What No One Told You About Online Booking Sites

Online booking sites are great. They’ve brought the concept of self-help and looking into your travel plans yourself. It might be tricky, to begin with. However, when you grow comfortable using them you’d realize that most of these are fairly simple to use. Some tricks here and there, and you can save significantly through these websites. Whether you wish to book a cheaper flight or that ideal hotel room for less, travel sites allow you to do it all under one roof and make significant savings.

But it’s never that simple for travelers, especially if you wish to stick to your limited budget. It might seem very easy to follow the procedures of these sites, but you might be fooled with the hidden charges and manipulative marketing tactics. Here’s where you need to keep an open eye. Here we reveal to you what no one tells you about online booking sites and why you need to know it soon!

1. The Truth About One-Stop Shop

From groceries to getting airfare booked, nearly everyone loves one-stop shops! With all the complexities of life, it seems like a blessing to be somewhere at ease and get what you want without too much hassle.

As a traveler, I know exactly how you feel when you see a package of airfare, hotel and car rental grouped together at the price tag you want. Is that like a dream come true? It might be, but you need to watch out. Many times, these online sites would merely group together cheap items and make it attractive on the web. Don’t be fooled and read through the fine print. No one wants to spend a vacation swimming in a pool of regrets.

2. Get Rid of the Cookies

Ever wondered why everything keeps getting more expensive with time? You’re not alone with this misery. It has been tested by many travelers around the world that your browser history can sometimes be the curse while booking because it ends up making the prices go higher every time you access the website.

What’s even more of a fascinating discovery is that the type of computer you use can ultimately determine what you’re worth of paying! Keeping that in mind, the browser may show more expensive results to a Mac user instead of PC ones because maybe they deserve to afford better.

Don’t like the idea? Get over it. Sort the results by pricing and clear your cookies every time you access the website.

3. The Fine Print

When you find a fantastic deal over the web, you end up getting so excited about your achievement that the chances are you’d just pay before everyone else does. That’s great, you’ve got the early booking part done rightly so. However, there’s more to it.

You never get the bookings done online without reading the fine print. It might be smaller in font and less appealing to read, but it is everything you need to know about these online booking sites. Most of the times, travelers have no idea about the refund policy and end up in a mess if such circumstances arise. Read the fine print thoroughly and enquire about any ambiguities BEFORE you book. There are certain aspects the booking sites don’t want to reveal that easily. As a traveler, your rights are far more than what appears on that page. Know it all before you book.

4. The Power of Travel Agents

With the self help widely available now, a lot of travelers think it would be foolish to involve any travel agent into this business.

The Internet is amazing! With the countless travel deals accessible just a click away, travel has never become this easy before. However, nothing can ever replace a human intellect in any matter. Your booking site might show you the best deals available on the web and countless ways to bag a bargain. However, it is ultimately the travel agent who will reveal the truth about these deals and the real worth of it. Matters such as logistics, practicality and time-saving tips are only some of the many things you discover only through the travel agents.

If you are hooked to the online booking sites, keep an open eye and question everything that comes your way putting aside all the impulsive thoughts. Happy Booking!