Purchasing a Weekend Vacation is easier when you are informed and confident
If you've completed steps one and two, you now have a select short-list of excellent choices that meet your personal needs. It's time to go shopping.
Actually purchasing your weekend vacation is probably the most exciting part of the buying process, but there is a little work remaining if you want to maximize your purchase potential.
You know what you need and what options meet those needs, but you still have to decide which particular vacation, and from whom you will buy it. If you do have a couple of choices on a final short-list, you'll want to do some additional comparison shopping, so you can find the best deal. You also need to know what kind of final checks to make, and what questions you should ask before you sign on the dotted line or hand over that hard-earned cash.
Tip: Be sure to think about safety and security. Try to book all your reservations with a credit card. If you use a debit card, some companies have been known to double-charge accounts, which could then take weeks to recover. Credit cards provide you with a financial safety net.
How will you purchase the vacation?
Buyers now have a number of choices when it comes to buying a vacation. These can be broken down into two major options - in person or by remote purchase. Some people aren't comfortable with remote purchase options such as TV shopping networks or the internet, and prefer to buy directly from an actual travel agency or from the actual resort or provider.
Remote Purchase:
- TV - shopping network, regular advertisement, special offer
- Internet - travel agency, individual operators - airlines, hotels, tourist attractions, venues
In Person:
- Travel agency
- Individual operators - resorts, airlines, hotels, tour operators, other venues
Tip: Booking your weekend vacation online is one great way of taking some of the hassle out of driving around and collecting brochures from various travel agents. If the website includes a phone number, you can call to verify availability of rooms and that their advertisements accurately reflect what they actually offer. And, you might save money by booking for more than just one night in certain locales.
Each option has different advantages and disadvantages, and these may be influenced by your individual taste and previous buying experience. For instance, staff at travel agencies can usually offer the most knowledgeable advice, but on the other hand the prices can be more attractive through individual operators. Experienced salespeople can be invaluable if you are still unsure about whether to get a weekend vacation with all inclusive activities or one with no added extras.
Buying online can give you excellent opportunities to shop around and compare discounted prices - the major disadvantage being the problem of getting all the information you need on the accommodation or facilities on offer. Travel agents usually have photos and brochures and can discuss the amenities from first-hand experience. Carefully weigh up the pros and cons to determine which option is most suitable for you.
Tip: Remember, regardless of how a vacation package is offered for sale, if a deal sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
Choosing a seller
Many factors have an influence when deciding where to buy a weekend vacation, and these need to be weighed up; you may have a tight budget, in which case the sellers who offer the best prices will be most attractive to you. Alternatively, you may prefer to deal with a seller who has excellent customer service and employs knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. The major factors that need to be considered are presented below:
Choosing a
Seller Checklist
- Reputation - time established, fair dealing, complaints record, good name, reviews
- Price - discounts, specials, less for cash, bonus schemes, rebates
- Sweeteners - some sellers are more likely to add items to 'sweeten' the deal
- Extras - check what facilities, activities or other extras are offered
- Customer service - product knowledge, at point-of-sale, after service
- Support - phone hotlines, travel tips, troubleshooting and advice
Other considerations:
- Where possible look for members of professional associations or bodies
- A prior relationship with a company can be a big advantage
Tip: Online forums, blogs and review sites are excellent sources for finding out a seller's reputation for good service and fair dealing.
Once you have factored in all these different considerations, choosing who to buy from often comes down simply to your personal preference. It is important to buy from a reputable, reliable seller, as this offers you the most protection if something goes wrong.
Tip: Read online reviews from people who talk about their weekend getaway at anywhere you might be tempted to visit. Many websites also advertise and sell romantic getaway packages that may not include travel expenses, but will allow you to book a room or suite and even pay online.
Booking
There is often little to choose from between particular vacations and their sellers, and small things can make a real difference to your pocket and the satisfaction you gain in your purchase. It's a good idea to anticipate any issues associated with your purchase that might arise either immediately after buying the weekend vacation or while you are on vacation.
Many of these issues will only become significant if there is some kind of problem, but it's a good idea to investigate before you make your final purchase. Ask the seller about guarantees, as these can vary between sellers - some guarantees attract a fee, for instance.
Purchase and Aftersales Checklist
- Money back guarantee - unlimited, limited, time frame, what is covered, fees
- Insurance
- Refunds
Buying a weekend vacation can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Once you've worked your way through all three steps of the
Buyz123 three step guide you can buy exactly the right weekend vacation for your needs.
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