Every summer we get the same question at the office: the package says one price, so why do I need extra money at the hotel reception? The answer is simple once someone walks you through it. Part of the costs is paid here in Serbia and is built into the package, and a smaller part is collected locally, by law of the country you are traveling to. In this text we break down both groups, with concrete numbers from our current programs for Rhodes and Sicily, so you can plan your budget without surprises.
What the package price already covers
With our air packages the price includes the round trip flight from Belgrade, airport taxes, the YQ fuel charge, group transfers between the airport and the hotel, the booked accommodation with the chosen meal plan, and the services of a representative. Airport taxes are not symbolic. For Rhodes they currently come to 51.31 euros per person and for Palermo 49.88 euros per person, and both amounts sit inside the package price, not on top of it. Keep in mind that airlines can adjust these taxes and the fuel charge before departure, which is standard practice across the industry, and you are always informed in advance if that happens.
City and residence taxes are paid at the hotel
This is the item that surprises travelers most often. Greece charges a residence tax per room per night, collected at the reception desk, in cash or by card depending on the hotel. The current scale is 2 euros for 1 and 2 star hotels, 5 euros for 3 stars, 10 euros for 4 stars and 15 euros for 5 stars. A practical example: seven nights in a 4 star hotel on Rhodes means 70 euros per room for the whole stay, regardless of how many people share that room.
Italy works differently, the tax is charged per person per night and each town sets its own rate. In Cefalu on Sicily you pay 2 euros in 3 star hotels, 2.50 euros in 4 star and 4 euros in 5 star hotels per person per day, while children under 12 are exempt. Campofelice di Roccella charges a flat 2 euros per person per night. In Palermo and Mondello the rate goes from 4 euros in 3 star hotels to 5 euros in 5 star properties, per person per night. For a couple spending seven nights in a 4 star hotel in Palermo that adds up to 63 euros, so it is worth having it on your list.
Insurance is your choice, and our honest advice
Travel health insurance and cancellation insurance are never part of the package price. We recommend both without hesitation. The health policy covers medical and hospital costs abroad and is arranged in a few minutes with a copy of your passport. Cancellation insurance protects the money you paid if illness or a family emergency stops you from traveling. People tend to skip this one, then remember it the first time life gets in the way three days before departure.
Small extras at the hotel
A few services are charged locally almost everywhere. Late checkout, if you want to keep the room past the standard time on departure day, is arranged and paid directly at reception. A baby cot is available on request and charged extra in most hotels. Extra beds exist on request too and are smaller than standard beds, which matters if an adult plans to sleep on one. A higher room category is possible with a surcharge. Wi fi is free in many properties, but some charge for it, so check the hotel description before you rely on it.
Changing a booking has a price too
Under the general travel terms every change of a confirmed booking counts as a cancellation. When the change is requested well in advance it can usually be processed for a fee of 3000 dinars per booking. This is why we always suggest double checking names against passports and travel dates before confirming.
The short version: budget roughly 5 to 15 euros per room per night for Greece and a few euros per person per night for Sicily, add insurance, and the rest is truly covered. Browse our current offers on the packages page and ask us anything before you book, that is what we are here for.
