ADVERTORIAL

Blame it on the sleek, professional look of the layout, the first time I visited – or rather “bumped into” (since I wasn’t specifically looking for an accommodation reservation service) – HolidayCity.com weeks ago, I was under the impression that the website belonged to an international company. (Don’t get me wrong; not that I underestimated the designs of local corporate websites!) Little did I know that it was actually a Malaysian leading online reservation service provider (with MSC Status, no less!), and I believed I wouldn’t have found out about it if I didn’t receive a surprise e-mail last Friday pertaining to their affiliate partnership programme.

I read it quite nonchalantly for the first time, for I thought it must’ve been a mistake. I mean, if my mind didn’t betray me, I didn’t think I ever applied for being an affiliate of HolidayCity before. If you have read one of my previous posts, you’d know that I have recommended HotelsCombined, a website on price comparison service for hotels. Even though I’m still new in blogging, particularly in the subjects that I cover, I do aspire to make The Restless Feet one of those authoritative blogs that people can look up to and relate with. Having HotelsCombined was enough for me; I’d rave about only selected products that I believe in rather than randomly taking many that I don’t put my heart into. I’ve done it before, but I’ve figured out that in the long run, it does nothing in reforming me into a credible blogger. HotelsCombined provides users a list of hotels with displayed rates for comparison. Apart from the latest prices, you can also check the availability on the spot. With over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants, you can get access to over 1.5 million of consumer reviews, 3 millions of hotel images, and 2 millions of hotel descriptions and maps – that’s what I meant when I said “the database of HotelsCombined is just amazingly, formidably huge.” I also like the fact that HotelsCombined is so easy to navigate.

Here’s the “however” part. HotelsCombined is not a reservation service provider, but merely a search engine, which means they don’t have the facilities for you to book the room of your preferred hotel on their website. You’ll only be directed to the official website of the hotel of your choice to proceed with the reservation. It can be a good thing, though, for users who are cautious about the security of their reservation.

I read the e-mail I received from HolidayCity.com over and over again, and probably at the tenth time that the message eventually registered in my head. I was actually invited to partner with HolidayCity.com through HolidayCity.com Affiliate Partnership Programme! I felt truly, deeply honored… especially at the mention of “after browsing your website”. They actually browsed my humble website!

Now, the more important point I’d like to emphasize is that: both HotelsCombined and HolidayCity may look similar on the surface, but they’re not the same. One prominent feature that makes the latter stands out is the capacity that allows user to book through their website without having to be redirected to the hotels’ official websites. Everything is in one place, and you can be assured that this happens securely because your personal information – such as billing address and credit card details – that you key in the booking page goes through the process of encryption to ensure maximum safety and security. Since its commencement in 1998, HolidayCity has served customers all over the world and many of them have repeatedly used the services. The website is very user-friendly, too; makes it even easier for first-timers. The whole process of planning a trip can be a headache, and you don’t need more things to make it complicated. And whether you’re a frequent or seasonal traveller, you do try to keep your budget as low as possible, and HolidayCity lifts your burden by not imposing upfront booking fees.

What are the great features of HolidayCity.com?

• Attractive discount rates.
• Fast and easy way to book accommodation online.
• Payment is made directly to the hotels.
• Wide variety of accommodation choices in more than 800 locations.
• Free reservation service with complete freedom to manage bookings.
• No membership required.
• Assistance from professional and helpful Customer Service Officers.
• Guest Reviews.

What else can you get out of HolidayCity.com?

• You can purchase travel insurance in the same website, eliminating the need to look for other policy providers.
• You can subscribe to their newsletter, and you’ll never miss all the promos and hot rates anymore!
• You can check out their Contest page, and at the time of writing, they’re running one where you stand a chance to win “a luxurious 3D/2N stay at Hotel Savoy Prague”!
• You can visit their Travel Guide page, and you’ll get access to numerous articles on… well, let’s see… what have they got there? Al-Musmak Castle in Saudi Arabia… Learning to Bargain in the Grand Bazaar in Turkey… Going on a Lord-of-the-Ring Tour in Wellington, New Zealand… The French Kiss and Other Things You Always Wanted to Know about France… The Wonders of Singapore’s Toilets… Lovely Day for a Guinness in Ireland… and the titles just keep grabbing your attention!

Hunting for the lowest price that suits your accommodation needs as well as making a reservation of the chosen hotel has never been more convenient! Should you need any assistance, the live chat system is available with staff ready to be at your service.