Book Online and Save
You have many options to book your holiday right now. With almost all hotels, airlines and tour operators now online, anyone can book their dream vacation from the comfort of home.
Booking online can be easy and convenient but it also comes with many risks. Are you sure you understand the details of what you are booking and what you should do? Are you familiar with the requirements for visas to enter certain countries? How about flights? Are you familiar with the rules for changing your flight? Do you know what a point-to-point airline is and what a minimum connection is?
Do not be stuck at the airport watching your plane take flight without you.
TIPS TO BOOK ONLINE
Plan your itinerary:
Before you begin looking at hotels, airlines, and tours, make sure that you create your own itinerary. It’s not rocket science, but it’s important to do the right thing.
Begin with your departure date. Next, work out where and what you want there. Then plan from A to B. You will get an idea of the holiday and whether your ideas are feasible. You should allow enough time for things to be done at a relaxed pace, with a day off. Although it may seem appealing to fill each day, after spending 24 hours in a plane, are you really going to want the tour that morning?
Visa
This is where holiday plans can be ruined before you even get on the plane. If you do not have a visa, airlines will refuse to let you board the plane.
Did you know that you must apply for your visa waiver before you can enter the USA? You used to be able to obtain it upon arrival in the USA, but you can now apply online. Imagine flying all the way to America with your family only to find out that you need a visa waiver. It is so common that you would be surprised at how common it really is.
Find out more about visa requirements in the country you’re visiting.
Book your flight online: You know exactly where you want to travel and you are ready to book. Although it is easy to book your flight online, there are some important things you should keep in mind.
Low Cost Carrier:
Great deals on flights! Budget airlines are point-to-point carriers, however. You may be wondering what a point-to-point carrier is. This simply means they fly from one point to another. EG: Gold Coast, Kuala Lumpur (Air Asia X). If you’re flying to London, then you will need to book your flight from Kuala Lumpur-London separately.
If your flight arrives in KL late and you miss your flight to London due to this delay, the airline will not be responsible for putting you on the next flight. You will need to purchase a new ticket. If you book budget airlines, be aware of this and allow plenty of time between flights. In this case, I would make a stop in KL for at least a day. This is a wonderful city, with cheap accommodation. It’s worth a visit for at least a few days. Be aware of the luggage allowance on Budget airlines. They charge extra for each additional kg.
You will need to pay for all meals, drinks, movies, and blankets and pillows. Many airlines offer the option of prepaying online for all items. I highly recommend it as it will save you money in the long-term.
OTHER AIRLINES
The form of payment is what catches many people’s attention when they book online. Make sure your credit card is valid if you make a payment online. Many airlines will request to see the credit card used to pay for the flight. They will not allow you to fly if you use a credit card other than your own. You should read all the terms and conditions before you use a credit card with your name on it. Or, you may be able to use another person’s card to purchase flights.
Pay attention to the dates and changes in the flight details. Fare rules are a part of all airfares. You may be charged if you need to change the date. Budget airline fares and discounted fares are non-refundable and cannot be changed. The airfare you purchased may have change fees, which can be free or chargeable. If the booking class you purchased is unavailable, most airlines will charge you an additional fee. You may also have to upgrade your airfare. It can be costly to change your flight date. You should not argue with the airline about it. READ EVERY THING! You can!
CONNECTIONS
Many budget airlines fly point-to-point, as I already mentioned. If you plan to transit only through a city, ensure you have enough time to get to your next flight. Do not rush as a small delay could mean that you have to buy a new ticket. Find out what the minimum connection time at each airport is.
You may think that an hour or two is sufficient time to catch the next flight. You are wrong!
You must allow sufficient time for customs clearance and immigration to be completed before you can connect to your domestic flight.
You should allow at least three hours to get through most airports. This is even more important if you arrive in the chaos of LAX or NY. These airports are large and can be difficult to find your way around. Check in counters close 45 minutes to an hour before departure. If you wait even one minute, you won’t be able to board the flight.
Book your hotel
Hotelclub.com is one of the most popular online booking websites. You can find a large number of hotels through its website. This saves you time and allows you to compare rates. You can join the club to earn rewards every time you book.
You should check reviews on the hotel to see what other people have to say. Do not book a hotel based solely on its price. You might find it cheaper because it is not in the best area, or close to public transport. Make sure to choose the right room type for your group. For a reason, hotels will limit the number of people allowed in a room. It may be because of fire regulations or that the room can only hold X number of people. You shouldn’t believe you can sneak in an extra child, as they will not allow you to. Even if you manage to sneak the child in, it is possible that the room is not big enough for all of you.
The rooms in Europe and the UK are often small and shabby. Make sure to do your research before you make a booking. Imagine being cramped in sardines for seven days just to save some money. You can!
This information should help you book your next holiday online. Remember that online bookings are instantaneous. Make sure you read all fine print and verify visa information. Also, make sure to allow enough time for everything. You are responsible for any problems that may occur. There is no one you can rely on.
You may have to pay more if you book through a Travel Agent. However, you’ll get expert advice, visa information, and lots of experience. You have a greater chance of getting compensation if something goes wrong because they can support your complaint.
You can shop around, compare prices and show agents the internet for a better deal. You never know what could happen during or before your trip so make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance.