How to Tell When You're Comparing Apples to Oranges in Travel

It’s easy to look at two travel options and think, “Why is this one so much more expensive?”

But before you decide one is the better deal, make sure you're actually comparing the same thing.

Look Beyond the Price

A $5,000 vacation and a $6,000 vacation aren't necessarily different by $1,000.

One may include transfers, meals, drinks and activities while the other doesn't. A lower-priced hotel might also be farther from the beach or require more transportation.

Big-box travel offers can make a low starting price look appealing, but there may be plenty of extras to add.

When I plan a trip, I spell out what's included, what's not, and where you may have additional expenses so you can see the real cost before you book.

Because the number at the bottom only tells you part of the story.

Check What's Included

This is one of the easiest places to get tripped up.

Is Wi-Fi included? What about drinks? Gratuities? Baggage? Seat selection? Resort fees? Transportation?

Two trips can have very similar starting prices but leave you with very different costs once you add everything you actually want.

Consider the Location

A hotel that's $100 less per night may look like a great deal until you realize you're spending $40 a day on transportation and an hour getting back and forth.

A cruise excursion that's cheaper may also be shorter, have fewer inclusions or visit a different location.  Where something is located and how you'll spend your time there can be just as important as the price.

Compare the Experience

This is the part that can be hardest to put into a spreadsheet.

Are you comparing a quiet adults-only resort to a busy family resort? A large cruise ship to a smaller one? A hotel with a full-service spa to a basic property?

Neither is automatically better.

They're simply different.

When you're comparing travel options, make sure you're comparing what you'll actually receive and experience, not just the price.

Sometimes the less expensive option really is the better fit, and sometimes the price difference is there for a reason.

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