Kari Mac Eoin
Ever spot the perfect hotel rate… then get hit with surprise booking fees that leave your jaw on the floor? We’ve been there - and we’re done paying hidden costs.
At Direct Booking Club, we believe travel should feel good from start to finish. But today’s booking experience? It’s full of smoke and mirrors. Let’s talk about what’s really going on - and what we’re doing about it.
The Travel Booking Trap
Booking platforms have become a game of pricing roulette - and the house always wins.
-
Fake urgency is everywhere. “Only 1 room left!”... until you refresh the page and it’s back.
-
Prices are inflated. Third-party platforms often add service fees and markups that quietly jack up your total.
-
Hotels lose too. These sites take up to 30% of each booking, which means less revenue for local businesses trying to survive.
📊 According to a 2024 study by Consumer Reports, travelers pay an average of 18–25% more when booking through third-party platforms.
That’s nearly $250 in extra costs on a $1,000 stay - and most people don’t realize it until checkout.
We’ve lived it.
We found a cute weekend rental outside Wimberley - listed at $189 per night. By the time we reached checkout, it ballooned to $257 with ‘service fees.’ Out of curiosity, we called the property directly. The owner offered us the same room for $179. That was the final straw.
Who We Are & What We Stand For
Direct Booking Club (DBC) is a travel membership created for people like us - people tired of unnecessary fees, shady tactics, and overpriced platforms.
We connect our members with exclusive, direct-to-hotel rates and hand-picked perks in Texas - starting in Central Texas and growing fast.
✅ No middlemen
✅ No platform markups
✅ No junk fees
Just real deals. Real hotels. Real savings.
Why We Started DBC
This isn’t a tech startup backed by investors. We’re two travelers - Texans, marketers, and explorers—who were fed up with the games.
We didn’t just want cheaper rooms - we wanted better experiences without feeling tricked. So we built the thing we wished already existed: a members-only club that rewards direct bookings and builds real relationships with hotels.
Our mission is simple: make travel more transparent, more rewarding, and more local.
Mini FAQ: Let’s Clear Things Up
Q: What makes DBC different from travel sites like Expedia or Booking.com?
A: We don’t take a cut or charge booking fees. DBC partners directly with hotels to create member-only offers—no strings attached.
Q: Do I book through DBC?
A: Nope. Our members get access to offers and book directly on the hotel’s own website. That means the hotel keeps more of your money, and you get more value for yours.
Q: Why are you starting in Central Texas?
A: We live here. We love it here. And we want to grow this club the right way - by building local connections before expanding across Texas and beyond.
So What’s Coming?
DBC members will get:
-
🎉 Hand-picked hotel deals you won’t find on booking sites
-
🧳 Travel tips and local guides curated just for you
-
🎁 Member perks like upgrades, free welcome drinks, and surprise extras
We’ve got big plans - and even bigger deals coming your way.
Want In Early?
Ready to skip the booking fees and travel smarter?
Join our Insiders List and get early access to:
-
✅ Zero-fee Texas travel deals
-
✅ Behind-the-scenes hotel perks
-
✅ VIP access when we officially launch
No commitment. Just better travel, made local.
Get the Best Travel Deals!
JOIN NOW for exclusive discounts and insider tips on the best cabins, glamping spots, and unique stays across Central Texas. Sign up now!
Happy Travels,
Kari Mac Eoin
Avid Traveler & Marketing Director, Direct Booking Club
Follow us now so you don’t miss out!