Avoid These Online Travel Booking Scams

Travel is becoming more accessible for everyone, no matter what your budget may be. While this growing accessibility is a positive, the hazards that come along with it can really ruin your travel experience. When it comes to travel scams, more and more people are being targeted when booking on their personal computers and smartphones.

It is important to remember not to skimp on your security just to save a few bucks. President and CEO of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Katherine Lugar explains: “Taking a few extra seconds to book directly with a trusted travel agent can save time and money in the long run, and lead to a better travel experience overall.”

 

Educations is your greatest defense against online travel scams. Here are some common scams to look out for:

1. A Price that Seems Too Good to Be True

You will almost never pay the first rate you see on an online travel booking site. Whether you are booking a plane ticket, a hotel room, or a rental car, if it seems to good to be true (and doesn’t come from a real-life travel agent), it probably is. If you do run into this, keep clicking to find the real rate. This is often hidden until the very end. And yes, it’s totally legal for them to do this online. It is also a good idea to read the fine print, or the “terms and conditions”, whenever you book a travel-related item online. You may be subject to additional fees. In addition, the quoted price that you paid may not include all that you would think it includes. To avoid any confusion on price, book with a trusted travel agency. They can give you exact prices upfront.

2. Fake Flight Confirmation Emails

This is a relatively new online travel booking scam. Rather than targeting your social media accounts, this scam targets your inbox. Here’s what to look out for: In the weeks or days leading up to your planned trip, you might receive an e-mail that looks as if it comes from an airline. The email may state something along the lines of, “your tickets are not yet confirmed”, and will direct you to a website to login in order to confirm. The provided link will bring you to an official-looking site, and you will be asked to confirm your itinerary and passenger name record, or PNR. You may also be asked for your frequent flyer account information. Once you do this, the scammer has everything necessary to steal your frequent flyer miles, or even worse, hijack your ticket! To avoid this, do not click any links which ask you to provide information like this. Call your airline or your travel agent if you receive an email like this and it seems fishy. It is also a good idea to change your password on your frequent flyer account.

3. “You’ve Won Two Free Airline Tickets!”

This is a very common online travel scam. Here’s how it works: This is most prevalent on social media platforms, like Instagram or Facebook. A message will come up on your feed which claims you can win two free airline tickets if you click on the enclosed link and forward it to friends. How do you avoid falling for this trap? Luckily, this scam is pretty easy to pick out. You will want to check for misspellings in the page name or titles like “Official Page”. Look for a blue checkmark which indicates the page is, in fact, official, and has been validated by the social network platform. Also, an actual contest will never ask you to re-sign into your social media account. If the “contest” asks you to do this, don’t click on it!

 

In conclusion, while booking online may seem convenient and safe, there is actually a lot to watch out for. Your security is important, and you don’t want to give your credit card or other personal information to any online travel website. Your best bet is to book with a reputable travel agent!

 

For the most secure and hassle-free travel experience, call us today at 402-281-3022. 

Featured Story of the Week: Travel with These Airlines to Avoid Winter Travel Delays

It should come at no surprise to you that some airlines are just more dependable than others. The article presents recent data collected by air travel intelligence company OAG on which airlines you should trust for your winter travel this year. The article names 20 airlines with stellar on-time rates, including Alaska Airlines, with an on-time rate of 84.1 percent. Even Delta Air Lines, one of the few American carriers that OAG recognized, made the list. In addition the rankings, the article also presents helpful other facts about these top on-time airlines. For instance, did you know that Alaska Airlines will raise their checked bag fees come December?

Source: https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/airlines/travel-with-these-airlines-to-avoid-winter-travel-delays.html

 

The Best Places to Travel in 2019 if You’re on a Budget

Lonely Planet just released their top recommendations for places to visit that won’t break the bank. They compiled their expert opinions to decide on top travel trends, values, and overall destinations to consider for the upcoming year. Read the full article for an in-depth look at their recs, including Slovenia, where you can experience Alpine traveling without the standard high price tag, and Houston, with its famous Houston Museum District. Even the Maldives made the list!

Source: https://www.thisisinsider.com/best-budget-travel-destinations-lonely-planet-2019-2018-10

 

The First Underwater Hotel Residence Opens in the Maldives

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island just opened the world’s first-ever underwater hotel residence! Book a stay here and you’ll be getting more than just a room or a suite! The residence, named “Muraka”, is a two-story villa set more than 16 feet below the Indian Ocean. Luxury is the name of the game at the Muraka, where you’ll find a private gym, infinity pool, butler’s quarters, and even an underwater five-star restaurant. It’s definitely not cheap – the Muraka is only available with a four-night minimum which comes with a price tag of $200,000. The luxury package includes a personal chef and a private boat.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/conrad-maldives-rangali-island-underwater-hotel-residence/index.html

 

10 International Destinations for Novice Travelers

For novice travelers, the destinations you choose to visit matter a great deal! Some stress is unavoidable, but some destinations will provide a more gentle intro to international travel. Places like Namibia made the list – probably because it is known as “Africa for beginners”, with a low crime rate, well-kept roads, and small cities to explore. Melbourne, Australia made the list as well. Melbourne is easy to get around, with user-friendly public transit and a low crime rate. It’s not just an easy city to visit, it also consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities as well!

Source: https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/eco-tourism/photos/international-destinations-novice-travelers/gentle-introduction-world-travel

 

The Genius Items that Travel Agents Always Pack

Top travel advisors from around the US divulge their favorite travel products in this helpful article. Before you pack for your winter travel getaway, you must read this list! For instance, you can keep your fanny pack at home with one travel agent’s favorite item – a scarf with a hidden pocket! A scarf will keep you warm on the plane, and this one does double duty by holding your boarding pass and wallet. Another item I want in my carry-on is a self-filtering water bottle. Jonny Bealby of Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel got his on Amazon for $30. It cuts down on single-use plastic and means you can always have filtered water no matter where you are. And yes, you can even drink river or lake water out of it!

Source: http://time.com/money/5443630/travel-agents-always-pack/

 

Travel Fraud Trends You Need to Know

Fraud rates for online travel agencies have increased in the last year by 37%. That’s three times above average! Of course, your chances of encountering fraud can happen year-round, but fluctuations often occur around big travel dates, like the upcoming holiday season. This article will help you with what to look for, common travel fraud techniques, and what this means for any upcoming winter travel you have planned.

Source: https://www.phocuswire.com/Forter-online-fraud-2018

 

Call us today to book your next getaway at 402-281-3022.