Archive for the ‘Deals’ Category

When You Pray for Rain on Your Vacation

Friday, June 6th, 2008

Priceline has just released a very interesting promotion called Sunshine Guaranteed. Essentially, if your vacations is rained out, it’s FREE. That includes airfare, hotel, car rental… the works.

Here’s the lowdown -If it rains a half an inch or more on at least half your vacation to any of their top 100+ vacation destinatinos, the ‘Negoitator’ will give you a refund after you get back. There is a lot of legal mumbo jumbo alongside it, but it’s an interesting promo. I wonder if a lot of people will start thinking of taking a nice trip to Seattle in the coming months.

This Weeks’ Travel Deals Roundup

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

This week had almost too many good deals to choose just five, but somehow I managed. Here we go… in no particular order:

Ireland Summer Vacation & Air from $899 (Aer Lingus)
Seen on Frommer’s
You’ll save hundreds off booking this trip separately. This includes a flight to Shannon, and return from Dublin, a night at the swank Ritz-Carlton, and six nights at the Blarney Golf Resort. If you get tired of playing golf, you can tour the countryside in a full-size car (also included in the price).

$199 — NYC 4-Diamond Westin in Times Square (Westin New York)
Seen on Travelzoo
This hotel is really top-notch, even for New York. You’ll save over $100 on select stays through summer, and can even get discounts on upgrades to suites, spa, and club rooms.

Fly to London from $339, Stay 2 Nights FREE (British Airways)
Seen on Kayak
You might have seen this… it’s being advertised all over the place. You’ll get discounted flights through the peak season and get two nights at deluxe hotels in London for free. I’ve flown BA, and I can attest they treat their passengers right.

Escorted Tour of Peru from $1,069 – includes Air (Gate 1 Travel)
Seen on BookingBuddy
Just flying to Peru can cost as much as this entire package. You’ll see Lima and Cuzco, and this deal includes flights between cities, some meats. tours in a motor coach, and a lot more.

3- and 4-night Mexico Summer Cruises from $219 (Cruise Value Center)
Seen on Travel Ticker
If you’ve never taken a cruise, this is the perfect opportunity as these short sailing are enough to evaluate whether you’ll like it. They are also on Royal Caribbean ships that have great reputations. Some of these cruises also depart on Fridays, so you don’t even have to take a lot of time off work.

This Week’s Travel Deals Roundup

Thursday, April 17th, 2008

If you’re looking for beach deals, this is the week for you. We have jaw-droppers to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Hawaii. Enough with the chit-chat… let’s round ‘em up:

Huge Hotel Sale: Save 20% on Your Next Stay (Orbitz.com)
Seen on BookingBuddy
If you’re thinking about planning a summer vacation, this is the deal for you. Just reserve a stay at a qualifying hotel through August and Orbitz will take an additional 20% OFF.

Bahamas Super-Inclusive Escape & Air from $559 (BookIt.com)
Seen on Kayak
You’ll save $300+ on trips to Cable Beach through May. All meals, drinks, and transfers are included in the price. Best of all – no blackout dates.

Prague, Vienna & Budapest Trip with Air from $909 (EuropeanDestinations.com)
Seen on IgoUgo
Hit up the lesser-seen Eastern Europe in May (more for summer, natch). These guys toss in an ICE high speed train between cities, so you can view the countryside of Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Top Waikiki Hotels up to 40% OFF – from $129 (Sheraton Hawaii)
Seen on TravelTicker
Even if you can’t find an affordable ticket to Hawaii with the current collapses of ATA and Aloha, this deal is worth it. In summer the prices skyrocket, so now might be a good time to go if you have the means.

All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacation w/Air, 45% OFF (CheapCaribbean)
Seen on Travelzoo
For this price you’ll stay at your pick of two Dominican Republic resorts through June 20. This lead price is out of Miami or New York, but the prices from other cities like Baltimore (+$50), Chicago (+$60), or even West Coast cities like Los Angeles (+$100) make this a deal for people across the country.

This Week’s Travel Deals Roundup

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

This week was a little different in deals-land. With a lot of airlines canceling flights and some canceling business altogether, there didn’t seem to be as much that jumped out at me. Don’t worry – I found some interesting deals nonetheless.

In no particular order:

JetBlue Spring Sale from $39 One Way (JetBlue Airways)
Seen on BookingBuddy
Everyone loves JetBlue, mostly because their sales are dang good. Fly between cities from $39, or head coast to coast between clities like New York and San Diego from $159 each way.

$1500 – 3-Day Houseboat Rental (Save $1100) (Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas)
Seen on Travelzoo
Anytime you see something for close to 50% off, it’s time to do a double-take. This deal means you can rent a houseboat in Arizona during the summer for a fraction of the cost. These are big boats – 50+ feet and sleeps six comfortably.

$1598 – Luxury 8-Day French River Cruise at $750 OFF (Viking River Cruises)
Seen on Kayak.com
This is the way to see Europe… You’ll save up to $1500 per stateroom and sail from Paris to Calon during the peak summer season. It includes a river-view stateroom, seven guided tours, meals and more.

30% OFF 3+Night Stays at Las Vegas Condo Resort (Shell Vacations Hospitality)
Seen on IgoUgo
This deal is valid for spring stays at the Desert Rose Resort, a quick stroll off the Strip. You’ll get a condo suite with kitchens and living rooms. Unless you like sleeping above a casino, this is like staying in an upscale resort at a fraction of the cost.

Summer Cruise Sale – Save up to 70% (Vacation Outlet)
Seen on Sherman’s Travel
I know… another cruise deal. Well, with this downturn in the economy I think cruising is where it’s at. You get all your meals and entertainment paid for (as well as room). This deal give you bonuses like upgrades and savings booklets worth hundreds, all during the popular summer season.

Orbitz Slashes Vegas Prices

Wednesday, April 9th, 2008


I caught this sale and thought it was worth posting about, since Vegas seems like such an up-and-coming destination (cue sarcasm). Orbitz is offering $100 OFF trips to some of the hottest resorts on the famous Strip – stay at Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and others through summer. Just book a three-night hotel and air package and you’ll instantly get money back.

A little hint – try going midweek. Getting a dinner reservation is a snap, the shows are discounted, and you can actually get on a blackjack table. Unless you want to hit up a packed club or don’t have any vacation time, you’ll actually save quite a bit and still have a blast. Check out the package here.

This Week’s Travel Deals Roundup

Thursday, April 3rd, 2008

Ah, Wednesdays… AKA travel newsletter day. I went through and pulled the best offers from the top deal providers in the space.

In no particular order…

Europe Spring Flights from $189 Each Way (British Airways)
Seen on multiple advertisers

I’ve flown BA a few times, and their economy class is more like business class. And spring is the time to visit, before the pesky summer crowds hit and all the hot summer sun makes you shed your trusty butt pack.

Hawaii Vacation Sale – 5 Nights w/Air from $499 (TravelbyJen)
Seen on SideStep
Flying to Hawaii costs more than this complete deal. You won’t be staying at a shoddy hotel in the bad part of town either, but a high-rise in Diamond Head only a three-minute stroll to Waikiki Beach. This is also for travel through May, or if you can’t leave that soon, in September-November.

Bellagio Las Vegas Getaway with Air from $431 (Travelocity)
Seen on Booking Buddy

Seems pricey for a midweek departure, right? Well, the Bellagio is arguably the more luxurious resort on the Strip, and midweek summer stays start at $199 per night, and can go as high as $300.

Barbados -7 Nights & Air from $329 (CheapCaribbean.com)
Seen on Frommers

I’m more a Hawaii guy myself, but if you’re looking for deals to the Caribbean, these guys are impossible to beat. For less than the price of an aniline ticket (which is included) you get seven nights hotel, daily breakfast, their Free Your Mind savings program, and discounts on attractions and car rental. Booyah!

$78 & up – Nationwide Fare Sale Through June 25, R/T (American Airlines)
Seen on Travelzoo

Looking to get away this spring? This sale offers great deals from coast-to-coast. Fly for less than $100 from San Jose to San Diego, Chicago to Nashville, Dallas to New Orleans, and Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Good timing to book a quick early summer trip!

This Week’s Travel Deals Roundup

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

As I mentioned last week, every Thursday we will do a recap of our favorite five deals we found from the top travel newsletters. Here’s this week’s best, in no particular order:

$1299 – Balcony Cabin on 14-Nt Europe Cruise (Online Vacation Center)
Seen on Dunhill Vacation News

Where to start… first off, it’s a brand-new ship! It’s like getting behind the wheel of a new car – everything is pristine and being used for the first time. You’ll stay in a balcony cabin for the price of an inside. Sail from Italy to France, Spain, the Canary Islands, then across the ocean to Ft. Lauderdale.

$149 Rate at Westin St. Martin Resort – over 50% OFF (BookIt.com)
Seen on Booking Buddy

St. Maarten is one of the nicest islands in the Caribbean, and this hotel isn’t a Motel Six. It’s a luxury resort with the largest pool on the island, a full service spa, and a casino. Saving over 50% off the regular rate through the peak summer doesn’t hurt.

6-Night Phuket & Bangkok Trip + Air from $945 (TripWizards.com)
Seen on Sherman’s Travel

Just flying to Phuket or Bangkok can cost more than the price of this entire package. You even trip flights between cities. Be prepared for the sticker shock over $300 in applicable taxes, but that’s what happens when you travel international.

$999 – Luxury 8-Day Danube River Cruise, Save $650 (Viking River Cruises)
Seen on Kayak

This is a once-in-a-lifetime-type trip – visit eight cities from Passau to Vienna during the Christmas market season. Sure it’s in late fall, but that’s when tickets are cheaper and, with any luck, the dollar will be worth more then. These river cruises truly let you experience the countryside and the smaller towns most tourists don’t see.

4-Diamond Vegas Strip Resort from $69/Nt (Monte Carlo Resort)
Seen on Travelzoo

Sure it’s cheap to stay in Vegas during the middle of the week, but this still is a screamer. Take 40% off the regular rate, plus add a $25 dining credit and $10 in casino play. I’ve stayed at this hotel, and it’s incredibly underrated in comparison to the bigger names. It’s also one of the closer Strip hotels to the airport.

Check in every Thursday for the next roundup. I’ll make a point for the next post to find some offers that jump out for summer travel so you can plan ahead. Also, if you have any suggestions on types of travel deals you’re interested in seeing, write a comment in the blog. We want to make sure everyone gets the deal they want.

Weekly Deals Roundup

Thursday, March 20th, 2008

by DC

Every week a bunch of travel advertisers send their weekly newsletter that claim to have the best travel deals (admittedly, us included), so we we’re going to let you know what we thought the top five were.

Spring Flights to Europe from $399 (1-800-Fly-Europe)
Seen on BookingBuddy

Big savings to Paris, London, Amsterdam, and more from 11 major U.S. cities. The kicker is you’ll get a free day car rental and fuel surcharges are included in the price. That adds hundreds to the price usually.

48-Hour Fare Sale from $49 (AirTran Airways)
Seen on SideStep

If you are lucky enough to live in any of the 50 some-odd cities AirTran flies, you’ll get discounts all the way into autumn. Nice timing to plan a summer trip.

Florence, Rome or Venice: 2-City Package Incl. Air (Gate 1 Travel)
Seen on Travelzoo

Granted, this deal is for trips in fall, but visiting two cities for the price of one is worth booking now.

Vegas – 3 Nights at Wynn Las Vegas with Air from $495 (Liberty Travel)
Seen on Frommers

Sure it’s based on double occupancy, but deals from the East Coast start are only around $585. Flying to Vegas can cost at least $250. That means you’ll be staying at a five-diamond resort for three nights for $200 per night. Not bad. It also includes show discounts, transfers, and hotel tax.

Balcony Cabin on 7-Nt Cruise over Labor Day – $649 (America’s Vacation Center)
Seen on Kayak

Normally a balcony cabin runs for double that price, especially over a long holiday. Sail to the Bahamas, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and Turks and Caicos. The added bonus is you’ll sail over a holiday, which means one less vacation day to take off.

Check in next and every Thursday for the next Roundup. Yee haw.