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[BUSINESS] · United States, Germany · 8 sources

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Travel industry trends: Hidden costs and new fee regulations

Travelers face various hidden costs due to 'drip pricing' strategies, where low initial prices increase through additional fees. In New York, a ban on hidden resort fees is set to take effect on February 21, 2026, which is estimated to save travelers over 46 million US dollars annually.

Other industry changes include Sixt increasing its young driver surcharge age to 25 in 2026 and Ryanair expanding its free small carry-on bag dimensions to 40 x 30 x 20 cm in September 2025. Additionally, travelers should be aware of potential bank fees for international card transactions and the time required for rental car deposits to be released.

A comparison by cozycozy.com of over 54,000 accommodation offers in August 2026 suggests that vacation rentals can be more cost-effective than hotels, particularly for families with two children and for couples in many locations.

Entities

New York City · Ryanair · Sixt · cozycozy.com

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