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May 12, 2017

Before You Go: Travel Tips for Your Summer Vacation

Just like when we were kids, we look forward to our summer vacation all year. It’s the time we can take advantage of slow summer Fridays, fight the out-of-town traffic and get away for a far-flung adventure or a long weekend at the beach. No matter where you’re headed, here are some handy travel tips to make sure you have a summer vacation that’s as relaxed and fun as it was 20 years ago — and at the same time, earn Cash Back at Ebates like a responsible grown-up.

Compartmentalize

You don’t want to spend an hour rummaging through your bag for that tank top you’re sure you brought, only to find it stuffed into your sneaker. Make your life easy (it’s vacation!) and invest in eBags packing cubes to keep your clothes organized during your summer travel. If you really want to be on it, use the compartments to pack individual outfits for each day you’re on the trip. Take out the guesswork and spend more time on the beach or exploring a new city.

Roll It All Up

Rolling — rather than folding — clothes is a real space-saver when you’re trying to cram your entire summer wardrobe into one suitcase. You’ll be able to fit more of the clothes you love if you roll up each item tightly, minimizing wasted space in the bag. One of the most convenient summer travel ideas, rolling also will minimize wrinkles when you arrive, which is a nice bonus. To ease right into vacation mode, pack clothes with fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily, such as polyester, cashmere and this spandex maxi from Neiman Marcus.

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Keep the Charge

Keeping a full charge on your phone or tablet is critical to making sure the photos and Instagram posts don’t dwindle over the course of your summer vacation. Keep a portable charger in your suitcase so you never have to worry about forgetting it, and to use as a backup if you forget your full-time charger (which never happens…).

Check the Wait Times

Stressing because you’re late for your vacation flight is just too ironic. Plan ahead — and I don’t mean to take your mother’s advice to get to the airport three hours early. Apps such as MiFlight tell you how long the line is at security checkpoints at airports around the world. It’s the perfect kick in the pants for the last-minute traveler. Check what people are saying, and then decide whether you can take an Uber Pool or you need to get there pronto.

March 27, 2017

Travel Hacks for Booking Your Spring Vacation

Spring is finally here, which means we probably all have our eye on a travel adventure. If your spring break plans are more about getting the most incredible travel experiences for a bargain than about splurging on a luxury vacation, then you’re in luck. There are plenty of ways to take advantage of travel deals online and in person. All it takes is a little digging and patience to save you big and earn you Cash Back at Ebates. Here are some of the best travel hacks of the season.

Book packages

You already know Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to find deals on flights, and you know clearing the cache in your web browser can help keep prices down. But did you know you can save on flights, accommodations and ground transportation when you book it all at once? There’s a reason Travelocity offers that option right off the bat: It’s one of the easiest — and possibly the most overlooked — travel tips. You can get your flight, hotel and rental car for a bargain if you’re ready to commit all at once.

Start earning points

Any self-respecting travel hacker has a credit card or 10 that earns valuable miles, hotel points or both. Beyond signing up for cards that have incredible travel rewards, less committed travelers can simply sign up for any frequent flyer program that’s available. Anytime you try a new airline, sign up. Anytime you book with an airline you’re already signed up for, don’t forget to include your frequent flyer number. This easy (and free) hack will earn you points simply by traveling. It won’t happen right away, but maybe next spring you’ll have miles to use and your biggest decision will be whether to upgrade to first class.

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Pre-book activities

LivingSocial is the perfect travel mate for anyone looking to try new activities while on vacation. It has deals for every travel adventure — from snorkeling in Hawaii to a spa day in Napa Valley. It’s the best way to book something in advance, eliminating the headache of indecision when you arrive and saving you money by finding the best discounts on local attractions. Booking — or at least researching — in advance could save you while you’re on your trip.

Locate restaurant deals

You’ll be able to enjoy the best brunch in town at a bargain with a pre-booked deal at Mangrove Mama’s in Sugar Loaf Key, Florida. Restaurant.com lists some of the country’s best restaurants, and most have significant discounts. If you’re trying to be spontaneous or you simply can’t make up your mind beforehand, ask three locals where to go for food as soon as you arrive. Chances are, they won’t suggest a chain or the main tourist trap. They’ll know where to go to get good food that’s affordable. Expert tip: Don’t be afraid of street food or a hole in the wall!

Get all the apps

Splittr:

Wolfram Sun Exposure:

Before you travel, make sure you have all the apps you might need to make it the most efficient trip possible. Don’t waste time splitting the hotel bill; to painlessly and scrupulously divvy up all the week’s expenses among your group, download Splittr from the App Store before you go. Or, to avoid missing dinner reservations because you’re stuck at the hotel applying endless globs of aloe to your arms, download Wolfram Sun Exposure. This app tells you exactly how much sun you should be getting and when to call it quits. There are so many seriously clever apps out there that could make your trip as efficient and cost-effective as possible, and it takes only the smallest amount of effort before you travel to find them.

February 23, 2017

The Fashionista’s Travel Checklist for Looking Fly on the Go

We all know how difficult long trips can be, from overseas flights to cross-state road trips. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look as fresh as a daisy the minute you arrive at your destination! All you need are the right packing tips. Check out this simple travel checklist of fashion and beauty must-haves that will keep you looking radiant on the run. All of these items will fit in your purse or carry-on, and you can earn Cash Back at Ebates when you buy them. Don’t forget to browse The Smart Shopper for even more travel tips and ways to travel on a budget.

Extra hair ties. Just bring a whole pack. These little guys are easy to lose, and you never know when you might need an emergency bun.
Face wipes. These are especially great for overnight flights when you don’t want to sleep in your makeup.
Hand cream. Airplane cabins get incredibly dry, but you can stay moisturized with a travel-size cream.
Foldable flats. These are the ultimate carry-on checklist item. Get on the plane in your heels, but lounge in these stylish flats that won’t take up excess space.

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Pointed cotton swabs. Eyeliner runs. Keep your MOTD in line with a mini pack of these babies.
Mini hair brush. Need we say more?
Mini lint roller. Don’t let airplane seats or the backseat of a minivan leave a mark.
Non-aerosol dry shampoo. Aerosol cans may leak on airplanes, so opt for a non-aerosol version of the jet-setter’s solution for clean-looking hair.
Face primer. When it’s morning and you’re still en route, a little face primer is all you need for a rested glow.
Lip tint. Don’t mess with lipstick in bumpy situations.
Brush-on sunblock. No more messy application — just land and dust this lightweight powder onto your face for instant SPF protection.
Earplugs. The first step toward looking your best is getting the best sleep possible.
Sleep mask. See No. 12.
Bonus item: wrinkle-proof dress. Plan a travel outfit that will stand up to wrinkles and keep you looking crisp. This dress is simply elegant and will be your best friend for the duration of your trip. Bon voyage!

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.

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 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!

March 8, 2016

The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the World

Wendell Berry famously said “Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” The best way to truly discover the world for yourself is to travel on your own.

Solo travel has many benefits beyond getting all the “me time” you need. You can save money, effort and time, plus you can free yourself up to say “yes!” to any experience that comes your way, without having to double check with your companion’s comfort zone. Having said that, solo travel does come with some challenges. Staying within budget is a common challenge, but with Ebates you can book your arrangements and earn Cash Back so your budget on the road can have a bit more flexibility. Another challenge when abroad is staying in touch. As you follow your wanderlust to faraway lands, consider keeping a blog of your adventures so your friends and family will know what you’re up to. It’s a fun way to look back at your travels later and keep in touch in the moment.

Of the thousands of international destinations that are single-traveler friendly, we have narrowed this list down to a select few and made sure to find options for all types of travelers. In making our selections, we considered three main elements: safety, simplicity and affordability. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or new to the game, here are our selections for the best places to travel alone.

For the Adventure Lover: New Zealand

New Zealand is famous for its geographic diversity. In this tiny country you can climb a glacier, swim with seals and hike through tropical jungles. This incredibly hospitable country is made up of two main islands, the North and South. Each region of the islands has its own character, and because they’re so compact, you can easily visit several in one trip.

For the adrenaline junkie, check out great deals at BookIt.com for flights into Queenstown on the South Island where you can find easy access to jet boat rides, skiing, river rafting, sea kayaking, hiking, biking and the original bungee jump experience. When you need to relax after so much excitement, head to the wine country of nearby Lake Wanaka for vineyard tours and some of the best dining on the Island.

For a more relaxed experience, find fantastic airfare and hotel deals with Travelocity and fly into Auckland on the North Island, the country’s largest city. It’s easy to find day trips to wildlife sanctuaries, natural hot spring spas and a variety of eco-adventures. Plus you’ll have more spending money when you travel since you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates. You’ll find magnificent beaches, sunset kayaking, yachting, world-class shopping and dining. For women traveling alone who are not interested in dining solo, try area street vendors or the restaurant at your hotel for a taste of the local cuisine and a relaxing time to yourself.

For the Culturally Curious: Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the friendliest destinations to solo travel, particularly for women. This welcoming country is famous for its long coastline which is not only beautiful, but also provides some of the best seafood in the world. Vietnam is the place to go if you want to be wowed by incredible architecture, breathtaking views and a rich cultural history. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you can use Ebates to find an affordable flight at Expedia to the capital city of Hanoi in the north. You can strike out from there for easy day trips or to more secluded destinations along the coast.

If you’re an experienced traveler and want to take sightseeing into your own hands, head from Hanoi to Sapa which is a popular tourism destination for adventuresome travelers from around the world. There you can book a guided motorbike or 3-day homestay tour which will introduce you to local hosts who make special provisions for solo female travelers. Check out Orbitz for incredible deals on reputable homestay tours and earn Cash Back at Ebates when you book.

If you want a more luxurious experience, find incredible deals at Booking.com on a Paradise Luxury Cruise experience in the Ha Long Bay where you can relax on a luxury version of the traditional Vietnamese junk boat that features onboard spa, fishing and dining opportunities. The boat’s route will bring you to some of the best places to visit for scenery, custom-made clothing, historical sites and more.

For the Social Butterfly: Ireland

If you want to travel alone, but not be alone, Ireland is the ultimate destination. Eating, drinking and being merry is just the beginning of this remarkable country where it’s nearly impossible to not make friends around every corner. Check out CheapTickets for great deals on flights and vacation packages to Dublin, the beating heart of Ireland, and from there it’s easy to travel anywhere in this small island nation. Search for a promo code at Ebates for even bigger savings on top of your Cash Back.

Ireland is a mostly rural country with metropolitan pockets and it’s easy to get away into the wilderness for a day trip or multi-day adventures in the mountains, the ocean or on horseback through the beautiful countryside. You can find mountain biking tours through Galway, riding and hiking tours through Connemara and exceptional kayaking and surfing in Kerry, all of which are accessible from Dublin. But you don’t have to leave Dublin for adventure as it’s known as one of the best cities for shopping, dining, nightlife and, of course, the best beer in the world!

Which of these destinations is now on your solo-traveling bucket list? Let us know with a comment below!

December 7, 2015

Infographic: Making the Most of Airline Perks

If you’re in the air often, you know flying can be a trying necessity of travel — often punctuated by crying children, cramped legroom and other not-so-luxurious aspects of airplane culture. However, you can sweeten the deal somewhat by making the most of your hours in flight. Let’s explore the best airline perks and rewards available so your time aloft can be put to work.

Points Pointers

The first thing most people think of when they consider “travel payback” is rewards programs, which can offer anything from free future air travel to various other perks in return for your time spent in their seats. The usefulness of rewards programs tends to be subjective, however, based on your style of travel. Determine where you travel and how often, then consider the following:

Number of daily flights the airline offers and where it flies: An airline that doesn’t fly to your favorite destinations is useless.
When do you wish to fly? Many travelers like to use their points or rewards during popular holiday periods. Frankly, this can be a crapshoot — but if you’re willing to wait to book one to two weeks before the holiday, airlines tend to release extra award seats then.
Ease of earning a free flight: How many different ways can you earn points? Flights, hotel stays, general charges on your credit card?
Ease of using your points: What are the blackout dates? How long before points expire? Can you combine points with cash for flights? Are the rules for point usage confusing?
General quality of the airline: It goes without saying, but some airlines’ customer service just can’t get off the ground. Is it worth it to fly an airline you personally dislike, even if the perks are good?

A Few Tips to Speed Up Rewards

When accumulating awards points, the one thing everyone wants to do is figure out how to accelerate the process. Consider the following:

Fly multiple legs: Forgoing direct flights is a bit of a drag, but if you have the time, you’ll accumulate more points for each leg of your journey than if you flew nonstop.
Beg your company to upgrade you: Flying business or first class will earn you more miles by far. Tell your boss you deserve it, right?
Research reward credit cards: Some are airline-specific, and some just offer generic point rewards that can be applied to many things (shopping, etc.). Cards like American Express offer simple, generic programs that link to travel with points earned per dollar spent. Or try Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Visa, which partners with companies such as Hertz and Hyatt. If you travel internationally, consider a card geared toward that, such as British Airways’ Visa Signature. It offers perks like no foreign transaction fees and plenty of international reward flight options.
Link your rewards programs: A hotel chain-related credit card with high reward gain for property stays, such as the Starwood Preferred Guest AmEx, allows you to redirect hotel and car rewards toward your flights.

Loyalty Programs: Good, Better, Best

It’s worth it to compare airline-specific perks programs when determining which carrier you’d like to give your loyalty (and dollars) to. Most of the major airline loyalty programs offer the basic perks: free preferred seating, free checked bags (the number you can check free varies, however) and priority check-in/security/boarding.

But if you’re looking for something more, here are a few extra perks to add to your arsenal:

Delta SkyMiles: No same-day change fee at 50,000 miles.
United Mileage Plus: Discounted same-day change fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards: Free drink coupons and free Wi-Fi on 50 flights per year.
JetBlue True Blue: No change fees or cancellation fees for both you and your companions.
Alaska Mileage Plan: Free premium drinks and movies, and no change fee.
Hawaiian HawaiianMiles: Free unlimited TV and lounge access.

Loungin’ Around

Layovers elicit a universal ugh. But layovers in an airport lounge with free cocktails, food, Wi-Fi and TV make those boring hours go by much faster. Wondering how to score access? We’ve got the goods on how to get in.

Attain premier status: This is for those who fly one airline exclusively, as many of the major carriers offer lounge access for frequent flying members.
Put your credit card to work: Airline rewards credit cards, as well as some of the basics (such as AmEx Platinum), offer reduced-cost or free day passes. Check to see if it’s included in the annual fee — and if the annual fee makes sense for your budget. If the fee is too high for your personal comfort, say nay.
Beg, borrow or swap: Believe it or not, you can swap day passes on travel forums or purchase them at low prices on eBay or Craigslist.

Which lounges are the best?

Look for unique features, such as:

The children’s play area at the AA Admirals Club in Los Angeles (Terminal 4)
The multi-level space with private showers at the United Club in Houston (Terminal E)
The high-tech entertainment zone and a la carte meals at NYC/JFK’s Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (Terminal 4)

While we can’t do anything about the seat recliner in front of you or the armrest hog in the middle seat, we hope our tips have given you a blueprint on how to navigate the most lucrative payback for flying the friendly skies. Bon voyage!

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<a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/airline-perks/"><img alt="Making the Most Out of Airline Perks" class="ngg_none" src="https://www.ebates.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/making-the-most-out-of-airline-perks_IG.png" width="600px" height="3678px" /></a><br><a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/airline-perks/">Making the Most Out of Airline Perks</a> Created by: <a href="https://www.ebates.com/category/travel-vacations.htm">Ebates Travel</a>

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

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.

July 14, 2015

4 USA Destinations for a Perfect Summer Getaway

As we head into the summer months, friends, couples and families everywhere are wondering where to head for a summer getaway. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of four beautiful American destinations perfect for any travel group. And don’t forget to browse Ebates travel coupons and deals for more savings and Cash Back on all your travel needs!

Chicago

Chicago has a horrible (and accurate) reputation for its unbearable seven-month-long winters, however, few cities are as majestic as summertime Chicago. Stroll the river walk amidst the impressive skyline and renowned architecture or take a water taxi to save your walking legs. Explore heralded museums such as the Museum of Science and Industry, The Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium.

Don’t leave without experiencing classic Chicago deep dish pizza, or taking in a ballgame at the historic Wrigley Field. If you want to balance trekking around the city with some R&R, take in one of Chicago’s many beaches and stare off into Lake Michigan with a cold drink in hand.

Portland

Portland, and the Pacific Northwest in general, experience more than their fair share of blustery gray days and rain but June to September (particularly July and August) brings the warmest temperatures and lowest amounts of precipitation. Portland is revered (and sometimes mocked) for its uniqueness, which means there’s no shortage of culturally stimulating activities to partake in.

Portland has dozens of karaoke bars and a serious focus on live music in general. But it wouldn’t be the Pacific Northwest without some coffee and a good read. Powell’s City of Books in Portland is the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. If you’re not feeling as cerebral, take a hike in the Columbia River Gorge or check out one of the 58 active breweries within the city limits.

Asheville

If you’re looking for a quaint mountain adventure, few places in North America can offer the combination of culture, outdoors and quaint feel like Asheville, North Carolina.

The small-town layout lends well to the diverse ways one can spend a day. Get up early to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and be back in time to eat lunch at one of the many excellent microbreweries. Walk off the food and brews by grazing the 8,000-acre backyard of America’s largest home, the Biltmore, and as many of its 250 rooms you can make it through. Those looking for a mild summer climate destination are well served heading to Asheville, with average summer temperatures barely exceeding 70 degrees.

Biloxi

For those looking for a more laid-back vacation complete with white sand, great fishing and higher temperatures, look no further than one of the country’s first settled communities (1699) in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Though Biloxi suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina, its colonial, southern charm lives on with landmark sites like Jefferson Davis’ Beauvoir, the post-war home of the former President of the Confederate States of America. Many resorts and casinos have also been fully restored and when paired with the assortment of great golf course options in the area, Biloxi holds all the elements for a relaxed trip of play and leisure.

No matter where you decide to head this summer, be smart with your money and browse Ebates Travel & Vacations coupons to get the most out of your money.

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