or the company offering excursions. Make sure you include:
your booking reference
clear details of what went wrong
copies any evidence you have – like photos
copies of receipts
how much compensation you want
Citizens Advice adds: “It’s a good idea to send the letter by registered post and keep a copy, so you have proof that the holiday company received it. You can also email them – some of them have online forms. Keep a copy of what you send. If the company makes you an offer that you think is too low, you can ask for more. They might come back to you with a higher offer.”
