There’s no doubt that the world wide web has radically altered the way people book their holidays. In the not so distant past, the only way to find out about a foreign location you knew nothing about was to visit a travel agent or the library. Going online has opened up multiple universes of information, experience and ratings. But is it in your best interest to use one of the many online booking services to secure your accommodations? In this article we’ll show how booking a vacation home direct can save you money and hassle.
Guaranteed Lowest Price
While you may often find that the prices listed on an online booking site is comparable with that found on the vacation rental’s site, booking direct will ensure you get the lowest price. Many online booking agencies have hidden surcharges or don’t include accommodation taxes, tourism fees or even service charges. The price you decide upon online can often be inflated by the time you show up at the property. By booking direct you’ll know exactly what you’ll be expected to pay at the time of your inquiry.
Direct Communication
Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life that not all holidays go exactly according to plan. And while this shouldn’t happen frequently, when it does it’s best to be dealing directly with the people who can help solve your problem. Booking through a broker means that you’ll be dealing with a middleman if you run into a problem. And when you’re on a tight schedule or need to make quick decisions, that extra layer of communication can be the difference between “happily ever after” and “worst nightmare.” Booking direct means communicating direct.
Personalized Service
When you book your vacation home directly with the owners or caretakers, not only will you be able to get to know them before you arrive, they’ll be able to get to know you. And this is the basis for personalized service. You’re much more likely to experience preferred service when dealing directly with the property. Using a booking agency, on the other hand, adds a layer of impersonality for both you and the vacation home.
Avoidance Of Deceptive Marketing Practices
Have you ever wondered why certain properties rank higher in your search results? Or have you ever been confronted by an urgent pop up window claiming that someone else is attempting to book the room you’re looking at? These are not coincidences. And oftentimes they may be downright disingenuous. Most online booking search results are ranked according to the commissions that properties pay the booking site. And as for the property you’re researching that is supposedly being looked at by 12 other people, the likelihood is that this is simply a marketing ploy intended to force you into a panic buy. You won’t encounter these types of deceptive practices when dealing directly with a reputable property.