5 Times a Good Deal Really Isn't a Good Deal: Avoiding Buyer's Remorse

Matt at a rooftop party at Virgin Hotels Chicago

At Matt Travel, we work with travelers in different ways. Some of our clients have limited time and ask us to put a proposal together based on their desired trip. We go back and forth, adjusting the proposal until it meets their desires. Others, prefer to work hand in hand with us to design their trip. This sometimes leads us to vetting what they've found. Over the years we've developed a set of internal standards to help ensure a more pleasant travel experience for our clients.  We'll even tailor our recommendations based on your desired service level.

If you share a certain hotel or cruise line with us that you're interested in booking, we may inform you of several concerns before we secure reservations on your behalf. And for certain properties or ships, we may not work with them at all if their policies or quality of service isn't up to par. 

Where you lay your head at night can greatly influence your quality of rest and mood as you travel. In order to help ensure you have the best possible experience, accommodations and tours should be of a certain quality. Our commitment is to provide you with the best possible accommodations within your budget.

Here are 5 Times a Good Deal Really Isn't a Good Deal...
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1. Compromised Quality: 
A low price could involve sacrifices in quality or service. In the past couple of years I flew on a couple of budget airlines to evaluate the service and see if they could be a good option for some my clients. On both occasions from two separate airlines, the policies and procedures made for a frustrating experience. Traveling cheaper might mean less comfortable accommodations, limited amenities, or poorer service.
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2. Misleading Deals: 
Sometimes, what is advertised as a deal is merely a marketing gimmick. Prices are sometimes inflated prior to a “discount,” resulting in no real savings. Recently, I priced a cruise for a client and a few weeks later I re-priced it on Black Friday to find that the rate increased rather than decreased.

A recent trend of travel companies these days is putting a counter on their website ticking down the time you have until the deal is no longer available. Guess what? Rates and availability can change even before the clock counts down and oftentimes the promotion lasts much longer than the counter suggests. At Matt Travel we don't like pressure sales tactics.

3. Location Disadvantages:
A great hotel deal might be in an inconvenient location far from attractions or public transport. Savings on accommodations can lead to higher transportation costs or less time to enjoy destinations. I learned this the hard way when I first started traveling decades ago. I booked a nice hotel with a great rate. Soon after I checked in, I discovered it was far from the city center in Paris and I ended up walking hours back and forth to all the main attractions or taking the the metro when I could. Not a great option if you love the nightlife and like to boogie. 

4. Uninsured Risk:
Omitting travel insurance coverage might initially appear cost-effective. There are two main reasons we always recommend travel protection at Matt Travel. One, a tragedy strikes and you need to cancel your plans. Travel protection will reimburse you for covered reasons. Two, you encounter an unexpected health issue during travel such as falling and breaking a bone. Click here for 10 reasons travel protection is a smart idea. 

5. Questionable Reputation:
A deal from an unfamiliar or poorly reviewed company might be pretty sus. At Matt Travel, we only recommend reputable companies that we have built strong relationships with. 

Matt Wahlgren

ADVISOR / aGENCY OWNER

I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience

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