How to Safely Book Holiday Accommodation Online

September 2024

The internet makes it incredibly easy to plan trips and book flights, accommodation, and transport online. However, there are also some bad actors: cybercriminals use fake websites and demand direct payments. Here’s how to ensure your dream holiday doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

1. Book on reputable websites

Use well-known and reputable booking platforms like Holidu. Large platforms have good security measures in place. The Trustpilot seal, with positive reviews, can also help you choose the right platform.

If you’re not booking through Holidu, check the website’s impressum (legal notice). In the EU, websites are legally required to provide contact details, tax numbers, and information about their commercial registration. Holidaymakers should check for a valid phone number and a commercial registration or VAT ID. However, having an impressum doesn’t fully guarantee the site isn’t fraudulent.

2. Check the price-performance ratio

An unusually low price compared to similar accommodations in the area could be a sign of fraud. If an offer seems “too good to be true,” exercise caution. A quick look at similar properties in the desired region can often help determine if the rental price is realistic.

Additionally, if a property has availability almost year-round, this may also indicate a fake listing.

3. Only pay through the platform

Generally, paying by credit card is particularly safe as it always allows for refunds. PayPal is also secure due to its buyer protection. If you choose to book through an established platform, the payment will typically be handled by the platform. A payment made through Holidu is secure: you pay directly to Holidu or a verified partner. In collaboration with authorised payment service providers, the money is held and transferred to the host before check-in. Should any payment issues arise, Holidu or the verified partner is your first and only point of contact.

Certain payments outside the Holidu booking process are only allowed if guests are informed before booking. This applies to local taxes or additional costs such as a security deposit, pet fees, parking services, Wi-Fi, gym use, or breakfast.

Be cautious of fraudsters: offers that promise large discounts in exchange for direct payment outside the system are often not legitimate.

5. Check photos and descriptions

Compare the photos of the property with the descriptions. If the photos look professional but the description is vague or unclear, this could be a warning sign. A reverse image search on search engines like Google or Bing can help you determine if the photos have been copied from other websites. However, it’s normal for the same property to be listed on several platforms, often at slightly different prices. The difference usually ranges between five and 15 per cent and is due to the fee structures of the booking platforms. But, as mentioned earlier, fake listings are often characterised by extremely cheap offers.

6. Report suspicious listings

Report suspicious listings to the booking platform immediately and avoid any transactions. Platforms take such reports seriously and thoroughly investigate the listings.

Here’s the link to our contact form: https://www.holidu.com/help/contact/form