Airline tickets at half the price. Hotel or accommodation stays with freebies. Vacation packages that have everything you need and more. It is truly exciting to see promos that will let you do something you love as much as traveling for less. Yet as a smart traveler, you should never impulsively grab a deal no matter how tempting it may look. To ensure that a travel package is truly worth it, here are some questions that you first want to be answered:
Is it really more affordable?
The low rate of a promo package that includes both airfare and accommodation may look enticing. However, a little research is needed if you want to make sure that you will really be paying less. You can do that by comparing the rates of the entire package with the actual cost you will incur by directly availing from the merchants instead. Many establishments give discounts if you purchase directly from them, making it possible to end up with a cheaper rate by customizing your own package. You want to watch out for hidden charges that can spike up your rates in the end. If there are freebies, there may be conditions that will make it hard for you to avail of.
Are you happy with the reviews?
Get reliable advice from the people who have purchased the package by taking time to read online reviews. You obviously want to see positive testimonials from satisfied customers. Meanwhile, a deal with no reviews at all, or even worse, rants and complaints from angry clients is a sure red flag. However, it is also wise to be suspicious of promos with solely good and enthusiastic reviews as there is a chance that some are fake. On the other hand, you may also want to check how an agency responds to negative comments to get a glimpse of their customer service.
Are you satisfied with the customer support?
All the questions in your mind about a certain offer deal should be answered before you seal the deal. For example, if you are planning to book an accommodation stay, the host of the place should ideally be able to provide the answer to your queries at the soonest possible time. A travel agent should also encourage you to ask questions to clear any doubts and confusion you may have. You also want to make sure that someone will be available to help should you encounter any problems during the trip. If no one is around to talk to you or you always have to wait to get answers, then the deal is probably not worth taking.
Is the travel agency credible?
With so many people wanting to cut costs, it is no surprise that travel scams abound. To avoid falling into one, be meticulous about the agency you are dealing with. Be wary if an agent pressures you to purchase their promos right away or demand advanced payment without giving you any written contracts or explaining the terms and conditions. A package rate that is far below what other agencies are offering is also a warning sign.
An awesome vacation starts with great planning and preparation. This includes carefully scrutinizing if that travel package you are eyeing is indeed a steal you should not pass up or just a suspicious deal best left ignored.
