Searching, Searching, and More Searching: The Internet Buying Quandary
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
October 6, 2004
The Web puts an amazing amount of information at your fingertips, so much that it has produced a traveler’s conundrum: how do you know if the deal you searched high and low for is the best deal to be had? When to buy has become the question du jour for millions of online bargain shoppers.
Fret not. Amy is here to help you figure out when to pull the trigger. I frequently review ways to spot deals, and based on recent conversations with industry insiders, here are a few cost-cutting pointers that should give you confidence that the investment you make in buying travel online will pay off.
First, take advantage of “shoulder seasons,” or the time period immediately before or after a popular travel season for a given destination. For example, late fall is a great time to find low fares to Europe and the Caribbean. Although some of the Caribbean has been hard hit by hurricane season, much of it is thriving and open for business. The next few weeks offer a great opportunity to find good deals, such as the "Bahamas Bounce Back" specials.
General Airfare Tips:
- For travelers with a specific destination in mind, make sure to use a fare tracker service, such as Travelocity’s FareWatcherSM system. This allows you to input your favorite destinations, then receive e-mail notifications when those routes drop in price. While this method is great for travelers who know exactly where they want to go, it’s even easier to find a great deal if you allow for some flexibility--not just in terms of travel dates and times, but also in terms of your destination. Flexibility is rule number one when it comes to shopping and saving on the Web.
- Consider a package. Bargains can often be found by booking a flight and hotel together. For example, Travelocity has bundled rates and special airfares offered via its TotalTripSM flight + hotel booking tool, which aren't available when booking components a la carte. Savings usually tally as much as 60%, now that is some bargain! A good package tells you what airline (even lets you select it) and the hotel too. Don't get stuck buying a mediocre package for which you don't know all of the details.
- Another key saving device is the Last-minute deal. Last-minute packages marry air + hotels and still provide choice--but you can only find them two weeks to three hours before a plane departs, so you have to be ready to pounce when you see one you want.
Rental Car Tips:
- Car rental suppliers have sophisticated revenue management systems and know when competitors have closed off their inventory, which often results in immediate rate increases. Therefore, the earlier in the day travelers book, the better. Consider renting at off-airport locations, as there are sometimes fewer taxes and fees, and they may serve as good alternatives if airport locations are sold out. Generally, the best time of day to rent a car to get the best rate is after noon on Thursdays with a Saturday night stay.
Cruise Tips:
Top traveling months to find the best cruise deals are: January, February, October, November, and December. Set sail in May and September for Alaska, Bermuda, and Europe, as it is shoulder season for these destinations and less expensive. Take advantage of “repositioning” cruises to catch a bargain (which is when ships move to seasonal destinations from trans-Atlantic to Pacific coastal cruises). Also look for cash back offers or shipboard credits.
Hotel Tips:
Competition on the Web has made pricing very competitive, so be sure to buy a low-price guaranteed hotel whenever possible. Buying a non-refundable room may reap a better rate, but beware. Non-refundable means you can't cancel for any reason.
Hopefully, these tips will not only boost your buying confidence, but will also save you a few bucks. You can always save on some aspect of your trip--the key is in knowing how to play the game to effectively lower the cost. Stick with me, I'll tell you the tips and tricks, and you'll get there.
For more travel tips and advice, check out Amy Ziff's blog, The Window Seat, or her monthly column, Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z. To suggest a topic for a future column or to tell about a travel experience of your own, please email Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com.
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