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Online travel companies are one-stop shops that allow consumers to book flights, hotels, short-term rentals, and cars. They often provide discounts and other benefits for booking through them.
Be flexible with your destination and travel dates to find the best deals.
Look for a Reputable Company
A reputable travel company like Expedia will have a professional website that’s easy to navigate and features plenty of helpful information. It should also have a social media presence where it interacts with its followers and answers questions.
Besides offering a wide range of flight, hotel, and rental car options, online travel agencies often provide packages that bundle these elements for less than buying them individually. They also often offer independent reviews, which is particularly useful when choosing a hotel or activity.
In addition, many large online travel companies have connections that smaller ones need. “They have a lot of partnerships and direct communication with major suppliers,” says Shur. That’s why it pays to work with an OTA when booking business travel.
An excellent online travel agency can help you plan your entire trip, from flights to hotels to activities and beyond. This can be especially helpful when travelling on a budget because it can reduce the research you must do. It can also help you avoid unpleasant surprises by catching hidden fees or charges that may need to be clarified from the start. For example, some niche OTAs have been accused of bait-and-switch pricing tactics that can increase the cost of a trip, even though they initially appear to be cheaper in search results.
Check Reviews
Online travel agencies (OTAs) are famous for travellers because they offer various options and a simplified process. Many also offer package deals that bundle airfare, hotels, and car rentals together for a more affordable price than booking separately. Some even provide last-minute sales and special discounts for specific dates or destinations.
OTAs can help you compare prices, select the best airline or hotel, and confidently book your trip. In addition, many of them host reviews from independent travellers that can help you evaluate the quality of a particular service or product. This information is invaluable when planning your travel, especially when dealing with unknown territory.
Unfortunately, online travel agencies aren’t without their pitfalls. In the past, some companies were known to play pricing games with their customers by quoting an initial low price and then hitting them with hidden fees later. Thankfully, this practice is less common nowadays, thanks to customer pressure and regulator action.
Nevertheless, it’s still worth checking with the airlines and hotels directly to see what they can offer you. For example, some boutique hotel chains offer exclusive deals you can’t find on Expedia or other OTAs. These offers can include complimentary breakfast, happy hour snacks, and other perks that aren’t available elsewhere.
Look for the Best Rates
There are a few things about online travel agencies that you should know before booking your next vacation. First, they are great places to comparison-shop. A recent study by Piper Jaffray found that travellers find the same or lower prices at online travel agencies 87% of the time. They also offer package deals that bundle air, hotel, and activities into one low price. Additionally, many online travel sites provide independent reviews of hotels and airlines that you may need help finding when searching for a hotel or airline directly.
Another benefit of online travel agencies is that they’re less likely to play price games with their customers. This is a common practice by airlines, hotels, and car rental companies that often quote a price and add extra fees at the end of the process. This can be frustrating for consumers, but fortunately, it doesn’t happen as often as it used to with travel agencies.
Additionally, online travel agencies can offer you last-minute deals on attractions that you might not be able to find anywhere else. This is because they work with more extensive interests and can get access to discounted tickets that aren’t available on the operator’s website, says Misty Ewing of Virtuoso, a luxury travel network. They can also help you maximize your credit card rewards points and miles.
Check for Bonuses
Online travel agencies, or OTAs, are popular with travelers and integral to the online booking ecosystem. They offer various travel services, including flights, hotels, short-term rentals, car rentals, and vacation packages. OTAs have become hugely popular and are used by millions of travellers daily.
OTAs also can offer a range of travel deals, including bundles that include airfare and hotel accommodation at a lower price than booking separately. They can also provide independent reviews, which can help travellers make a more informed decision about their travel plans.
However, there are some pitfalls to using online travel companies, and it is essential to know what to look out for. For example, some OTAs use bait-and-switch tactics, quoting an initial low price during a search but adding fees once you click through to book. This can be highly frustrating for consumers, and checking the fine print before you book is essential.
Another thing to look out for is the number of destinations an OTA covers. Some of the biggest OTAs only cover a few goals. On the other hand, some smaller OTAs specialise in specific destinations or types of tours and activities.
