I must be the saddest travel blogger in the world, writing a post on Christmas Day, but just think of the thousands of people who now own a laptop, desktop PC, or Mac for the very first time and will be excited about researching and booking their next holiday online.
Security fears
One of the biggest fears people have is paying for a holiday online so I am going to start by giving you some simple tips to make you feel more at ease. When you get to the point where you have to enter your credit card details make sure that the website address in your browser starts with https:// and look for the padlock at the bottom of the browser.
This means that you are entering your details in a secure zone.
Research the company
Whilst holiday scams do happen, they do not happen that often. Even so, it is still worth doing some research on the company if you are not familiar with them. If it is a limited company, visit the company’s house website and enter their business name. This should bring up important trading information and their contact details.
Go to your favourite search engine, enter the company name, and search through the result pages to see if you can find anything dodgy. Alternatively, visit a travel forum and leave a question for members to reply to. Yahoo Answers is a good site to use to get peoples opinion of a company.
Travel association membership
If the company are a member of a travel association like ABTA or the Travel Trust Association then there will be a logo with their member number. Visit the travel association website and enter that number to check if the company are really a member. I have come across websites that show the logo but are not actually, members so do check.
Protect your money
The safest way to book a package holiday is through an ATOL bonded travel agency; this will mean if the company or airline goes into administration you will eventually get all of your money back. If you do prefer searching and booking your own accommodation and flight separately, then make sure you book with a credit card, as this will give you some protection.
You can buy airline failure insurance through a growing number of travel insurance companies and the post office but always check the small print before purchasing.
Any questions or additional tips? Please leave them in the comments below.
Related posts
- Lack of credit card security when booking hotels online
- Security tips on booking your Holiday Online
- It won’t be a cheap holiday if it’s a Scam
- Help protect yourself against Holiday Scams
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Andy | 26 December, 2008 at 12:33 am
You said, “I must be the saddest travel blogger in the world, writing a post on Christmas Day.” I think this means you are true writer, the obsession to write is more important than Holidays.
On the other hand, I am not sure about Christmas being important. I have trouble knowing what day it is because as a traveler all the days run together. I must be the saddest travel blogger in the world, writing a post on Christmas Day. I am always happy I remember to pay attention when the day of Christmas has come.
I suppose sitting here in Guatemala, Christmas has less meaning, Chistmas is about family and I have yet to figure out a way to have all my family travel with me. Merry Christmas.
Barrie Lie-Birchall | 26 December, 2008 at 9:28 am
Darren,
You were not alone!. Welcome to the sad bloggers league!. I spent most of the day yesterday (in Oz) writing a few articles.
Just because it’s Xmas doesn’t mean the fingers need a rest from the keys.
Happy Hotelier | 26 December, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Ha!
Santa brought us a new Asus EEE and I spent part of the day writing a new post on it: Merry Christmas, Friend!
Kevin May | 26 December, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Surely another top consideration is that consumers should not automatically assume the best price is one you find on the internet?
Darren Cronian | 26 December, 2008 at 8:59 pm
@ Kev
The post was written to provide a few tips for those looking to search or book online for the first time.
Murray H | 28 December, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I thought that the safest way to book a package holiday is through an ATOL bonded tour operator, via, if you wish, an ABTA (or TTA) bonded travel agent…. Unless it is dynamicall;y packaged in which case…… depends if the booking agent is acting as principal or not….. and so the whole roundabout starts up again. Happy New Year everyone!
Murray H | 28 December, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Yes, and Kevin is right. Internet = cheap is very much an incorrect notion. Only three days ago, an expedia “special fare” was really a published fare…. Old addage is still correct – If you are really rich, you can afford to book on expedia!
Russell Ri | 29 December, 2008 at 11:07 am
With the travel and the tech industry working hand in hand eversince, the advent of the internet age has posed a challenge to the industry. But at the same time, this should also be seen as an opportunity.
As for travelers, its also the same. Information has become widespread but authenticity has become an issue. Proper research and effort is still needed here.
Russell
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8 responses to “Christmas day guide to booking holidays on the internet”