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Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mistakes People Make When Booking Travel Through Third-Party Websites
Expedia. Skyscanner. Priceline. These days there are countless third-party platforms for booking flights, hotels, rental cars and other aspects of the travel experience. While these websites can make the planning process feel more seamless and convenient, there are some potential drawbacks that are important to understand before you make any reservations. Below, travel experts share the common mistakes people make when booking trips through a third-party service ― and their advice for avoiding these errors during your travels. Travel booking websites can be great for comparing prices across different providers and potentially finding exclusive deals. But you're often going to see the same costs across platforms ― including the travel vendor's direct website. 'You should not assume online travel agencies have the lowest prices,' said Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer. 'While coupons and other promotions can make it appear that you are saving a lot of money, you should always check directly with the airline or hotel.' When booking a flight, you should check the prices on the airline websites, as well as results on search engines like Google Flights. As you look for accommodations, compare rates on hotel websites and third-party booking systems. 'In many cases, hotels will guarantee the cheapest rate when booking directly with them. In certain situations, third-party booking sites will hide resort fees until the very last moment or put them in an easy-to-miss spot.' 'You should not book airfare with an online travel agency if there is a chance you may take advantage of the federal 24-hour cancellation rule,' Dengler said. The U.S. Department of Transportation has mandated that air carriers allow customers who purchased tickets at least seven days before a flight's scheduled departure to cancel their reservation and receive a full refund without penalty within 24 hours of booking. 'Unfortunately, the flight must be booked directly with the airline,' Dengler noted. 'That means third-party booking sites do not have to honor the rule, which means you could be out of luck if you are looking to cancel within 24 hours. If there is any chance you may need to cancel your flight, check with the third-party booking site before you book to see if they honor the 24-hour cancellation rule.' 'Always read the fine print so that you know their return or refund policy,' said Ciara Johnson, a travel blogger at Hey Ciara. 'For added protection, book with a travel credit card that has insurance in case something goes wrong. If you're not booking for a deal, it's always best to book direct on the company website. It's likely cheaper to book direct anyhow!' Ravi Roth, a queer travel expert and host of 'The Gaycation Travel Show,' echoed this advice. He emphasized being aware of any extra fees or troublesome policies regarding cancellations, itinerary changes and refunds, so you should make sure to read and save your confirmation email with the details. 'I recommend using trusted sites like Orbitz for hotels and Airbnb to book experiences. As for flights, I would try Skyscanner, but while booking, make sure to stick to the major airlines,' Roth noted. 'Sometimes folks can find a super cheap flight, but in the fine print, there is a charge for overhead and checked luggage. I cannot stress enough to read the fine print.' If hotel or airline loyalty points and status are important to you, using a third-party booking site might not be the best move. 'Many online travel agencies let you insert your frequent flyer number or hotel rewards number, but that does not mean you will earn status credit and points,' Dengler explained. 'Some airlines and hotels will allow you to earn status when booking with online travel agencies, but you should make sure first.' 'Third-party booking sites like Expedia, Priceline and Travelocity are also known as online travel agencies, and they are essentially middlemen between you and the airline or hotel,' Dengler explained. 'In other words, your reservation is with them and not the airline or hotel. That means you contact them for customer service instead of the airline or hotel.' So if access to direct customer service with the travel provider is a big deal to you, avoid these third-party platforms when making your reservations and use them as search engines for comparisons instead. 'While the larger online travel agencies have better customer service than the smaller ones, it is still better to talk to the source directly,' Dengler said. 'That is important for both reservation modifications and cancellations. If there is a possibility that there will be severe weather during your trip, I recommend booking directly since there is a real chance you will have to modify or cancel your itinerary.' Because canceling or making an itinerary change can be a bigger hassle through third-party platforms, make sure to pay close attention when you're making your reservation. 'Travelers should just ensure to double-check all of their information, such as travel dates, name and contact information when booking via third-parties,' said Casey Brogan, a consumer travel expert at Tripadvisor. 'Be aware that several budget carriers, most notably Ryanair in Europe, technically don't allow third-party sales of their tickets,' said Marek Bron, a travel blogger at Indie Traveller. 'If you book their flights through a third-party anyway, then this is done through a work-around way that's not supported by Ryanair.' As a result, making cancellations or changes through the third-party site might be more expensive or challenging than it would have been if you booked directly through the airline. Ensure you can actually get an official confirmation with your chosen air carrier or other travel provider when you book through an external system. Not all third-party booking sites and travel agents are created equal. As such, it's important to read the reviews of these services before making your reservations through them. 'Check reviews of these third-party sites, such as on TrustPilot, before booking as some of them are to be avoided,' Bron said. He advised paying extra close attention to mentions of customer service, as you might need this to handle changes or cancellations down the road. 'If working with a travel agent, ensure they have the right qualifications and double-check your reservations with the airlines and hotels,' echoed Jessica van Dop DeJesus, a travel media specialist and blogger at The Dining Traveler. 'Also, look into travel insurance and check with your credit card to see if they provide any travel insurance services.' The Flight Essential Not Enough People Bring On A Plane How To Salvage Your Vacation If It Rains Most Of The Time 10 Mistakes At The Airport That Are Costing You Money
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Save 30% on airport lounge access and escape the crowds this summer
The airport lounge access deal will let travellers enjoy a quiet space away from the crowds, with complimentary snacks, drinks, WiFi and comfortable seating It is time to set our sights on the upcoming summer holidays. Whether travellers have already secured their booking or are just beginning to plan, the countdown to a sun-soaked getaway has officially started. Priority Pass is currently offering a 30% discount on airport lounge access, allowing holidaymakers to enjoy chic spaces away from the throngs, complete with complimentary nibbles, beverages, WiFi and cosy seating. Securing an airport lounge is the ultimate travel hack for dodging jam-packed airports. There are more than 1,700 Priority Pass airport lounges to choose from. This deal will enable travellers to experience the luxury of first-class without the hefty price tag. Nestled away from the hectic terminal waiting areas, guests can enjoy refreshments, queue-free bathroom facilities and WiFi for work or leisure. For families jetting off with children, they also provide a welcome break from the chaos of large terminals, making it easier to keep an eye on the little ones and keep them entertained. All Priority Pass airport lounges come equipped with flight information screens. Some even offer sleep pods for lengthy layovers, and the option to indulge in dedicated spa areas and treatments at an extra charge. The Priority Pass digital membership is instantly available via the app, allowing travellers to book and unwind as soon as they sign up. Unlike one-off lounge passes, Priority Pass allows usage on both outbound and return flights, whereas a single-day lounge pass only covers one leg of the journey. This typically works out cheaper than purchasing a single-use entry pass for a departure lounge, and the more frequently you use the lounges, the more cost-effective your subscription becomes. If Priority Pass airport lounges don't quite tick all your boxes, single-use airport passes can be booked through Expedia, with Heathrow Airport lounges starting from £34. There are also other options available for airports across the UK and further afield. It's worth mentioning that Holiday Extras offers a variety of airport lounge deals, along with car hire, hotel stays and more. The Priority Pass app comes with additional benefits such as early access to duty-free shopping, premium fitness content, and the ability to pre-book lounges. Members can also enjoy spa treatments, gaming zones, pre-order takeout, private transfers, and discounted car rentals worldwide. Travellers who've used Priority Pass airport lounges in the past have been voicing their opinions on Trustpilot. One jet-setter recounted: "Six family members visited the lounge in Florence, Italy, while waiting for our flight back to the USA. It was very relaxing, good food and drinks, nice bathrooms, no wait to get in. Very good experience." Another traveller said: "Been using Priority Pass in Europe for over a year. I made 22 visits last year and all of the experiences were smooth. Zero complaints and I would highly recommend Priority Pass to anyone interested." A third passenger wrote: "Our experience was very good! The staff at Heathrow Airport was courteous and efficient. The food was good and the lounge was nice although rather crowded! Would definitely use the lounge again!". However, it hasn't been all rosy, with a less satisfied customer commenting: "I like the clubs, but they aren't at all the airports I fly out of. Lately, they have been crowded and have to wait. Often they are located in different terminals than the one I fly out of." Despite a few hiccups, the consensus is that securing a spot in a Priority Pass airport lounge has generally been a hit with flyers. Another user concluded: "Literally a life saver when travelling. I love having a place to relax and grab a bite to eat or a drink before a flight. It's truly a game changer."
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Best holiday deals for July 2025
Brands marked with an asterisk (*) have paid to be featured in this article. All the content on this page has been created by our editorial team and we only feature deals that we believe offer genuine value. Still not decided on where to go on holiday this summer? Whether you are looking to book an all-inclusive family getaway, a long weekend away in a European city, or simply seeking an affordable hotel for the night, July is a great month to pin down a place to travel before it gets too late. Or perhaps you have this year sorted, and are looking to get ahead and book your next break while the deals are hot. From cheap flights to discounts on package holiday bookings, our team of expert deal-hunters at The Independent have rounded up the best travel deals and discount codes for July to help you save on your next trip. There are plenty of offers right now, including price slashes on luxury holidays with Club Med and savings on Disney tickets in Orlando. Exclusive six per cent off Expedia deals Whether it's heading to a beach resort on a Greek island, or flying long haul to the coasts of Mexico or Thailand, Expedia offers hotels in its masses. While it may be hard to decide on your perfect place to put your feet up for a week or two, the easy part is knowing you will be able to knock six per cent off your hotel booking. Those planning to travel before 11 October 2026 can snap up this deal, exclusive to The Independent readers, before midnight on 12 April 2026. The deal applies to stand-alone hotel bookings. Save £100 per person with Jet2holidays* Are you a part of the myJet2 membership programme? Members can currently save £100 per person when logged in at the time of booking. However, if you are not a member, you can still save up to £90 off package holidays. Jet2holidays is one of our favourite travel websites to book flights, hotels and packages at lower prices, whether you are seeking out an adults-only luxury resort or treating yourself to an all-inclusive holiday with the kids. You can even look for stays that suit LGBT+ travellers or those going abroad as a single parent. For a closer look at more Jet2 savings, check out our picks of the best discounts and offers Get a package deal at Walt Disney World Resort with TUI* Is it time to finally book that holiday of a lifetime, and jet off to the 'happiest place on Earth'? A trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, no matter what age, is bound to leave everlasting memories of the adrenaline rush on theme park rides, reconnecting with your inner child as you walk the magical boulevards, or seeing your child meet their favourite Disney character. Yet it is no secret that a trip to Disney can take quite a chunk out of your savings. If you are looking to make the leap and book, TUI is currently offering a 14-day Magic (entrance to the parks) ticket for the price of seven days when booking a Disney Resort hotel. You'll also get a free meal and a drink per person, for every night of your stay, at one of the 90 casual dining options across the park depending on what room you book. That's not all, you can also save £300 per booking on select package holidays, including a Disney hotel stay and flights on TUI Airways across various periods up to 19 December 2026. Save 20 per cent on holidays with easyJet Still stuck for summer holiday inspiration? EasyJet holidays has a selection of must-visit destinations on offer in its weekly deals, from hotels fit for couples looking for a romantic escape to accommodation situated near party towns, ideal for groups looking to let loose on the dance floor in the summer heat. The luxury adults-only Cook's Club on the Greek island of Corfu, completed with all-in food and drink and double rooms, has seen its £1,390pp price slashed to £997pp for seven nights. For those who want to couple a beach break with a spa treatment or three, they can also snap up seven nights at Aska Lara Resort and Spa in Antalya, Turkey, from £980pp, down from £1,244pp. See our easyJet deals page for more summer-worthy offers Get a £25 voucher at Travel Republic Travel Republic has helped holiday makers for more than 20 years find cheap hotels, flights and tickets to some of the best attractions a destination has to offer, with recommendations to far-flung locations or a quick budget holiday to some of the top city breaks. While it may be modest, some discount is better than none. With this offer, travellers can save £25 off their bookings that cost more than £1,500, when subscribing to its newsletter. See our pick of the best Travel Republic discount codes Enjoy 20 per cent off last-minute luxury holidays with Club Med Looking to splash out on a luxury holiday this year, but worried that the pick of the best may have already gone after leaving it to the last minute? Club Med is currently offering last-minute holiday deals with up to 20 per cent off on a curated selection of exceptional stays around the world. Save hundreds on holidays at luxury resorts in Mexico, Mauritius, Spain and Morocco, to name a few, without compromising on your all-important non-negotiables, such as beach access and all-inclusive dining. Check out our Club Med discount page for more offers Best UK holiday deals for July 2025 If you are not planning on travelling abroad this year, there are plenty of staycation options and cheap holidays across the UK. Savings are to be had on hotels in central London this July, or if you prefer something a bit more rural, Parkdean is also serving up deals ahead of the summer holidays. Save 10 per cent on two or more rooms at Travelodge* There are plenty of reasons you could be booking a Travelodge this summer, whether that's visiting loved ones and needing a fuss-free place to stay, heading on a cheap city break with a group of friends, or simply needing a place to bed down for the night during a business trip. If you are heading to the UK capital this summer, travellers can snap up a 10 per cent discount when booking two rooms or more at selected central London hotels. But you'll have to hurry – this offer ends midday on 30 June, so finalise your plans for the Big Smoke with your gang and get booking. Visit our dedicated Travelodge deals page for a full round-up of discounts Exclusive discounts up to £45 at Parkdean Some people are just not the fly and flop type to far-flung beach resort. Many seek a getaway that is filled with walks to the nearest National Trust site, traversing giant dunes or spotting wildlife in the nearby woodlands. Parkdean Resorts offers just that, with a range of caravan and lodge sites across the UK that help families, groups or even solo travellers stay in the countryside on their next break away. Exclusively for The Independent readers, holidaymakers looking for a UK staycation can save £25 on short breaks when travelling during off-peak dates in 2025. If you are planning something a little longer, a seven-plus-night stay at a Parkdean location can also be reduced by £45 with our exclusive discount. Why you can trust us The Independent has been a consumer champion since 1986, reporting on the best deals and discounts so our readers can save money on the products and excursions they value. Whether it's offers on excursions for the whole family to enjoy, regular deals coverage on top offers on tried and tested products, or sourcing the best discounts during some of the biggest annual shopping events (think Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and the Boxing Day sales), our team are always looking out for the best ways to save you money on the products worth buying. We only ever select savings from providers that we trust.
National Geographic
4 days ago
- National Geographic
Add a detour to your next vacation—starting with these classic destinations
A recent Expedia travel trends report shows that, remarkably, 63 percent of travelers plan to include lesser-known spots in their travels this year, with destinations that offer locally rich experiences. A detour destination doesn't mean completely avoiding a popular destination. It can also involve a night or two in that tried-and-true destination, just with an alternate destination also worked into the plans, for reasons including lower costs and new experiences. Detour from Monterey, California: Carmel-by-the-Sea Carmel-by-the-Sea has more restaurants per capita than any other small city in the country. Just 15 minutes from busy Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fairy-tale detour with storybook cottages and ocean views. There are 41 secret passageways, or courtyards, and curvy streets flanked by darling shops, galleries, and restaurants. 'The destination began as an artist colony and continues its legacy today,' says Amy Herzog, executive director at Visit Carmel. The don't-miss Carmel Art Association shows off 100-plus Monterey Peninsula artists. And there's white sand Carmel Beach. 'The sunsets are legendary, accompanied by picturesque Monterey Cypress trees and great surfing,' says Herzog. 'Plus, it's one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the area.' Carmel-by-the-Sea might be one square mile, but the village has more restaurants per capita than any other small city in America, says Herzog, including the two-Michelin-starred Aubergine and the one-Michelin-starred Chez Noir, plus more than a dozen wine tasting rooms. The charm continues with hotels, including Villa Mara, a 16-room boutique hotel and the 26-room Carmel Beach Hotel. Detour from the Berkshires, Massachusetts: Amherst Emily Dickinson's house in Amherst, Massachusetts, is now a museum. Photograph by Norman Eggert, Alamy The hills in the inspiring Berkshires are alive with the sound of music each summer, thanks to the iconic Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox—and traffic in the region can crescendo. 'Just a short drive from the Berkshires, Amherst offers a quieter, more immersive New England experience where Emily Dickinson's poetic legacy lives on in historic homes, gallery walls, and tree-lined trails,' says Deborah Hermance, general manager of the Inn on Boltwood, a lovingly restored 49-room inn dating back to 1926. 'With a thriving arts scene, strong sustainability values and access to some of Massachusetts' most scenic landscapes and hiking trails, Amherst is an under-the-radar destination that feels like a true discovery," says Hermance. Tour Dickinson's homestead and hike the Norwottuck Rail Trail and Robert Frost Trail. Amherst is home to five colleges, including Amherst and Smith. 'It's a vibrant college town but there is so much more for visitors who want to explore a little deeper,' says Hermance. For food, Johnny's Tavern is a neighborhood hot spot and 30boltwood is special for traditional New England cuisine. Detour from Louisville, Kentucky: Lexington Lexington, Kentucky is home to more than 450 horse farms and is nicknamed "the horse capital of the world." Photograph by Adam Jones, Danita Delimont/Alamy 'When people think of Kentucky, they often think of Louisville, but those who end up in Lexington quickly discover why it's such a hidden gem,' says Mary Quinn Ramer, president of VisitLEX's. 'As the 'horse capital of the world' and gateway to Bourbonland, Lexington blends equestrian heritage with world-class bourbon and a thriving cultural scene.' There are more than 450 horse farms in Lexington and 18 distilleries; rare limestone-rich spring water enhances the bourbon's quality. Lexington is also home to more than 120 locally owned restaurants. 'Time your visit with SoulFeast Week to explore Lexington's vibrant Black culinary culture—and don't rush out on Sunday,' says Ramer. 'With live blues from local legend Tee Dee Young every Monday night at his namesake live music lounge, it's well worth extending your trip.' The Manchester, central Kentucky's first boutique hotel, has a rooftop bar for bourbon sipping. (Six of the best bars in Louisville) Detour from Boston: Providence, Rhode Island Rhode Island is known as the "squid capital of the East Coast," and calamari is the official state appetizer. Photograph by Ian G. Dagnall, Alamy Providence, a quick hour-long train ride from Boston, has small town charm, along with similarities to the all-star city to the north. Like Boston, Providence is home to an Ivy League: Brown University. Rhode Island School of Design is here, too, with a wonderful, laid-back museum. Providence River hosts WaterFire in the summer, a unique experience for magical nighttime gondola rides. The Ocean State is also a culinary dynasty; home to the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University, the city breeds chefs. Track 15 in the former Union Station is a food hall showcasing the city's best chefs. Plant City was planted here and bloomed to new locations, and Oberlin's outdoor patio and creative menu is beloved by locals. Federal Hill is to Providence what the North End is to Boston—Italian restaurants and markets. Expect calamari: Rhode Island is known as the "squid capital of the East Coast," and calamari is the official state appetizer. (The 8 best Little Italy neighborhoods in the U.S.) Al Forno is a James Beard award-winning restaurant. Across town, Bellini (of New York City's Cipriani fame) is worthy of the trip from Boston alone—and the Bellini Rooftop Lounge in The Beatrice Hotel next door is where Bellini cocktails (created by Cipriani in 1948) are sipped and sunsets are savored. Detour from New York City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania A mural in Philadelphia pays homage to famous musicians Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, and Bobby Rydell. Photograph by Dina Litovsky, Nat Geo Image Collection New York City's energy is unmatched; a bucket list destination that's impossible to mimic. However, there are several detour options. First, spend a night or two in New York City, then detour south to Philadelphia, just an hour-and-a-half by train. Philadelphia has recently become as celebrated for its culinary exploits as it is for its historic sites like the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market. Hotels rival Manhattan's best. The Rittenhouse Hotel has luxury rooms, some overlooking tree-topped Rittenhouse Square Park. There's a spa and fitness club, indoor pool, LaCroix for elevated Philly cheesesteaks, and The Library where James Beard Award-winning mixologist Danny Childs helms an innovative cocktail program. The Bellevue is Philly's Grande Dame. Dating to 1904, the guest rooms are accented with timeless French Renaissance decor. Plus, guests have access to the popular The Sporting Club, and Pergola crowns the hotel with fine dining. Detour from Los Angeles: Santa Barbara Stearns Wharf has a been a popular attraction in Santa Barbara since it was completed in 1872. Photograph by Jon Bilous, Alamy Coastal Santa Barbara is a perfect complement to Los Angeles. 'Less than two hours away from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is an idyllic coastal escape where the mountains meet the sea, inspiring travelers to call it 'the American riviera' for more than a century,' says Karna Hughes, director of public relations at Visit Santa Barbara. 'With distinctive Spanish Revival architecture, the city exudes old-world charm while embracing a modern, laid-back vibe.' And there's wine: Three-dozen-plus tasting rooms along the walkable Urban Wine Trail. For campers, Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara has tent and RV sites with hookups, and is 15 minutes up the coast from downtown Santa Barbara. It's adjacent to sister property El Capitan Canyon, which has cabins and yurts. 'Visitors often describe [Santa Barbara] as a 'quaint' and 'beautiful' destination with a strong sense of place, more like a coastal experience,' says Kathy Burr, general manager at Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara. El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, in the Santa Barbara Hills, dates to 1918 with suites and private bungalows. There's also a spa and posh zero-edge pool. Detour from Portland, Maine: Biddeford Fish & Whistle was a James Beard semifinalist in 2025. Photograph by Andrew Dickinson via Fish & Whistle There are many compelling reasons to visit Portland, including endless lobster roll sightings. But Portland can also get crowded, especially in summer. Coastal Biddeford, 18 miles south of Portland on Saco Bay is also getting attention for its burgeoning food scene. In fact, Biddeford was named as one of America's 'small cities with big food scenes' by Food & Wine. Fish & Whistle (fish sourced only from Maine and New England) was a James Beard semifinalist. (Why this small U.S. city packs a big culinary punch) 'Biddeford has a rich history as a mill town, and now, it's Maine's youngest and fastest growing city,' says Rebecca Johns, general manager of The Lincoln Hotel, a boutique hotel with 33 guest rooms and rooftop pool in the revived Lincoln Mill. 'The food scene has exploded in the best way, with James Beard nods, reinvented historic diners, and new on-the-scene restaurants establishing Biddeford as a culinary destination, giving our neighbor to the north a run for its money.' There are other pursuits. 'Of course, eating your way through the city is a must,' says Johns, 'but don't miss out on strolling through downtown to shop or gallery hop or checking out the Biddeford RiverWalk and Fortunes Rock Beach.' Laurie Bain Wilson's work has been published in Next Avenue/PBS, Real Simple, OpenTable, Travel Channel, CNNTravel, Travel Market Report, Eat This, Chowhound, Parents, Salon, Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, New York Times and longtime correspondent at The Boston Globe. You can follow her at
5 days ago
4th of July travel likely to shatter records: What to expect
The Fourth of July holiday is fast approaching -- and it's going to be a busy one. A record high of 72.2 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the July Fourth holiday period (from June 28 to July 6), according to AAA. This is 1.7 million more people than last year and 7 million more than in 2019, according to AAA. Here's what you need to know before you to head to the airport or hit the highway: Air travel AAA anticipates a record 5.84 million passengers will fly domestically over the holiday -- a 1.4% jump from last year. Domestic airfare is averaging $260 round trip -- the lowest price in four years, according to Hopper. International airfare is down, as well, with round trip tickets to Europe averaging $840. Thursday, July 3, will be the busiest day to leave for the holiday, according to Hopper and Expedia. Tuesday, July 8, will be the least busy and most affordable day to fly home, Expedia found. United Airlines said it projects Friday, June 27, and Thursday, July 3, to be its busiest days with about 580,000 passengers each day. Expedia said its most popular destinations are Las Vegas; New York City; Miami; Orlando, Florida; and Cancun, Mexico. Los Angeles and Seattle are also top cities, according to Hopper. Road travel This year is expected to be the busiest Independence Day ever on the roads. AAA projects 61.6 million people will travel by car -- a 2.2% increase from last year. But good news for drivers: Summer gas prices are the lowest they've been since 2021, according to AAA.
