Bundle Vacation Deals Info: How to Find Airfare, Hotel Accommodation and Car Rental Discounts
There are places you want to go, entertainment you wish to experience, landmarks you hope to see, etc. Whether it’s for leisure or business, everybody wants to have a bit of fun on their next trip. One way to save is to search for bundle vacation deals.
A lot of travel booking services make it easy to book the flight, airfare, and car rental together – and offer special savings when you do so.
These days, travel sites track each visitor’s current location and automatically show recommendations on bundle vacation deals from the nearest airport to other cities. Sometimes a hotel stay for a select number of nights is also suggested along with the airfare.
What are the cheapest places to fly to right now from the nearest airport? You can sort the results in a number of ways, including ascending price, descending price, hotel rating, number of nights, etc.
If your travel plans include flying from an airport that is NOT near your current location, you can easily change the departure location or simply use a private browsing session.
You can be as flexible as you wish as well with the airport and dates. In fact, experts recommend being flexible with your travel plans since fares go up or down on a frequent basis.
It’s also easier to save on bundle vacation deals if you are willing to have connections when your flight. Nobody likes the hassle of having to either sit and wait all day at multiple airports OR trying to run through an airport to catch a connection, but if you are willing to do so, it will be easier to obtain cheap air.
Other Considerations in Bundle Vacation Deals
Even if you plan on going on a cruise, you still will likely need a hotel to stay the night before departure, as well as air if you don’t live in a city with a cruise port. Almost any trip these days, regardless of the circumstances will probably require at least one night’s stay at a hotel or motel.
However, a lot of hotels only give discounts if you stay for at least two nights in a row, so you might want to adjust your travel plans accordingly. It might actually be cheaper to book for an extra night instead of just on.
Another thing to consider when looking for bundle vacation deals is car rental. Most travel discount sites will let you search for a car rental as well as airfare and hotel accommodation. Just enter the pick-up and drop-off locations and the dates for which you will need the vehicle.
If you don’t plan on renting a car, then look and see which hotels offer airport shuttles when comparing rooms and rates.
No matter where you want to go, online websites can help you get there at an affordable price. Use the site’s search and comparison tools to find bundle vacation deals and decide which one is the best for you. You can also save by using online coupon codes.
Plan An Affordable And Problem Free Summer Vacation
Every year literally millions of singles, couples, families and groups of friends go on summer vacations together. Summer vacations are popular, and it’s that popularity that can make planning and booking one a challenge, especially for families and groups of people.
The demand for seats on airplanes are limited by demand, as are available accommodations. The demand to attend events or visit tourist attractions can also be affected by the higher demand summer vacationers pose.
There are a number of ways that you can make affordable bookings and reservations.
Obviously the first step to making summer vacation reservations is deciding on a summer vacation destination. When selecting a summer vacation destination, a number of factors need to be taken into consideration. Some of these factors are;
1. Are you going to be traveling with children and, if so, what are the ages of your children? Not every accommodation provider accepts infants, or even small children. This is especially the case with bed and breakfast operations or guest houses.
Not every destination is suitable for children either. Some destinations are focused on honeymooners and couples seeking a place to go for a romantic getaway. While others target young adults seeking adventure or exciting nightlife. Destination catering mainly to adult vacationers offer little in the way of amusements for children.
2. Costs of airfare and accommodation are generally fixed, but services and amenities are often forgotten until vacationers are in country and being confronted with costly meals, beverages, admittance fees to visit museums, historical sites or other places of interest, souvenirs, and so on. Incidental costs can add up to a significant amount. If you have an overall summer vacation budget you need to stay within, these costs prove a problem.
3. Do you, or anyone traveling with you have food or other allergies to take into consideration? For example, if you or someone traveling with you is allergic to bee stings, areas famous for flowering gardens isn’t the safest choice for a summer vacation destination.
4. Do you, or anyone you’ll be traveling with have medical issues that could be exasperated by environmental factors, such as dry air, humidity, dust, elevation, and so on. This writer once worked with a tour operator that allowed an obese man with a heart condition to book himself onto a Nepal tour.
He got off the plane, which was not disembarking passengers at a gate, but rather on the tarmac almost 100 meters from the terminal entrance. This is a common practice in many places, and especially at smaller airports. In such cases, passengers are expected to walk to the terminal to collect baggage and clear customs and immigration.
The obese man collapsed halfway to the terminal and died shortly thereafter. The elevation, combined with his obesity and existing heart condition was a recipe for disaster, and it came to be.
5. Do you, or anyone you travel with have mobility issues, such as needing a walking aid or requires a wheel chair? If so, consider the width and surface conditions of sidewalks, accessibility to accommodations for anyone mobily challenged, and pedestrian congestion.
You must take into account that mansions and heritage buildings that have been converted to hotels or bed and breakfast accommodations are not likely to have elevators. Many historic sections of European cities are paved with cobble stones, while sidewalks can be very narrow or non-existent.
Both make navigation difficult for anyone with a mobility problem. For anyone needing to use a cane, a walker, or who is wheelchair bound, the congestion in market squares or bazaars can be nightmarish, as can the pedestrian traffic in cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Fez, Cairo, etc.
Keeping these factors in mind will enable you to select the summer vacation destination that will best fit your needs and address any limitations you or a travel companion may have.
Once you’ve selected a summer vacation destination you can look for accommodations to book for your stay. A large number of amusement parks, campgrounds and hotels in the USA, Canada and at overseas destinations don’t require reservations.
However, it’s advisable to reserve accommodations anyway. Summer vacation periods are short, and the demand is therefore much higher than normal. This can cause available rooms to be filled with vacationing tourists quickly. By making a reservation, you not only assures that you have a room, but that you have accommodations that fit your needs.
When booking a summer vacation, a great many travelers will count on the services of a travel agent. Using a travel agent is more convenient than searching online for vacation packages, calling hotels to negotiate a booking rate, or sourcing your own rental car deal. However, there are two things to remember when using a travel agent to organize you summer vacation:
6. A travel agent only knows what you tell him or her about your needs. If you research your own summer vacation and make your own accommodation arrangements, you’re unlikely to book yourself into a hotel that can’t cater to the kosher, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc., dietary needs you or someone you’re traveling with requires.
Nor would you book yourself into a room with a beautiful view from a 20th floor balcony if you suffer from Acrophobia (a fear of heights). A travel agent may do so if you did not specifically mention these or any other limitations.
7. Travel agents obviously don’t provide their services for free. Most are paid a percentage of the amount you’ll pay, and many add on a service fee as well. If you’re planning a summer vacation and are on a budget, you may want to book your own flight and make your own reservations.
There are two reasons. Firstly, a travel agent will organize your transportation and stay based on what earns them the highest return. This may not be what provides the best service or value to you. Secondly, with very little effort, you can save the portion of a hotel reservation set aside to compensate travel agents and tour operators.
Simple research the hotel rates online, then call or email and offer 30% less. It will either be accepted, but if not acceptable the hotel will respond with a quote. It will probably surprise you when you learn what the savings can be.
Also, be sure to mention any mobility issues, allergies or special diets that may be relevant before you book. Discounted rooms are not usually entitled to special services without added charges, unless it’s including within the reservation package.
Aside from traveling by car, air travel is a preferred method of travel to reach summer vacation destinations. If you’re booking your own airline reservations, do so online and look for all of the alternatives to get you from point A to B. For example, a direct flight is convenient, but it can be costly if even available.
Many departure to destination flights are simply not available because of the need to refuel. In cases where a direct flight is available, a flight with a stop over or two may be half the price. Likewise, for the same price as a direct flight, you can often choose to organize a tour for yourself.
When flying from Vancouver, BC, Canada to Quito, Ecuador, a peak summer season flight is just over CAD$1500 with taxes and surcharges. For the same price you can book a charter tour to Cancun, Mexico, spend a week there, accommodation included.
After a week in Cancun you can take the train, a bus or fly to Mexico city. There you can stay a day or two, then fly from Mexico City to Quito, Ecuador. The cost is virtually the same, if not less, and you have an enjoyable tour. The original flight Vancouver to Quito requires at least on stop, most two. So does the alternative Vancouver, Cancun, Mexico City and on to Quito route.
The difference is you have a stay in Cancun and Mexico City at no extra cost, rather than wait in an airport for your connecting flight. It takes a lot of searching to find these deals, but they are available.
This is because, as the saying in the airline industry, “A plane that takes off with an empty seat lost revenue.” Airlines will do anything to fill every seat, even if that seat sale is drastically discounted.
If your summer vacation is centered on enjoying the outdoors, then you probably want to be camping. Even when planning a camping vacation, you should still make a reservation. Public and private campgrounds are limited as to the amount of camping space they have. By reserving a camping space you’re guaranteed a place to set up your tent or park your RV or trailer.
To book a popular vacation destination at a discount, check out online travel websites. Travel websites offer discounts on popular hotels, airlines and restaurants around the world. There’s a downside to using online discount travel websites though.
The travel sites mostly focus on the more popular summer vacation destinations. That said, you can often find a better hotel deal that falls within your budget than you would booking elsewhere, saving nothing but enjoy far greater luxury at the same price.
There is a final, very important consideration to planning and booking your summer vacation flights and hotel reservations. Do your research and book well ahead of your intended departure. Deals on flights are rarely available under 21 days from departure, other than through last minute seat sales.
The problem with last minute seat sales is that they’re limited in both availability and usually in the amount of luggage you can bring. This is because the weight luggage would take is allocated to freight, which is actually more profitable for the airlines than transporting passengers.
Plus last minute means last minute. You do not want to risk your entire summer vacation on being able to secure last minute seat deals. Likewise, hotels will rarely make deals at the last minute either, unless you show up at the desk at 2:00AM and there are vacancies.
Even then, the desk clerk has parameters as to the discounts he or she can give. When you start negotiating for rooms well in advance of your arrival you’re dealing with management, who generally have greater latitude when it comes to granting discounts to secure bookings.
Expedia Cheap Vacation Packages Overview: How to Find Great Savings on Airfare, Hotels, Cars & More
The great thing about Expedia is that it offers plenty of ways to save travel, no matter where you want to go or what kind of itinerary you are hoping to create. Many users are especially interested in Expedia cheap vacation packages. Imagine being able to fly to your dream destination and staying for 4 nights or so for a very cheap price.
The minimum stay requirement varies depending on the hotels, availability, and tourism conditions. Just carefully read over the terms and conditions to find out if you will be allowed to stay longer than the specific number of nights.
The “Incredible Vacation Package Deals” section of the website will show you pictures of the hotels you can stay at with details such as departure airport, price, number of nights, dates, and number of stars the hotel has. It’s easy to compare the offers and to choose one that will best suit your plans and preferences.
You can also search for airfare and hotel accommodation if you already have a specific destination in mind. There are options to search for Hotel + Airfare bundles when looking for Expedia cheap vacation packages. Some all inclusive packages include meals, and some do not. It might be cheaper just to book a stay at a hotel that offers free breakfasts, with a cheap cafe or diner within walking distance.
Expedia also offers a section for vacation rentals in locations all across the globe. If you plan on staying for at least a week, this might be something to look into, as you could get your own private kitchen. Just make sure there is an affordable grocery store nearby.
What You Can Get on Expedia Cheap Vacation Packages
Will you need a rental car? You can search for one along with a hotel room and plane ticket. Combine all three for extra savings. Compare rates on all of the auto rental companies available in the area you are interested in visiting.
Sometimes Expedia cheap vacation packages can be found just by signing in. If you are a Plus member you will get access to exclusive offers. You will also get points that can later be redeemed for additional discounts.
If you’re not picky and have flexibility on your side, you might find a great last minute deal. Expedia has an entire section of its site dedicated to Last Minute Flights, Hotels, Packages, and more. You’ll be surprised at how cheap some last minute trips can be.
Whether you’re interested in a Caribbean cruise, Vegas getaway, Eurotrip, or a trek across South American jungles, it’s always a good idea to check into Expedia cheap vacation packages.
Before booking your trip, look over a variety of Expedia coupons to see if any of them will be of use to you. Some might be stackable with other deals, some might not be. You never know what kinds of deals you can find when it comes to Expedia cheap vacation packages.
All Inclusive Resorts Tips – Important Things to Consider When Looking Over All Inclusive Vacations
What, exactly, can you get at all inclusive resorts? The package varies from one resort to the next, but for the most part, you get everything you need, including food, entertainment, activities. In some packages, taxes and tips are included.
It’s important to carefully look over every all inclusive package so that you’ll know exactly what you will be getting. If you already plan on doing everything it lists anyway, it’s probably cheaper to go ahead and buy the package as opposed to paying for everything separately. Many resorts offer huge discounts to tourists who book all-inclusive with them.
These resorts can be found all over the world – not just in popular tourist areas. Of course, if you do want to go to a popular tourist spot, you will likely find more packages to choose from. Many of these deals are offered by hotel chains and are not limited to just one location.
Some packages are only for two nights, while others are for seven or eight. There are all inclusive resorts that are family-oriented while others are intended for couples or singles. The higher-end resorts offer spa services, golfing, water sports, and a variety of other activities in their packages.
If you want to go to a ski resort, compare all of the perks offered by various resorts to determine which one is offering the most excitement and fun at an affordable price.
Make sure you know in advance when and if you should ever tip. As mentioned above, not all travel packages include gratuities. Even if tips are already covered at the hotel itself, they might not be with the taxi ride between the hotel and airport, or at any off-site restaurants.
Where to Find All Inclusive Resorts
Whether you want a relaxing vacation or an exciting one, you should be able to find a resort that offers everything you need in a single, all inclusive package. If you want an exotic beach vacation, be sure to choose a resort that has its own private beach that you can simply walk out onto anytime you wish.
Another thing to consider is dining. Be absolutely sure that the resort you are considering has a variety of restaurants. What’s the use in paying for an all inclusive vacation with dining if none of the restaurants and meals appeal to you?
There are all inclusive resorts everywhere: the Caribbean Islands, Bahamas, Mexico, Thailand, Switzerland, Hawaii, Alaska, Orlando, New York, and several other places across the globe. It’s easy to find your ideal vacation itinerary.
Begin your search for the best all inclusive resorts online. You can easily shop and compare multiple itineraries from destinations around the world. You can also count on getting a good deal with the use of online promo codes.
Hotels Aren’t the Only Place You Can Stay on Vacation!
Today, we as travelers have a ton of options to consider. Where to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to take, how to plan, where to find deals … You get the point. Well, this article is to introduce you to options on where to stay other than a hotel.
Hotels are a great option. They can be just what you need for your trip, especially if it’s just two of you. You can go with big chains that are well trusted or small chains that may take some digging to ensure you get a nice, clean, affordable hotel room with everything you need.
However, if you travel with a number of people or as a family, a hotel room can get cramped, lack privacy, and get expensive when you upgrade to suites and add extra amenities (like a kitchenette).
Hotels though are great because it is easy to find a lot of good deals with all the viable travel sites out there.
But, you do have other options ….
** How about a condo? Condos are great, and in some destinations the main option. Condos can be small or big. They offer added space, extra amenities, prime locations, and at prices that are comparable to hotel rooms.
For example, we stayed in a quaint (small) condo in Miami. We rented it for only $ 400 for the week. It was perfect for my wife and I. The beds pulled down out of the wall, we had a very very clean room, private entrance to the place and beaches, quiet area, 2 pools, a kitchen with equipment, a nice bathroom, cable , and gorgeous view of the Atlantic. It was our “love shack” for the week and much cheaper by almost $ 200 than any hotel in the area.
** Rent a home. These are now great with the way real estate is nowadays. If you are traveling with a large group, then this may be your best choice. Get everything you need or live like luxury in a beachfront home for your vacation.
Once, 18 of our family members went to Florida and had to rent a home. It was not on the Ocean, but on a bay. It was perfect. It had 3 levels, a hot tub, pool, 4-5 bedrooms, plenty of room, amenities, and lots of fun. We had a great time together since everyone lives in different parts of the country. It was very affordable once split up 4 ways also.
** Resorts and All-inclusive. This is an excellent option for families or if you don’t want to worry about reaching into your pocket. All-inclusive seems to be diminishing in the US, but you can find it abroad and is typically the best choice. Resorts are great for those who want to spend quality time together, get plenty of privacy and space, and enjoy various activities like golf, fishing, things for the kids, spas, etc …
** Time Shares. These are growing tremendously in the traveling world. Time-shares are great if you use them. You pay a fee upfront and once a year to utilize a time-share. There are various types, so you would want to do your research. Buying a time-share is similar to buying a home in that you don’t want to take the decision lightly.
My wife’s parents have one and love it. They can go anywhere they want as long as they stay in the designated places. We used theirs for our honeymoon in Palm Beach, Florida. It was first-class all the way.
If you and your family travel at least once a year, consider looking into a time-share.
** Camping and RV parks. With the way campgrounds and RV parks are set up nowadays, the term “rough it” doesn’t exactly come to mind. You can get almost everything at a campground that you’d get in a hotel. They are cheap, live out in nature for a week, and have a great time. There are a few things to consider if you are a novice to camping, so you’ll want to do some homework before you decide on this as an option.
** Houseboats. Live on the water for your trip. This is, yet another option to choose from. My aunt has lived on a houseboat in Florida for years and loves it. This is something many don’t even think of, but look into it, you may not go back to staying on land for any future trips.
We hope this article has helped shed some light on where you might stay on your vacations. Villas, Cabins, and other type choices should be considered for specific destinations and vacations.
Most importantly, have fun, find great deals, and enjoy your trip !!
Cheap Hotels in Quebec Guide – Which Part of the City Should You Stay In?
Quebec is a sophisticated city that has a lot to offer. It is divided into Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and Lower Town (Basse-Ville) and connected by a steep set of stairs. There are affordable hotels in both areas of the city, which is filled with diverse neighborhoods.
All you have to do is browse cheap hotels in Quebec until you find one that suits your budget and is located near the attractions you are mostly interested in.
Lower Town is extremely charming with its 400+ year old cobblestone streets and historic places, like the Place Royale. However, the rates in Lower Town tend to be higher than those in Lower Town.
One of the Quebec’s most popular tourist attractions is the Citadelle. There are some nice hotels near it such as the Marriott Downtown, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Le Manoir d’Auteuil, and Hotel Clarendon.
Hotels in Upper Town provide a variety of options for travelers. If you want a highly rated hotel with elegant rooms, you might want to consider something like the Manoir Victoria. Other nice hotels include Hôtel Le Concorde Québec, Hilton, Delta Hotels by Marriot, Hotel Le Vincent, etc.
When your plane arrives at the Jean Lesage International Airport, you probably won’t want to travel too far to find a comfortable room. Luckily, there are options nearby like the Super 8, which is located just 1 mile away and offers 24-hour concierge, and the Econo Lodge Airport.
The best time to find cheap hotels in Quebec is during Spring and Fall. These are its “shoulder seasons” – especially between the months of March and May.
Cheap Hotels in Quebec – With a View
Get a good view of popular attraction like Battlefields Park and Parliament Building by staying at a hotel or inn on Saint-Jean Street. It’s very close to the central business area. Stay at a historic hotel like L’Hôtel du Capitole or book a budget room at a boutique hotel such as the Auberge Château des Tourelles.
Depending on the time of year and market fluctuations you might want to go with a travel package that includes not only a hotel room but airfare as well. Sometimes it’s cheaper to combine the costs.
Make sure the cheap hotels in Quebec you are considering have all of the amenities you are looking for. If you are only comfortable with a private bathroom, avoid hotels that have shared bathrooms. Look at photos of the rooms and read reviews on different hotels until you find one that you think you will like.
Visit online booking sites to learn more about cheap hotels in Quebec, including where they are all located and what kind of amenities they offer. Once you’ve found the ideal hotel, you can book it. You might also want to use online promotional codes to help you save on airfare.
