Planning a complete vacation or a business trip can be done
efficiently online. Websites such as Expedia, Hotwire, Orbitz, Travoline and
Kayak have replaced traditional travel agents in helping people search for and
book the least expensive flights, cars and hotel reservations. All major hotel
chains provide the opportunity to book a room online, and even international
hotels and guest houses are taking reservations through their websites. Pay for
online hotel bookings by making a deposit with a credit card, or paying in full
for the best rates.
See also How to Book International Hotels Without Credit Card
1 Compare
prices. Search for the hotel you want by checking specific hotel
websites, or using an online travel agent, such as Expedia, Travelocity or
Orbitz. Look for hotels that have the dates you need available, and figure out
how much you will spend per night. Research sites such as Hotels.com or
Travelweb, which are specific to hotel bookings only, and do not include
additional search options for flights and rental cars. Check for additional
fees. Some independent online booking agencies charge a fee for using their
service. The fee can range from $1 to over $10, and it is never refundable if you
cancel or change your reservation.
2 Reserve
your hotel. Book the hotel you want by using the hotel's website, or an
online travel site. Provide your contact information and the dates you will
arrive and check out.
3 Determine
when you will have to pay for your booking. As you complete your
reservation, you will be given an amount that is due.
·
Pay in full for the best rates. Many hotel sites and
discount agents will offer you a lower price if you pay for the entire stay at
the time of your booking. There are often restrictions on canceling or changing
your reservation.
·
Provide the required deposit. If your plans may change
and you do not want to pay for the full cost of your stay, book a hotel that
only requires a deposit. When you pay the deposit required by the hotel, which
is often the equivalent of one night's stay, you can usually still change your
travel dates without a penalty.
·
Pay at the time of your stay. Depending on the hotel,
you may be able to guarantee your reservation with a credit card number, but
not pay anything until you arrive at the hotel. Most online agents such as
Expedia, Orbitz and Hotels.com will not provide this option.
4 Determine
how you will pay for your booking.
·
Pay by credit or debit card. The easiest way to pay
for a hotel booking online is by using a credit card. You will need a credit
card number to make a reservation online, and you can use that card to pay for
the hotel deposit or the full price of your stay.
·
Pay with PayPal, if you want to use BookIt.com. PayPal
is a popular method of online payment, because you do not need to provide your
credit card information to yet another website. BookIt.com is the first online
travel agency accepting PayPal as a method of payment. You will need to have a
PayPal account already set up.
·
Pay with miles or reward points. If you are a frequent
traveler, you have probably accumulated enough points at the hotel chain you
use to get some nights for free. Book online directly with the hotel, and
provide your rewards card number and other information.
5 Bid on
bookings using online auction sites such as Priceline or Hotwire. When you
name the price you are willing to pay, you will be given a list of hotel
options. Be aware that on sites such as these, you will not always know which
hotel you are getting before you book.
·
You will need to pay in full with a credit or debit
card at the time of booking.
6 Understand
the cancellation policy. Some online booking agents such as Priceline and
Hotwire do not allow you to change or cancel your reservation at all. Others
such as Expedia and Orbitz will charge a fee. If you pay in full, or make a
deposit, be sure you read the cancellation policy online. If you are not paying
until the time of your stay, find out how far in advance you will need to
cancel before your credit card is charged for a night.
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