Online Vacation Planning

Shopping for your vacation used to mean hours of phone calls, piles of brochures, and very little information. However, the Internet has changed the face of the hospitality industry, making lodging information available instantly. The Travel Industry of America estimates approximately 64 million Americans currently research their travel plans online, an increase of over 500% since 1997. In 2002, 39 million people actually booked travel plans online, up 25% from 2001. So what do these numbers mean? About $22.5 billion for the travel industry this year, with projections indicating that the market will expand to reach $49.7 billion by 2007.

With all this money flowing into accommodations, what is the guest going to receive? How can you be sure you’re getting what you pay for? Amy Ziff, editor at large for Travelocity.com, provides these tips for savvy online consumers:

“Be sure that what you are shopping for is available. One sign of a sneaky package is the kind that grabs your attention with the promise of a hotel or destination that ultimately proves to be sold out. A secondary option will no doubt be presented and you want to make sure that the substitute is truly an equivalent value. Determining this does mean that you will have to do your homework. Researching prices will give you a lot of leverage. Put the trip components together on your own in order to recognize a great deal with confidence. How do you research? Make a few phone calls or look at deals in the travel section of your local newspaper. Be sure to check out air, car, and hotel prices on Travelocity, as well.

Another sign of experience: the inclusion of a list of things to do once you've arrived at your destination. Regional favorites, best eateries, must-see sites, or even a list of tourist traps to avoid will come in handy. Travelocity's Concierge area is a great place to research and book events at destinations around the world.

There is nothing more maddening than making a purchase and needing customer service but not being able to find it. This is true of online purchases but also for travel agencies that may be closed during the hours you are traveling. Check out the customer service availability BEFORE you purchase, and make note of the number. Note whether or not it is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Customer service is often overlooked, but you never know when you are going to need it. If you do, you will be thrilled that you did your homework in advance.”

You could save hundreds by booking your next vacation online. One of the most popular methods is to bid on a vacation auction. However, consumers should investigate what they are actually bidding on. For example, ebay.com requires all travel sellers to be SquareTrade verified, which provides the consumer with fraud protection and ID verification. SquareTrade members are required to maintain good standing in their business transactions in order to list auctions on ebay.com.

Due to the popularity of ebay, many lodging establishments have created their own web-based auctions. The Myrtle Beach Resort, a 33-acre condominium community in South Myrtle Beach, launched their vacation auctions in 2002. Since that time, they have booked over a hundred auctions through their website. Lee Lear, Director of Operations at The Myrtle Beach Resort, states, “Auctions are a great way to promote our facility, and increase guest satisfaction. Guests are always happy to save money.”

A good consumer is an informed consumer. Now that you know how to make the most of your money, and how to be sure you are getting what you’ve paid for, why don’t you make your next travel plans online? All the information is right at your fingertips.

Back to Vacation Tips