I popped over to ABC News Now to give my very best tips for snagging a Labor Day weekend travel deal. I also shared five great vacation packages for the holiday weekend.
Follow me on Twitter @gsbrown.
Read More
Category : Last-Minute Travel
I sat down with Fox Business for a segment on last-minute Labor Day weekend travel deals. Watch and enjoy!
Follow me on Twitter @gsbrown.
Read MoreThis week's question comes from Meryl in Charleston, S.C., where the first game of golf in the United States was played:
How can I find a cheap last minute deal?
Dear Editors,
This is the first summer that my husband and I haven't taken our kids on a family vacation, and we feel guilty that we haven't gone anywhere. We're on a tight budget but would like to do a quick trip within the next few weeks before the kids go back to school. I've done some research...and last minute trips are expensive! Is there anything I can do to find a cheap last minute vacation?
Meryl
Dear Meryl,
Flexibility is really THE key to saving at the last minute. To get the best deal, be flexible with your dates and your destinations. For instance, if you have a beach vacation in mind, search several spots to see where your dollar will take you. While you can expect higher airfares to destinations across the country this summer, Travelocity's data shows below average hotel rates in Orlando, Denver, San Antonio and Portland, Ore. to name a few - so those are fantastic places to begin your search for good last minute deals.
There are several tactics you can use to hunt down last minute deals. Start with these five travel tips:
#1: Use flexible dates search. When you search a flight on Travelocity, select the "flexible dates" option to determine the cheapest days within your date range to fly.
#2: Check out Top Secret Hotels. This is a great option for last minute travelers. When you book a Top Secret Hotel, you know the location, star rating and some traveler reviews, but you don't know the exact name of the hotel until your reservation is complete.
#3: Look for value destinations. When simply getting away is more important than where you go, search multiple destinations from your home airport to see where you can get the best deal.
#4: Consider a drive destination. Much of the cost associated with spur of the moment trips can be the airfare since ticket costs go up the closer you book. This isn't necessarily true for hotels and car rentals, so driving can be an excellent way to save money.
#5: Search Last Second Deals. Go to lastminute.com to peruse their Last Second Deals packages. These package options include flight, hotel, taxes and fees, and it's a great way to save money at the last minute.
Lastly, don't forget to set a budget and stick to it. People sometimes tend to over spend when they book at the last minute, and you really don't want to feel guilty about that getaway.
Happy Travels,
Jennifer
Editors' Note: We're here to help our fellow travelers, so if you have a travel question of your own, just ask! Each week, we'll publish a response to our very favorite question from one of our readers. Need travel help now? Peruse Travelocity's frequently asked questions.
Dear Editors,
This is the first summer that my husband and I haven't taken our kids on a family vacation, and we feel guilty that we haven't gone anywhere. We're on a tight budget but would like to do a quick trip within the next few weeks before the kids go back to school. I've done some research...and last minute trips are expensive! Is there anything I can do to find a cheap last minute vacation?
Meryl
Dear Meryl,
Read More
Filed Under: Last-Minute Travel
Moms and dads who are off with the kids for spring break: I'm writing this with you in mind. It's peak vacation week for school kids across the country, so many of you have been entertaining the little munchkins for more than five days now. FIVE DAYS!
It's time to get out of town. Your solution: Look for a last minute package. Admittedly, this year is proving to be tough when it comes to finding good last minute deals. But it's not impossible. I have two ways to find that last minute getaway: the easy way and the easier way.
Finding a Last Minute Package - The Easy Way!
Read More
Filed Under: Last-Minute Travel, Budget Travel
If you're still looking to escape to the islands this spring, you're in luck. Luxury hotels have been hit harder than lower-category hotels and deals at these fancy properties are yours for the booking. I've uncovered three deals on three different islands: Barbados, Bermuda, and St. Croix. So pack your fanciest bathing suit and get ready to live it up on the beach this spring.
Where: The Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda
What: 50 percent off room rates
When: Book by March 31, travel by August 31
Insider tip: June is looking pretty tight; there's more availability in April and May.
Read MoreBeing the planner that I am, my Christmas travels were booked months ago, but it's no surprise that procrastinators are still perusing online sites waiting for a better deal to pop up. Don't hold your breath, people. It's not going to happen.
Over the past few months, the last minute travel landscape has changed from a procrastinator's paradise to their very worst nightmare. (Well, at least a very unpleasant dream!) We see prices increasing as we get closer to the Christmas and New Year's holidays, making it harder for travelers to find a last minute deal.
Read More
The travel industry, particularly hotels, are hoping to get in on the Cyber Monday action by offering great deals. The travel media has done a great job of picking up on this trend, so here's a sample of what's being covered and a quick snap shot of each.
Barbara De Lollis writes on the USA Today Hotel Check-In blog about Starwood and Affinia. Starwood offers up to 45 percent off rates during a three-day sale; Affinia offers 15 percent off today only. Travel into 2010.
Ben Mutzabaugh writes on the Today in the Sky blog (also USA Today) about airlines getting on on the action. United, JetBlue and Virgin America all have sales today. The United and JetBlue tickets must be purchased today.
Read More
I knew I could make the move from New York City to San Francisco the moment I first laid eyes on Napa Valley. It felt like a wonderland to me, a spot of much-needed European charm and pastoral quietude just a quick hour down the road from the hustle and bustle of the city.
And now three years into my great California adventure, I have developed my way of enjoying Napa and Sonoma. Much like how Coloradans debate the relative merits of competing ski resorts, we here in the Bay Area enjoy holding forth about the "right way" to explore the wine country. There are two valleys to choose from, at least 10 quaint towns, and a huge variety of activities, including hiking, biking, wine tasting, gourmet dining, air ballooning, spa going, and more.
Read More
Filed Under: California, Last-Minute Travel, Scenic Drives, Road Trips, Offbeat, Nature & Outdoors, Green Travel, Culinary Travel
Advertisement
Ask the Editors
This week's question from Meryl in Charleston, S.C., where the first game of golf in the United States was played:
How can I find a cheap last minute deal?
Search the Archives
This Week's Poll
If you were left sleeping on a plane for hours after it landed, as we've seen reported in the news lately, what would you do?
