An online booking engine is a set of technical solutions that will allow a user to book his / her stay on the website of a hotel for example.

While most online travel bookings go smoothly, it is important to consider the following pitfalls before clicking the “book” button.

Online travel booking sites or inspiring stories site are not always as effective as you might think.

1. Lack of customer service

Online reservations for rental cars, airline tickets and hotels do not offer the same tailored services as those offered by travel agencies that do more for their customers than booking their tickets. Agents act as advisers offering advice on destinations and planning complete itineraries.

Online booking sites can not offer this level of service and the traveler is solely responsible for planning their trip.

If you are unsure about creating your own itinerary, you should consider using the services of a travel agency rather than booking your trip online.

2. Low rates, but not always the lowest

Travel sites are popular because travelers believe they have the power to compare prices and find the best rates. This is only true for the airlines and hotels that work with these sites. Smaller and often cheaper places will not be offered.

Travelers who rely solely on online bookings may not get the best deals.

In many cases, it is often cheaper to book the hotel directly and fly to the companies themselves, as they often have special offers that only appear on their own websites.

3. Imprecise reservations

Whenever you use a third party source to make your reservations, you may be faced with a lack of communication between the travel site and the provider.

For example, some hotels do not automatically notify travel sites when a room or package is no longer available. Some customers book services to find out later that they are no longer available.

4. Unfair treatment

Despite the existence of travel complaint sites, travelers who book directly with hotel staff are often better treated. They are the first to get information on the best rooms, gifts and special offers.

Customers of travel sites are often seen as temporary guests, while guests who book directly with hotels are considered loyal customers more likely to return.

5. Delays of notice of cancellation

Travel sites are supposed to alert customers when flights are cancelled, but sometimes these alerts are not sent on time. Travellers must purchase new tickets for another flight if an exchange is not made, which may result in unforeseen expenses.

Be proactive in planning your trip and call hotels after making a reservation to confirm the availability of your room and take the time to call the small airlines to inquire about the price of their tickets. Adopt this same approach with hotels also because they often offer special rates for customers who call directly.