Booking a holiday can feel overwhelming—endless tabs open, too-good-to-be-true deals, and conflicting advice everywhere you look. As an ex travel agent, I’ve seen exactly how the industry works behind the scenes: where the best value really is, what details travellers often miss, and which “cheap deals” can end up costing more in the long run. In this post, I’m sharing my insider tips to help you book smarter, avoid common mistakes, and get the most out of your holiday—whether you’re planning a family getaway, a luxury escape, or something in between.

 

Where should i book my travel?

After years of working as a travel agent, I’m here to share my insider tips and tricks—covering the places I recommend booking through, where to find the most competitive rates, and much more!

As a former travel agent with years of experience, I always encourage supporting your local travel professional whenever possible, as they bring invaluable expertise and personalized service to your planning process. That said, I completely understand that visiting a physical store or exchanging multiple back-and-forth emails isn’t always the most convenient option for everyone, especially in today’s fast-paced world. If you’d prefer the ease and efficiency of managing your bookings online, here are some trusted platforms that are well-known for offering highly competitive rates and a seamless user experience.

 

Flights

Skyscanner is one of the most reliable tools for finding affordable flights. It compares prices from thousands of airlines and online travel agencies in real time, giving you a wide range of options. Once you’ve found a fare you like, Skyscanner will then redirect you to either the airline’s official website or a trusted third-party booking site to complete your reservation. This makes it a fantastic starting point when you’re hunting for the best value and flexibility.

 

Google Flights is an incredibly powerful tool that simplifies the process of finding and booking flights. Its intuitive interface allows you to quickly compare prices across multiple airlines, track fare changes over time, and identify the most cost-effective travel dates for your destination. One of its standout features is the ability to explore flexible dates, helping you see which days of the week or times of year offer the best deals. I often use Google Flights in “planning mode” to map out my trips, determine the most convenient airlines, and make strategic decisions about when to fly. Beyond just price comparison, it provides useful insights like flight duration, layover times, and even alternative airports, making it an essential tool for both casual travellers and seasoned globetrotters.

 

Expedia is a convenient platform for booking flights, offering the ability to search, compare, and book from over 500 airlines in one place. It provides competitive pricing and the option to bundle flights with hotels or car rentals, often saving up to 30% when booking together. This makes it an efficient and cost-effective solution for planning an entire trip.

 

When searching for flights, it’s important to look beyond just the price. While a ticket may seem like a bargain, the cheapest fares sometimes involve routes that fly over countries or regions that are less convenient, or include long, awkward layovers and multiple connections that can add stress to your trip. Always take a moment to check the flight path and consider factors like total travel time, stopover locations, and airport quality. A slightly higher fare could mean a far smoother, faster, and more enjoyable journey, saving you time, energy, and potential frustration along the way. In short, don’t let a low price blind you to the overall travel experience — always make sure the route works for you.

Cheapest Places to find Accommodation 

Travel agents often have very competitive rates, and I’ve found that we frequently offered better deals than booking directly with the hotel or through third-party sites. One platform I found especially competitive was Luxury Escapes, which regularly had some fantastic offers.

When it comes to hotels, booking directly is usually the safest bet. Most properties prefer direct bookings and often provide the best perks or flexible cancellation policies. However, if you do find a cheaper rate elsewhere, many hotels will match it—or even offer an even better price—so it’s always worth checking.

When I worked as a travel agent, I often used Booking.com and Expedia to book villas, as we had agent logins that gave access to competitive rates. I found that no other platform offered the same range of options or prices. That said, it’s always worth checking directly with the property as well, since direct bookings can sometimes offer perks, added flexibility, or price matching to get you the cheapest rates. Some properties on Booking.com offer mobile-only prices, which are often unbeatable. I found that no other platform could match these rates, so it’s always worth checking if the property you’re interested in has a mobile-only option—these deals can be incredibly competitive.

 

If you sign up for a Booking.com account, you can unlock instant savings through their Genius loyalty program, with better perks the more you book. Simply creating an account gives you access to Level 1 benefits, and every stay, car rental, flight, or activity you book helps you level up. Expedia also works similar to this.

Booking.com Genius Levels

  • Level 1: 10% off select stays and car rentals (available to all account holders).

  • Level 2: 10–15% off select stays, plus free breakfast and free room upgrades at participating properties (unlocked after 5 bookings within 2 years).

  • Level 3: 10–20% off, free breakfast, room upgrades, and priority customer support (unlocked after 15 bookings within 2 years).

To get the best value, always make sure you’re signed in when searching, and look for the Genius logo on listings—this indicates exclusive rates and added perks. Some Genius deals can even be stacked with promotional offers for extra savings. Non-stay bookings such as tours, attractions, and car rentals also count toward reaching higher Genius tiers. Flexibility helps too: booking cancellable rooms or keeping an eye on last-minute deals can often lead to better prices. Even with Genius discounts, it’s smart to compare the final price with other platforms, as rates and inclusions can vary.

Expedia Rewards Tier

  • Blue: Free to join. Earn points on eligible bookings and access member-only prices.

  • Silver: Earned after booking 10 eligible nights in a year. Enjoy extra points and added perks at select hotels.

  • Gold: Earned after 25 eligible nights in a year. Unlock higher point earnings, room upgrades, late checkout (where available), and priority customer service.

With Expedia, points can be redeemed on future hotels, flights, car rentals, and activities, making it a great option if you book frequently or like to bundle your travel. As with any platform, always compare total pricing, inclusions, and cancellation policies before locking anything in—loyalty perks are valuable, but the best deal is the one that works best for your trip.

 

Agoda is a leading online travel booking platform known for offering some of the most affordable rates on accommodation, flights, and airport transfers—particularly across Asia and the Pacific. Based in Singapore, it’s well known for its competitive pricing, flash deals, and an extensive range of properties from budget stays to luxury resorts. It also provides flexible booking options, verified guest reviews, and a rewards program that helps travellers save on future trips. And while these deals are popular with the public, travel agents also have access to the same competitive rates, allowing them to secure great value for their clients.

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