While online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist are becoming increasingly more popular, you might not be getting what you’re expecting in terms of travel accommodations.

Well known travel writer Ed Perkins, of smartertravel.com, noticed that many people are reselling airline tickets they had once bought for themselves. The problem is the great majority of airlines do not permit name changes on tickets, so you may end up with a useless ticket if you’re purchasing from these types of vendors.

He points out that some vacation rentals listed may actually be small hotels or b&bs and not the vacation homes or apartments people expected. There is also a possibility that these resorts are actually timeshares and you’ll be subjected to two hour sale pitch meetings upon arrival.

Use caution and do your research before committing to eBay or Craigslist! Tune in to The Travel Show with Arthur Frommer, Sundays noon – 2pm on WOR710 and call in to ask any other questions you have!