The Clark Howard Podcast

Episode: 11.26.25 – Booking Future Travel / New Vehicle Sticker Shock!

Release Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Clark Howard

Episode Overview

This episode of The Clark Howard Podcast dives into two major financial topics relevant for consumers:

1. Smart strategies and warnings about booking future travel, especially given recent bankruptcies among travel suppliers.
2. Navigating today’s high new car prices (“sticker shock”), with tips for getting the best value if you’re purchasing a vehicle—new or used.
   Clark answers listener questions on travel booking risks, alternative airfare sellers, and practical car-buying scenarios, all in his trademark consumer-first, common-sense style.

Main Discussion & Key Insights

1. Booking Future Travel—Financial Risks and Best Practices

[00:49 - 15:34]

• Clark’s Consumer Warning:
  Clark opens with a stern warning against paying for future travel (cruises, airline tickets, vacation rentals, tour packages) using anything other than a credit card.

  • Travel Company Bankruptcies: Recent failures among small cruise lines and airlines mean your money could be at risk.

  • The Cash Discount Trap:

    “I don’t want you being lured in by a tour operator or a cruise line saying, ‘hey, you pay us by check and we’re going to give you a 5% discount or a 7% discount...’” – Clark [01:38]

    • These are red flags that the company may be in financial trouble or under credit-watch, and seeking direct cash (via ACH/check) allows them immediate access while removing your protection.
    • If one of these companies fails, there is no way to get your money back if you paid by check or bank transfer.

  • Two Ways to Protect Yourself:

    1. Pay by Credit Card:
       • Offers an opportunity to dispute charges through your bank if the travel provider goes out of business.
       • Not always guaranteed, but much safer.

       “There’s a big financial incentive for the credit card industry to give you that money back.” – Clark [03:17]

    2. Trip Insurance (With Supplier Default Coverage):
       • Only some third-party trip insurance policies protect against supplier bankruptcy. “Protection plans" sold directly by cruise operators often do not.

       “Before you give up your period of review on the policy...make sure it covers what you’re really trying to protect yourself from.” – Clark [04:25]

       • You typically have a “look-back” period (15-30 days) to review and cancel the policy for a refund.

• Bottom Line Advice:
  Be highly skeptical of companies promising outsized savings for paying direct; stick to credit cards and double-check your travel insurance coverage.

2. Travel Booking Listener Questions

A. Hotel Payment Shenanigans – Expedia Reservation
[06:09 - 08:45]

• Mike in California: Encountered issues where a “pay on arrival” hotel (booked via Expedia) tried to prematurely charge his credit card, and Expedia refused to help.
• Clark’s Take:
  • Expedia used to be reliable, but now often fails on customer service.

    “[They] have now become postgraduates of customer no service.” – Clark [07:11]

  • Recommendation: Cancel the booking if possible; attempt to resolve via escalated contacts (elliot.org lists executive contacts for companies like Expedia).
  • Chargebacks are a recourse only if your card is actually charged—Apple Card blocking the transaction protected Mike.
• Memorable Moment: Clark issues an open challenge for Expedia to defend its customer service on his show.

B. Best Time/Method to Book International Flights [09:20 - 11:40]

• Les in Florida: Planning a cruise from Switzerland to Amsterdam in 2026; best strategy for booking flights from Orlando?
• Clark’s Advice:
  • Orlando has many discount transatlantic flights out of Sanford Field—explore these for cheaper options (with flexible routing).
  • Conventional booking (Orlando to Zurich, Amsterdam to Orlando):
    • Start seriously searching in Feb/March before your trip (roughly 3-4 months in advance).
    • Set fare alerts using Google Flights for price drops.

C. Legitimacy of “Flybasis.com” (Frequent Flyer Points Sellers) [11:40 - 14:50]

• Elaine in Florida: Is third-party site Flybasis.com legit? Do you earn miles if you use it?
• Clark’s Cautious Stance:
  • Flybasis buys/sells points and sometimes uses price differentials from buying tickets abroad.
  • You usually don’t earn miles; there is some risk (being stranded, lack of recourse if things go wrong).

    “It is opportunity attached to hazard when you use one of these third party booking sources.” – Clark [13:34]

  • Clark personally avoids consolidators because of the emails he gets after things go wrong, not after good experiences.

3. New Vehicle Sticker Shock – Current Car Market Realities

[17:40 - 21:03]

• The $50,000 New Car Era:

  • For the first time, average new car prices in the U.S. are over $50,000.

    “The first piece of real estate I ever bought...was $36,000. You can take inflation over the years...It would still be like probably $120,000...$50,000 for a vehicle?!” – Clark [17:51]

  • Why So Expensive?
    • Pickup trucks (once utilitarian and affordable) now trend as luxury items with sky-high prices.
    • “Ford Maverick” cited as a notable affordable outlier.

• Best Value Plays:

  • New Cars: Some sedans/cars are still available closer to $30,000.
  • Used Cars: Despite recent inflated prices, buying used remains significantly cheaper for most models.
  • Used Electric Vehicles:
    • “Used electric vehicles that have a couple years on them are still a steal of a deal.” [20:19]
    • Models like the Tesla Model 3 and Y depreciate rapidly; big opportunity for buyers.
    • They’re also much cheaper to run than gas vehicles.

4. Car-Buying Listener Questions & Scenarios

A. How to Use a Pre-Purchase Inspection as Leverage [21:03 - 22:39]

• Ryan in Wisconsin: If an inspection uncovers minor issues on a used car, but not deal-breakers—is that bargaining power?
• Clark’s Strategy:
  • Absolutely. Use inspection findings (documented by your mechanic) to negotiate a lower price.

    “You use it as a negotiating tool with the dealer...I think I’d still like the car, but I’m not comfortable with the price anymore.” – Clark [21:52]

B. Special Concerns for Used Electric Vehicles (EVs) [22:39 - 24:50]

• Harvey in Nevada:
  • What should be included in a used EV inspection?
  • Who should perform it?
  • How to determine battery health?
• Clark’s Advice:
  • Focus on the battery—warranty status, remaining range, and manufacturer-provided battery diagnostics (degradation vs. original range).
  • Most major brands offer long transferable battery warranties (8-10 years, 100,000+ miles).
  • Also, have the car inspected for accident repair by a trusted body shop, as you would a newer gas car.
  • For finding independent repair shops: Seek certified EV mechanics (not just the selling dealer) where available.

C. Emotional vs. Financial Car Choices (Hybrid Regret & EV Temptation) [24:50 - 27:40]

• Katie in Washington:
  • Bought a 2022 RAV4 Hybrid at peak pandemic prices ($45,000), doesn't like it, wants to buy all-electric but doesn’t want higher car payments.
  • High income, substantial investments, but high cost of living and mortgage.
• Clark’s Response:
  • Given the high income, this becomes about lifestyle and emotion, not necessity:

    “If you hate the RAV4 and you can afford but not like making a payment, then go ahead and make the choice.” – Clark [27:15]

  • The RAV4 is worth more than the remaining balance and should be easy to sell (Toyotas depreciate slowly).
  • Warns that switching to the dream car (Rivian R1) will mean starting over with larger payments.
  • Suggests reading unbiased reviews (Consumer Reports) before buying any EV, especially new luxury brands.
  • Salutes her impressive financial turnaround from teaching to tech!

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On paying for travel by credit card:

  “I don’t want you being lured in...” – Clark [01:38]

• Skepticism about Expedia:

  “They have now become postgraduates of customer no service.” – Clark [07:11]

• Flybasis and Ticket Consolidators:

  “It is opportunity attached to hazard when you use one of these third party booking sources.” – Clark [13:34]

• Car price shock:

  “$50,000 for a vehicle?!” – Clark [17:51]

Key Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |------------------------------------------|-----------| | Travel supplier bankruptcy warning | 01:00-06:09| | Expedia hotel booking issue | 06:09-08:45| | Booking international flights advice | 09:20-11:40| | Flybasis ticket consolidator question | 11:40-14:50| | Car price history and analysis | 17:40-21:03| | Used car inspection for negotiation | 21:03-22:39| | Used electric vehicle inspection advice | 22:39-24:50| | Hybrid car regret, EV temptation | 24:50-27:40|

Tone & Style

Clark’s style in this episode is direct, practical, and occasionally playful (“Wayback Machine!”). He puts consumer protection ahead of everything, doesn’t mince words about companies that fail in customer service, and is clear about risk versus reward in financial decisions.

Summary for Listeners

Whether you’re planning next year’s vacation or thinking about a new (or new-to-you) car, this episode is packed with actionable tips:

• Never pay for travel by check/WIRE to get a “discount”—protect yourself with a credit card.
• Question “deals” from lesser-known travel booking sites; the cheapest route isn’t always safest.
• When buying a car, especially a used one, use inspection results to negotiate a better price—don’t just walk away if minor issues pop up.
• Used EVs are the best deals in today’s market, but check battery health and warranty.
• If you’re unhappy with an expensive car you were forced to buy, balance the financial and lifestyle dimensions before making a change.

Clark stresses: Don’t be lured by “easy” savings. Do your research, know your rights, and use your financial leverage wisely.