Travel The World

Many people travel to Queensland for their Gold Coast
holidays. It is a popular tourist destination with a wide
range of accommodation choices. However, we often read
stories about people complaining about their holiday
experiences. There is nothing new about this - it happens
every year. Usually the accommodation has been the problem.
For example, a 'peaceful' holiday home turns out be on a
busy road. Another example is an expensive apartment that
advertised ocean views ends up having a glimpse of the blue
water from one corner of the balcony. Or perhaps there's the
'luxury' accommodation that has old and worn out decor, where
the mattresses on the beds are concave.

The problem is, with the rise of the internet, many people
are now booking independently rather than through tour
operators. The benefits of booking through independent
operators is that the accommodation rented out is of a much
higher standard than holiday makers could find through
larger tour operators. The other benefits are that it can
often save you money and offer more choice.

However, the risks of booking this way are that if things go
wrong, your options for settling it right, or for getting
compensation are limited - especially if it happens in
another country.

So how do you avoid the pitfalls of booking through
independent operators?

Talk before booking. People are usually far more candid when
talking one to one than when writing purple prose for their
website. You will get a gut feeling about whether or not
they are being honest with you. Telephone with a list of
questions about the property that are most important to you,
and confirm in writing after the conversation.

Check Google Earth or Google maps. This is a seriously
useful tool, allowing you, in many destinations at least, to
check a satellite picture of the property you are interested
in. You will be able to spot any eyesores or problems not
mentioned in the brochure or website description.

Look for virtual tours. Some accommodation providers supply
virtual tours of the apartments and holiday homes on their
books. Whilst photos may show only half the picture, it is
hard for a virtual tour to lie.

Ask for guest reviews. Have a look on the accommodation
website for an Guest Book that contains reviews from past
guests. This really is the best way to gauge the experiences
of people who have actually stayed at the particular Gold
Coast holiday apartment or executive home you are
considering renting. Past guests are likely to be honest
about their experience.

Select the ACTUAL apartment you wish to stay in when you
book. That way you can be confident that your accommodation
will have the exact style, amenities and position you are
looking for. Some Gold Coast holidays accommodation
providers supply photos of each individual apartment or
holiday home on their books, so you will be able to get a
clear picture of what to expect when you arrive.

By following these simple guidelines, you will reduce the
chances of experiencing any unpleasant surprises when you
arrive at your Gold Coast holidays destination.

About the Author:

Fiona Lewis is a representative of SunMore Holidays which is
a company that specialises in offering luxury holiday
apartments and executive homes at affordable prices on
Australia's Gold Coast. Would you like to stay in some of
the most popular Gold Coast resorts and enjoy the amenities
of these resorts - all at affordable prices? Discover the
amazing rates available for Gold Coast Holidays at =>
http://www.sunmore.com.au