The dizzying world of booking online
Even a seasoned travel professional and traveler like myself finds the “choice market” overwhelming. We’re bombarded with push notifications, advertisers gaining preference, Facebook listening in on our conversations to be served up ads, Instagram envy, booking direct, bundling with online travel agencies like Expedia, tour operators …and it goes on and on.
In The New York Times article noted that dynamic pricing is only continuing increase, which has been going on for many years now. The breadcrumbs that we leave around on the internet are translating into manipulation in pricing and preying on our Google searches.
While I’m not a fan of that kind of real-time influx as the product surely doesn’t improve or devalue at the same time that you’re paying $150 more than your seat-mate on the flight, I do get that businesses must survive, increase staff wages, and enjoy quality of life too. But there has to be a happy medium. Daily resort fees have become the new “f you” to travelers, at not just resorts, hotels, motels that can add up to the equivalent of an extra hotel night stay or more.
There’s no easy fix to it all as it gets more complex with AI, innovation and automation, but there are agencies and associations fighting for the consumer - pushing lawmakers to regulate certain egregious practices. It’s exhausting having to be an informed consumer and jack of all trades.
While this all plays out, one thing the traveling public can do: use a travel agent. I’m not just saying that because I am a travel advisor. It’s because the hospitality business has always been about people and personal relationships. Customer service. Making you an individual in a sea of millions, no matter if you hold an elite status or loyalty program memberships. I don’t know about you, but I like being seen.
And all that preface was not to deter you, but to enlighten you and let you know that the travel advisor works for you. Not the internet.
Fill out a traveler intake form to kick-off a conversation and help you travel more! That is the ultimate goal.