I am reposting this for the “share my expertise” challenge on the Elf for Health. I am also a great shopper, if I do say so myself. Check back on Tuesdays and Fridays for deals and check my Found Links to see where I shop!
I love to travel and of course you know that I love a great deal. You may have seen my post from Sunday about my hike in Zion during an awesome stay at Red Mountain Resort with some of my Chicago girlfriends. We found a great deal on Luxury Link. We booked two trips (for two people each) and got an additional $50 off of both deals, too, because Molly signed up with my referral (click the link here and you get $50 off of your first trip booked on Luxury Link, too!) I also used Starwoods points for a night at the Westin Lake Las Vegas before heading to visit my mom in Summerlin near the Vegas strip.
Why am I telling you this? Many people ask me about finding travel deals. I have been meaning to write a post with some of the resources I use when looking for travel deals. This is a big topic so I will share a few ideas now and write a longer post later.
Here are some links I love for TRAVEL deals and information:
- Luxury Link – offers awesome trip deals and special offers for luxury trips all over the world. They offer “buy now” or auction rates. We first learned of this site in 2002 on our honeymoon from a couple who was staying with us at the resort for a whole lot less than we paid. Ouch. I have used them several times including this last trip to Red Mountain and highly recommend them. Membership is free and you get $50 off for signing up HERE.
- Vacationist – is Luxury Links curated flash sale site with prices up to 60% off. Your free membership gives you privileged access to private luxury travel sales year-round. Hotels are selected by luxury travel experts from Luxury Link and Travel + Leisure (think 13 years of luxury travel experience meeting one of the world’s top travel publications). Sales are limited-time only, typically lasting between three and seven days, or until sold out. I saved my friend Sandy $667 for a 4 night trip to the Standard in NYC! Get $25 off your first trip for signing up for your free membership HERE.
- Jetsetter – offers great hotel deals from the folks behind Gilt City. They offer “access to the world’s greatest travel experiences at members-only prices.” They have curated sales that last from 5 – 7 days and also a great magazine and editors tips for planning trips to the cities they highlight. This is a great way to get access to hotels that seem out of reach!
- Quikbook -offers great hotel deals – especially in NYC and Miami! I used them for deals at the Standard in Miami and several times in NYC including the Ace Hotel and Wall Street hotels for the NY marathon. They have “secret sales” where you can book before the hotel is revealed (but enough info to figure it out and know it will be OK for you!) and great rates at hotels that are revealed to you. I also like that many do not require prepayment and there are no hidden fees. I recommend this site often.
- Snique Away offers up to 40% off on great hotels with excellent Tripadvisor reviews. I haven’t bought any yet – but have seen some great offers here, too!
- Travel and Leisure (T&L) Deals – get great deals and travel ideas from our friends at Travel & Leisure magazine. They have these in the magazine, too. I have never booked any but often check in and would definitely feel comfotable doing so.
- Excursionist – is a fairly new site that offers deals on unique trips worldwide – they have special offers and you have the ability to get quotes for custom itineraries, as well. The cool thing is that you can book a whole trip with them or one day. They offer cool ideas, expert resources and great prices. I have not booked with them yet, but I would love to!
- Independent Traveler – this site looks very 1999, but they offer tons of great deals and information on trips all over the world. This site started in 1990 on AOL! It is “an interactive traveler’s exchange and comprehensive online travel guide for a community of travelers who enjoy the fun of planning their own trips and the adventure of independent travel.” You can access a wealth of travel resources and great bargains here. I only recently discovered it but I am eager to use it!
- One Travel Get great deals and low cost guarantee on hotels, flights, cares and more. Click HERE and save up to $15* with Promo Code DEAL15.
Kayak and Trivago – are my go-to sites for comparing airline, hotel and rental car prices. I also have recently started using Priceline , Hotwire or Car Rentals.com for rental cars and hotels.
- Traveldudes – is a great a website “by travelers for travelers.” It offers great inside intell for places near and far!
I am sure there are many more that I am forgetting. There is one that I am planning to write a whole post on in the coming weeks. These are my starting points for sure.
What are your go-to travel sites for deals? What am I missing? What is the best deal that you have gotten?
Also, let me know if there are any places/spaces you want to go and I will be on the lookout for the best deals!
All of this writing about traveling has me dreaming of more fun trips ahead! Where are you planning to go next year? Need any help planning so I can live vicariously through you?