Booking travel plans on line clicks for a lot of people

Research from the Travel Industry Association indicates that a majority of online travelers (78 percent, or 79 million Americans) turned to the Internet for travel or destination information last year – much higher than the 65 percent of online travelers the year before.

Survey findings also indicate that 82 percent of travelers who plan their trips online now also book reservations online as websites promote secure credit card payment features.

As online booking increases, hotels and resorts are developing more creative and user-friendly websites. Online travelers visiting the Boca Raton Resort & Club’s website (www.bocaresort.com) can now book both airline and room reservations, golf tee times and request spa treatments and dining reservations.

Travelers are turning to the Internet to plan and book trips in greater numbers than ever before, and it has become increasingly obvious that the way we sell and distribute travel has changed. Brochures and sales materials are still available, but travelers can get a better feel for room types and other hotel amenities with virtual tours of rooms directly from hotel and resort websites.

Website popularity

And with the increases in online travel planning, other planning sources have declined, such as traditional travel agents.

The most popular types of websites used for travel planning are online travel agency web sites such as Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline (67 percent); search engine web sites such as Google or Yahoo! (64 percent) and company-owned websites for airlines and hotels (54 percent).

Another great resource for online travel planners is destination websites, such as those maintained by convention and visitor bureaus. Online travel planners generally check several websites and then follow up with phone calls to ask questions and get more information.

Many travelers are also checking websites where visitors provide evaluations of their vacations such as Trip Advisor.

Airline tickets, accommodations and rental cars continue to be the top three travel items booked online. However, a growing number of travelers are now also booking cultural event tickets, theme/amusement park tickets, travel packages and tickets for sporting events as part of travel plans.

Local attractions are using the Internet to advantage and visitors to Boca Raton can print out maps of Mizner Park and Town Center shopping information, or book concert or museum tickets before they even leave their homes.

Women top planners

When it comes to leisure travel, women are more likely to be online travel planners and bookers. Women now outnumber men online and women are more likely to plan and book vacations.

As a result, companies are targeting marketing efforts toward women and families. Hotel and resorts like the Boca Raton Resort & Club are appealing to women with luxurious spa services, a variety of restaurant and dining options, health and fitness activities and classes such as Pilates, yoga, zumba and aquarobics.

The Resort has also added a healthy spa menu and juice bar as well as offering organic spa products in the spa shop. Families can take advantage of Camp Boca for children, and Parents’ Night Out babysitting services give parents a chance to have dinner or attend a concert on their own.

By making websites as user-friendly and creative as possible, hotels and resorts can help travelers make informed choices. With a little Internet savvy, you can put together the vacation of your choice with the click of a mouse.

Carole Boucard is public relations director for the Boca Raton Resort & Club