Booking through Trip Advisor?

[Saltex]

Hi guys, I am looking to go to Germany in March, Now I want to know if it is perfectly fine for me to book my flights and hotel through Trip Advisor, like is it just a matter of me printing out the reciept pitching up at the airport and collection my ticket as if I were booking online from a South African agency?

Also a German visa requires health insurance, how do I go about getting this?

 

[Ms_S]

Hi guys, I am looking to go to German in March, Now I want to know if it is perfectly fine for me to book my flights and hotel through Trip Advisor, like is it just a matter of me printing out the reciept pitching up at the airport and collection my ticket as if I were booking online from a South African agency?

Also a German visa requires health insurance, how do I go about getting this?

Do you mean Germany?

Trip Advisor doesn't book flights or hotels, but directs you to the best deals from 3rd party sites. They aren't involved in the booking process at all, so always check the reviews of the individual websites selling the hotels or flights.

That said, it's always best to book directly with the airline.

 

[I.am.Sam]

if you have medical aid you need to ask them for travel insurance

and yeah trip advisor is exactly what the title says

best is to ask abzo for sites as well ..he knows

 

[chrisc]

Always check Trip Advisor's claims with a different source. Their recommendations for accommodation in New York for instance are way off the mark. Some of the establishments do not exist, or stopped catering for visitors years ago. I cross-checked my list with other websites and chose the Jewish B&B we stayed at that way. The owner told me stories about desperate visitors knocking at his door at 10.00 at night because the place they "booked" was no longer there

 

[Azbubu]

I've never used TripAdvisor so can't comment on that. Although when using any site that scours for flights, it's best to check the websites of the airlines they recommended and you're bound to find it for the same price or even cheaper there.

As for insurance, if you book flights with your credit card, travel insurance is automatically included.

 

[chrisc]

Yes, but the travel insurance (at least using a Nedbank c/card) is a bit limited in terms of the maximum amount and length of your trip. I found that I would be covered for 30 days, but the trip was for 45 days so had to get some top-up, which isn't terribly expensive. Having had bags disappear in the past I am careful to ensure the insurance is adequate.

 

[Azbubu]

Yes, but the travel insurance (at least using a Nedbank c/card) is a bit limited in terms of the maximum amount and length of your trip. I found that I would be covered for 30 days, but the trip was for 45 days so had to get some top-up, which isn't terribly expensive. Having had bags disappear in the past I am careful to ensure the insurance is adequate.

With Absa they insure you for the duration of your trip and the insurance amount depends on the type of card you used.

 

[werfie]

I always make use of momondo.com to book flights, it is similar to travelstart.com, they find the best priced flights for you and when you book, they basically redirect you to the airlines site to make the booking. Also use websites to find places you like and then visit the website of the place and make your booking with them directly.

I have used both ways and must say I have never had any problems and have pitched up all over the world, many times with only a printed voucher or reference number and it has always been honored, but I somehow just trust it more if you do it with the establishment directly, especially in European countries where there may be language barriers... it just makes misunderstandings and so on a lot harder to sort out, so rather be safe than sorry.

I also made use of travelinsure.co.za. They are very good and efficient. If your Medical Aid doesn't automatically include Travel Insurance, give these guys a try.

 

[Saltex]

I always make use of momondo.com to book flights, it is similar to travelstart.com, they find the best priced flights for you and when you book, they basically redirect you to the airlines site to make the booking. Also use websites to find places you like and then visit the website of the place and make your booking with them directly.

I have used both ways and must say I have never had any problems and have pitched up all over the world, many times with only a printed voucher or reference number and it has always been honored, but I somehow just trust it more if you do it with the establishment directly, especially in European countries where there may be language barriers... it just makes misunderstandings and so on a lot harder to sort out, so rather be safe than sorry.

I also made use of travelinsure.co.za. They are very good and efficient. If your Medical Aid doesn't automatically include Travel Insurance, give these guys a try.

Thanks Momondo works really well!!