In a great article on pet Internet peeves- PC world has identified the 10 most annoying things in webosphere! One is forced to agree with most of them, but here are a few specific to the travel industry:
- Tons of flash on homepage and reservation button tucked away in an obscure place
- Sites that don't mention a toll-free # in their contact us page
- Sites that don't upate their location information or maps
- No mention of destination on the home page
- Forms that require you to type in long detailed info to search a room
- Sites that have terms and conditions running into several pages
- Cancellation terms with ambiguous language
- No email confirmation of a booking
- Not showing taxes until checkout or not showing them at all
- Requiring customers to book online and then call to "verify" information
- Requiring customers to check back "later"for better deals because the website is currently undergoing maintenance
- Not allowing customers to search without registration
- Asking customers to book a room through live chat!
There are many more annoying things travel sites do in the name of design. Unreadable font, extra bright colors, slow-loading videos, no print-friendly button, no "remember me " button so that a visitor who didn't register can return to their preferences on that website.
Vijay is Chief Operating Officer and part-founder of Apple Core Hotels- a chain of 5 midtown Manhattan hotels offering value and comfort in the heart of the city.Member of the board of Directors - Hotel Association of New York. www.vijaydandapani.com 
