3 Black Friday travel deals you can book now
Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer great opportunities to save money while checking off everyone on your gift list. And while bargains on electronics and toys might come to mind first for holiday shoppers, these days also are a chance to bring that New Year’s resolution to travel more closer to reality.
I often see people miss out on great travel deals simply because they weren’t prepared to book when the deal sprung up. So here are my top five tips for putting yourself in position to snag that hot airfare, cruise or destination package the minute you see it.
Identify your top destinations now
Instead of making a bucket list for the future, why not be a little less macabre and imagine all the destinations you’d like to visit soon. It’s fun to dream about where you’d like to go. Ask your family and friends to do the same, and you can see where your travel aspirations match up. Then, when a good deal arises, you don’t have to waste time getting everyone on the same page.
Agree on budgets and times
Don’t just talk about your dream destinations. Discuss budget, time of year and length of time that you could go.
Do your research
Get an idea of how much it costs to have the type of experience you want — hotels, food, tours, activities, transportation. That way, when the right deal comes around, you’ll be prepared to pounce. It’s good to have an idea of what all of the elements of a trip will cost in advance so you know what is really a sale price.
Don’t overlook the details
When you make your budget, don’t forget to add in things like the cost of visas, resort fees, parking fees, baggage fees and boarding your pet that can sneak up on you if you don’t plan ahead. Book with a credit card that has travel insurance to make sure your purchase is protected.
Open a travel checking/savings account
About a decade ago, I opened a checking account for my travels and it was the best decision for two reasons. First, it’s a separate account that I can throw a few extra dollars in and keep away from my normal spending. Second, when traveling, it is a separate ATM card. If it gets lost, stolen or compromised, the thief doesn’t have access to my main accounts. This was incredibly helpful when my wallet got pickpocketed in Prague.
3 Black Friday travel deals you can book now
IHG Hotels: The InterContinental Hotels Group, with hotels and resorts worldwide, launched its Cyber Sale with a savings of at least 20% off the best flexible rate. This is good on stays through May 31, 2020. Book by Dec. 17.
IHG Rewards Club members get an additional 510% off by booking between Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. Members also earn four times the points on stays booked by Dec. 15 and completed by Jan. 31.
Fine print: You have to prepay the entire stay at booking. Blackout dates apply. Some rooms and IHG Army hotels are excluded from this offer.
Details: ihg.com/cybersale.
The Venetian, Las Vegas: The Strip hotel’s monthlong Cyber Sale started Nov. 1 and offers discounts of up to 25% on stays through May 31, 2020. Mark your calendar for Nov. 18, as bonus offers will be unveiled that day.
If you’re planning a trip for next summer, check back between Nov. 24 and Dec. 3 because that’s when you’ll be able to book summer dates at a discount.
Fine print: The Venetian offers free parking but the resort fee is $45 daily, so figure that into your budget. Details: venetian.com.
CheapCaribbean: This online travel agency specializes in beach vacations to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. Its Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale will stay live until Cyber Monday, giving you plenty of time to make your plans. All-inclusive vacations are discounted by up to 70%, with prices starting as low as $349 per person.
Details: www.CheapCaribbean.com.