Common travel booking mistakes
1. Not reading the fine print
After surfing the web for hours to find that perfect holiday deal, reading the fine print is probably the last thing you want to do. However, it could be the difference between a stress-free holiday and a complete disaster.
2. Booking the wrong dates
Make sure to always have a calendar at hand when booking your flights and hotels. “If you’re travelling between different time zones, make sure to double check your arrival date with the airline before booking your hotel stay,” says Adam Schwab, CEO of www.LuxuryEscapes.com.
3. Not checking validity periods, surcharges and black-out periods
In order to evade unexpected costs, it is important to pay special attention to double-check these three things. “Pay extra attention to validity periods, extra person surcharges, kids’ policies, transfers costs as well as cancellation and amendment policy,” says Schwab.
4. Entering the wrong name
You may laugh, but this is a common mistake many online travellers make. If you know you experience butter fingers while typing, it’s best to re-read every detail a few times before confirming to avoid embarrassing phone calls to rectify the mistake.
5. Working solo
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the dates and fine print so before you confirm your trip have your partner or friend read through all the travel details before booking and paying, suggests Schwab. Chances are, they’ll pick up anything you may have missed.
Written by Reader’s Digest. This article first appeared in Reader’s Digest. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription offer.