We all know them, and for quite some time now, we’ve all used and loved them. Online Travel Agencies, also known as OTAs are, on the surface, a really great way to research, plan and package your own trip with oftentimes deep discounts. So what’s the catch? Well, there’s a few.

Here's what they don't tell you about booking your trip with an Online Travel Agency.

If it sounds too good to be true... it probably is.

Ever notice that huge price difference between a hotel website and OTA (online travel agency)? That's because OTAs (like Booking, Orbitz, etc.) bulk-buy room blocks for a fraction of the nightly rate, then resell them just under market value. Kind of like trying to get concert tickets to the summer's hottest tour and finding it sold out anywhere but third-party sites. (I'm looking at you, Taylor Swift.)

The problem is that OTAs also charge hotels anywhere between 15%-30% commission, so hotels don't actually like dealing with them. Whenever you book a room via an OTA, you'll immediately be flagged as a budget traveler, and generally given a lesser quality room.

We've all done it! (Myself included.) It sounds like a great deal, and then we get stuck in an underwhelming room at the back of the hotel, looking longingly at the city or ocean views, wondering where it all went wrong.

But it'll still be cheaper, right?

Kind of..?

If you're booking a reputable hotel and just looking for a place to rest your head at a discounted price, then you'll probably be ok.

But if you find private lodging, vacation rental or less known boutique hotel, you run the risk of potential issues. We're talking from "lost reservations" to straight-up non-existent properties. I've seen it all. Unfortunately, false listings are not uncommon, and third-party sites don't always fully vet the properties listed on their platforms. This could leave you stranded in a strange country and having to find whatever hotel has last minute availability at an inflated cost.

Who needs that kind of stress? You're supposed to be sitting by the ocean, sipping on margaritas while the sun goes down, this is a vacation after all.

Forget about making changes or cancelling your plans

This is probably the biggest sticking point.

Because you did not book your room directly with the hotel, your reservation is owned and managed by the OTA. The hotel cannot and will not help you. You'll have to deal with the OTA, which means changes will be hard to make, and cancellations (when possible), will take ages to be refunded.

Also, many times those deeply discounted rates are actually non-refundable. So unless you had the hindsight of purchasing travel insurance, your hard-earned money is lost.

And if you booked a flight? Even worse. You'll be stuck in the middle because neither airline nor OTA will want to deal with the issue. Never, ever book a flight on a third-party site.

There's a better way

Book everything directly - your hotel, your flights and your rental cars.

Or better yet, use a travel agent/advisor. Think of us as an extension of the hotel's marketing team. When I send my clients to a property, the hotel will want to wow them so that the client reports back to me, and in turn, I send the hotel more clients.

It's the perfect symbiotic relationship where you're the prime benefactor. That is why many times I can get you perks, or the hotel will surprise you with an upgrade or special amenity at no additional cost. Your nightly rate will be the same, but the value I can bring to your booking is what sets the experience apart.

Looking to surprise your beau with roses or a bottle of wine to cap off a romantic evening? Chances are, I can make that happen but Booking won't.

Here’s a real-life example

This past month I spent two weeks exploring Portugal and Azores with my wife. I crafted us a whirlwind of an itinerary because that’s how we like to travel, but also weaved in a couple of nice hotels since balance is key. Nothing outlandish - no 5-star resorts or anything like that - just nice boutique properties part of my preferred partner network with Fora.

As an experiment, I booked them in my wife’s name so there was no indication that I was the client and would automatically receive extra attentive service as a travel agent. And I tell you, the difference was notable: extra attentive service, complimentary upgrades to junior suites on arrival, complimentary welcome drinks, complimentary fruit platter or treats and wine in the room, just to name a few. All because the bookings had been made direct and through my network.

Porto Cathedral, Portugal 2023
photo by Ana Santos

But what if something still goes wrong?

Should something happen with your reservation while you're on your trip, I'm only a text, email or phone call away. You won't have to wait on hold with an OTA's customer service and waste your precious vacation time. I'm a direct line to your hotel's management and concierge teams, who will be there to make things right.

And if there's an issue with a flight, by having booked it direct, you will be able to rectify it by speaking directly to the airline.

Bottom line

If you're traveling on a tight budget, the price difference between the OTA and hotel website is drastic, and the hotel is reputable - then go ahead! You'll probably be ok if you're confident in your travel plans and have purchased travel insurance.

If the difference isn't that much, then always book directly on the hotel website. At the very least, you'll have peace of mind when it comes to the handling of your reservation.

But if you want custom-curated recommendations that align with your travel style and get the VIP treatment you deserve, then use a travel agent like me. I'll take the time to get to know you so that your trip can be 100% customized to your liking.

Ready to make new memories? Click here to get started!

More Like Booking Dot Nope