Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Travel on Third-Party Sites

LATEST NEWS
Best Airlines of 2025 – What You Need to Know

✈️Delta takes the top spot once again, thanks to its strong on-time record, solid inflight experience, and reliable loyalty perks, according to The Points Guy (TPG). United impressed with its frequent flyer program and improved service.

 Southwest led in low fees and domestic reach, though changes like ending “bags fly free” could impact future rankings.

Alaska stood out for its family-friendly policies and valuable lounge access. At the bottom, American and Frontier struggled with customer experience and reliability. Looking ahead, expect more changes as airlines update Wi-Fi access and loyalty programs.

TRAVEL TIPS
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Travel on Third-Party Sites

Booking through sites like Expedia, Priceline, or Booking.com can be convenient—but they’re not without risks. One of the biggest misconceptions is assuming these platforms always offer the lowest prices. In reality, prices are often the same as on the airline or hotel’s own site—and booking directly may even reveal hidden fees third parties leave out.

Another major pitfall is missing the 24-hour cancellation rule. U.S. law requires airlines to offer full refunds within 24 hours—but only if you book directly with them. Most third-party sites don’t have to honor this rule.

Loyalty points also might not count when you book through a third-party site. Even if you enter your frequent flyer or hotel rewards number, you’re not guaranteed points or perks.

Lastly, making changes or cancellations through third parties can be a headache. Your contract is with the booking site, not the airline or hotel—meaning you’ll need to go through them for help, which can delay resolutions.

Always read the fine print, check reviews, and double-check your travel details before clicking "confirm." When in doubt, consider using third-party sites for research, then book directly for peace of mind.

WONDER!
Why Early Flight Check-In Matters?

Checking in for your flight as early as possible—usually 24 hours before departure—can make a big difference. It gives you a better shot at choosing a window or aisle seat, especially if you didn’t select one when booking. If the flight is oversold, late check-ins are more likely to be bumped. For those checking bags, early arrival is crucial—most airlines require bags to be dropped at least 45 minutes before departure, or they might not make the flight, even if you do.

Early check-in also positions you better for potential upgrades, since airlines often consider the time of your request. Some airlines offer automatic check-in options for extra convenience, like Southwest’s EarlyBird or Singapore Airlines’ online tools. While online check-in is fast and easy, don’t forget to still arrive early at the airport—especially for international travel. A few extra minutes can go a long way.

PASSPORT
Why Your Passport Should Never Go in Your Carry-On?

🛂When flying, always keep your passport on you or in your personal item—never in your carry-on. Why? Because if your carry-on gets gate-checked at the last minute (which happens often these days), and your passport is inside, you could be in serious trouble. You’ll need it to go through immigration before you’re reunited with your bag. No passport = missed flights, entry denial, or costly delays.

Even if your bag stays with you, it’s still risky. In-flight theft is real, and so is “vacation brain”—it’s easy to forget your bag on the plane. One U.K. couple left theirs behind and ended up being sent home.

The best move? Use a zippered pocket, belt bag, or crossbody to keep your passport secure and accessible at all times. It’s a small habit that prevents major travel stress.

TRAVEL FRAUD 
Top Travel Destinations Where Scams Are on the Rise, According to Mastercard

⚠️ A new Mastercard study reveals that travel fraud is booming, especially at top tourist destinations. Cities like Cancun, Hanoi, Dhaka, and Bangkok see the highest levels of scams, while San Francisco, Seoul, and Dublin rank among the lowest.

Fraud spikes by 18% in summer and 28% in winter, often starting before your trip—think fake bookings, scammy deals, and manipulated photos. Once you arrive, be wary of tour operators offering ultra-low prices, fake travel agencies, and bogus accommodations.

Hong Kong, Barcelona, and Delhi are hotspots for fake tours, while Jakarta and London see high rates of taxi and rental car scams. Even vacation rentals in places like Phuket and Antalya are often targeted with phony listings.

Bottom line: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Travel smart—pack a little skepticism with your sunscreen.