That's the best price we could find for this winter sailing by $41. This roundtrip cruise aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam departs from Fort Lauderdale, FL on December 1, and includes ports of call in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. Book this travel deal by October 31.
Satisfy your wanderlust - and your wallet - by taking a look at all our top travel deals. Buy Now at Holland America Line
Pay just around $102 per night for this Thanksgiving week sailing. This 1-way cruise aboard the Sky Princess departs from Southampton, England and includes ports in Cherbourg, France; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Bermuda before debarking in Fort Lauderdal, FL. Book this travel deal by October 31; All prices, dates, and booking details were valid at the time of publication. Buy Now at ShermansTravel
That's a $68 low for this midwinter cruise from Florida. This roundtrip cruise aboard the MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL on December 15 and includes ports of call in Ocean Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. Book this travel deal by October 31; All prices, dates, and booking details were valid at the time of publication. Buy Now at SmartCruiser
Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit cardholders get free admission to over 225 museums on the first full weekend of every month. (The next eligible weekend is November 2 and 3.) Shop Now at Bank of America®
Save $634 on this spring sailing from the Big Apple. This roundtrip cruise departs from New York, NY on March 23, 2025 and includes a 2-night stop in Bermuda. Book this travel deal by October 28; All prices, dates, and booking details were valid at the time of publication.
Satisfy your wanderlust - and your wallet - by taking a look at all our top travel deals. Buy Now at ShermansTravel
Fly from Chicago, IL (ORD) for this price and stay at this adults-only resort with four pools and five bars. The 4.5-star Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka'an has an Expedia rating of 86% based on 1,001 reviews. Book this travel deal by October 30 for stays through April 30, 2025.
Satisfy your wanderlust - and your wallet - by taking a look at all our top travel deals. Buy Now at All Inclusive Outlet
Save $620 per person at fly & stay at this luxury Dominican Republic resort. The Caribe Deluxe Princess in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic has an Expedia rating of 82% based on $1,492 reviews. Book this travel deal by October 31.
Satisfy your wanderlust - and your wallet - by taking a look at all our top travel deals. Buy Now at Travelodeal
Get 30% off NYC Top of the Rock Observation Deck Admission at Giftory. Looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family? Check out Top of the Rock Observation Deck and see New York City from 70 floors up. Enjoy panoramic views from three observation decks—both indoor and outdoor—and spot iconic landmarks! Zip up 850 feet in less than 60 seconds on the legendary Sky Shuttle elevator.
How to get it
Visit Giftory and use code "ROCK30" at the checkout - while availability lasts. One offer per customer only. Minimum spend $43.
Are you on the hunt for even more gift card deals? Check out our Complete List of the Best 2024 Gift Card Deals and save up to 42% on your purchase.Â
That's $800 off and the best price we could find. This roundtrip cruise aboard the Rotterdam departs from Fort Lauderdale, FL on December 8 and includes a partial Panama Canal Transit, as well as stops in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Willemstad, Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; and Limon, Costa Rica. Book this travel deal by October 31; All prices, dates, and booking details were valid at the time of publication. Buy Now at Prestige Cruises
Set sail from Vancouver and explore the Hawaiian islands on this relaxing spring sailing. This roundtrip cruise aboard the Koningsdam departs from Vancouver, Canada on April 5, and includes stops at Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu, Kona, and Nawiliwili, as well as ten days at sea. Book this travel deal by October 31.
Satisfy your wanderlust - and your wallet - by taking a look at all our top travel deals. Buy Now at Holland America Line
Save $208 on this Halloween week sailing. This roundtrip cruise aboard the Norwegian Bliss departs on October 29 from Los Angeles, CA, and includes stops in Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Book this travel deal by October 28; All prices, dates, and booking details were valid at the time of publication. Buy Now at ShermansTravel
Fly and stay at this luxury adults-only all suites resort at one price. The 5-star Platinum Yucatan Princess in Playa del Camen, Mexico has an Expedia rating of 82% based on 2,222 reviews. Book this travel deal by October 31 for travel through April 30, 2025. Buy Now at All Inclusive Outlet
- roundtrip international airfare
- 4-night hotel stay at Platinum Yucatan Princess
Stay at this 4.5-star beachfront resort with up to $800 in savings. It features an adults-only pool, Kids' and Teens Clubs, fitness activities, and more. We found this price departing from Atlanta, GA (ATL). Book this travel deal by October 31 for vacations through April 30, 2025. Buy Now at All Inclusive Outlet
Shop deals on a wide range of cruise itineraries throughout the Caribbean islands, departing between October 20 and November 30, with cabins starting from $359 per person. Book this travel deal by October 31. Buy Now at Dunhill Travel
Explore Costa Rica's natural splendors on this 10-night vacation package. Book this travel deal by October 28.
Satisfy your wanderlust - and your wallet - by taking a look at all our top travel deals. Buy Now at ShermansTravel
- roundtrip international airfare
- hotel stays in San Jose, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Central Pacific Area
- Tortuguero National Park entrance fees
- daily breakfast, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
- transfers
Save 50% on this travel package to Portugal. It includes city tours of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Aveiro, and more (taking in several UNESCO World Heritage sites) as well as daily breakfast, all transfers, and more. Book this travel deal by November 10.
Satisfy your wanderlust - and your wallet - by taking a look at all our top travel deals. Buy Now at Exoticca
- roundtrip international airfare
- hotel stays in Lisbon, Fatima, Porto, and Lagos
- daily breakfast
- tours and excursions per itinerary
Save up to 70% off Business Class flights to India on a range of major carriers including Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and EVA Air, with prices from $2,349 roundtrip. Book this travel deal by December 31.
Satisfy your wanderlust - and your wallet - by taking a look at all our top travel deals. Shop Now at Arangrant
Save $1,152 per person on this 5-star luxury resort stay. Book this travel deal by October 31 for travel through June 2025. Buy Now at Travelodeal
- roundtrip international airfare
- 5-night stay at Sensira Resort & Spa Riviera Maya
Your third and fourth guests in your cabin only have to pay applicable taxes and fees. This roundtrip cruise aboard the Zaandam departs from San Diego, CA on April 2, 2025, and includes stops in Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan. Book this travel deal by October 31. All prices, dates, and booking details were valid at the time of publication. Buy Now at Holland America Line
Become a member for just $9 per year with a 5-year membership. The standard annual rate is $16, so that's a $35 savings. Also, a 1-year membership will cost $12 per year so taking advantage of this offer saves you $3. Cancel any time. Buy Now at Aarp Services Inc
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- Free second membership for anyone in your household
When Is the Best Time to Travel?
You’ve always had dreams of going on the perfect vacation. You fantasize about a luxury hotel with big soft beds, a pool, and quality dining options. Unfortunately, putting the plan into action is a lot more complicated than it looks on paper. Traveling is quite costly, and factors such as flight delays and competing for reservations can hinder your experience. Doing your research and having a plan is the best way to ensure a relaxing vacation.
Read on for info on timing your travel and ways you can save.
Finding the Right Time
One of the most important factors in planning your next vacation is finding the time. No matter your situation, you want to pick a time where you can get the best deal to travel. Some days of the week are cheaper to fly than others. Sundays and Mondays are the busiest days, since they are in the beginning of the workweek and prices tend to be higher. On the other end of the spectrum, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are generally cheaper to fly. It is also better to travel early in the morning as opposed to evenings, as there is less chance of a delayed or canceled flight.
The time of year is also pivotal when planning a vacation. Peak season tends to be around major holidays or during the summer when the weather is more pleasant. Unfortunately, prices for airfare and hotels are more expensive then. Typically, the fall and spring are the best times of year to travel, as they're considered the shoulder season for vacations. The price range for flying and hotels is in the median range and the weather is more manageable. The offseason is when cost of travel is at its lowest. There are few major holidays, and the weather may not be ideal depending on your destination.
Each month has an optimal travel window for tourists. Below are the travel windows for flights leaving the USA.
- January: Off peak season, prices are at their lowest
- February: Off peak season, prices are at their lowest
- March: Off peak season, latter half of the month can be considered shoulder season
- April: Shoulder season, spring break for students, prices likely to increase
- May: Shoulder season, prices continue to increase
- June: Peak season, popular time to travel due to summer weather
- July: Peak season, popular time of year due to summer weather
- August: Peak season, prices begin to fall going into the fall
- September: Shoulder season
- October: Shoulder season
- November: Shoulder season, prices later on increase during Thanksgiving weekend
- December: Peak season, major holidays such as Christmas
Travel windows can vary depending on your desired destination. To give an example, trips to Europe are generally much cheaper in the fall and winter months. This is because the days are shorter and the weather is much colder. When flying internationally, it is vital to purchase your ticket a few months ahead of your departure date to guarantee an affordable price. You do not want to buy a flight too early, as prices can drop due to various factors. Purchasing a last-minute ticket can be costly, though, as airlines raise their prices closer to the travel date.
How far in advance you should buy your ticket depends on your destination. Below is a list of time frames to buy your tickets internationally.
- Canada: 3 months in advance
- Mexico: 1.5 months in advance
- The Caribbean: 2 months in advance
- Central America: 3 months in advance
- South America: 2.5 months in advance
- Europe: 1.5 months in advance
- Africa: 2.5 months in advance
- Oceania/South Pacific: 1.5 months in advance
- Asia: 4.5 months in advance
- Middle East 2.5 months in advance
What Types of Deals Can I Find on DealNews?
Flight Deals
Finding affordable air travel is the first step toward saving money on your next vacation. DealsNews can help you find discounted airfare for domestic and international flights. For instance, at the time of publication you could get a Dollar Flight Club Lifetime Membership for $39.99. This service can alert you to flight deals for your next travel destination. Some of their deals include flights to Hawaii starting at $161 roundtrip and Japan starting at $455 roundtrip. This handy travel tool can boast an average of $500 saved per ticket and be a valuable asset to tourists who want to save money. On DealNews, you can also find flight deals on Fiji Airways and Alaska Airlines, each with their own luxurious vacation destinations. We saw Fiji Airways offering travelers discounts on flights from the U.S. to Fiji and New Zealand, for instance.
Cruise Deals
If you enjoy sea travel, cruises are a fantastic choice for a memorable vacation. You can see multiple destinations in one trip, so cruises can be cheaper and more efficient than flying. Cruise ships also have special luxuries such as fine dining, live shows, and casinos. There is no shortage of activities on or off the boat.
We're constantly publishing new offers for deluxe cruises for both domestic and international destinations. For example, we've seen deals for weeklong Princess Cruises trips to Alaska that started at $776 for two people. Travelers could even bring a third and fourth guest for free. You can also set up email alerts for travel coupons from TravelZoo and Southwest Vacations. These deals can offer substantial savings for your next vacation.
Vacation Packages
Planning a vacation can be an arduous task. You have to figure out the logistics of getting to your hotel, in addition to finding fun activities to enjoy. Having an all-in-one vacation package can make enjoying yourself that much easier. These packages add structure to those not used to traveling internationally.
We list deals on affordable travel packages that include accommodations, transfers, meals, and activities. They can range from three nights to two weeks, and prices can start at $458 per person. One notable deal we've seen before included six nights in London and Paris. Both cities are connected by train. Starting at $2,602 for two people, a package like this one could be a great way to explore European culture. We also list deals on vacations to several other destinations, including South Africa, Colombia, Greece, and Switzerland. Several of these packages are for two, so they are perfect if you are planning a honeymoon or just want time alone with a significant other.
Hotel Deals
A comfortable place to stay is half the fun of a vacation. Unfortunately, all hotels are not created equal. Common guest complaints include poor housekeeping, outdated facilities, and inconsistent customer service. You want a hotel that’s clean, with exemplary service at a reasonable price. If your accommodations are not up to par, it can significantly impact your overall experience.
You can find great discounts on hotels and resorts by browsing DealNews. For example, we've posted offers for Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, which could give you a world-class tropical experience. It includes 11 dining concepts, five bars, four pools with scuba equipment, and other luxuries. If you are looking to travel domestically, we've also listed a promotion for up to 40% off stays in Myrtle Beach. DealNews also lists sales from popular platforms such as Groupon and Hotels.com. Check out the hotel deals on our site to find your next getaway.
What Is Travel Insurance?
While going on vacation can be an enjoyable experience, not everything goes as planned. Certain factors outside of your control can cost you financially. If you want to minimize these risks, travel insurance is a valuable asset to have. It is coverage for all the risks associated with travel. Below are some examples of what travel insurance can cover.
- Trip interruption or cancellation: This is useful for covering nonrefundable reservations such as flights and hotels due to factors outside of your control (weather, injury, sickness, job termination) Tourists with travel insurance can recoup most if not all of their total trip’s cost.
- Lost or stolen luggage: Airlines losing your luggage is a stressful and costly situation. Filing for compensation can also be an arduous task if you lose your items at an international airport. Travel insurance can mitigate this cost.
- Emergency evacuations: If you become ill or severely injured during your vacation, you will most likely need to be rushed back home. The insurance provider may get you transportation to the nearest medical facility in your country of origin.
While travel insurance is a valuable asset to have, there are certain situations that it will not cover. These include, but are not limited to, preexisting medical conditions, high-risk activities, or political unrest in your travel destination. There are insurance plans that allow you to cancel trips for any reason. The only caveat is a lower reimbursement for your nonrefundable reservations. It is important to read each policy carefully to know what situations are covered.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, more tourists have opted into buying travel insurance to protect themselves financially. Many credit cards offer insurance as a benefit. Below is a list of cards to consider signing up for and what they are best for.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card; point transfer and large bonuses
- Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card; no annual fee
- Capital One Venture Rewards credit card; flat-rate travel rewards
- Chase Sapphire Reserve card; bonus travel rewards and high-end perks
- The Platinum Card from American Express; luxury perks
- Ink Business Preferred Credit Card; business travelers
Make sure to contact your credit card provider for more information to find out which card would be best for you. If you want to change your insurance for any reason, you can cancel the policy within a specified time window (typically 10-15 days).
Numerous factors determine how much insurance will cost you, such as your age and the trip’s duration. If you want an extra sense of security while on vacation, travel insurance is a worthwhile investment to consider.
Ways to Save Even More on Travel
Proper planning and budgeting can maximize the enjoyment of your next vacation. In order to make the most out of your trip, it is also important to plan an itinerary in advance. This can help you take advantage of any deals on attractions. Below are some tips to save even more money on your vacation.
- Eat at local restaurants and street stands to save money on food expenses
- Use public transportation or walk instead of taking taxis around town
- Pack light by trying to bring only the essentials with you during travel
- Use Airbnb or other vacation rentals instead of hotels to save money on lodging
- Look for free activities
- Utilize travel rewards programs
- Travel during off peak seasons
DealsNews is a valuable tool for veteran travelers or first-time tourists. A great vacation shouldn’t always break the bank. Shopping our discounts will maximize your savings so you can afford to travel more often.Consider signing up for the DealNews Select newsletter , which drops a bunch of handpicked hottest deals into your inbox every weekday. You can also set a deal alert for products you’re interested in and receive notification when they go on sale.