As more Indians travel domestically and internationally, booking a trip has become easier than ever, but it’s also easier to make costly mistakes. From waiting too long to book to overlooking hidden fees, small decisions can have a significant impact on both your budget and your travel experience.
Bernard Corraya highlighted that one of the biggest mistakes travellers make is waiting until the last minute to book flights during festivals, school holidays, or long weekends. Higher demand typically means higher fares and fewer flight options. “While occasional flash deals do exist, airfare and hotel prices generally rise closer to the travel date, particularly during weekends, festivals, school holidays and peak vacation seasons. Planning and booking in advance not only provides better pricing but also offers a wider choice of flights, accommodations and flexible itineraries,” added Karthik Venkataraman. “The cheapest fare isn’t always the best deal. Searching only from your nearest airport could mean missing better fares or more convenient flight options nearby.
Tip: Book domestic flights 3 to 6 weeks in advance and international trips 2 to 4 months ahead, especially for Diwali, summer vacations, Christmas, and New Year travel.
Budget tickets often exclude checked baggage, seat selection, meals, or flexible changes, making the final cost much higher than expected,” said Bernard Corraya.
5. Booking before checking visa requirements
Booking flights before confirming visa processing times or entry requirements can lead to unnecessary stress, unexpected delays, or costly itinerary changes.
