Have you ever heard the saying
“If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is”?
You’ve probably heard over the years about 3rd-party sites like Expedia or Booking.com always having the juiciest hotel deals, right? It’s like the holy grail of travel savings! But hold onto your passports, because we’re about to shake things up a bit.
Let’s talk about why relying solely on these sites might not always lead you to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Sure, they’ve got their perks, but are they really the ultimate dealmakers? Well, grab your virtual suitcase, because we’re about to dive into the nitty-gritty of why these third-party sites might not be your knight in shining armor when it comes to snagging the best hotel deals.
Various Ways to Book
Picture it: You’re on the hunt for the perfect hotel deal, scrolling through those third-party sites like a seasoned explorer. But here’s the kicker: what you see on those sites might not always be the full picture. Third-party sites often don’t give you a direct side-by-side comparison with what’s offered on the hotel’s official website. And let’s not forget about those exclusive deals and perks hiding in plain sight when you book directly with the hotel.
By comparing prices across multiple platforms, including the hotel’s official site, you’re unlocking a treasure trove of possibilities and ensuring you’re getting the best bang for your buck. So, next time you’re on the hunt for a sweet hotel deal, remember to cast your net wide and explore all your options.
Loyalty
Depeneding on the type of trip, and especially helpful within the United States, booking directly with the hotel through a travel agent can be a game-changer when it comes to unlocking loyalty points, perks, and sometimes discounts for future stays.
Many hotels offer their own loyalty programs, allowing you to accumulate points with each stay. These points can then be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, or other perks.
Booking directly with the hotel often opens the door to a world of perks that can enhance your stay, such as complimentary breakfast to start your day off right (obviously not an all-inclusive property benefit, which is why I mentioned within the US), room upgrades to elevate your experience, or even exclusive amenities that add a touch of luxury to your stay. These are the kinds of perks that can make your trip truly unforgettable.
Buyer Beware
Let’s uncover the hidden fees and sneaky charges that can lurk beneath the surface. While these sites may lure you in with enticing deals and flashy discounts, the final price tag can often leave you feeling like you’ve been taken for a ride at times. To be fair, this isn’t always the case, but it has happened to me as well as others I know.
One of the biggest culprits is booking fees. These rarely realized charges can rear their ugly heads at the last minute, tacking on extra costs that you hadn’t budgeted for. And it’s not just booking fees you need to watch out for—there’s a whole host of hidden fees and additional costs that third-party sites conveniently forget to mention.
Take resort fees, for example. While you may think you’re getting a steal of a deal on that beachfront resort, the reality is that you could be hit with hefty resort fees upon arrival, leaving you feeling more than a little shortchanged. And let’s not forget about taxes, which can add a significant chunk of change to your final bill, turning that bargain into anything but.
Then what’s the solution?
Booking directly with the hotel through a travel advisor like Easy Breezy Journeys, of course. By cutting out the middleman and going straight to the source, you can bypass all those hidden fees and extra charges and enjoy a level of transparency that third-party sites simply can’t offer. Plus, when you book directly, you’re dealing with the experts—the people who know the ins and outs of their property and can provide you with accurate pricing and upfront information about any potential extra costs.
I have a personal story about a 3rd party site, in fact, that I’d love to share with you.
Someone in my life insisted that we book through them, so I thought we’d give it a try. After booking, we changed the date by logging in and getting it updated. When we arrived at the beach to our amazing hotel, we were told there was no reservation until the original booked dates. So they, in essence, did not transfer our updated dates to the hotel and we had not only a huge headache, but the 3rd party site promised to reimburse us for the charges for a replacement one night hotel plus our food since it was such an inconvenience. I never saw a dime of it. Want to know where we booked? Reach out and I’ll fill you in!
Price Shifting
Let’s shine a spotlight on another shady practice of third-party booking sites: their lightning-fast price fluctuations that leave you feeling like you’re playing a game of cat and mouse.
Have you ever experienced that heart-sinking moment when you spot a killer deal, only to watch it vanish into thin air before you can hit “book”?
It’s not just bad luck—it’s a deliberate tactic used by these sites to squeeze every last penny out of unsuspecting travelers.
Here’s the scoop: third-party sites use sophisticated algorithms to constantly adjust prices based on demand, availability, and other sneaky factors that are designed to maximize their profits. This means that a deal you see one minute could disappear the next, leaving you scratching your head and wondering if it was all just a mirage.
Take it from one of my recent clients: She was eyeing an all-inclusive package through a third-party site. We moved quickly to secure the deal, but within a matter of minutes, the price had skyrocketed, leaving us both feeling frustrated and defeated. That’s when I stepped in with one of my amazing tour consolidators (who package bundles with airfare, all-inclusive hotel stay, transfers, and in this case, insurance), working with my client to find a package through one of my trusted suppliers.
Not only did this alternative option save my client money, but it also provided a secure and less questionable booking experience. With no games of price roulette or sudden price hikes to worry about, my client could rest easy knowing that she got a great package deal without any of the headache. (Oh, and did I mention we ended up finding it just around the same price as we originally found on the 3rd party site?)
So, the next time you’re tempted by a too-good-to-be-true deal on a third-party site, remember to proceed with caution. While the allure of instant savings may be tempting, the reality is that you could end up paying more in the long run—or worse, missing out on the deal altogether. Instead, consider working with a trusted travel advisor who can provide personalized service, insider knowledge, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing what you’re getting.
Flexibility and Customer Service
Let’s discuss the golden ticket to flexibility and top-notch customer service: working with a travel advisor. When it comes to planning your dream getaway, having a knowledgeable and dedicated professional in your corner can make all the difference. Here’s why:
Flexibility is key in the ever-changing landscape of travel, and travel agents are masters of adaptation. Whether you need help selecting the right vacation for what you want to experience, tweak your travel dates to the best value, make special surprise arrangements for your loved one, or make last-minute changes to your accommodations, a travel agent can help you navigate through any obstacles with ease without calling some 1-800 number where they don’t know you or your name (booking number, please?).
But it’s not just about flexibility—it’s also about exceptional customer service. When you book with a travel professional, you have an advocate on your side. From resolving billing discrepancies to arranging for special amenities or services, or if any unexpected issues arise during your stay, your travel advisor is just a text or phone call away, ready to provide support and assistance.
So, the next time you’re planning a trip, consider the value of working with a travel agent who can offer you the best of both worlds: flexibility and top-notch customer service and not chancing your vacation to questionable sites. With their expertise and personalized attention, you can rest easy knowing that every aspect of your journey is in good hands.
Ready to Wander?
When it comes to booking your next adventure, the options are endless, but not all paths lead to paradise. Third-party sites may seem like a convenient choice, but they often come with hidden fees, price fluctuations, and a lack of transparency, leaving you feeling more frustrated than fulfilled. Booking directly with the hotel through a trusted travel advisor like Easy Breezy Journeys offers a world of benefits that you won’t find on a 3rd party site.
Remember: it’s not just about saving money—it’s also about peace of mind. With third-party sites, you never know when prices will suddenly spike or deals will disappear into thin air. With Easy Breezy Journeys, you can rest easy knowing that you’re getting the best offer for what you need, without any of that hassle. Plus, personalized service and dedicated support ensure that every aspect of your journey is taken care of with care and attention to detail when you work with Easy Breezy Journeys.
And let’s not forget about flexibility and customer service. When you book with Easy Breezy Journeys, you gain access to a dedicated travel expert – here to help you from the time of your inquiry on a trip until you’re home safe & sound.
With Easy Breezy Journeys, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re embarking on an unforgettable journey with a trusted partner by your side.
So, the next time you’re planning a getaway, don’t leave your dream vacation to chance. Book with Easy Breezy Journeys and experience the difference for yourself. Your adventure awaits—let’s make it happen together!
