One of the only good things to come out of the global economic recession is increased competition…especially when it comes to travel deals. Everywhere you look, airlines, hotels and resorts, tour operators, even government tax agencies are cutting prices in order to attract your attention and grab some of your travel dollars.
For example, some recently promoted bargains:
Mexico
I recently wrote about the swine flu-free vacation deal being offered by the Real Resorts Mexican hotel chain which is so certain you won’t get the swine flu, they’re offering you a free vacation a year for three consecutive years if you do. They’re discounting rooms up to 40% and offering 50% reductions on spa treatments, romantic beach dinners and liquor, as well as a "children stay free" deal. Read about that below.
There are now even more discounts to be had in Mexico and elsewhere in the world. Check out online travel agency Expedia.com, where nearly 300 hotels are participating in the "Biggest Hotel Sale Ever." A company spokesperson says that the average price for airfare and hotel vacation packages to Cancun, for example, have dropped 26% compared to last summer. With the weakened peso trading at more than 13 to the dollar, you’ll save a bundle when you get to Mexico, too.
Panama and More
If you’ve always wanted to take a cruise ship through the Panama Canal, act now while prices are up to 55% off rack rates. The Island Princess sets sail October 1, and will stop in Aruba and Cartagena, Colombia, before making a partial transit through the Panama Canal followed by a stop in Colon, Panama. After that, the ship heads to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and Montego Bay in Jamaica. Interior cabins are priced from $999, with oceanview staterooms available for just $50 more. For information: www.princess.com.
Costa Rica
The Costa Rica tourism institute is embarking on a $500,000 print promotional campaign directed at potential U.S. visitors. Go to www.visitcostarica.com/crplus to obtain discount coupons from nearly 100 participating merchants offer discounts or other deals.
For example: Solid Car Rental is offering a full week of a rental car for five days’ payment, and tour operator Gray Line Costa Rica is offering $5 off on any one-day tour. Hotel offerings include pricing discounts (fourth night free with three paid nights) and free spa treatments.
Once you are in Costa Rica, save on domestic airfares on Nature Air, which is offering a “kids fly free” program. Two kids under 12 fly free with two adults. Don’t have kids? Nature Air will give you two days free in a rental car with a round-trip air ticket.
Ecuador
A fare war amongst American, Continental, and Delta Airlines could mean big savings for you on your flight to Ecuador or elsewhere. Friend Merri Scott recently writes that she found “an Ecuador round trip ticket of $459 to Quito from Atlanta…the best fare from Atlanta I’ve ever seen! The price of this Ecuador ticket dropped $60 in two hours.”
Here’s the caveat on airfare prices: there is no rhyme or reason to when fares go on sale and how long the sales last. So if you’re planning a trip, stay vigilant and flexible. Merri Scott recommends www.farecompare.com to keep tabs on airfare prices. Other good sites include www.kayak.com, www.mobissimo.com, and www.sidestep.com. And to get price-drop alerts for hotels and air travel, I’ve just discovered www.yapta.com.
Remember that the cheapest days to fly are generally Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday afternoons and that often the best time to shop for discounted airfares is on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Travel experts say we may see more of these types of fare wars and discounts as the summer progresses…
Happy Traveling,
Suzan Haskins
Latin America Editorial Director, International Living
To read more IL articles on travel deals, see:
Massive Discounts on Your Dream Vacation
3 Ways to Get a Low Airfare on Your Next Flight
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