Travel Deal of the Day (November 10, 2010)

It is the season of gift cards - and the travel industry is no different than any other sector of the economy. Travel providers of all types will likely be trying to convince you to buy gift cards for the holiday season. Be sure to consider the financial stability of the company offering the gift card as you want the travel provider to be in business when the gift card is redeemed. With that being said, note that many sellers of gift cards may offer a bonus that may make a gift card purchase worthwhile, even if you are purchasing the card for yourself.

The Deal:
Before your next travel purchase, inquire whether a gift card purchase may help you reduce the total cost of your purchase. Many retailers will now offer some sort of bonus for purchasing a gift card - such as offering to provide a gift card worth $25 when spending $20. If you know you will use that travel provider, it may be cost effective for you to purchase the gift card for yourself to obtain services from that provider at a "discount." Be sure to note the above caveat and all rules/restrictions associated with the gift card.