Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/303885
Reliable souRces: Most of the big OTAs are based in the U.S. or Ontario, meaning they are not licensed B.C. agencies and not eligible for Consumer Protection BC's Travel Assurance Fund. Thus it becomes all the more important to check the OTA's rating with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) and, if the company is based north of the border, whether or not the firm belongs to the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (acta.ca). Get specific: Some travel booking sites offer a one-stop shop for everything from accommodations to car rentals, while others specialize in a specific area and may have access to better deals in, say, hotels only. It pays to explore options and compare offerings on different sites. Do youR ReseaRch: A resort may look perfect online, but those slick professional photos may not give you the real picture. If you're not familiar with a property or destination, check travellers' reviews on TripAdvisor or similar sites before booking. secuRe payments: Before entering your credit card details online, ensure that the link is secure by looking for the padlock symbol in the browser window frame (not on the web page itself). The site's address should also start with https: (the S indicates it's secure). And if you have installed the latest version of your web browser, the address bar should display as green. exchanGe savvy: Make sure you know which currency is being used. When hopping between websites, it's possible to lose track of whether quotes are offered in U.S. dollars or loonies. the papeR tRail: Keep a paper copy of all transactions, correspondence, confirmations and anything else related to your online book- ing such as the description of your hotel and the services and amenities to be included. This provides proof of your online booking. check the extRas: Some websites may offer options to add to your trip, such as excursions and activities, or trip cancellation and travel insurance. Don't feel pressured to bundle in an activity without checking whether the "deal" offers any real savings from booking it separately. And when it comes to protecting your trip, you may find that travel insurance purchased separately from another provider can offer coverage that better suits your needs. WheRe the money Goes: When making an online purchase, check the fine print to find out who will be charging your credit card and when. Is the online company charging you immedi- ately or forwarding your credit card number to a tour operator, hotel or airline for them to process? Knowing this information will help you check your credit card statement and ensure you aren't charged twice. the fine pRint: Always follow the agency's small-print instructions. If, for example, they say to confirm your flights 72 hours before departure, do it – and help assure yourself of a worry-free vacation. ℹ For a limited time, Members earn 10 CAA Dollars when booking a hotel or car rental at bcaa.com/booktravel hot topics online tRavel bookinG has come a lonG Way since the first reservation sites blinked onto computer screens in the mid-1990s. Today, travel has become the most-shopped item online, with 58 per cent of Internet users paying for hotels, airline tickets or rental cars. Providing consumers with a convenient option for booking travel, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are continuing to expand their services, even focusing on transaction peace of mind by now offering price-drop protection clauses and trip guarantees. Still, as with any online activity, a level of risk is involved in purchasing travel. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of booking a vacation online and do it securely: e-Travel Smarts Nine quick tips to help you book your holiday online with confidence by Rob Howatson 38 W e s t W o R l D >> S U M M e r 2 0 1 4 Masterfile p38-39_HotTopics.indd 38 14-04-15 12:20 PM