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. 

What’s going on in the travel world? To find this out, take a look at some of the top travel news stories from around the web, below.

 

See the latest Washington Post Travel Photo Contest entries

Submissions for the contest are open for the 19th annual Travel Photo Contest! For complete rules for submitting your own traveler photograph, plus highlights from the entries received so far, click here!

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/see-the-latest-washington-post-travel-photo-contest-entries/2018/08/03/4ef58a64-9764-11e8-a679-b09212fb69c2_gallery.html?utm_term=.1d07ded0e57b

 

How and why to find a good travel agent

Read here for reasons why you should use a travel agent, plus tips for finding a good one. Erika Richter, communications director for the American Society of Travel Agents, breaks down some helpful tips and finally, explains more about how travel agents, or “travel advisors” as they are more widely known these days, work and how they can help you.

Source: https://durangoherald.com/articles/235215-how-and-why-to-find-a-good-travel-agent

 

 

The frugal traveler’s essential list of budget travel hacks

Lastly, a list of budget travel hacks. Looking for some strategies to save money on your next vacation in addition to making extra cash? Look no further than this helpful list. From airfare, in addition to lodging, cruises, package tours, and more, this list will ensure you don’t spend your life savings on a weekend getaway. Read the full list of hacks here.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/the-frugal-travelers-essential-list-of-budget-travel-hacks/2018/08/01/7f43e210-9048-11e8-8322-b5482bf5e0f5_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.f39525a583e9

 

Call us today at 402-281-3022 in order to book your next getaway!

 

You may have wondered how travel agents like those at Enchanted Travel make money. The answer is pretty simple, and we think you’ll like what you hear. Here’s a hint: we don’t charge you! Read on for more details.

We don’t charge any fees.

You may be surprised to learn that our services at Enchanted Travel are completely free. Some travel agents earn the bulk of their revenue through fees paid by their customers. That’s not the case at Enchanted Travel; never has been and never will be!

 

We earn commissions from travel vendors.

Travel agents earn commissions from travel vendors that we book for our clients. This is the entire portion of our revenue. We make a small percentage from some airlines, but most of our revenue comes from commission paid to us by tour operators, cruises and hotels.

 

We specialize in destination weddings and groups.

You may be wondering how it’s possible to make enough money off of commissions alone. At Enchanted Travel, we specialize in all leisure travel, but a large portion of our revenue comes from destination weddings and groups. We make commissions off of these trips just like any other leisure vacation booked through our travel agents. However, large destination wedding and other groups obviously provide bigger commission payouts. Plus, oftentimes our clients also benefit from booking a destination wedding or other group through us. Certain tour operators and hotels give the bride and groom, or the head group leader of the trip, a kickback depending on the number of bookings in their group’s party. How’s that for a win-win?!

 

Have any questions on how our Enchanted Travel agents make money? Call us today to learn more! You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here.

 

If you’ve never used a travel advisor before, you may be curious about what value travel agents add to your vacation experience. To find out exactly why our clients use Enchanted Travel Advisors, we asked them! Read on for the many reasons why our clients continue to book their vacations, honeymoons, and destination weddings with Enchanted Travel.

Why Do Our Clients Use Enchanted Travel Advisors?

Our Travel Advisors are Honest & Transparent

Our travel advisors pride themselves on our honesty and transparency when helping you plan your vacations. We book thousands of vacations for couples and families each year to a wide variety of destinations, and many different hotels and resorts. We receive tons of feedback from our clients on these destinations and hotels. It is our promise to never gatekeep this information – we will be honest with you about whether you are going to enjoy a specific resort. We never want to send you somewhere that we don’t believe will be a good experience.

We are also transparent with you from the beginning. The price that we quote is the price you will pay. Compare this to what you may see advertised on TV or online and you’ll find that the transparency there is lacking. We explain exactly what you’re getting: what is included, what kind of resort experience you should expect, and more.

As an added bonus, we also offer free price matching for any price you find online or through a different travel agency.

We Are Advocates for our Clients Before, During & After Travel

One of the main perks of booking your vacation with one of our Enchanted Travel Advisors is that we are there for you every step of the way – we love planning vacations. When you book online, you don’t have someone personally ensuring that your trip goes smoothly from start to finish.

With Enchanted travel advisors, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. If you run into any issues before, during, or after your vacation, we will help you get the issue resolved in a timely manner. Our travel advisors truly care about each and every client and we want every vacation experience to be perfect.

We Have Great Relationships with our Travel Industry Partners

We have many contacts with hotels, resorts, tour companies, and transportation companies all over the world – and we work closely with them to address any issues immediately. Having a great relationship with those in our industry is a huge perk for our clients!

Our Travel Advisors are Accessible to You When You Need us

Enchanted travel advisors are also accessible to you whenever you need them. If for any reason you need assistance outside of business hours, anyone on our team can help you. We also offer a 24-hour “During Travel” hotline so that anything urgent can be fixed immediately during your vacation.

We have had many clients that booked a vacation online in the past from a different travel agency and have been left helpless in these situations – sitting on hold for hours on end and unable to enjoy their vacation. You never have to worry about that when you book with Enchanted.

Our Travel Advisors are Knowledgeable & Helpful

Our travel advisors are extremely knowledgeable about the travel industry, and we work hard to keep up with the best hotels and resorts, travel requirements for all destinations, and more. We ensure that our clients feel confident in where they are staying, how they are getting there, and everything they may need while they are there. We make sure that all of your ducks are in a row before you depart, so you can sit back and relax during your vacation.

 

This information is straight from the source: from our valued clients! See for yourself and book your next vacation with one of our amazing Enchanted Travel Advisors!

 

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Group Travel | Travel Advisors Add Value

Call us today to speak to one of our Travel Specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here. In addition, you can email us at info@enchantedhoneymoons.com.

With so many online airline and hotel booking sites and travel apps, it’s easy to wonder: are travel agents still worth it? The short answer: absolutely. Working with a professional travel advisor not only saves you time and stress but can also save you money, add exclusive perks, and ensure your trip runs smoothly from start to finish. At Enchanted Travel, our clients come to us because they want more than a basic booking. They want a seamless, personalized travel planning experience designed by experts who truly care.

Are Travel Agents Worth It? Here’s Why Our Clients Say Yes

Expert Advice You Can Trust

When you book flights or a hotel room online, you’re on your own. When you book with a travel agent, you have someone who’s been there in person. Our advisors visit resorts and destinations around the world so we can recommend the right property for you. Whether it’s a romantic honeymoon, a family getaway, or a group trip, we help you find the best fit for your style, budget, and interests. If you’ve ever wondered why someone might use a travel agent, this is one of the biggest reasons: our firsthand experience in the travel industry means you don’t have to rely on random online reviews or guesswork.

Time Savings and Stress Relief

Researching flights, comparing resorts, and reading reviews can take hours and feel overwhelming. We handle the details so you don’t have to. From your first quote to your final itinerary, we do the legwork and keep everything organized. Working with a travel advisor means you can focus on the fun part of your trip instead of worrying about logistics. It’s one of the biggest benefits of using a travel agent: stress-free planning and expert organization.

Exclusive Perks and Added Value

As part of a trusted network of top travel suppliers, Enchanted Travel advisors often have access to upgrades, credits, and VIP amenities you won’t find online. Think private transfers, resort credits, room upgrades, or special touches like champagne on arrival, all at no extra cost to you. When you compare the pros and cons of using a travel agent vs booking online, this is where we really shine. We’re able to add extra value to your vacation that booking online simply can’t offer.

No Extra Cost to You

Here’s what surprises most travelers: using a travel agent doesn’t cost more. We are paid by the hotel or travel supplier, not by you. You’ll pay the same (and sometimes even less) than if you booked online, with the added bonus of expert guidance and personalized support. This makes using a travel advisor one of the smartest and most cost-effective choices you can make when planning a vacation.

Personalized Service Before, During, and After Your Trip

We don’t disappear after you book. Our advisors are available before, during, and after your trip to assist with anything you need. If a flight is delayed or a reservation changes, you have a real person to call instead of a customer service hotline. That kind of support is why so many travelers say a travel advisor is worth it. Having an expert in your corner when booking a hotel stay or airline tickets gives you confidence and peace of mind every step of the way.

Real People, Real Experiences

Our clients often tell us they’ll never book a trip on their own again. They appreciate having one point of contact who knows their preferences, remembers special occasions, and helps plan every detail with care. Whether it’s a honeymoon, destination wedding, or a family-friendly resort stay, we love helping make it stress-free and memorable. If you’re still wondering if travel agents are worth it, our repeat clients and glowing reviews say it all.

So, Are Travel Agents Worth It?

Absolutely. Between the time saved, the perks gained, and the peace of mind that comes from having a trusted expert in your corner, using a travel advisor is one of the smartest decisions you can make when planning a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are travel agents worth it?

Yes! A travel agent takes the stress out of planning by handling the details, finding the best packages, and giving you insider recommendations. Plus, they’re there to help if any issues come up during your trip, which is something you don’t get when booking online on your own.

2. Is it more expensive to use a travel agent?

No. Our travel agents are paid by the tour companies and resorts that we book through. We do not charge service fees. Our services are completely free to you!

3. What is the best time of year to plan a trip?

A travel advisor helps you choose the best time based on destination, weather, and deals. We know when crowds are low and promotions are high, so you get the best experience and value.

4. What should I look for when choosing a travel agency?

Choose an agency with experienced advisors, strong partnerships, and firsthand travel knowledge. Look for personalized service, clear communication, and proven expertise.  Like what you’ll find with Enchanted Travel.

5. What value does a travel agent add to your vacation?

Travel agents save you time, reduce stress, and add perks you won’t get online. We handle every detail, provide expert advice, and make sure your trip runs smoothly from start to finish.

6. Are travel agents able to save me money?

Yes. Advisors have access to exclusive rates and offers not available to the public. We help you get more value for your budget while avoiding costly mistakes.

7. Why is a travel agent better than booking online?

A travel agent offers personalized guidance, real support, and insider access. If plans change, you have someone to call instead of a call center. It’s a smarter, stress-free way to travel.

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Expert Travel Advisors | Stress-Free Vacation Planning

Call us today to speak to one of our travel agents. You can reach us at 402-390-9291. In addition, you can get started here.

Thanks, Omaha!

We are thrilled to share that we have once again been recognized in Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha 2026 awards. Our agency earned a Top 3 spot in the Travel Agency category, continuing a proud tradition. We have been named among Omaha’s best travel agencies every year since 2011, and have been proudly serving travelers for over thirty years.

For more than three decades, our team has helped clients plan stress-free vacations, honeymoons, destination weddings, unforgettable cruises, and custom trips around the world. As a locally owned Omaha travel agency, we take pride in offering expert guidance, personalized service, and trusted partnerships that make every trip perfect from start to finish.

Winning Best of Omaha year after year means so much to us because it comes directly from our clients’ votes and trust. Your continued support inspires our team to go above and beyond on every trip we plan, whether it is a family vacation, a destination wedding, or a fun getaway with friends.

We are honored to be part of a community full of outstanding local businesses recognized in this year’s awards. Congratulations to all of the 2026 Best of Omaha winners!

Thank you, Omaha, for your continued support and for trusting us to plan your travels year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Best of Omaha award?

The Best of Omaha is an annual readers’ choice contest organized by Omaha Magazine that recognizes top businesses in the Omaha area. Winners are selected based on community votes across a wide range of categories.

2. How many years has your travel agency won Best of Omaha?

We are proud to have been recognized as one of Omaha’s best travel agencies every year since 2011.

3. How long has your travel agency been in business?

We’ve been helping travelers plan unforgettable vacations for over thirty years, serving clients in Omaha and beyond.

4. What types of trips do you specialize in?

Our team plans all types of travel, including all-inclusive vacations, destination weddings, honeymoons, cruises, and family getaways.

5. Why should I use a travel agency instead of booking online?

Working with an experienced Omaha travel agent ensures personalized recommendations, expert planning, exclusive offers, and ongoing support before and during your trip.

6. Do you charge fees for your services?

No, we do not charge any fees for our services!

7. Can you help plan group or corporate travel?

Yes, we regularly coordinate group trips, destination weddings, and multi-generational family trips.

8. How can I get started planning my next trip?

You can contact our Omaha travel agency by phone, email, or through our website inquiry form to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our travel advisors.

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Expert Travel Advisors | Stress-Free Vacation Planning

Call us today to speak to one of our travel agents. You can reach us at 402-390-9291. In addition, you can get started here.

Planning a destination wedding sounds dreamy: turquoise water, palm trees, and celebrating somewhere unforgettable with your favorite people. But once you move past the inspiration stage, many couples quickly realize that destination weddings come with a level of logistics that can feel overwhelming.

Between coordinating flights, managing room blocks, communicating with a resort from thousands of miles away, and making sure your friends and family actually know what to do, it’s completely normal to ask:

Do I Need a Travel Agent for My Destination Wedding?

Short answer: for most couples, having a destination wedding travel agent makes the entire planning process stress-free and smooth from start to finish.

Why Destination Weddings Are More Complicated Than They Look

From the outside, destination weddings can seem simpler than a traditional wedding. Fewer guests, fewer vendors, and one beautiful location, right?

In reality, destination weddings introduce a different kind of complexity:

• Coordinating travel for multiple households
• Managing room blocks, contracts, and booking deadlines
• Communicating with a resort wedding department in another country
• Navigating passports, travel documents, and entry requirements
• Planning from afar without being able to visit easily

On top of planning your actual wedding day, you’re essentially organizing a group trip for your guests. That’s where many couples start to feel stretched thin.

What a Destination Wedding Travel Agent Actually Does

A destination wedding travel agent doesn’t replace your resort’s wedding coordinator; they handle the travel side that resorts don’t manage.

That includes:

• Flights and airport logistics for you and your guests
• Room block management and tracking who has booked
• Guest bookings, payments, and questions so they aren’t coming to you
• Direct communication with the resort to confirm details and deadlines
• Protecting your wedding date by ensuring booking minimums are met

Instead of juggling spreadsheets, emails, and guest texts, hiring a destination wedding travel planner allows you to have one professional overseeing the entire travel experience.

How a Travel Agent Supports Your Guests (Not Just You)

One of the biggest and most overlooked benefits of working with a destination wedding travel agent is guest support.

Your guests often have questions like:

• Which room should I book?
• Can I make payments over time?
• What if I need to change my flight?
• What documents do I need to travel internationally?

When you work with a travel agent, your guests have a single point of contact for all of this. That means fewer late-night texts to you and far less pressure on family members trying to help.

Your guests feel supported, confident, and excited and you get to actually enjoy your engagement.

A Real Example: How a Travel Agent Made the Difference

We recently worked with a destination wedding couple whose photographer shared how impactful having a travel agent was behind the scenes:

“From the start, our advisor Marissa handled the full scope of travel planning booking flights and accommodations, managing the guest list, and coordinating group activities. She worked directly with the resort to confirm wedding arrangements and timelines, helping the couple avoid common mistakes that can happen when planning from thousands of miles away.”

“What could have been a logistical nightmare felt organized, clear, and manageable. The couple was able to focus on their wedding not the travel details and their guests arrived feeling informed and taken care of.”

“That level of support is exactly what a destination wedding travel agent brings to the table.”

Read more about this specific wedding day, and how our agent Marissa Hatcher saved the day, here: A Dreamy Wedding in Cancun MX: Audra and Devin’s Enchanting Day at Haven Resort

The Biggest Mistakes Couples Make Without a Travel Agent

Couples who choose to plan a destination wedding without a travel agent often run into the same issues:

• Booking the wrong room category that doesn’t count toward group minimums
• Missing important contract deadlines
• Assuming the resort manages guest travel (they don’t)
• Underestimating passport or documentation requirements
• Spending countless hours answering guest questions

These mistakes are easy to make and stressful to fix without expert guidance.

So… Do You Need a Travel Agent for a Destination Wedding?

If your goal is to reduce stress, protect your wedding date, support your guests, and avoid costly mistakes, then working with a travel agent to plan the perfect destination wedding is absolutely worth it.

A good travel agent acts as your advocate, your organizer, and your problem-solver allowing you to focus on what actually matters: celebrating your marriage in an incredible place with the people you love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do destination wedding travel agents cost extra?

No, we do not charge any fees for our services, and this includes destination weddings.

Does a travel agent work with the resort wedding planner?

Yes. A travel agent handles travel logistics and guest coordination, while the resort wedding planner focuses on the ceremony and on-site details. We have some great relationships with vendors, hotels, and tour companies, which helps ensure that everything runs smoothly for your guests, you, and for your Big Day.

Can a travel agent help with guest travel?

Absolutely. Guest travel management is one of the biggest benefits of working with a destination wedding travel agent.

Is it better to book a destination wedding through a travel agent?

For most couples, yes. A travel agent helps ensure everything runs smoothly, deadlines are met, and your guests are taken care of from start to finish.

Planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right support in place, it can be exactly what it should be exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Weddings | All-Inclusive Destination Weddings

Call us today to speak to one of our Destination Wedding Specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291. In addition, you can get started here.