How to shop for best holiday packages online

Nikhil Walavalkarmoneycontrol.com

With an increase in internet penetration, travel and tourism have benefitted a lot. There are many websites offering holiday packages online and many tourists too are seen opting to go online to plan their vacations. While we are rather used to negotiate with the good old tour operators in neighbourhood, shopping online for a holiday package can be an altogether different experience for many. Here are some tips that can help you pick up the best holiday package online that not only suits your requirement but also comes at the best price.

It begins with you: Most travel experts point out that you should clearly define your destination, the type of travel, type of accommodation, number of days you intend to spend on vacation. You should also make it clear with your family if you want to be a part of a group tour or a customized one for yourself. While searching packages online and comparing them with each other, this list can help you buy something that you want and not what the travel company want to sell.

Price is not everything: Many travel portals offer to search packages based on price payable. "Price is definitely an important point for most buyers, but never solely depend on price of a holiday package while shopping online," says Deepak Jain, manager data and analytics, PhocusWright - a travel industry research entity. Picking the cheapest package can spoil your vacation if you ignore the contents of the holiday package.The inclusions and exclusions: "When comparing the package know what a package includes and excludes - places you intend to visit, entrance fees, airport transfers, meals to name a few," says Amit Taneja, chief revenue officer, Cleartrip.com - an online travel company. A package may quote a low price if it has excluded some of the facilities that some other costly package is offering. For example, a package that comes with all meals option generally comes at a higher price tag than one that offers only breakfast. You have to pay for the facilities that you are going to enjoy. If you are comfortable paying for it in advance, it makes sense to go for an all inclusive package. Those who want some amount of flexibility may want to go for packages that offer the basic facilities. For example, an individual who is keen to explore food options may opt for breakfast only package and won't go for all meals option. If you are keen on sightseeing, you should ensure that local sightseeing is included in the package.

Ponder over finer details. "While booking packages it is important to understand the hotel property you could be choosing. Prices for a destination could vary a lot depending on the accommodation being a three star budget property or a five star luxury property," says Sharat Dhall, president, yatra.com an online travel company. Packages may come at a relatively lower price if it offers you hotels in remote locations or too old properties which may not be preferred by most tourists. But how do you know that you are being given the best option?

Know more about it: "Check the reviews posted by other tourists on various websites and travel blogs. This can offer you an independent opinion about hotel properties, sight-seeing options at a particular destination," says Deepak Jain. You may also want to check the deals listed on websites such as Wego, which claim to offer deals listed across travel websites.If you are still not sure about the holiday package you have bought and you want more information about it, do call up the customer service of the travel operator. There is no point making convenient assumptions while booking a holiday package.

Deals do exist: Many times travel companies tie up with individual properties or other operators to ensure attractive rates. You too can cash-in on these deals if you take right steps. "Booking your trip more than 90 days in advance offer you better deals with more options. Also keep looking for promotional codes offered," says Sharat Dhall. This can reduce the price you pay. Travel sites are also trying their best to get some space in your mobile phone. "Special discounts are offered if one books his holiday package using mobile applications," says Amit Taneja.

You may also want to negotiate while buying a holiday package, especially when you have a large group travelling. But do not negotiate to reduce the price, as the margins are thin given the fierce competition, say most experts. Instead ask for some extra facility at reduced rate, for example, an extra day at a particular destination, or inclusion of meals or insurance when you are travelling overseas.

If you have affiliate credit cards you stand to benefit in the form of discounts, EMI on cards arrangements and reward points or air-miles. Put simply, if you are willing to do some leg work, it is easy to spot the best holiday package online.