Top 10 travel booking portals for summer 2024

With summer holidays approaching, the travel itch among Germans is at an all-time high. For those who prefer spontaneous travel plans, the plethora of options available online is a blessing. Renowned portals like Expedia and weg.de, tour operators such as TUI and Dertour, as well as meta search engines like Check24 and Ab in den Urlaub, offer a vast array of choices. A study has reviewed ten popular portals, focusing on the ease and safety of booking a package holiday online.

The pros and cons of online travel booking

Advantages:

Convenience: Booking online eliminates the need for a physical visit to travel agencies. Travelers can browse and book from home or on the go, anytime.

Variety: The internet provides access to numerous portals with diverse tour operators and destinations. This allows travelers to tailor their trips to their preferences.

Reviews: Online travel portals often feature customer reviews, aiding travelers in making informed decisions based on others’ experiences.

Disadvantages:

Lack of personal advice: Online booking lacks face-to-face interaction with a travel advisor. Queries are usually handled via email, chat, or phone, which may not be as satisfactory.

Reliability: There's a risk regarding the trustworthiness of online providers. It’s essential to research thoroughly and ensure the provider's credibility.

Technical Issues: Occasionally, technical glitches can occur during the booking process, leading to uncertainties about booking confirmation.

Performance of the booking portals

1st Place & Test Winner: Check24 Vergleichsportal Reise GmbH

2nd Place: TUI Germany GmbH

3rd Place: Ab in den Urlaub (Invia Travel Germany GmbH)

4th Place: Holidaycheck AG

5th Place: Weg.de (Comvel GmbH)

6th Place: DERTOUR (DER Touristik Deutschland GmbH)

7th Place: Expedia, Inc.

8th Place: Opodo Germany

9th Place: Holiday Pirates (HolidayPirates GmbH)

10th Place: Sonnenklar.tv (Euvia Travel GmbH)

Types of travel portals

Tour operators: Portals like TUI and Dertour act as the direct organizers of travel packages. The booking contract is with the provider, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Agents: Portals such as Check24 and weg.de act as intermediaries, handling the booking process but not serving as the contractual partner. Different terms and conditions may apply, so it’s crucial to review them carefully.

Meta search engines: Platforms like Urlaubspiraten list offers from various agents, redirecting users to the original provider for booking. This can be advantageous for finding exclusive deals.

Navigating online travel deals

Travel portals often market their offers as unique bargains to prompt quick decisions. However, tests reveal that identical travel deals show minimal price variation across portals. For instance, a TUI trip on Ab-in-den-Urlaub had the same price on TUI's own site, albeit less prominently advertised.

Portals also use tactics like displaying recent bookings or limited availability messages to create a sense of urgency. It's essential not to rush; there are usually plenty of booking options available or comparable alternatives.

Online travel booking offers unmatched convenience and variety, but it requires careful consideration and research to ensure a smooth experience. By understanding the types of portals and being wary of marketing tactics, travelers can make informed choices and enjoy a stress-free summer holiday.