Travel Deal of the Day (June 30, 2008)
July 4th deals are still available if you are interested in a last-minute holiday weekend getaway.
The Deal:
There are quite a few airfare and hotel deals for this upcoming July 4th holiday weekend. Due to the slowdown in the economy, many people have reduced discretionary spending. Keep an eye on sites such as lastminute.com and smartertravel.com to find last minute deals. Also, some airlines have reduced advance purchase requirements on fares for this upcoming weekend – use websites such as kayak.com to find airfare deals.
For hotel deals, if you are flexible, use Priceline and Hotwire. (See previous posts noting the virtues of Priceline and Hotwire.)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 27, 2008)
Ritz Carlton is offering a fourth night free promotion when you use your American Express Card.
The Deal:
Get a fourth night free at certain Ritz Carlton resorts when paying for your stay with an American Express card. The deal is valid on stays until September 30, 2008. You can also receive two free nights when staying a total of eight nights.
How:
Go to the Ritz Carlton/American Express Deal.
Ritz Carlton is offering a fourth night free promotion when you use your American Express Card.
The Deal:
Get a fourth night free at certain Ritz Carlton resorts when paying for your stay with an American Express card. The deal is valid on stays until September 30, 2008. You can also receive two free nights when staying a total of eight nights.
How:
Go to the Ritz Carlton/American Express Deal.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 26, 2008)
If you are traveling overseas in the next few months, you will likely feel the pinch of the recent exchange rate changes – the US Dollar will buy far less now than it might have bought five years ago. Given the exchange rates, you may want to consider pre-purchasing portions of your trip such as your hotel stay or at least some of your meals in a US Dollar denominated package.
The Deal:
You may save money buy pre-purchasing your hotel and possibly some meals before your overseas vacation. A vacation package may save you a lot of money for two reasons: (1) the prices of many packages were negotiated at the beginning of the year (when exchange rates were more advantageous for holders of US Dollars); and (2) packages purchased in the US will be available for purchase in US Dollars (meaning that you can avoid the foreign currency transaction fee that would apply if you, for instance, purchased the Parisian hotel in Euros). You may save even more by purchasing a package that includes some meals. When you are planning your trip, be sure to consider package options.
If you are traveling overseas in the next few months, you will likely feel the pinch of the recent exchange rate changes – the US Dollar will buy far less now than it might have bought five years ago. Given the exchange rates, you may want to consider pre-purchasing portions of your trip such as your hotel stay or at least some of your meals in a US Dollar denominated package.
The Deal:
You may save money buy pre-purchasing your hotel and possibly some meals before your overseas vacation. A vacation package may save you a lot of money for two reasons: (1) the prices of many packages were negotiated at the beginning of the year (when exchange rates were more advantageous for holders of US Dollars); and (2) packages purchased in the US will be available for purchase in US Dollars (meaning that you can avoid the foreign currency transaction fee that would apply if you, for instance, purchased the Parisian hotel in Euros). You may save even more by purchasing a package that includes some meals. When you are planning your trip, be sure to consider package options.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 25, 2008)
There are some excellent summer hotel deals available in the slowing economy. As noted in previous posts, high end hotels are not immune from the economic slowdown - accordingly, some five-star hotels are offering excellent discounts. If you happen to be an American Bar Association (ABA) member, there are some excellent hotel deals at various Florida Ritz Carltons.
The Deal:
Ritz Carlton is offering highly discounted rooms this summer at some of its Florida locations for ABA members. Some examples rates include: $139/night at the five-star Ritz Carlton Naples Golf Resort; $189/night for the five-star Ritz Carlton Palm Beach; and $175/night at the five-star Ritz Carlton Orlando.
How:
Go to RitzCarlton.com and use “ABA” in the “Corporate/Promo Code” box when making reservations. Alternatively, you can make reservations by phone at (800) 542-8680 and request the ABA rate.
There are some excellent summer hotel deals available in the slowing economy. As noted in previous posts, high end hotels are not immune from the economic slowdown - accordingly, some five-star hotels are offering excellent discounts. If you happen to be an American Bar Association (ABA) member, there are some excellent hotel deals at various Florida Ritz Carltons.
The Deal:
Ritz Carlton is offering highly discounted rooms this summer at some of its Florida locations for ABA members. Some examples rates include: $139/night at the five-star Ritz Carlton Naples Golf Resort; $189/night for the five-star Ritz Carlton Palm Beach; and $175/night at the five-star Ritz Carlton Orlando.
How:
Go to RitzCarlton.com and use “ABA” in the “Corporate/Promo Code” box when making reservations. Alternatively, you can make reservations by phone at (800) 542-8680 and request the ABA rate.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 24, 2008)
I posted a number of months ago about freebies available for booking a wedding a various chain hotels. Hyatt has a current promotion for booking a wedding at a Park Hyatt.
The Deal:
Receive 36,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points (enough for two free nights at a high-end Park Hyatt or Hyatt Resort or even more nights at lower-rated Hyatt hotel) when booking your wedding at a Park Hyatt hotel. The wedding must be booked and must occur before June 30, 2010. Other restrictions apply (restrictions can be viewed via link below).
How:
Go to the Hyatt Wedding Promotion.
I posted a number of months ago about freebies available for booking a wedding a various chain hotels. Hyatt has a current promotion for booking a wedding at a Park Hyatt.
The Deal:
Receive 36,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points (enough for two free nights at a high-end Park Hyatt or Hyatt Resort or even more nights at lower-rated Hyatt hotel) when booking your wedding at a Park Hyatt hotel. The wedding must be booked and must occur before June 30, 2010. Other restrictions apply (restrictions can be viewed via link below).
How:
Go to the Hyatt Wedding Promotion.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (
Get a suite at the five-star Venetian for as low as $98/night. Rates must be booked by
Go to the Venetian Summer
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 19, 2008)
Here is a non-traditional travel tip dealing with internet usage – get free internet at Starbucks.
The Deal:
It is often quite expensive to access the internet when traveling. In fact, many hotels charge $10-$20 a day to access internet. But there is now a way to obtain free internet when on the road – at Starbucks.
Starbucks has begun offering two free hours of daily internet usage at its stores if you have a Starbucks Card. Starbucks requires that you have a properly registered Starbucks card that has been used and/or reloaded within the last 30 days (restrictions apply – see this link for the restrictions). When you are on the road, the two free hours of internet access can save you a lot of money versus using the internet at a local internet café or in a hotel room.
How:
Go to the Starbucks Card Reward Program.
Here is a non-traditional travel tip dealing with internet usage – get free internet at Starbucks.
The Deal:
It is often quite expensive to access the internet when traveling. In fact, many hotels charge $10-$20 a day to access internet. But there is now a way to obtain free internet when on the road – at Starbucks.
Starbucks has begun offering two free hours of daily internet usage at its stores if you have a Starbucks Card. Starbucks requires that you have a properly registered Starbucks card that has been used and/or reloaded within the last 30 days (restrictions apply – see this link for the restrictions). When you are on the road, the two free hours of internet access can save you a lot of money versus using the internet at a local internet café or in a hotel room.
How:
Go to the Starbucks Card Reward Program.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 18, 2008)
If you are looking to save money, you may want to start re-thinking about the way you pack for your next vacation.
The Deal:
Many US airlines have begun or will begin imposing fees for checked luggage – even (on some airlines) for the first checked bag. Here are my rules for checked baggage in light of the new fees:
(1) Try not to check a bag at all. I have not checked a bag in years. I simply fit all belongings into a carry-on bag – it reduces the amount of excess “stuff” I take on a trip, it reduces the risk that my belongings will be lost and it helps me avoid any excess baggage charges. (There are various books and online articles that teach “rolling” techniques to allow you to fit quite a bit of clothing in a carry-on bag that fits in an overhead bin – you may want to read one of these resources (such as the article at this link) as it can dramatically expand the storage capacity of your bag.) Note that once airlines impose the new increased baggage charges, you are likely to encounter more competition for overhead bins so boarding early will be important. You also should ensure that your carry-on bag meets the airline’s carry-on restrictions – as more people try to bring large/heavy/full carry-on bags onto planes, I would imagine that airlines will increase their enforcement of carry-on bag rules.
(2) If you must check a bag, research the carrier’s fees before you book your ticket. The total cost of a trip, including any fees, should be considered. Just looking at the fare (without any fees) can be misleading if you are going to check bags.
(3) As mentioned in previous posts, research freight forwarding options for heavy bags or bags with ultra-important contents. These services are convenient, allow you to track the progress of your shipment and may actually be cheaper than checking a bag (if you have multiple bags or if the bag is quite heavy).
If you are looking to save money, you may want to start re-thinking about the way you pack for your next vacation.
The Deal:
Many US airlines have begun or will begin imposing fees for checked luggage – even (on some airlines) for the first checked bag. Here are my rules for checked baggage in light of the new fees:
(1) Try not to check a bag at all. I have not checked a bag in years. I simply fit all belongings into a carry-on bag – it reduces the amount of excess “stuff” I take on a trip, it reduces the risk that my belongings will be lost and it helps me avoid any excess baggage charges. (There are various books and online articles that teach “rolling” techniques to allow you to fit quite a bit of clothing in a carry-on bag that fits in an overhead bin – you may want to read one of these resources (such as the article at this link) as it can dramatically expand the storage capacity of your bag.) Note that once airlines impose the new increased baggage charges, you are likely to encounter more competition for overhead bins so boarding early will be important. You also should ensure that your carry-on bag meets the airline’s carry-on restrictions – as more people try to bring large/heavy/full carry-on bags onto planes, I would imagine that airlines will increase their enforcement of carry-on bag rules.
(2) If you must check a bag, research the carrier’s fees before you book your ticket. The total cost of a trip, including any fees, should be considered. Just looking at the fare (without any fees) can be misleading if you are going to check bags.
(3) As mentioned in previous posts, research freight forwarding options for heavy bags or bags with ultra-important contents. These services are convenient, allow you to track the progress of your shipment and may actually be cheaper than checking a bag (if you have multiple bags or if the bag is quite heavy).
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 17, 2008)
Now that fares are rising, you may want to start doing an important calculation when deciding how to use your frequent flyer miles.
The Deal:
When deciding how to use your frequent flyer miles, you may want to calculate the cost/mile rate of the itinerary you propose to “buy” using your miles. The calculation is straightforward – the cost of the itinerary if you paid money rather than using miles divided by the number of miles you propose to use to “purchase” the itinerary. You can compare possible uses for your miles by comparing the cost/mile of your proposed itineraries. In my opinion, when using airline miles, one cent per mile is the absolute minimum, and two to three cents per mile is a much better rate. First and Business Class travel usually generates the best cost/mile rate. (Note that if you do not normally pay for First/Business class travel and you are trying to determine the “cost” when using miles for a premium-cabin itinerary, the calculation is most accurate if you figure what is the most you would be willing to pay for a trip in any cabin.)
Now that fares are rising, you may want to start doing an important calculation when deciding how to use your frequent flyer miles.
The Deal:
When deciding how to use your frequent flyer miles, you may want to calculate the cost/mile rate of the itinerary you propose to “buy” using your miles. The calculation is straightforward – the cost of the itinerary if you paid money rather than using miles divided by the number of miles you propose to use to “purchase” the itinerary. You can compare possible uses for your miles by comparing the cost/mile of your proposed itineraries. In my opinion, when using airline miles, one cent per mile is the absolute minimum, and two to three cents per mile is a much better rate. First and Business Class travel usually generates the best cost/mile rate. (Note that if you do not normally pay for First/Business class travel and you are trying to determine the “cost” when using miles for a premium-cabin itinerary, the calculation is most accurate if you figure what is the most you would be willing to pay for a trip in any cabin.)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 16, 2008)
The four-star Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas is offering summer rates starting at $99/night.
The Deal:
Get a room at Mandalay Bay starting at $99/night. Rates must be booked by June 30, 2008.
How:
Go to the Mandalay Bay Deal.
The four-star Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas is offering summer rates starting at $99/night.
The Deal:
Get a room at Mandalay Bay starting at $99/night. Rates must be booked by June 30, 2008.
How:
Go to the Mandalay Bay Deal.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 13, 2008)
Hertz is offering $30 off of weekly car rentals through mid-December 2008.
The Deal:
Get $30 off of a weekly car rental for vehicle pickup through December 15, 2008. This discount is valid on all car rental classes, including the least expensive car rental class.
How:
Go to the Hertz Discount.
Hertz is offering $30 off of weekly car rentals through mid-December 2008.
The Deal:
Get $30 off of a weekly car rental for vehicle pickup through December 15, 2008. This discount is valid on all car rental classes, including the least expensive car rental class.
How:
Go to the Hertz Discount.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 11, 2008)
Travelzoo.com pointed out an incredible deal from the Four Seasons Scottsdale.
The Deal:
Get a room at the five-star Four Seasons Scottsdale for $137/night or $149/night, depending on length of stay. Rates are valid for stays until September 6, 2008.
How:
Go to the Four Seasons Scottsdale Summer Deal.
Travelzoo.com pointed out an incredible deal from the Four Seasons Scottsdale.
The Deal:
Get a room at the five-star Four Seasons Scottsdale for $137/night or $149/night, depending on length of stay. Rates are valid for stays until September 6, 2008.
How:
Go to the Four Seasons Scottsdale Summer Deal.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 10, 2008)
If you use the travel discounts in the Entertainment Book but have not yet obtained a 2008 Entertainment Book, you can now obtain a 2008 book for free (when agreeing the purchase a 2009 book and agreeing to pay $5 for shipping for the 2008 book).
The Deal:
The Entertainment Book offers a variety of discounts at a number of restaurants/retailers/companies, including discounts on airfare, hotel and car rentals. Now, you can get a free 2008 Entertainment Book (you still must pay $5 for shipping) if you agree to purchase a 2009 Entertainment Book.
How:
Go to the Entertainment Book Deal.
The Inside Scoop:
Note that the Entertainment Book always decreases in price (throughout the year). By agreeing to purchase a 2009 book early, you will pay the highest price for that book (a much higher price than if you waited until mid 2009 to buy the book). Of course, if you can use the 2008 book now and use the 2009 book as soon as the coupons are valid, the higher price of the 2009 book may be irrelevant.
If you use the travel discounts in the Entertainment Book but have not yet obtained a 2008 Entertainment Book, you can now obtain a 2008 book for free (when agreeing the purchase a 2009 book and agreeing to pay $5 for shipping for the 2008 book).
The Deal:
The Entertainment Book offers a variety of discounts at a number of restaurants/retailers/companies, including discounts on airfare, hotel and car rentals. Now, you can get a free 2008 Entertainment Book (you still must pay $5 for shipping) if you agree to purchase a 2009 Entertainment Book.
How:
Go to the Entertainment Book Deal.
The Inside Scoop:
Note that the Entertainment Book always decreases in price (throughout the year). By agreeing to purchase a 2009 book early, you will pay the highest price for that book (a much higher price than if you waited until mid 2009 to buy the book). Of course, if you can use the 2008 book now and use the 2009 book as soon as the coupons are valid, the higher price of the 2009 book may be irrelevant.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 9, 2008)
When going on vacation, most people select a location and then search for fares. If one of your primary goals is to save money, you should switch the order of those tasks. If you are looking to take a vacation on a budget, it is now more important than ever to let the good deals decide where you will vacation rather than deciding where you want to go and then looking for an airfare. With high gas prices, most airfares are going way up – but there are still deals. When those deals occur, you may only have a few hours to grab the deal – but that is the best way to go on a vacation on a budget.
The Deal:
Airlines (for a variety of reasons) often lower fares in individual markets to very, very low prices. For instance, at the time of this post, various airlines were offering a Baltimore to Orlando fare for around $58/way. These kinds of deals come and go. This fare may be around for weeks or it may be gone by the end of the day. Since most fares are increasing, it is now a smart move to take advantage of great deals and use those deals to determine your vacation destination (rather than deciding where you will go and then trying to find a good deal).
How:
There are a variety of websites that can help you find the good deals that may be around only for a few hours. One very good website is airfarewatchdog.com which allows you to select a city and it will show you the best fares from that city. Other major travel agent websites such as Travelocity.com will allow you to sign up for email alerts when fares between certain cities drop.
When going on vacation, most people select a location and then search for fares. If one of your primary goals is to save money, you should switch the order of those tasks. If you are looking to take a vacation on a budget, it is now more important than ever to let the good deals decide where you will vacation rather than deciding where you want to go and then looking for an airfare. With high gas prices, most airfares are going way up – but there are still deals. When those deals occur, you may only have a few hours to grab the deal – but that is the best way to go on a vacation on a budget.
The Deal:
Airlines (for a variety of reasons) often lower fares in individual markets to very, very low prices. For instance, at the time of this post, various airlines were offering a Baltimore to Orlando fare for around $58/way. These kinds of deals come and go. This fare may be around for weeks or it may be gone by the end of the day. Since most fares are increasing, it is now a smart move to take advantage of great deals and use those deals to determine your vacation destination (rather than deciding where you will go and then trying to find a good deal).
How:
There are a variety of websites that can help you find the good deals that may be around only for a few hours. One very good website is airfarewatchdog.com which allows you to select a city and it will show you the best fares from that city. Other major travel agent websites such as Travelocity.com will allow you to sign up for email alerts when fares between certain cities drop.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 5, 2008)
Before you book a high-end hotel or resort on Priceline or Hotwire, be sure to investigate whether resort fees or high parking charges are commonplace in the location where you will be vacationing.
The Deal:
The bidding process on Priceline and Hotwire allows customers to obtain highly discounted room rates in exchange for accepting the terms of a non-refundable reservation at a hotel which is unknown to you until after you submit your payment information. When researching the possible hotels that you might obtain for a Priceline or Hotwire bid (at websites such as BiddingForTravel or BetterBidding), be sure to also investigate the parking and resort fee charges at many hotels. In locations such as big cities, parking can add up to $40/day to your hotel stay. Resort fees can be $10-$20/day. These extra fees vary tremendously by hotel – so be sure that your research reflects which areas of town are most likely to have these fees. Also, be sure to budget for these fees as guests that use Priceline and Hotwire are likely responsible for these fees (just like any other guest that used a non-opaque website to book the hotel).
Before you book a high-end hotel or resort on Priceline or Hotwire, be sure to investigate whether resort fees or high parking charges are commonplace in the location where you will be vacationing.
The Deal:
The bidding process on Priceline and Hotwire allows customers to obtain highly discounted room rates in exchange for accepting the terms of a non-refundable reservation at a hotel which is unknown to you until after you submit your payment information. When researching the possible hotels that you might obtain for a Priceline or Hotwire bid (at websites such as BiddingForTravel or BetterBidding), be sure to also investigate the parking and resort fee charges at many hotels. In locations such as big cities, parking can add up to $40/day to your hotel stay. Resort fees can be $10-$20/day. These extra fees vary tremendously by hotel – so be sure that your research reflects which areas of town are most likely to have these fees. Also, be sure to budget for these fees as guests that use Priceline and Hotwire are likely responsible for these fees (just like any other guest that used a non-opaque website to book the hotel).
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 4, 2008)
Fairmont is having a summer sale at many of its hotels, with rates starting at $119/night.
The Deal:
Fairmont is having a spring sale for stays mostly in June and July 2008. Sale rates vary, but some example rates include: $129/night in Miami and $139 (CAD) in Vancouver. The rates require that you pay for your entire stay at the time of booking and the room reservation is non-refundable.
How:
1) Join the Fairmont President’s Club (free) if you are not already a member.
2) Go to the Fairmont President’s Club Summer Sale.
Fairmont is having a summer sale at many of its hotels, with rates starting at $119/night.
The Deal:
Fairmont is having a spring sale for stays mostly in June and July 2008. Sale rates vary, but some example rates include: $129/night in Miami and $139 (CAD) in Vancouver. The rates require that you pay for your entire stay at the time of booking and the room reservation is non-refundable.
How:
1) Join the Fairmont President’s Club (free) if you are not already a member.
2) Go to the Fairmont President’s Club Summer Sale.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 3, 2008)
Marriott has a very good deal for weekend stays at Marriott hotels in the Washington, DC area.
The Deal:
Marriott is offering all members of its frequent stay program (Marriott Rewards) 25% off of its already discounted weekend rates for stays until September 1, 2008. In addition, if you are an “elite” member of Marriott Rewards (which is obtainable either by simply having a Marriott Visa card or staying at least 10 nights at a Marriott hotel within that last 12 months), you will also receive a $50 Bonus Buck (gift certificate) for your next stay.
How:
For the rate for non-elite Marriott Rewards members, use the code “M11” when making your reservation at Marriott.com or at (800) 228-9290. For the rate for elite Marriott Rewards members, use the code “E0S” when making your reservation at Marriott.com or at (800) 228-9290.
The Inside Scoop:
I found rates at some nice three and four star Marriott hotels in Washington, DC for under $100/night. If you factor in the $50 gift certificate, the rates for a one-night stay are excellent (under $50/night, if you include the value of the gift certificate) especially in an expensive city such as Washington, DC.
Marriott has a very good deal for weekend stays at Marriott hotels in the Washington, DC area.
The Deal:
Marriott is offering all members of its frequent stay program (Marriott Rewards) 25% off of its already discounted weekend rates for stays until September 1, 2008. In addition, if you are an “elite” member of Marriott Rewards (which is obtainable either by simply having a Marriott Visa card or staying at least 10 nights at a Marriott hotel within that last 12 months), you will also receive a $50 Bonus Buck (gift certificate) for your next stay.
How:
For the rate for non-elite Marriott Rewards members, use the code “M11” when making your reservation at Marriott.com or at (800) 228-9290. For the rate for elite Marriott Rewards members, use the code “E0S” when making your reservation at Marriott.com or at (800) 228-9290.
The Inside Scoop:
I found rates at some nice three and four star Marriott hotels in Washington, DC for under $100/night. If you factor in the $50 gift certificate, the rates for a one-night stay are excellent (under $50/night, if you include the value of the gift certificate) especially in an expensive city such as Washington, DC.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Travel Deal of the Day (June 2, 2008)
If you are heading to Europe this summer, you should take a look at the foreign transaction fees on your credit card(s) before you go.
The Deal:
Given the current unfavorable exchange rates, you likely will want to be smart with your spending overseas if you are traveling overseas this summer. One of the places you can save money is by looking at the foreign transaction fees on your credit card(s). Some cards charge up to 3% of the amount of your overseas transaction to “convert” that transaction back into US Dollars when it appears on your statement. However, there are credit cards out there with no foreign transaction fee – meaning that each of your purchases will avoid such a fee. It is well worth your time to investigate which of your credit cards have the lowest foreign transaction fee – if you have enough time before your trip, you may want to find a card with no foreign transaction fee to use before you travel.
If you are heading to Europe this summer, you should take a look at the foreign transaction fees on your credit card(s) before you go.
The Deal:
Given the current unfavorable exchange rates, you likely will want to be smart with your spending overseas if you are traveling overseas this summer. One of the places you can save money is by looking at the foreign transaction fees on your credit card(s). Some cards charge up to 3% of the amount of your overseas transaction to “convert” that transaction back into US Dollars when it appears on your statement. However, there are credit cards out there with no foreign transaction fee – meaning that each of your purchases will avoid such a fee. It is well worth your time to investigate which of your credit cards have the lowest foreign transaction fee – if you have enough time before your trip, you may want to find a card with no foreign transaction fee to use before you travel.
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