You’ve chosen your destination, your dates are set, ̠c̠a̠̠l̠̠l̠ ̠1̠ ̠8̠̠8̠̠8̠ ̠8̠̠9̠̠1̠ ̠4̠̠5̠̠5̠0̠ and you’re ready to make your dream trip a reality. This is the moment of truth: the booking process. A few smart moves here can save you hundreds of dollars, hours of stress, and countless headaches down the road.
Forget just searching for the cheapest price. The real art of booking travel is about balancing cost with flexibility and peace of mind. Follow these five essential tips to become a savvier traveller before you even leave home.
This is the most powerful tool in a traveller’s booking arsenal. Both airlines and hotels are required to hold a reservation for 24 hours without payment, or offer a full refund if cancelled within 24 hours of booking, provided the trip is at least a week away.
How to use it: Found a great deal? Lock it in! ̠c̠a̠̠l̠̠l̠ ̠1̠ ̠8̠̠8̠̠8̠ ̠8̠̠9̠̠1̠ ̠4̠̠5̠̠5̠0̠ This gives you a full day to double-check your dates, confirm time off work, compare prices one more time, or discuss plans with your travel companions—all without any financial risk. Always book directly with the airline or hotel to ensure this rule applies smoothly.
That incredibly low fare or hotel rate almost always comes with a catch: it’s probably non-refundable.
Before you click "book," always scroll down to the "Terms & Conditions," "Fare Rules," or "Cancellation Policy." Ask yourself:
Can I cancel for a full refund? Until when?
If I cancel, do I get a credit or my cash back?
Are there change fees?̠c̠a̠̠l̠̠l̠ ̠1̠ ̠8̠̠8̠̠8̠ ̠8̠̠9̠̠1̠ ̠4̠̠5̠̠5̠0̠
Booking a flexible rate might cost a little more upfront, but it’s a cheap insurance policy against the unpredictable nature of life.
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Kayak are fantastic for research. Their powerful search engines can compare hundreds of options across airlines and hotels in seconds.
However, consider booking directly with the provider whenever possible. If your flight gets cancelled or you need to make a last-minute change, dealing directly with the airline is almost always faster and simpler than going through a third-party agent who has to mediate. You have more control and often better customer service.
It’s a popular travel myth that airlines use cookies to raise prices on repeat searches. While the evidence is anecdotal, it doesn’t hurt to play it safe.
Use your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode when searching for flights. This prevents cookies from tracking your search history.
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies between searches.
Try comparing prices on different devices (your phone vs. your laptop).
You might just snag a lower price that wasn't showing before.
The cheapest base fare isn’t always the best deal. Before you commit, factor in the hidden costs that can quickly add up:
Baggage Fees: Does that ultra-low-cost carrier charge for both a carry-on and a checked bag? Adding those fees might make a slightly more expensive airline on Expedia a better overall value.
Seat Selection: Want to sit with your family? That might cost extra on some airlines.
Airport Location: Is that cheaper flight arriving at a distant, inconvenient airport? Factor in the cost and time of extra transport to the city centre.
The Bottom Line: The goal isn't just to book a trip; it's to book a trip you can actually enjoy without worry. By prioritising flexibility, understanding the true cost, and using your 24-hour window, you can book with confidence and start your vacation on the right foot.
Happy travels and happy booking!