A primer on coupon vacations
Jetsetter is one of the websites that offer discount travel. Credit: Jetsetter.com
Groupon, Rue La La, Jetsetter, oh my! The flash-sale sites where you can nab limited-time deals on hotel stays or travel packages have exploded so much that there's even a new site -- dealery.com -- that's begun aggregating daily deals.
Online sales can yield big savings -- half-price rooms, slashed cruise fares -- but if you leap before really thinking it through, you could be stuck scrambling to redeem a prepaid voucher before it expires.
Some things to consider before buying a coupon vacation:
1. How badly do you want this particular getaway? To help gauge that, think about the places you won't be able to go to because you're buying this one. Vacation deals are proliferating, so perhaps a better one is just around the corner.
2. Plan early Make reservations as soon as possible. Need a particular weekend? Call before buying to check availability.
3. Study the fine print What's the expiration date? Recent airline deals blocked travel on Fridays and Sundays, when it's most realistic for many vacationers to fly.
4. How good is the deal, really? Many places offer various discounts that might be less restrictive. Shop around before you buy.
5. When in doubt, ask Some places are willing to extend expiration dates, especially if you're not asking to go in the height of their season.
6. Sign up in areas you want to visit If you know the destination for your next vacation, sign up for local deals now -- you'll be able to monitor the offerings and scoop up offers for restaurants, excursions and discount admissions to attractions.
