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February 13, 2017

How to Book a Luxury Vacation for Less

Savvy travelers know the best vacation packages can be found online for less. Whether you’re booking your honeymoon, a long weekend getaway or a group trip, you can save big on luxury travel if you know where to look. When you search through Ebates, you’ll get even bigger savings with a special promo code and Cash Back.

Hilton Hotels and Resorts

Hilton Hotels offers luxurious rooms and accommodations for all your vacation, business and bridal needs.

Savings Tips:
• Shop the Offers section to earn bonus points and get 20 percent off an early booking. If you’re an AAA or AARP member, you can get 5 percent off.
• Take advantage of Hilton’s free Hilton HHonors membership and earn loyalty points and perks such as late checkout and free breakfast.

Orbitz

From discount flights and hotels to car rentals and full vacation packages, Orbitz knows how to travel on a budget.

Savings Tips:
• Head to the Deals section for money-saving promo codes and unbeatable prices on hotels.
• Join Orbitz Rewards to earn up to 5 percent on your hotel stay and 1 percent on flights.
• Check out the Orbitz travel guide for the insider scoop on the best times to find travel packages to some of the world’s best tropical resorts.

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Hotwire

Hotwire offers deals on hotels, car rentals and flights all around the world.

Savings Tips:
• Save a bundle when you book at the last minute. Check out Hotwire’s Cheap Travel and Last Minute Deals sections to save on your spontaneous getaway.
• Find even more deals when you download Hotwire’s mobile app. It’s the easiest way to book and save.
• Use the TripStarter feature to choose your destination and departure airports and find out when flights and hotel rates historically have been the cheapest.

Expedia

Known for its travel bargains, Expedia offers a Best Price Guarantee so you’ll get the lowest price possible on your trip.

Savings Tips:
• Use Expedia’s free app to get a special promo code for $25 off your first hotel booking.
• Unlock special member pricing and save an extra 10 percent or more when you book with select hotels.

Atlantis

Atlantis vacation packages include meals, entertainment, drinks, local transportation and entrance to water parks at the Bahamian resort.

Savings Tips:
• Get the lowest rates and exclusive benefits when you book specialty offers. Select your location to see the offers for that hotel.

Booking.com

Booking.com is the place to go when you want to book a smaller, independent hotel with a more personal feel.

Savings Tips:
• Subscribe to the Booking.com email list and gain access to exclusive secret deals of up to 50 percent off!

Priceline allows you to be an expert auction bidder for the ultimate savings on your luxury vacation.

Savings Tips:
• The trick is to search Priceline’s Express Deals for the lowest price being offered, subtract 5 percent to 20 percent and then use that number to make a Name Your Own Price bid.

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Travelocity

From Europe to Hawaii, Travelocity offers the best deals in travel all over the world.

Savings Tips:
• The exclusive Bargain Hunter ticket feature allows you to see the final cost of your booking without having to guess how any associated fees might add up.
• Check Travelocity’s promotions to see how you can save more with current coupons and an exclusive promo code.

BookIt

BookIt offers vacation packages, flights and hotels to popular destinations worldwide.

Savings Tips:
• Sign up for the BookIt newsletter and get a $50 credit instantly.
• Become a member at BookIt and gain access to the Rest Assured special feature, which guarantees your hotel rate is the lowest possible.

CheapTickets

There’s no beating around the bush here: CheapTickets offers discounted vacation packages and accommodations so you can travel on the cheap.

Savings Tips:
• Download the CheapTickets app for exclusive savings and deals.

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.

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.

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.

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!

November 24, 2015

Holiday Travel Tips: 4 Hot Holiday Destinations

Every year, the travel industry sees a surge in travel around the holidays. Whether it’s to visit family, stay slope slide or to escape winter and take in a warm breeze for a change, people are packing their bags and hitting the road. Plus, more and more people are trading in the traditional family gatherings for something a little less conventional and a bit more exciting.

If you’re looking to shake things up this holiday season and find a destination beyond the same ol’ dinner table, have no fear. There are plenty of last minute travel destinations you can visit with (or without) your family this Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. To round out the end of the year and bring in the next, we have a few suggestions for your big travel plans, all of which can earn you Cash Back at Ebates.

Fort Lauderdale

Trade in the winter blues with a good dose of Vitamin D on the beaches of Fort Lauderdale. Get there for less with a flight from Virgin America and then book with Hotels.com to save on the hottest beachfront hotels. Sip mojitos by the beach or keep it poolside at what is sure to become your new favorite spot. Or book a vacation package from Expedia and settle your toes comfortably into the sand knowing you’re saving money and living it up.

Orlando

If you’re looking to keep your travel companions entertained and catch some rays, Orlando has plenty to offer. This travel destination is known as an entertainment hotspot. Universal Studios, Disney World and SeaWorld are just some of the big name locations you can visit during your stay. Best of Orlando has you covered for deals on your Orlando attractions and shows, as well as hotel savings. You can even lock in last minute travel deals on vacation packages through Priceline.

Los Angeles

Take your vacation to the west cost with this year’s hottest travel destination: Los Angeles. The City of Angels offers similar attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios, but also boasts a few of its own like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Santa Monica Pier. Travel sites like Travelocity and Expedia can get you to your Los Angeles oasis with extra savings in your pocket to enjoy them.

Denver

Turns out, not everyone wants to escape the Winter Wonderland once it gets cold. If you’re itching to hit the slopes, the decision to travel to Denver could end up saving you some money on your last minute travel as well. Orbitz awards the biggest savings on holiday travel this year to the Mile High City. Hotels and airfare are both seeing significant savings, especially with the help of travel sites like CheapTickets and CheapOair. The last minute travel deals mean you can enjoy more wintertime activities that Denver has to offer. Just remember to stock up on winter apparel before you hit the slopes so you can stay warm, comfortable and stylish throughout all your travels.

Whether you’re flying solo or bringing the whole gang, turn to Ebates for additional savings on vacation packages and last minute travel deals to your sunny or snowy destination. Choose from the season’s hottest travel destinations or select your own unique destination, just be sure to head to Ebates first to get the best savings around.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.