It's not taboo to look on page two.

Searching for accommodation to Book Direct.

Book Direct: These two simple words may appear straightforward, yet they are often perceived as too complicated. This perception often leads us to choose the convenience of an online booking site. Don't get me wrong; booking sites have their own appropriate time and place.

Booking directly can save money, but it involves a bit of research. Although it's not challenging, it does require time. This is why many find it more convenient to use online travel platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb for accommodations. However, these sites can sometimes provide a false sense of security. Both travel agents and online booking platforms operate on a commission basis, which is simple to understand. These commissions typically range from 15-20%, explaining the price differences across various sites.

But how can you find a property amongst the spider's web that's the internet?

Here's the strategy. Once you've identified your accommodation, be it a hotel, short-term rental, or apartment, it will show up on several websites. After obtaining the property's name, search for it directly on Google. It will appear multiple times at the top of the page as Google Ads. Expedia, VRBO, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor will consistently be listed first because these global companies pay for that prominence.

Remember this saying: "It's not taboo to look on page two"

While scrolling, you may come across the property's official website on page 2 or beyond. By examining the URL, you can recognise the accommodation's site. It may surprise you that numerous small, independent short-term rental operators now maintain their own websites. Naturally, major hotel and resort chains have a robust online presence.

The real effort begins now. Start by directly comparing prices with online booking platforms. You'll likely observe a significant difference with smaller operators such as short-term rentals and independent hotels. This is because these smaller operators aren't governed by multinational corporations. Conversely, if your accommodation is part of an international hotel chain, the price will probably be quite similar or slightly lower. This results from agreements these hotel companies have with multinational online sites, akin to wholesale prices offered by producers to retailers. Nonetheless, these hotels still must pay a 15-20% commission to the online booking site for each reservation. Thus, if you book directly on the hotel's website, they will naturally earn more from your reservation.

It is advisable to perform a reverse Google image search. This involves taking the primary image from the property's listing on a major website and uploading it to Google's Image search. The results will display all the websites where the image appears, often including lesser-known and independent booking sites. Exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar sites to ensure they are legitimate, but this search can also reveal if the image is used on the property's official website.

How can you obtain a lower rate by booking directly? Simply contact the hotel through email or phone and inquire. "We're planning a visit to your area; what can you offer for a 5-night stay in June?" It's as simple as that. Politeness and good phone manners can yield unexpected benefits. Room rates fluctuate with demand, so while hotels might not always offer substantial discounts, they could include perks like complimentary breakfast or a food-and-drinks voucher—advantages that might not be available through online booking sites.

In summary .....

1. Search and find the property you're interested in

2. Compare the prices of major online booking sites with direct websites, and remember, it's not taboo to look on page two of the search pages.

3. Contact the property directly and ask what they can do for you. You can do this for hotels, resorts, short-term rentals, and apartments.

4. Be polite, understanding and don't be afraid to ask, "Is there a better price you can do?"

Important note: When assessing prices and looking for better deals, make sure you're comparing similar options. A single hotel might offer various types of accommodations. For instance, a double room with an Ocean View will be priced differently than a double room with a Lagoon View. Clearly define your preferences and always review the cancellation policies, no matter where you book.

The idea of booking directly applies to tours and attractions as well. Many websites and apps provide tours and skip-the-line options for popular attractions. However, some of these tour providers, though not all, are known for making last-minute changes or cancellations. Remember that attractions like the Louvre in Paris or the Vatican in Rome offer tickets directly, often at a cheaper rate. Furthermore, certain locations, such as the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, sell tickets exclusively through their official websites.

About the Author

Unless otherwise noted, the author of this blog has no affiliation with any property or business linked in this blog. Unless otherwise noted, there is no free accommodation or payment from any businesses mentioned in this blog. The information contained in this blog is strictly the views of the author and not professional advice. The author of this BookDirect blog is a travel and tourism professional with over 30 years of experience in international hotel management, global travel, short-term rental management and a tourism awards judge specialising in accommodation and attractions.