Planning a complete vacation or business trip can be done efficiently online. Sites like Expedia, Hotwire, Orbitz, Travoline, and Kayak have replaced traditional travel agencies, finding new ways to help people search for and book the cheapest flights, cars and hotel rooms. All major hotel chains provide the opportunity to book a room online, and international hotels and guesthouses also acquire reservations through their websites. Pay online for hotel reservations, either by making a deposit with a credit card or by paying off the I count for the best rates.
Steps
Step 1. Compare prices
Search for the hotel you want by checking specific websites, or using an online travel agency, such as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz. Look for hotels that have availability on the days you need and calculate how much you spend per night.
- Look for sites like Hotels.com or Travelweb, which are specific to hotel bookings only and do not include additional search options for flights and car rental.
- Check the additional costs. Some independent online booking agencies charge a commission to use their services. The cost can range from $ 1 to over $ 10, and is never refundable if you cancel or modify your reservation.
Step 2. Book your hotel
Book the hotel you want using the hotel's website, or an online travel site. Provide contact information and arrival and departure dates.
Step 3. Determine when you will have to pay for the reservation
When you complete the reservation, you will be informed of the amount due.
- Settle your bill for the best rates. Many hotel sites and brokerage agencies will offer you a lower price if you pay for the entire stay at the time of booking. There are often restrictions on canceling or changing your reservation.
- Provide the required deposit. If your plans may change and you don't want to pay for the full cost of your stay, book a hotel that only requires a deposit. When paying the deposit required by the hotel, which often corresponds to the rate of an overnight stay, it is usually possible to change the dates without penalty.
- Pay at the time of your stay. According to the hotel, you can guarantee your reservation with a credit card number, without paying anything until you arrive at the hotel. Most online agencies including Expedia, Orbitz and Hotels.com do not provide this option.
Step 4. Determine how to pay for the reservation
- Pay by credit or debit card. The easiest way to pay for an online hotel reservation is to use a credit card. You will need a credit card number to make an online reservation, and you can use that card to pay for your hotel deposit or the full price of your stay.
- Pay with PayPal if you want to use BookIt.com. PayPal is a popular online payment method, because it is not necessary to provide your credit card information to another site. BookIt.com is the first online travel agency to accept PayPal as a payment method. You must have an existing PayPal account.
- Pay with miles or reward points. If you're a frequent traveler, you've probably accumulated enough points at the hotel chain you use to get a few free nights. Book online directly at the hotel and provide your award card number and other information.
Step 5. Submit a booking offer using online auction sites such as Priceline or Hotwire
When you indicate the price you are willing to pay, you will be provided with a list with the list of hotels. Be aware that on sites like these, you may not know which hotel you can get before you book.
You must settle the bill with a credit or debit card at the time of booking
Step 6. Try to understand the criteria that apply for cancellation
Some online booking agencies such as Priceline and Hotwire do not allow you to change or cancel your booking under any circumstances. Others, such as Expedia and Orbitz will charge you a commission. If you fully balance your account or make a deposit, be sure to read the rules that apply for online cancellation. If you don't pay until the time of your stay, check how far in advance you need to cancel before your credit card is charged for one night.
Advice
- Book well in advance. As soon as you know the dates you will travel, book a hotel room. You'll have a better chance of getting a good rate at the hotel you want when you book well in advance.
- Remember that international hotels often indicate prices in their own currency. When you book, your credit card or bank may charge you for making the currency exchange. Check currency conversions online at Xe.com/ucc/.
- Choosing a hotel near the places you visit will help you save on transport costs.
- Look for last minute deals on sites like lastminute.com, priceline.com, travoline.com and Expedia.
