Members-only travel websites offer deals
"Private sale" travel deals. Consider them the travel industry's answer to sample sales. Several new members-only travel deal websites have launched recently, posting exclusive deals on stays at high-end resorts or exotic getaways that can only be seen by those who've been approved to join the community. Travelers who want to get in on the discounts must either be invited by a current insider or submit a general request to join.
Sound snooty? Here's the good news: Membership is free and the deals can be quite attractive to those who don't mind spending a bit more to stay in upscale lodgings.
A look at the major players:
JETSETTER The site's weekly e-mail previews a dozen or so deals (mostly from high-end resorts) that will go on sale later in the week. While the booking windows are short, travel dates are usually available weeks or months in advance. Recent deals include a Royal Towers harbor view room at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island for $300-$340 on a Saturday night through December ($400-plus if booked direct), and king rooms at the Tarrytown House Estate for $140 (regularly $209). The caveat: As with all these sites, members can't see specifics on prices until a sale goes live.
To join jetsetter.com
SNIQUEAWAY Launched by TripAdvisor, SniqueAway posts only a handful of offers a week, and all are at luxe lodgings. Last week's deals included junior suites at Vermont's Stowe Mountain Lodge from $279 a night for Thanksgiving weekend ($329 booked direct).
To join sniqueaway.com
VOYAGE PRIVE Offers a few dozen sales each week, with an equal mix of U.S., European and farther-flung locales. Members can see a sneak preview of resorts that will be put on sale soon and sign up for an e-mail reminder. Recent deal: a nine-day Nov. 13 Caribbean cruise on the Silversea Spirit for $2,999, including airfare ($3,358 booked direct).
To join voyageprive.com
