To find the best travel deal is extremely
simple. In fact it is so simple most people miss the
concept entirely. Why? Because we are clicking
on listings on the first or second page of the search engines.
To make a long story short, to find the best
travel deals, put the keywords "discount travel" or "discount
travel to Maui" (or your destination) in the Google search
engine.
When you get to the result's page, go straight
to the bottom and click on page number 8, 9, 10 and up.
Find what you are looking for and then come back to page 1 and 2
and compare prices.
The "big boys" (as we call them) are the ones
who get the first and second page positions in the major search
engines. Why? Because, it takes time and resources to maintain
such positions. Having a functional web site is only half
the battle. The major task is "links" (extremely
time consuming if you don't have money) SEO, updating the site,
adding content and consistency.
The little mom and pop travel suppliers and
agencies don't have 50 people working full-time to make
sure they stay on the first or second page of Google ranking.
The smaller travel agency is earning a living from a select
group of clients that trust and reward them well. There
are lots of unbelievable "travel faxes" (Travel Promotions) that
come into those travel agencies.
Example: A very nice hotel in Reno, NV
listed high rise hotel rooms at $29.00 a night during the month
of April, midweek. Yes, they may have put a ad in the San
Francisco bay area newspapers, however, most people had no idea
that they could stay in Reno for 3 nights for less then $100
(not including tax)
Example: A small hotel in Hawaii has just been
renovated. It is NOT a 5 star resort, however, it is half
a block from the beach. Its clean, safe and includes coffee in
the morning! Room rate: $69.00 per night with a 4 night
minimum stay. I bet you didn't see that in the newspaper!
Well your travel agent knew about it. The advertising
budget did not allow them to put a $2500 ads in major newspapers
in major markets.
You get the picture. As long as the
Travel Agency is a legal business with Industry affiliations,
you can be assured that your vacation investment is safe. (If
you are concerned, purchase travel insurance) Don't be afraid to
pick up the phone and ask questions before you provide your
payment information. Try to use a credit card that will
provide you with support should there be any problems. If you
don't have a major credit card, set up a debt card for Internet
Travel purchases. You may be surprised what you will find
when you actually go shopping for discount travel bargains.
Article Resources:
American Society of Travel Agents
http://www.astanet.com/
Travel Faxes & Promotions- Put your Desired
Destinations in the Subject Line,
Email me Discount Travel Promotions
