Go Cheap or Stay Home!

The Wendy Perrin Report

I snaked this info from Condé Nast Traveler Magazine and thought it was après peau since I’m blogging about Honeymoon travel. First, check out Wendy Perrin’s Daily Deals here. She’s got great posts on travel deals.

Airfares to Europe

Summer fares to Europe will be cheaper than in recent history. Good deals in coach, even better deals in business class!

England, specifically London

While London is expensive, folks are saying the weak dollar is creating a 1985-esque travel experience, approximately 35% cheaper than last year. Advice is to check for airfare-hotel packages and to check out VisitBritian.com offer’s for free museum entry.

Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco (as well as Arizona, Hawaii and Florida)

Convention business is at a fraction of what it once was. Big summer sales have already started!

Also, luxury hotels and resort-spa locations that draw corporate meetings are slashing prices – about 30% off.

On-line Auctions and Name-Your-Own-Price Sites

Savvy Priceline.com shoppers have reported winning bids of 50-60% off retail rates for 4-star hotels! Also, check out LuxuryLink.com for auctions on amazing vacations! Another travel search engine I like is kayak.com. It compares rates on multiple sites.

Photo courtesy Priceline.com

All-Inclusive Resorts

Not my favorite way to travel, but it fits the bill for some. Beaches and Sandals resorts have been slicing 55% off their rates.

Africa Safaris

Hippo Creek Safaris and Explore reported incredible rates at 30-40% off. While these are expensive trips, now is a good time to take a trip of a lifetime!

Australia and New Zealand

The dollar goes 30% farther now than it did before, but airfare to these countries are still high. Look for discounts as the US increases its airline services down under.

Last-Minute Deals

To get a sense of the options here, try a “dateless” search on Orbitz and you’ll get the best rates available in the next 30 days. If you fly by the seat of your pants and are open to locations, this might be the way to go.

Frequent Flier Redemption

Don’t waste these on cheap flights! Check to make sure paying for the flight is worth the miles needed to get it for free. Purchased flights create miles, so the value may not be there. Otherwise, fly free!

Other stuff to check out now!

Sofitel is offering three nights for the price of two in Chicago, LA, NYC and Washington DC.
Book by May 31 with 3-day advance booking.

Regent Seven Seas has an Alaskan cruise two-for-one package that includes airfare, and unlimited shore excursions on the Seven Seas Mariner. Book by May 31.

Crystal Cruises is offering $2000 in shipboard credits on European itineraries.

Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas