About Online Travel Agencies
Online travel agencies have become increasingly popular in recent years because of their accessibility and the many discounts and options they offer. For customers, they also have the advantage of allowing you to compare prices quickly and to search for trips based on a variety of factors, from price to date to amenities.
Differences
Online travel agencies usually work differently than traditional agencies in an office setting. While most brick-and-mortar travel agencies count on the expertise of an agent to find a good deal that matches the client's requirements, online travel agencies are usually automatized to search possible deals and offer at least a few variants. Online agencies offer a great advantage over other booking options: immediate access. Rather than having to wait for a search or a hotel confirmation from an agent, booking a vacation online often takes just a few clicks.
Warning
One of the main problems with online travel agencies is misrepresentation. Because prospective buyers are looking at a single website rather than a database, there often is not enough space to include detailed pictures of each location, which is why many of these agencies use stock photos to represent hotels, beaches or services offered at the destinations. Oftentimes, these photos do not accurately represent the actual place.
Considerations
When booking through an online travel agency, it's always wise to make sure that there is a customer service contact number. While the process of booking online should be simple and straightforward, there is always the chance of running into complications or confusion, in which case having access to a company representative becomes invaluable. Some online travel agencies offer an 800 number, while others provide customers with a live chat option to reach a representative on the spot.
Options
Most online travel agencies offer comparison services using major travel search engines, such as Orbitz and Expedia. These companies offer a wide variety of services, many of which are not available through standard, walk-in travel agencies. A clear example is car rentals, which can usually be added to online packages. Most online travel agencies specialize in hotel and ticket reservation, while others also offer cruises, vacation packages and even event tickets.
Expert Insight
Online travel agencies often have last-minute packages not available anywhere else. Because online databases can be updated constantly, it's easy for websites to offer deals on tickets or hotel rooms that open up just a few days before the check-in date. When searching through their databases, you can usually look for deals on specific destinations, or you can enter dates, how much you are willing to pay and whether your choices are flexible.
