Whether you’re taking a quick trip or planning an extended getaway, you need to book your travel. Your accommodations can be an expensive part of the process, so understanding the options available can help you make the best travel decision for you.
1. Book directly
Direct booking simply means you contact the hotel, airline or car rental company to reserve your rooms, flights and transportation. You can book directly online, over the phone or in person and compare rates to see which choices provide the best deals.Direct booking can give you more flexibility if you need to make specific requests. For example, you might prefer a room with a view or need a vehicle that will fit your child’s car seat.
Booking directly could also make sense if you belong to the hotel, airline or rental company loyalty program. You can use points to book and ask about any perks that might apply to your stay, such as free breakfast or premium Wi-Fi. You can also use accumulated points for an upgraded vehicle or a free flight or stay.
Hotels, airlines and rental companies may run their own promotions for special rates or discounts that aren’t advertised online.
The biggest downside of direct booking? It can be time-consuming if you’re comparing rates. So, it may not be ideal for spontaneous trips.
2. Use a third-party booking site
Third-party travel sites can help you save time when reviewing numerous options at once. For example, accommodation-specific sites make it easy to compare rates at many different hotels for the same travel dates. If you find a hotel at a great rate, you can make a reservation with just a few clicks. That’s convenient, especially when making travel plans at the last minute.
Some travel sites cast their net even wider and allow you to book hotels, flights and rental cars all in one place. You might be able to book cruises or vacation packages as well.
Third-party bookings may not qualify for airline, hotel or rental car rewards the same way a direct booking would. If you’re hoping to earn rewards through a loyalty program, you might need to book through the provider to avoid missing out on points or miles.
You also need to consider the potential costs of booking with a third-party site. While some of these platforms attract travelers with the promise of discounted rates, you may find they’re not always cheaper than booking directly.It’s also important to note the cancellation policy of any third-party site. You may be able to cancel your arrangements if your plans change, but there could be deadlines or limitations that differ from booking directly.
3. Book with a travel agent
Travel agents can expertly handle all the ins and outs of booking your vacation, making this an attractive choice if you prioritize convenience above all else. Simply tell your agent where you want to go, your travel dates and your interests or hobbies, and they’ll handle the rest.
They may be able to complete tasks like:
Booking flights
Reserving hotel rooms or all-inclusive resorts
Reserving rental cars
Getting tickets or passes for entertainment and other events during your trip
Planning your itinerary
Providing insider intel about your destination
Agents might even have access to discounts or special promotions that aren’t available to travelers directly. If you need to change or cancel your vacation plans, your agent can help with that as well as other high-stress situations like locating lost luggage or helping you find medical care if you get sick.
This service comes with a cost, and that fee will depend on the agent and the specifics of your travel plans. Be sure to weigh the cost against the convenience and potential discounts before you commit.
Book carefully to avoid fees and scams
Buying tickets and making reservations can be just as exciting as it is stressful, but always confirm the websites or travel agents you’re using are legitimate before providing payment details. Not only could you be providing sensitive information to a scammer, but you could also derail your travels by making fraudulent reservations.
While not directly tied to your booking, making sure you have adequate funds to pay for your reservations is also important. Have a strategy for how to pay for your vacations ahead of time to avoid paying interest on credit card payments. Our Ally Bank Spending Account lets you create a travel spending bucket so you can have money on standby when you’re ready to book.
On the books
Once your travel accommodations and transportation are secured, you’ll be able to focus on planning your next big adventure. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, vacation confidently knowing your key bookings are squared away.
