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4 Sites to Save Money on a Late Labor Day Vacation (2015)

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4 Best Sites to Save Money on a Labor Day Vacation (2015)
Labor Day weekend is a big travel time for many. The long weekend that signifies the last blast of summer is the perfect time to get away. Whether you have already decided on a destination or have an open mind about where you want to go, there’s a travel deal waiting for you… if you know where to look:

Kayak

If you’re flying to your destination, you’ll get the most expansive search through Kayak.com. The site brings together deals from several popular travel search sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, CheapOair, Priceline and Hotwire. Kayak, along with Booking.com, is owned by Priceline, so you get a huge range of information through a single search. But for some deals, you’ll be booking on Expedia through Kayak’s interface, which can increase the price of your purchase.

AirfareWatchdog / HotelWatchdog

Kayak is amazing, but it can’t show you the kind of specials and deals you would get if you pursued discount codes or looked directly on the websites of specific airlines. That’s why AirfareWatchdog has people scoping the deals with a microscope, looking for last minute deals and specials. You’ll find obscure specials and airfares from smaller airlines that don’t appear on Kayak. HotelWatchdog is a similar service for hotel accommodations from the same company.

Hotels.com

Although Kayak will display very similar results, there’s a markup. You may find the same accommodations a few dollars cheaper through Hotels.com. If the extra search is worth saving a few dollars will be up to you, but Hotels.com also connects with loyalty programs of 85,000 hotels. You might not get that through Kayak.

Tingo

If you’re not booking your hotel the same day you plan to stay there, it’s worth your effort to use TripAdvisor’s Tingo.com. If the price of accommodations drops, the service automatically rebooks your accommodations for the lower price and refunds the difference to your credit card. It’s an easy way to make sure you get the best deal.
You could spend hours on a massive search of the twenty-plus travel search sites out there, but the time and effort might not be worth the savings. With these sites, you get the most deal for the time invested.

 

Labor Day Travel Deals 2015

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Labor Day Travel Deals 2015

The long weekend that heralds the end of summer is your last chance to sneak in a summer vacation. But as with most last-minute adventures, the cost can pile up if you aren’t careful. Consider these smart strategies before picking a destination.

Labor Day Travel Deals

There is no shortage of specials on weekend getaways for this Labor Day. Surf the discount travel sites for an affordable package. It’s sort of like the clearance section on pool supplies. By the end of summer, travel agents are looking to squeeze the last dollar from the market. They do that by dropping prices to increase demand. It’s going on right now.

Social media has become a treasure trove for last minute vacation deals this year. Facebook and Twitter are good places to look for last minute announcements. If you have an open mind about where you might want to go, you’ll definitely find an affordable and fun vacation deal. Be spontaneous.

If flying, try to work out a Saturday to Tuesday trip instead of Friday to Monday. That will give you more savings on air travel and hotel accommodations. If you’re driving to your destination, take the time to compare routes that might land you in some pleasant way stops and get more from your experience. Use apps like Gas Buddy to find the most affordable pit stops and bring snacks to save on food costs.

Staycations

Chances are, you have several great sights and activities within just a few hours’ drive from home. Take advantage of these affordable opportunities and book a last minute vacation. Check new apps like Pocket Ranger to find parks in your area to explore. Goby is a great app for finding local events.

You might even have some fun waiting right at home. Families who missed a chance to book a camping site at a campground can set up in the back yard to enjoy the camping experience with a lot more convenience. The kids will still have fun roasting weenies and marshmallows and parents will have everything they need just steps away in the house.

Your destination is less important than the fun you have with your loved ones. So don’t worry so much about the venue. Focus on the fun and enjoy the trip!