17.5 Secrets of Web Travel Sites
Booking a trip on an online travel site is convenient,but comes with its own set of problems.
1.They who's on a Mac and who's on a PC and who's going to spend more.
Last year,US travel research company Orbitz tracked people's online activities to test out whether Mac users spend more on travel than PC users.On average,Mac users lay out US$20-30 more per night on hotels and go for more stars.according to the Wall Street Journal.As a result,online•travel sites show these users more expensive travel options first.To avoid inadvertently paying more,sort results by price.
2.Their software doesn't always hook up to the hotel's system.
A guaranteed reservation is almost impossible to come by anywhere-but the risk of your flight or hotel being overbooked increases with third-party providers.The middle-man's software isn't immune to system errors,so always call the hotel or airline to make sure your booking was processed.
3.Don't be fooled by packages:Often,they're low-end items grouped together.
Ever notice how travel sites recommend a hotel,a rental car,and tour package all in one click?These deals usually feature travel that no one wants,like flights with multiple layovers.
Check the fine print.
4.You could miss out on loyalty points.
Third-party providers can get between you and frequent flyer miles or points.Many hotel loyalty programmes don't recognise external sites,others award only minimum points and exclude special offers,like double points on hotel stays.
5.Once your trip is purchased,you're on your own.
An online travel agency can't provide assistance the same way an agent can if a flight is cancelled or a room is substandard.Basically,when you arrive at the airport or hotel,you're just another client who booked at the lowest rate.
56.Which ofthe following is TRUE?B
A.Third-party providers can ensure your reservation.
B.Mac users are likely to spend more money than PC users.
C.An online travel agency functions the same as an agent.
D.Packages usually provide travelers with satisfactory programmes.
57.What's the purpose of the passage?D
A.To encourage readers to book a trip on an online travel site.
B.To make an advertisement about several travel sites online.
C.To convince readers not to book a trip on an online travel site.
D.To warn readers of some problems with booking trips online.
分析 本文介绍了游客旅行时,在网上预订车票,酒店时遇到的一些问题,目的是为了提醒读者注意这些问题,去旅行时要酌情考虑下在网上预订还是线下预约.
解答 56.B.细节理解题.根据文章"US travel research company Orbitz tracked people's online activities to test out whether Mac users spend more on travel than PC users…online•travel sites show these users more expensive travel options first."可知,实验证明,Mac用户的确在旅行上比PC用户花费更多.故选B.
57.D.主旨大意题.文章开头就提到"Booking a trip on an online travel site is convenient,but comes with its own set of problems"在线旅游网站预订很方便,但它有自己的一些问题.下文就是这些问题的详细介绍.因此本文目的是为了提醒读者注意在网上预订旅行的一些问题.故选D.
点评 本文为政治经济类阅读.政治类文章多采用记叙文形式,我们可采取"顺读法",以便抓关键语句,领会文章主旨;而经济类文章则多采用说明文形式,我们则可以采取"逆读法",先读试题,再从文章中查找有用信息. 阅读这类文章,也要抓住文章的核心,即文章整体和各段主要在说什么,也要注意段落之间的逻辑关系.