AmyHuang
Are those group buying travel deals worth it?
Haven't done one of these posts for a while, and since I am not currently travelling I thought I might start again.
Every since these group buying website started it has become a phenomenon. It started with just one website and now I can count at least ten that operate deals for Sydney. However with every business that run on a time limit and lots of terms and conditions, there are bound to be complaints and I can say that I personally have been left disappointed by unethical businesses that never delivered.
However, does that mean I gave up on them? No. In fact, I think it's great that we have such websites available. It gives you the opportunity to try something different, something that you may not normally be able to afford, and as long as you read the terms and conditions and understand your risks and purchase limits, most of the transactions are fine.
Let's talk travel deals. More and more hotels and tour companies are using group buying sites to advertise their services, especially with the economic downturn that travel bookings have decreased compared to previous years. I personally have utilised the deals for various weekend stays and even for overseas trips and they all have been fantastic.
For example, when we went to Bangkok last year we were able to stay at the Banyan Tree hotel for only $100 per night. Let's say, I would never have been able to afford the normal $350 per night price the hotel normally charges! We have also since been to Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Melbourne on these deals and the experience had been absolutely fantastic.
Yes, there are compromises to be made. Deals are almost never available for you to book during school holidays, public holidays and peak travel periods such as during December. They also have a short time period most of the time, such as you must book within three month and travel within six month for example, and you have to pay in advance (Pretty much the same with all other travel sales that normally happens).
All these limitations aside, if you do not have to travel during any of the busy season and just wanted a week's break somewhere, and that your time is flexible, I don't see why these deals can't work for you.
Points to consider before purchase:
1. What are the travel periods? Can I travel during the specified times?
2. When will I need to book by? Make sure you start planning this trip as soon as you purchase your voucher so you definitely have something booked in. Think about it, you were looking at the deal for a reason - you obviously need a holiday, so why not start planning one as soon as you get the deal?
3. Is the deal definitely worth it? Some deals may include rounds of golf, massages and various other activities, but they may not always be worth it if say, you don't even play golf. Calculate the value - if the hotel normally has a room for $100 and the deal is advertising $150 that include a round of golf and a bottle of wine, then you might want to reconsider buying the deal as it'll be no benefit to you.
4. Think about the additional travel costs that will incur if you were to take this holiday. No point buying a deal for $200 for a week in Bali if you can't afford airfares to Bali. You might as well get the $300 deal for four nights in Brisbane.
5. Check and double check the terms and conditions!
I know there has been many complaints about these group buying websites, but don't give up just yet! There is a reason why these deals exist, is so that they get your repeat business in the future. Most of the deals are legitimate and great value.
Happy travels!
Every since these group buying website started it has become a phenomenon. It started with just one website and now I can count at least ten that operate deals for Sydney. However with every business that run on a time limit and lots of terms and conditions, there are bound to be complaints and I can say that I personally have been left disappointed by unethical businesses that never delivered.
However, does that mean I gave up on them? No. In fact, I think it's great that we have such websites available. It gives you the opportunity to try something different, something that you may not normally be able to afford, and as long as you read the terms and conditions and understand your risks and purchase limits, most of the transactions are fine.
Let's talk travel deals. More and more hotels and tour companies are using group buying sites to advertise their services, especially with the economic downturn that travel bookings have decreased compared to previous years. I personally have utilised the deals for various weekend stays and even for overseas trips and they all have been fantastic.
For example, when we went to Bangkok last year we were able to stay at the Banyan Tree hotel for only $100 per night. Let's say, I would never have been able to afford the normal $350 per night price the hotel normally charges! We have also since been to Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Melbourne on these deals and the experience had been absolutely fantastic.
Yes, there are compromises to be made. Deals are almost never available for you to book during school holidays, public holidays and peak travel periods such as during December. They also have a short time period most of the time, such as you must book within three month and travel within six month for example, and you have to pay in advance (Pretty much the same with all other travel sales that normally happens).
All these limitations aside, if you do not have to travel during any of the busy season and just wanted a week's break somewhere, and that your time is flexible, I don't see why these deals can't work for you.
Points to consider before purchase:
1. What are the travel periods? Can I travel during the specified times?
2. When will I need to book by? Make sure you start planning this trip as soon as you purchase your voucher so you definitely have something booked in. Think about it, you were looking at the deal for a reason - you obviously need a holiday, so why not start planning one as soon as you get the deal?
3. Is the deal definitely worth it? Some deals may include rounds of golf, massages and various other activities, but they may not always be worth it if say, you don't even play golf. Calculate the value - if the hotel normally has a room for $100 and the deal is advertising $150 that include a round of golf and a bottle of wine, then you might want to reconsider buying the deal as it'll be no benefit to you.
4. Think about the additional travel costs that will incur if you were to take this holiday. No point buying a deal for $200 for a week in Bali if you can't afford airfares to Bali. You might as well get the $300 deal for four nights in Brisbane.
5. Check and double check the terms and conditions!
I know there has been many complaints about these group buying websites, but don't give up just yet! There is a reason why these deals exist, is so that they get your repeat business in the future. Most of the deals are legitimate and great value.
Happy travels!
 Add Comments
|
|
Comments (2)
