Are the words “budget” and “5-star” mutually exclusive concepts? They aren’t if Friendly Planet Travel and American Express Travel have anything to say about it. Experts at the two companies came up with five ways to book luxury hotels for your special vacation at prices that won’t break the bank.
Take advantage of hotel rewards programs. Shaving money off your room charge using reward points is even more important when booking a luxury property for that upscale family vacation. Keep in mind your favorite hotel for business travel might also have a brand that will work for your family vacation, and the points might be reciprocal. So the next time you book a business trip, consider building loyalty with one or two brands — it might pay off later on.
Book last minute. Yes, booking closer to your travel date can be nerve wracking, and sometimes prices do go up rather than down the longer you wait. But the reverse is also true, especially for very last-minute travel — say a couple of days before your trip. When hotels have empty rooms, they are often willing to offer deep discounts via sites like Hotels.com or Hotel Tonight, so if you are comfortable with a little uncertainty, hold off on those early bookings.
Photo: Rawpixelimages | Dreamstime
Subscribe to online flash sales. If you already know where and when you want to go and are one of those people who can act quickly, consider checking for alerts from websites like JetSetter.com, Secret Escapes and SPG Hot Escapes, which offer virtual flash sales for hotel rooms. Make sure you sign up for e-newsletters that will let you know when sales are happening, and have your credit card ready to pounce.
Travel with a tour operator. Keep in mind tour operators can often get better deals at properties around the world and have the clout to throw in value-added extras, like hotel upgrades, discount air and personalized services. Friendly Planet Travel, for example, can offer all-inclusive packages even at luxury, 5-star hotels, like Palacio de Inka in Cusco or the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, at attractive rates. Best of all, the packages can also include well-thought-out itineraries designed to make sure you don’t miss the best of what the destination has to offer.
Book through a travel credit card. Are you making the most of your rewards credit card? Amex card holders can not only book through the American Express Travel site, but they can also rack up cashback points to trim costs even further.
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Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Oct 2, 2023Fall and Halloween Family Fun Await at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mansfield, Pennsylvania
With cooler weather and fall colors on its way, it’s time to plan your fall family travels. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort PA Wilds in Mansfield is the perfect destination, and with both scary and not-so-scary events, kids and parents alike can celebrate the festive season with trick-or-treating, fall crafts, fun with the Yogi Bear characters and more.
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United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Oct 2, 20234 U.S. Oktoberfest Events for Families to Enjoy
Oktoberfest is not all about beer. Although beer does play a major role, many of these German-themed fall festivals include activities fun for the whole family. You don’t need to travel to Munich to enjoy the oom-pah bands, lively dances, colorful Bavarian dress and traditional German foods; you can find them in almost all regions of the United States this October. Here are some good choices for families:
Destinations / Europe
Sep 29, 2023How to Find the Best Gelato (And Spot the Fake Stuff) on Your Travels Through Rome
Rome is a city full of musts for visitors. You must visit the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps. And the list goes on, all the way down to trying gelato. No trip to Rome would be complete without the obligatory sweet treat, and for good reason. Gelato is delicious, refreshing and it comes in every flavor you can imagine. But while you can find it just about everywhere you turn in the Eternal City, it’s important to know not all gelatos are created equal. The city is brimming with fakes, and once you know how to tell the difference, not only will you see the fake stuff everywhere, but you will also refuse to settle for less than authentic.
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Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Sep 29, 2023Kidzania: A City Built for Kids, Run by Kids
Looking for a unique, fun and educational activity for the kids during your next family travels? Well, Kidzania has you covered. Located in Dallas, Texas, this city is not only built for kids but also run by kids. It’s unlike any other entertainment parks; in Kidzania, kids learn useful knowledge, skills and experiences, all while having the chance to be independent.
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