Travel web sites are big business, and a lot of power has been placed in the hands of the consumer or has it? Does your urge to always look for a better deal play into somebody elses greed? A travel internet page is a nice tool but before booking online you must know these 5 dirty little secrets.



1. ALL TRAVEL WEB SITES ARE CREATED EQUAL RIGHT?

Afraid not. These days there are really two types of sites for booking online travel. The more traditional travel web sites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Travel Now and the new kid on the block known as travel search engines, which include sites like SideStep and Kayak.

A travel website only searches its own database of available flights, and rooms, and car rentals. So the search is limited. On the plus side you will get more search features and booking services offered.

At travel search engines, the results will be more comprehensive than at a travel website. These engines will incorporate results directly from airline sites, travel web sites, and other databases containing flight and room availability. But youll find a more restrictive search capability, and you will not get the bells and whistles of a travel internet site .


2. IT REALLY DOES PAY TO COMPARE AS MANY AS YOU CAN

A travel internet page will negotiate and purchase blocks of fares and rooms directly from airlines and hotels. They can then set their own reduced rate. Because of this the identical seat on a flight, or room in a hotel, can vary between travel web sites. So if you want the cheapest fare or room always check out at least two or three before booking online travel.


3. TRAVEL WEB SITES DONT ALWAYS GET THE BEST DEAL

And just before you press that submit button at your chosen online booking site hop over for a final check at the airline or hotel website for any special offers or lower rates you might get if you book directly. Sometimes the best deals are reserved for their own online customers or preferred clients, and youll even avoid fees.

Speaking of fees


4. BEWARE OF TRAVEL WEB SITE SERVICE AND TRANSFER FEES

The travel web sites may be complimentary to search but they charge to book, and if you have to change itinerary then it can be frustrating and costly. On the grand side the accomadation fees are not usually outrageous around $5 per ticket. But Ive seen some creeping up to around $20 and theres no need to pay that price.

Now transfer fees are another kettle of fish, and it may cost you $100 or more to change after youve booked a flight. And if you want a refund be prepared to spend hours on the phone to get to somebody who may authorize it.

The travel search engines build funds from paid selling and a referral fee from the airlines or hotels, so usually you do not pay a fee when using them to book. But this is changing so check for fee disclosure before booking.


5. THE HIDDEN LINK THAT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

Many of the travel web sites have a link on their page that allows you to become part of their affiliate script for no cost. The problem is its usually hidden at the bottom of the page in type point 7 invisible. By becoming an affiliate you might earn a small commission for people you refer to them that buys a ticket or room.

But before you rush out and quit your day job and set yourself up as a home-based travel agent, understand you will have to send them hundreds and hundreds of many people hot to buy to contruct any funds . But here are better reasons to become an affiliate

These identical sites allow you as an affiliate to purchase your own tickets and still get paid the commission. Its effectively a discount. For the sake of spending a few minutes completing the form why not do it?

Now be sure to check the small print on the agreement just so youre familiar with the restrictions if any, and how theyll pay you.


Armed with these tips and secrets you will be better prepared to navigate through a travel internet page . I utilize them all the time and continue to find new twists and gotchas. And theres still that travel agent in the mall if you just cant be bothered with the whole online game.