How To Spot Fake Travel Deals And Book Smarter Every Time

Last Updated:January 18, 2026, 11:49 IST

Fake travel discounts are everywhere. Here’s how to book smarter, spot red flags, and choose real value over urgency.

Booking smarter now simply means looking beyond the price tag.

In an era of flash sales, countdown clocks, and eye-popping discount percentages, travel booking has become less about planning and more about resisting pressure. What looks like a once-in-a-lifetime deal is often a cleverly disguised markup, designed to push travellers into impulsive decisions. As travel rebounds and becomes more intentional, savvy travellers are learning to pause, question, and book with clarity.

Booking smarter today isn’t about chasing the lowest price; it’s about knowing when a discount is real and when it’s simply noise.

The Problem With Deals That Look Perfect

“Scam sites often mimic real brands while advertising inflated discounts that do not actually exist,” warns Bernard Corraya, General Manager at Wego India. He emphasises that verifying official sources is the first and most critical step. “Always book through official airline or hotel websites, or reputable aggregators, and double-check URLs for HTTPS security and common misspellings,” he adds.

False discounts often rely on speed. “Be cautious of urgency tactics like limited-time 80 per cent off. These are designed to rush decisions rather than offer real savings,” Corraya adds.

1. Compare Prices, Not Promises

A single price check is never enough. Corraya advises travellers to use price comparison tools to cross-check the same itinerary across multiple platforms. This helps expose artificially inflated “original prices” that make modest discounts look dramatic. Genuine deals tend to appear consistently across platforms, not in isolation.

2. Look Beyond The Listing Photos

Reviews are no longer optional; they are essential. “Check recent, verified reviews on independent platforms such as Google Reviews,” Corraya suggests, particularly those with photos and matching check-in dates. He also recommends using reverse image search to identify reused or stolen visuals, a common tactic among fraudulent listings.

Legitimate properties, he notes, usually have consistent ratings, original imagery, and detailed feedback across multiple platforms.

3. Confirm Before You Commit

When an offer feels unusually good, direct verification can save both money and stress. “If unsure, contact the hotel or airline using an official phone number or email,” Corraya says. Importantly, travellers should search for contact details independently rather than relying on the deal site itself.

A lack of transparent customer service channels is a red flag. “Avoid platforms that hide contact details or rely only on forms or messaging apps,” he cautions.

4. Pay Securely Or Walk Away

Payment method matters as much as price. Corraya strongly advises using credit cards for added protection and dispute options. Requests for wire transfers, crypto payments, or off-platform payments, especially when paired with pressure tactics, should immediately raise concern.

Booking Smarter Is About Value, Not Velocity

For Radhika Shubangi, Co-founder of Skaya, the idea of smart booking has evolved beyond discounts. “For the longest time, travel has been sold to us as a game of who gets the cheapest deal. But today, people are travelling to feel something, to belong somewhere, and to return with stories – not just photos,” she says.

She notes that flashy discounts and ticking countdowns are losing their appeal. “Travellers want to know what’s actually included, who is curating the trip, and whether the experience will stay with them long after it ends,” she adds.

Instead of rushing, she encourages travellers to pause and assess value – what’s included, who’s running the experience, and how past travellers have felt about it. As travel becomes more personal, from wellness retreats to community-led journeys, smart booking is no longer about winning a deal. It’s about choosing experiences that align with intent, safety, and authenticity.