Spring has officially begun. Azaleas are blooming, the weather is finally getting warmer and all that has me itching to go on vacation.  Spring break is around the corner and summer is not far away.   I don’t know about you, but vacations with my family are high on my priority list.  I figure when my children are older, they will not remember our furniture but they will remember the memories we made.

Personally, I like to travel in luxury, but at Holiday Inn prices, so I’m always looking for a deal.   Recently, I booked a trip through Priceline and for only $100 a night; we got the Gaylord Palms in Orlando.  If you have never stayed there, it is a true resort with all the amenities.  Not only is it beautiful, but they truly know what customer service means.  A room on other websites were $200 at this time of year, so it is quite a deal.

Below are a few websites to help you when making your travel plans this year. 

www.priceline.com   I usually give a low ball figure on this website.  You have to be patient and flexible but it works.  I will start with the area I want to go to and click on resort or 4 star.  They recommend you ask for up to 50% off the regular price.  I usually start lower because if you don’t get what you want, you can try again 24 hours later.
The only downfall is you can not change your plans once you negotiated your deal.  Travel insurance is recommended.

www.hotwire.com    This one I have received mostly good deals.  I don’t always agree with the star ratings.  For example, I asked for 4 star in Atlanta and ended up with a Hampton Inn Suites.  It was nice, but it wasn’t The Gaylord, but the prices were similar.  However, it was clean, had a large room and customer service was fine.  It served its purpose.

www.mousesavers.com   For those of you making plans to go to Orlando or any Disney property, you will find great tips and packages on this website. 

www.travelzoo.com   You can sign up here for the top 20 deals of the week.  You can also go to their website and find great deals on your own.

www.bookit.com    Earlier in the year, I saw they had a special for a resort in Orlando, The Rosen Shingle Creek.  On the hotel website, the room was $150. On this website, it was only $75.  Deals come and go on this website, so check back often.  I noticed they had good savings on Atlantis which looks like a fun place for families.

www.southwest.com    Once again, you need to check often because fares are changing all the time.  You can click on lowest airfare and fine the least expensive dates to travel during the time you are interested.  Last year, we flew our family to California for only about $220 round trip per person. You can’t beat that.  I believe that included taxes and fees.

If anyone has any other favorite websites or traveling tips for great deals, please send me an email at Jill@womenofinfluence.info so I can pass it on.   
 

by Jill Nash, founder of Women of Influence

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