How to Travel Smarter in 2026

By Rav · 2026-03-10 · Travel Smarter with Rav

Most people book travel the same way — search, compare, book. I used to do the same. It feels like the smartest way, but there's a better approach most people don't realise exists. This guide breaks down how travel pricing really works behind the scenes, why many people unknowingly overpay, and what "travel smarter" means in 2026.

Why most people overpay for travel

When most people book travel, they're only seeing one side of the picture. Public websites show options — but not the full range of what's actually available. Commission is already built into travel pricing whether you use it or not. That means you're often paying the same price, but someone else is earning from your booking, and you're limited to the options those platforms choose to show you.

What's happening behind the scenes

In the travel industry, suppliers like hotels and cruise lines build commission into their pricing. Travel agents access these systems directly — allowing them to see different rates, earn from bookings, and package trips differently. Most travellers never see this side of things, because they're only shown public-facing options.

What I do differently

It's the same approach travel agents use — just not something most people are shown. I use the same systems the industry uses behind the scenes. That means I can check a wider range of rates, put trips together in a more flexible way, and show people how it works if they're curious.

Some people just want help booking. Others want to understand it and do it themselves. Both are fine.

Who this helps the most

• Families booking holidays around school dates
• People travelling once or twice a year
• Anyone spending a few hundred to a few thousand pounds on travel
• People who like understanding how things work instead of guessing

If you've got travel coming up, it's worth understanding your options before you pay. Here's how a booking chat with me works →

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