Getting the best deals on popular vacations: Las Vegas packages and more
With a world full of travel options, a generous handful stand out as the most popular destinations in the world. For most vacationers, the appeal of these destinations is a no-brainer: Because they’re designed to accommodate tourism and cater to travelers’ every wish, they make for virtually foolproof vacations. Since stress is the last thing you want on vacation, going to a popular destination makes for even smoother sailing.
But because travelers are so drawn to popular places like Las Vegas, Hawaii and Mexico, prices can often skyrocket. It’s a simple matter of supply and demand, but it can put a dent in your pocket book. However, if you’re craving a getaway in one of those destinations, you can still beat the inflated prices and find a vacation that fits your budget.
Vegas – There are few travel destinations where your hotel has so much effect on your stay as in Vegas. You can choose to stay at a casino hotel or something less large-scale, depending on the experience you’re seeking. By searching for Las Vegas packages on travel sites like Travelocity.com, you can find the best deals on hotels, and at the same time add on car rental and tickets to shows like Disney’s The Lion King. Bundling items together in a package can help cut costs all around.
Hawaii – While Hawaii is a perennially popular destination for American honeymooners who have an excuse to splurge, even families on a budget can find a way to visit the 50th state, thanks to Hawaii vacation packages. Oahu, home to Honolulu and the famed Waikiki Beach, is always popular, as is Maui, but vacation packages can also offer you deals on less-visited islands like Kauai or “the big island” of Hawaii. Explore which hotels are offering rates in your budget, or look for airfare and hotel combination packages that can save you as much as 50 percent. Hawaii cruises are another great way to save – if you can find a nicely priced cruise, consider the fact that it combines accommodation, entertainment and transportation all in once price.
Mexico – You can thank your fellow Americans who flock to Mexico year after year – they’ve laid the groundwork that makes this international destination a relatively hassle-free experience. Popular resort destinations like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas offer a wealth of attractions for travelers of all stripes. Adventurers can explore Mayan ruins or go deep-sea fishing, while those looking for relaxation can hit the beach or the golf course. Many Cancun and Cabo vacation packages offer deals on all-inclusive resorts, which take all of the guesswork out of your vacation. With meals, drinks, swimming, spas and other amenities on site, you can sit back and enjoy some south-of-the-border bliss without a care in the world.
If you’re looking to save even more, keep in mind that prices on tickets, hotels and other necessities often dip during low season in popular destinations. In some cases, “low season” is summer, which is often optimal travel time for families. While that means spiking temperatures in some destinations, in other tropical locales, weather stays steady throughout the year, so you can enjoy the destination as much as during any other time of year – but at a discount.
