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October 13, 2016

Holiday Travel Tips: How to Find the Cheapest Flights

Holiday travel can put quite a dent in your budget. Even though reuniting with friends and family for this special time is priceless, we at Ebates still want to help you save the most money possible. Here are a few simple tips you should know before booking your flight home for the holidays care of our in-house travel expert, Grant Thomas of Travel With Grant.

When is the best time to buy tickets?

As soon as you know what your travel plans and dates are, start buying tickets. Ask yourself: Would I feel worse buying a ticket now and watching the price go down, or waiting a few days or weeks and watching the price go up?

To find the cheapest flights, you need to be flexible. Look at nearby airports to your departure and arrival city. If you live in the Bay Area, look at flights from SFO, OAK, and SJC. If you’re flying to New York, look at flights to JFK, LGA, and EWR. Most online travel agencies can search flights to and from nearby airports.

Think outside the box. Look at the price of two one-way flights versus a round trip. You can fly one airline to your destination and another airline back home. Being flexible is the best way to find the cheapest flights. If your travel dates are flexible, look at the monthly calendar on Google Flights to see which days of the month have the cheapest flights.

Should I cash in on my frequent flyer miles?

Redeeming miles for peak travel times is going to be a difficult task. You will either find no award space at all or really high redemption requirements for the flights you want. If you want to gamble, you can wait for award flights to possibly open up in the last week before departure. If you do not have airline elite status, you will pay up to $75 in “close in ticketing fees” if you book an award ticket within 21 days of departure on American Airlines and United Airlines. There are no fees for redeeming miles last minute on Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Delta Airlines.

Morning flights or evening flights?

Morning flights tend to have the shortest delays, while evening flights have longer delays. Delays stack up throughout the day, so I prefer morning flights if given the choice.

Checked bags or carry-on?

Carry-on is the preferred way to go. If you are in the first half of the boarding groups, you should have overhead bin space available, assuming you board the flight with your boarding group. If you are in the last half of the boarding groups or tend to board toward the end of the check-in period, be prepared to gate check your bags. Gate checked bags are free and will be sent to your final destination, waiting for you at the baggage claim area. This is a work around for getting free checked bags, assuming your bag fits in an overhead bin. If it won’t fit in an overhead bin, you will need to check your bag at the check-in counter and probably pay a fee.

Should I bring my own entertainment?

Assume your flight will not have WiFi, in-seat power or entertainment screens and hope you are pleasantly surprised. Always bring your own entertainment (book, magazine, iPad, laptop, etc). In-seat power is on a few fights but you should always completely charge your phone, laptop, iPad, etc. before your fight. If you are power-hungry, invest in a portable USB battery pack. Make sure to completely charge the USB battery pack before your flight.

Headphones?

Always bring a good pair of comfortable headphones, noise canceling is preferable. You never know who you will be sitting next to or how loud they will be. Prepare for the worst and hope for the peace and quiet.

Food?

Unless you enjoy purchasing overpriced airplane food, you should bring snacks or food with you on your flight. You will be lucky to get anything more than a bag of peanuts or pretzels and a small drink on most domestic flights.

Ready to start browsing flights? Search for travel deals through Ebates to get Cash Back on flights, hotels, car rentals and more!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 13, 2016

5 Warm and Affordable Destinations for Your Dream Holiday

The holidays can be a frantic time of year and can sometimes feel full of obligations. Fortunately, the holiday season is also a great time to find incredible savings on getaway travel. If you’ve ever daydreamed about skipping Thanksgiving dinner or playing hooky on Christmas Eve, there are countless budget travel destinations to consider. To cover the spread, we have selected five different types of holiday destinations that are sure to please any type of traveler. From beach bum to businessman, thrill-seeker to spa-seeker, our cheap holiday destinations are sure to give everyone an excellent reason to miss the office holiday party this year. Peruse through these affordable holiday destinations and you will find deep seasonal discounts on airfare, hotel accommodations and car rentals. Take a flight of fancy, cruise through your options and earn Cash Back at Ebates when you book holiday travel at our top stores.

For Sun and Sand: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Affordable beach destinations get even more affordable during the holidays when most people only travel domestically to be with family. Some of the world’s top cruises and resorts break out their best pricing for travel between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Our top destination for sun soaking is Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic boasts dozens of all-inclusive resorts that offer a first-rate vacation at rock bottom prices for travel around Christmastime. The average low temperature in December is a gorgeous 72 degrees with low rainfall and 4-star hotels rooms can be found for less than the cost of that drone on your nephew’s wish.

When you’re ready to book your holiday travel, check out the all-inclusive deals at Hotwire. You can save hundreds on four-star and five-star hotels and have your food, drinks and entertainment all rolled into one great budget travel deal.

For Quiet: The Seychelles Islands

Get away from group gatherings and find some peace and rest during the holidays at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If this sounds perfect, you should immediately search for travel options to the Seychelles. The Seychelles is a group of 115 islands, only 30 of which are populated. Although there is plenty of wildlife, it’s pretty easy to avoid crowds of people. With exceptional sailing, snorkeling, fishing and surfing, the island paradise of the Seychelles is a beautiful destination year-round. The great news is that prices usually drop November-January making it one of the most desirable and affordable destinations in the world.

Book your stay with Priceline and choose from affordable hotels, luxury apartments, resorts and spas in Victoria, La Reunion, Anse Boileau or Anse Volber Village in Seychelles. Take your holiday in paradise without spending a small fortune!

For Adventure: Venezuela

Adventure destinations are usually seasonally dependent and the most common holiday adventure packages involve ice and snow, or at least a heavy sweater. However, in Venezuela, the “Lost World” jungle boasts mild temperatures and breathtaking sights. Visit Auyan-tepui to see the world’s highest waterfall, explore the Tepui sandstone mountains or hike the maze-like black-rock trail up Mount Roaima. Most flights to Venezuela come in and out of the capital city of Caracas which has a variety of accommodation options from cheap hotels to approved home-stays and luxury resorts.

Also check out Priceline for great deals on vacation packages to Venezuela and the chance to save up to $500 when you book. Priceline’s packages offer three-star and four-star hotels paired with budget-friendly flights to guarantee you the best savings.

For Inspiration: Barcelona, Spain

All across the world, the holiday season is a time for spectacles. From festivals to parades, concerts to sporting events, Christmastime offers the best in music, food and entertainment. One of the world’s best destinations from late November to late December is Barcelona, Spain. During the holiday season, Barcelona is alive with the best traditional crafts, cooking, singing, dancing and all around celebrating. The weather is mild and the streets of Barcelona at Christmas are ablaze with incredible light displays. Get drawn into traditional celebrations like the chocolate days and the Feast of Los Santos Inocentes which is similar to April Fool’s Day.

The best accommodations in Barcelona are often private homes for rent and this can be an excellent way to explore local culture. However, if staying with strangers isn’t your thing, Expedia offers travel packages to Barcelona that include accommodations in the city’s top five-star hotels. By booking a flight and hotel through Expedia, you can save up to $570 and they guarantee that their price is the best price available so there’s no risk.

For The Best Holiday Shopping in the World: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Let’s face it, there is no way you’re going to travel anywhere in the months between November and January without someone expecting a gift when you get home. Like they say, ‘tis the season! If you want to get all of your holiday shopping done for cheap while having an exceptional holiday getaway, your ultimate destination is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is home to some of the largest shopping malls in the world and the Bukit Bintang retail area has bargains as far as the eye can see. The holiday months are the start of the peak season for Malaysian beaches on the west coast where Kuala Lumpur is located so you can do your shopping in paradise. You can expect blue skies, minimal rain and incredible savings – especially when you book your travel with a promo code from Ebates.

On top of great low prices on air travel and accommodations, Orbitz is also a prime resource for exclusive deals on car rentals. The more mobile you are, the better you can combine a beach vacation with bargain hunting because you can stay in a more secluded area without worrying about how to get into the center of town. With rentals starting at under $30 per day, Orbitz can make it possible for you to explore the beautiful country of Malaysia at your leisure.

September 6, 2016

Essential Apps for an Affordable Vacation

In the modern age, planning a vacation is simultaneously much more complicated and a lot simpler than before. With countless websites and companies all pulling at the leash to give us the best deals and the best options, it’s easy to get lost in the choices — especially when you’re looking to stay within your budget while still enjoying your getaway. Blank checks aren’t an option for most of us, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on a fantastic vacation — it just means we need a little help.

Here is a list of the most essential apps to have when planning and enjoying your vacation, helping you find the best places, save the most money, avoid getting ripped off, and even ensure that you don’t forget your toothbrush.

To Do

Anyone who’s planned a vacation knows exactly how valuable all those little essentials and nonessentials are to making sure the vacation not only goes off without a hitch, but that no unexpected expenses swing around to surprise you along the way. To-Do is an organizer app that lets you categorize and access your notes easily, so the planning stage is both flexible and effective. The app is available on iTouch and iPhone, and Ebates offers fantastic Cash Back and coupons for the App Store, making it easy for both your app and your vacation to be more affordable.

Flight Tracker

An affordable vacation relies on making the wisest investments, but it also means not losing the investments themselves. Nothing’s worse than showing up all ready to head off on your vacation, just to find out that your flight has been delayed or that it’s been pushed up and you’ve missed it altogether. Flight Tracker is a free app for most devices that lets you check your flight’s status on the go, so you don’t have to worry about booking another plane, having to reschedule your hotel, or losing your car rental. Not to mention all the painkillers you’d have to buy to get through the ordeal.

Yelp

When you think of vacationing, you probably don’t think of an app to recommend businesses to you. But visiting an outstanding vacation destination can be disappointing when the restaurants, local shows, and attractions are outside of your price range. Going to your dream city can be far out of your vacation budget simply because your bank account can’t accommodate all the things you wish to do while you’re there. Yelp makes it possible to pinpoint the best places at the most affordable prices, including the little-known shops that escape the public eye but give you that personal charm without the high price tag.

Travelocity

Everyone says they’re the best gig in town when it comes to offering deals and lower prices on hotels, planes, and cars. Finding a reliable app that works while you’re on the go is even harder, especially when you’re trusting it with banking information or if you’re on a tight schedule. The Travelocity app has a reputation for high-quality functionality and offers comparisons on different flight, hotel, and car rental choices so you can find the most money-saving options. As an added bonus, Travelocity offers users rewards for booking on their app exclusively, so you can save even more money by using your phone and get those last-minute tickets for an even lower price.

TripAdvisor

The infamous “five-star hotel turning into a two-star once you show up” is a risk we all dread taking when planning our vacations. If you want to book an affordable hotel but don’t want cockroaches terrorizing you in the night, then you need a second opinion, and that’s exactly what TripAdvisor offers. With this app in the palm of your hand, you can get real-life opinions on hotel experiences with recommendations for alternatives if you first choice turns out not to be all it was cracked up to be according to the reviews. This allows you to book a high-quality hotel that’s much less expensive simply because it’s not very well known. To make things even more affordable, there are plenty of coupons and deals you can earn, cutting back on those small costs that can add up in the end. As another added benefit, if you’re on vacation and want to see some of the local attractions, the app recommends restaurants, museums, historic sites, and more so you can get the most for less.

August 26, 2016

4 Ways to Maximize Your Holiday Travel Budget

The holidays are coming up fast. First there’s wedding season, three-day weekends, then suddenly you’re booking last-minute plane tickets to Thanksgiving dinner and buying gifts for December. Before you know it, your travel budget is stretched to the limit.

But there’s still time to save money on airfare, cars and hotels. Here are some tips to make the most of your holiday travel budget.

1. Consider ridesharing. If you only have to travel from your hotel a couple of times a day, it may not be worth the expense to rent a car. Find out if a ride-booking service like Lyft or Uber is available at your destination and compare costs.

2. Strategize your stay. At fall weddings, you may end up in a block of hotel rooms booked by the newlyweds, which can limit the opportunity to save money, so try looking for ways to cut costs on other trips. If you’re traveling to be with your family for the holidays and need your own space, check out options such as Airbnb and HomeAway.

3. Travel light. Some airline travel cards include a free checked bag. If you must pay by the bag, go with a compact suitcase or backpack. Not only will bringing less save money, you’ll also spend less time at baggage claim.

4. Use travel credit cards strategically. You probably have a travel credit card if you travel frequently. And while it may be tempting to use those points for holiday travel, it may be better to accumulate points instead of spending them. Compare prices for flights at traditional travel sites like Priceline or Orbitz, or try newer options such as Skiplagged and Skyscanner. Check the exchange rate for your points to see if you’re getting the same or better value compared with buying a ticket. Don’t use the points just because you have them. Instead, save points for off-season travel, when points or miles will stretch further. If you belong to an airline’s rewards program, check out The Smart Shopper’s guide to making the most of your airline perks.

August 18, 2016

How to Say Goodbye to Summer With a Glamping Trip

Camping is not for everyone. The bugs. The heat. The agony. But your knack for modern conveniences doesn’t need to deter you from a wondrous weekend in the great outdoors. That’s where glamping comes in.

Glamping, a pithy mashup of glam and camping, is the new way to enjoy Mother Nature without giving up what you love so dearly. And with fantastic glamping gear on the rise, you’re bound to see more of it. You don’t have to hit up the sometimes pricey glamping resorts in order to enjoy the finer style of camping. DIY glamping is a welcomed alternative for frugal-minded readers at Ebates who love to earn Cash Back on every purchase. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the sights and sounds with the comforts you crave. Here’s our list of glamping essentials to get you started off right.

Spacious Living

Who says camping has to be spent inside a sleeping bag in a cramped tent? Let’s face it, a 5-person tent will comfortably hold three at most. But space doesn’t have to be an issue with a multi room tent from Walmart. The larger spaces allow you to fit multiple air mattresses so you’re comfortably off the ground. You can even designate a space for inside eating, assuming you didn’t actually meet the 12-person capacity of some of the bigger tents. Some glamping tents even have vents that conveniently fit a small air-conditioning unit!

Culinary Cuisine

Building a fire is a hassle and a skillset not all possess. A camp stove makes life easier, but one that also charges your phone makes for a happy glamper. Use a promo code and score a sweet camp stove from Newegg that uses renewable energy (versus the cumbersome and costly canisters most camping stoves use) and features a convenient charging port for any USB device.

Clean & Carefree

If you’re not living large in glamping trailers, a nice shower will seem like a luxury. But walk into campsite showers and the thought of cleanliness may seem like a long shot. The folks over at Camping World have plenty of shower systems that even include hot water, so you can take warm water with you anywhere you camp out.

Well Entertained

Even those who enjoy camping will tell you that when the sun sets, the good times kind of come to a stop. But the general lack of lighting can play in your favor if you wanted to set up a late night movie screening. Of course toting along the flat panel might be a bad idea. Instead opt for a great movie screen available at Cabela’s that you can hang from the trees or prop up on legs. Bring your projector and Bluetooth speaker and cast movies on your own private big screen. Just don’t forget the popcorn!

Frilly & Fanciful

No glamping trip is complete without a few homey accessories to liven up the spot. Score some outdoor throw pillows at Overstock.com to bring comfort and color to your new home away from home. All of the glamping essentials you need to breathe life into the space are just a click away. Pick up the glamping accessories you need for your next outing and tell us all about your outdoor glamping adventures in the comments below!

July 31, 2016

5 Simple Tips to Save on Late-Summer Travel

Summer is halfway over, which means if you haven’t gone on a vacation yet, you might be scrambling to take advantage of the remaining long days. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a month in Europe, you’ll have more fun if you’re getting the most out of your journey. Here are some ways to save money and earn credit card points.

1. Think outside the crowd. Paris and other European cities are a good deal in August because locals leave town. Then, mid-September is the start of the cheaper travel season. Likewise, you’ll find cheaper rates for travel to the Caribbean because it’s off-season there. Flights and hotels generally become cheaper after Labor Day, but if you can’t wait that long, you can still save by taking midweek or late-night flights.

2. Make sure you have the best travel card. If you don’t yet have a travel credit card, now is the time to consider one. There are travel cards for specific airlines and hotels, which help you earn free airfare and hotel rooms, along with substantial sign-up bonuses. If you’re leaving the country, be sure to take a card that has no foreign transaction fees.

The best time to get travel cards is often during the off-season. Sign-up bonuses for general travel cards and airline cards tend to peak in November, and for hotel cards, August is the best month, according to a NerdWallet analysis. If you received a travel card around either of these times, or if you just redeemed a sign-up bonus, now is a good time to travel. Even if you didn’t get a travel card at one of those times, it may still be worth it to get one for your trip, if only to start earning points and to avoid foreign transaction fees.

3. If you’re taking a road trip, make the most of your cash-back credit card. If you already have a cash-back card with rotating categories that periodically offer a higher percentage of cash back for certain kinds of purchases, see which ones you can take advantage of while you’re on the road — such as higher rewards for gas stations or restaurants. If you have a card with higher rewards in categories like gas and groceries, be sure to take advantage of those, too.

4. Find the best hotel deals. Use hotel comparison websites like Hotels.com and Priceline to find the best rates for hotels. You may be able to book hotels through your travel card. Many points-based travel cards allow you to transfer your points to pay for hotels, either through the booking site of your choice or, in some cases, through their own travel site.

5. Perfect your packing list. You can always pick up something you forgot once you get to your travel destination, but that’s money you shouldn’t have to spend. Make sure you pack essential and versatile clothing for your journey with The Smart Shopper‘s travel-ready clothing guide. By planning now, you’ll have one less thing to worry about on your vacation.

July 8, 2016

Travel-Ready Clothing Staples Every Adventurer Needs

The summer travel season is here and with it comes the chance to save on some of the most versatile clothing styles you’ll find all year. Travel apparel is full of fabulous year-round pieces with great easy-care features like quick-dry and no-iron fabrics, secure hidden pockets and convertible styles. Here are Ebates‘ top picks for the best easy care clothes for travel that you can also use for everyday work and play.

Merino Midweight Hoody

This beautifully-tailored jersey-knit Patagonia hoody combines recycled polyester Capilene fiber with Merino wool to create a baselayer with a wide comfort range and lightning fast drying time, making it perfect to wear under backpack straps or over jogging gear.

Traveler’s Classic Rosemary Wrap Dress

This dress has it all: a figure-flattering cut, breathable and comfortable fabric, and a classic look that can transition straight from the desk to the dining table. Check out the rest of the Traveler’s Classic line at Chico’s for other stylish travel-ready clothing and wrinkle free clothes.

Resolve Waterproof Jacket

The mesh-lined Resolve jacket from The North Face has all the best comfort features like an adjustable hood, elastic cuffs and zip-closure front welt pockets. Plus the Resolve is so lightweight, it wears like a windbreaker. Always be prepared with this or another one of the great travel-friendly jackets available at Macy’s and earn Cash Back at Ebates while you shop for all your adventures.

Dakota Scarf With Hidden Pocket

This incredible accessory is made by travelers for travelers but it is a must have for anyone who could always use one more pocket. This comfy, lightweight scarf hides a secure, double-stitched pocket with a self-locking zipper that’s big enough for keys, phone and passport. Check out the upgrade option to include a custom prohibition-style flask that fits the pocket perfectly.

Foldable Flats

Essential Apparel is a one-stop shop for great, high quality American-made brands and features performance wear, travel clothing, outdoor gear and sporty intimates. Shop here for moisture-wicking clothing, wrinkle-resistant clothing, sun protective clothing and more. Start shopping at Ebates to earn Cash Back and find great savings with an Essential Apparel promo code.

Ella Packable Tote

From the same name that brought you the iconic Minne travel ballet flat, Tory Burch offers a packable tote that’s big enough to fit a laptop but packs small enough to fit in a pocket. This durable, water-repellent and lightweight nylon tote is great for travel, shopping and beachgoing.

Remember to pick up a clothing promo code at Ebates to save big when you shop our top stores for the best in travel apparel. Shop with Ebates and you’ll earn Cash Back when you buy and save even more!

June 22, 2016

The Complete Family Road Trip Packing Checklist

The kids are out of school and summer vacation is upon us. Road trip season is in full swing. But before you pile everyone into the vehicle for the excursion, there are a few road trip essentials you should make sure you have on hand. This checklist of what to bring on a road trip will make the trip much easier. So take your trusty vehicle in for routine maintenance and make any necessary arrangements so you can get started on packing all of the road trip must haves. Best of all, you can save with a promo code on your necessities and earn Cash Back at Ebates on your purchases from our easy road trip packing checklist.

Snacks: No road trip is complete without a nice supply of snacks. Just steer clear of chocolate and other meltables that may be destroyed during pit stops.
Water: Keep some extra bottles of water on hand for when stopping isn’t an option.
First Aid: Don’t forget to pack a first aid kit that includes supplies for any number of situations. Be prepared with everything from anti-nausea medicine to band-aids for scrapped knees from roadside adventures.
Hand Sanitizer: This miracle concoction will not only rescue you from questionable bathroom selections but will also help clear up any sticky residue left behind from snacks.
Tissues, Napkins & Baby Wipes: Baby wipes aren’t just for babies. Baby wipes, tissues and napkins are handy for cleaning up messes from the kiddos or from the adults.
Small Cooler: Keep your beverages and other goods cool with a small cooler and a steady refill of ice.
Sandwich Supplies: Ditch the fast food joints and create your own roadside picnics instead. You’ll save money and be able to take in the local scenery at the same time.
Sunscreen: Wherever you end up, you’re going to need broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. Don’t forget to reapply often for proper protection.
Sunglasses: Protect your peepers with the proper eyewear so you can take in all of the sights for years to come.
Auto Documents: Make sure you’re prepared with copies of your registration, insurance and roadside assistance contact information.
Hat: Protect yourself from the sun with a hat that provides a nice amount of shade.
Empty Bags & Baggies: Keep trash off your floorboards and protect your valuables from splashes with a good stock of empty bags.
Tickets & Confirmations: Bring along printed copies of all of your tickets and confirmation pages in case there are any mixups.
Coin Purse & Change: There might be many toll roads in your future so plan accordingly. It also doesn’t hurt to have a few extras for smashed penny souvenirs.
Poncho or Umbrella: Plan for the unexpected with rain gear for the whole family. An umbrella can also double as additional sun protection.
Jacket: Account for cooler nights or unexpected cool fronts with jackets for all of your passengers.
Headphones: Headphones allow each passenger to enjoy their own road trip entertainment while the driver can maintain control of the main radio.
Device Cords & Batteries: Your electronic devices are only as good as their battery supply if you forget the power cords. Spare batteries allow you to keep non-rechargeable devices going as well.
Travel Games: Quell boredom with travel-friendly games for the backseat crew.
Children’s Lovies: Pack your children’s favorite toys to fend off complete meltdowns far away from home, especially around bedtime.
Travel Pillow: Enjoy a mobile nap with a comfy travel pillow that will allow you to rest while on the go.
Earplugs & Eye Mask: Whether it’s to curb the sounds of other passengers during a nap or to fend off unfamiliar sights and sounds at your destinations, these items can be very handy.
GPS navigation unit: Don’t rely on cellular reception that can be spotty during road trips. Pick up a stand-alone GPS navigation unit with traffic updates and lifetime maps.
Roadside Safety Kit: Don’t get caught in a difficult situation. An emergency roadside safety kit should definitely make it onto your road trip packing list.
Books: Ditch the digital and grab some old-fashioned bound books for everyone to enjoy.
Music: Your streaming service may not work everywhere and radio selection can be questionable. Bring along some downloaded music or CDs so you can jam out wherever you are.
Camera: Capture all of those memories on a rugged camera that can stand up to all of your adventures.
DVD Player: Fight boredom with a DVD player and some household favorite movies.
Footwear: Whether you’re hiking mountain trails or sandy beaches, make sure you have the proper footwear for the occasion.
Bug Spray: Get rid of pests like mosquitos with bug spray so you can truly enjoy your adventures.
Beach Gear: Last but not least for our road trip list, if you’re hitting the beach, be sure to pack swimsuits, towels and sand toys to enjoy.

Editor’s Picks

June 9, 2016

The Ultimate Disneyland Trip Planning Guide

Mickey, Minnie and Goofy, oh my! A trip to The Happiest Place on Earth can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the right tips and tricks. It’s time to dive into Disneyland planning with Cash Back at Ebates on your next adventure! Here are our favorite hacks for making the most out of this magical family vacation. Plus, find out how you can win a Disneyland Anaheim vacation prize package, including a four-night stay for four at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel or Disneyland Hotel!

Discount Disneyland Packages

Save some cash on your family vacation with Cash Back at Ebates on discount Disneyland packages. Visit Expedia for travel deals and score extra savings with a travel promo code. Plus, discover the best prices on hotels near Disneyland at Priceline. Be sure to explore deals at the one and only Disneyland Hotel located just a short stroll away from the park and delight in all things Disney during your stay.

Avoid the Crowds

Your summer vacation can be a convenient time for a Disneyland adventure, but it can also mean long lines and hot weather. The park is busiest when school is out of season, so try booking during less-crowded times like January or February. It’ll be the perfect time to explore everything the park has to offer, minus the long lines that summertime and holidays can bring. Come early to try to get a place in the front of the lines!

Parking Perks

Disneyland parking options are plentiful. With short-term parking options near Downtown Disney and two all-day parking lots, you’ll find an easy option for you and your family. Both of the all-day lots offer tram or bus transportation to the main gate. At the end of the night, the lines to return to parking lots can be long, so you may prefer to walk back to your car to save some time.

Get Insider Access With the Disneyland App

Download the Disneyland mobile app to make the most of your Magic Kingdom vacation. You can easily check wait times for popular Disneyland rides, buy Disneyland passes, check Fastpass return times, browse restaurant menus, see Disneyland park hours and so much more at a glance. As a bonus, the app works like a GPS for all your favorite characters! You’ll know when and where they will appear in the park so you can be first in line for an autograph.

Skip the Wait With a Disneyland FASTPASS

A Disneyland FASTPASS is the perfect way to enjoy many of your Disneyland rides while skipping the line. Simply look for the FASTPASS sign near the entrance of an attraction and check the return time displayed. If the time works with your schedule, just insert your valid Disneyland tickets into the machine to generate your FASTPASS. Come back to the attraction at the time noted on your pass and enjoy the ride with minimal wait time! Check out a Disneyland map to mark all the rides you want to hit, then see if they have a FASTPASS option to make the most of your park time.

Go Hands-Free

Skip perusing the park with bags of souvenirs and supplies! Instead, check out Disneyland’s locker options for a simple and affordable way to store your stuff. It’s a great way to manage all your must-haves without being weighed down throughout the day. If you can’t bear to part with your things, at least make sure you have a comfortable backpack, like this Swiss Gear IBEX Backpack.

Secret Eats

Hiding in New Orleans Square (and probably not on your Disneyland map) you’ll find a simple “33” address plate that marks a high-end restaurant featuring incredible entrees and an all-you-can-eat dessert bar. How do you get a seat at this exclusive hidden eatery? Drop $25,000 for an initiation fee, plus a $10,000 annual membership fee – or, know a member willing to personally book you as a special guest.

For somewhat more accessible eating options while still enjoying an unforgettable ambiance, check out the Blue Bayou Restaurant inside the popular Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.

BYO Food and Drinks

Pack your own food and beverages in an insulated picnic basket from Bed Bath and Beyond to save big on family mealtime. Currently, you can enjoy your own food and drinks in an ideal setting at a complimentary picnic area located just outside the Main Entrance to Disneyland Park. With the exception of food items for guests with specific dietary needs, you can’t bring your outside treats into the park. However, a family picnic can be a fun, fast and cost-effective alternative to park eatery options.

Make Your Day Extra Special

If you’re visiting the park on your birthday or engagement, or are celebrating another special occasion, swing by Main Street City Hall for a free pin. It’ll make your day even more memorable!

Does all this Disney talk have you in the mood for a visit? Enter our Disneyland Anaheim Vacation Giveaway now for your chance to win the Happiest Vacation on Earth. Refer your friends to Ebates for your chance to win a total prize package worth up to $12,750! Click the image below for more details. Good luck!

May 12, 2016

Where to Find the Best Summer Travel Deals

Thanks to the internet, the search for airline tickets, vacation packages, cruise deals and hotel rooms has never been easier. There is no shortage of websites out there to help you find and book the summer travel experience of your dreams. But there are also hundreds of sites out there that only look like a bargain hunter’s dream but could attach added fees, service charges or other strings to your ticket price. In this handy guide, we will introduce you to some of the top names in online budget travel booking and give you tips on how to use their sites to save the most when you book your summer holidays vacation.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com offers travel deals for more than 240,000 quality hotels, B&Bs and serviced apartments around the world. Hotels.com is committed to full price transparency so the price you see at the start of the booking will always be the same price you pay at the end. They will even show you comprehensive fee information that gives details of which hotels might have extra charges for things like breakfast, parking or internet access.

Savings Tips:
• Book one of their Deals of the Day to save up to 50% on your summer vacation, all while earning Cash Back at Ebates.
• Ready for some Memorial Day travel fun? Get up to 40% off your summer holidays booking and vacation in places like California, Hawaii or Washington for less during their Memorial Day Sale.
• Become a Welcome Rewards member and earn points for your stay which can be redeemed for a free night!

Orbitz

With Orbitz, you can book your summer vacation flight, car rental or cruise with the utmost confidence thanks to their Best Price Guarantee. If you find the same booking at a cheaper rate within 24 hours, Orbitz will refund you the difference. When you book your travel with a vacation promo code at Orbitz, you’ll get extra savings and earn Cash Back at Ebates.

Savings Tips:
• Save an extra 10% when you sign up for Insider Prices. You’ll gain access to exclusive discounts available to members only so you can travel this summer with more money in your pocket.
• Join Orbitz Rewards to earn rewards for your summer vacation travels and redeem your Orbucks on select hotels worldwide. Earn even more with the Orbitz Rewards credit card and Orbitz Rewards Dining program.

Priceline

Priceline gives you access to over 70,000 hotels in more than 71,000 destinations worldwide and connectivity with all major airlines and car rental brands. With over 38 million verified guest reviews and the highest volume of hotel room nights booked per day, Priceline is a customer-approved site you can trust.

Savings Tips:
• Search through the Express Deals for savings of up to 60% on select hotels and accommodations this summer.
• When you use Priceline to bid your own price for vacation deals, the number one strategy to know is the “free rebid”. To get around the Priceline policy of not allowing you to raise your bid within 24 hours, use their map to find a nearby zone that doesn’t have any hotels at the same star level as the one you bid on. Add that zone to your bid and you can rebid without the waiting period and without any added risk.

Expedia

When it comes to making online booking easy, Expedia.com takes the cake. A flight recommendation tool, search saver and itinerary sharing options are just a few of the unique features of their website, which is built specifically to help Expedia customers make smart, informed travel decisions.

Savings Tips:
• Gain exclusive access to summer travel savings with your mobile device. You’ll see travel deals for up to 40% off, but only with the Expedia App.
• Get an extra 10% off at select hotels when you unlock Member Pricing. It’s free to sign up, all you have to do is sign in for amazing summer savings!