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October 23, 2015

Plan the Perfect Holiday Getaway With Groupon Deals

While most people are staying put or flying home for the holidays, why not do something different this year? Take the ultimate holiday vacation to a dream destination at incredible prices with Groupon vacation deals! If you’ve never used Groupon for your travel needs, don’t worry. Here are a few simple tips to follow in order to make sure you get the best vacation deal for your budget.

1. Research your destination. Take a look at Groupon Getaways and start browsing locations. From domestic to tropical, there are tons of options to help you vacay your way. Once you find a destination that looks too good to be true, consider that is just might be. Start looking into the weather during your booking time, local amenities, tourist attractions, etc. Don’t just rely on the pictures of the resort. Do your homework to be sure you and everyone else will have a great holiday vacation.

2. Get all the facts. Always read the fine print before booking your Groupon Getaway. This will include information on blackout dates, added fees, expiration dates and more. You may find that even with added fees, this will still be a great deal, especially if you are booking something last minute or for a particular location. Either way, it certainly helps to be prepared with all the information you can get.

3. Contact the property. Groupon’s Q&A section allows you to contact the owner/manager of your lodgings directly if you have any questions. And never be afraid to ask questions! Even confirming the details of the Groupon deal with the property manager is a good idea. Save your interactions in case there is a dispute you need to resolve later. Overall, speaking with someone directly associated with where you’ll be staying will provide a good indicator of customer service. If they take forever to get back to you, you may want to look elsewhere.

4. Check reviews from multiple sites. Try to get the big picture on what it’s actually like to stay at your destination. Reviewers not only discuss the lodgings, but also often give advice about the surroundings. Reading reviews is a great way to get all the facts you need before booking.

5. Think about it. Don’t think you have to book right this minute once you have all your ducks in a row. While some Groupons sell out quickly, a lot of them do not. This gives you ample time to really consider whether or not this is the vacation for you. Plus, even if you miss this deal, another great Groupon is bound to pop up soon.

6. Check out Groupon Coupons. If you need to stock up on some essentials for your trip, chances are you can find a Groupon coupon code to cut costs. From vacation clothes to travel electronics, there’s probably a great deal for it at Groupon.

Related Links

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July 20, 2015

6 Road Trip Games Anyone Can Play

Passing the time on a long car ride can seem a bit tedious. There are only so many things you can read, songs you can sing and topics of conversation you can cover. And that’s just when traveling with adults. Kids’ games will definitely keep you sane on family road trips but not all are car friendly. No matter who you plan to hit the highway with this summer, we’ve got a list of six super fun road trip games for passengers of all ages.

Grocery List

Exercise your brain with this basic yet challenging memory game. The first player names a grocery store item that starts with A, like apples. The next player has to repeat the first item, apples, then add a grocery store item that starts with B, like bananas. Repeat with the next players to cover all the letters of the alphabet. The first person to forget an item on the list loses.

Story Chain

This is a great game for kids to stretch their imaginations. But it’s also one of the funniest road trip games for adults, allowing them to get a little…suggestive. Start a story with one sentence, something like “Once upon a time, there was a princess.” The next person adds another sentence and so on. There’s no winner but there will be plenty of laughs.

20 Questions

This classic game may seem easy but can be a real head scratcher. One player picks a noun and tells the group if it is a person, place or thing. The other players take turns asking yes or no questions about the noun and the first person to guess correctly wins. This is one of our favorite road trip games for kids because it calls for them to do what they do best—ask questions!

Who Am I?

Take the 20 Questions game and get personal or test your pop-culture knowledge. The first player picks a person that everyone in the car should know, whether it’s a family member, fictional character or celebrity. The other players take turns asking yes or no questions and, again, the first player to guess the correct identity wins.

Alphabet Soup

A game of keen observation will keep the kids quiet and the adults sharp when energy levels are crashing. Name objects in alphabetical order. Every player can jump in at any time to name an object and collect a point, but the objects have to be said in alphabetical order. The player with the most points wins. Play the game with objects you see on the road, types of cars, letters on license plates or all of the above!

Virtual Hide and Seek

This is one of the best road trip games ever because kids and adults will have just as much fun playing. Pick a place everyone in the car will know about, whether it’s your family home, your office building, your old high school, etc. Pick a space in that location to “hide.” The other players take turns asking yes or no questions about where you are. The first person to guess correctly wins.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

July 16, 2015

Top 20 Travel Apps for Your 2015 Trips

Got a mean case of the wanderlust? There’s no better time to indulge in adventure than Getaway Week at Ebates with Extra Cash Back on flights, hotels, even luggage!

But we know there’s more to planning your trip than saving money. It’s also important to find ways to make your getaways as convenient as they are memorable with some of the best travel apps at your fingertips. Whether you are a master planner or live to wing it, these top 20 travel apps will get you started on your journey, your way. From booking a last-minute room to finding the best dog parks around your destination, you can do it all with these top trip-planning travel guide apps.

1. TripIt – Forward all your confirmation emails for your flight, hotel, rental car and more to TripIt and it will create one seemless itinerary, which you can access from anywhere.

2. Postagram – Take a picture on your phone and Postagram will print it into a personalized postcard and even send it for you! No more tracking down stamps or mailboxes in unfamiliar places.

3. Wi-Fi Finder – Easily find free Wi-Fi where ever the road takes you so you can plug in your laptop and take care of a little business or check your email without going over your data limit.

4. Google Translate – Language will no longer be a barrier as you trot the globe with an expert translator in your pocket. Use your voice, camera, keyboard or handwriting to translate between 90 languages.

5. Gas Buddy – Never run out of gas and interrupt your epic road adventure. Gas Buddy finds nearest and cheapest gas stations so you can fill up and rev up in a flash.

6. OANDA Currency Converter – Save yourself the headache of looking up currency rates and converting in your head or with a calculator and use this handy app.

7. Hotel Tonight – Get the best last-minute hotel deals in major metropolitan areas with Hotel Tonight. You can book a room any time between right this minute to seven days ahead.

8. Gate Guru – Take over your terminal with Gate Guru. Frequent travelers love this app which gives them airport security wait times and airport amenities like food, shops and services.

9. Hipmunk – Browse flights, hotels, even Amtrak and Airbnb options and compare prices easily! You can also use “heatmaps” to find lodgings close to attractions like shopping, nightlife and more.

10. Seat Guru – Picky flyers, rejoice. Seat Guru offers seat-choosing advice and seat maps for your flight so you can get the best seat and the biggest bang for your buck.

11. PackPoint – Tell the app where you’re going, when, for how long and a little about yourself. You’ll get a detailed list of what to pack including types and quantities of clothing, gadgets and anything else you’ll possibly need.

12. OpenTable – A big part of travel is sampling local cuisine and OpenTable is perhaps the easiest way to do it. Search by location, see reviews and make reservations in a snap.

13. TripAdvisor – Find your dream destination based on trusted reviews and user pictures all while finding great airfares and hotel deals with comparison shopping. Helpful user forums will also answer your burning questions.

14. AroundMe – A simple, streamlined alternative to Yelp, AroundMe lets you find everything from banks to bars within walking or driving distance on an easy-to-use GPS map.

15. iExit – Another one for the road warriors out there, iExit tells you what’s ahead on the interstate including gas stations, restaurants and rest stops. It will also find you hotel deals if you need an extended rest.

16. BringFido – For those who take their furry best friends along for the trip, this app finds pooch-friendly hotels, the best dogs parks around your lodgings, even restaurants that will welcome four-legged patrons.

17. Cruise Finder – Easily compare cruises and explore ship maps to find the perfect stateroom for your needs. Cruise Finder gives you access to 12,000+ itineraries to over 25 destinations.

18. Green Globe – Travel consciously with peace of mind that you are doing your best to reduce your carbon footprint. Search a wide selection of sustainable resorts, hotels, conference centers, attractions and tour experiences.

19. Localeur – This super hip app is completely community fueled with local insiders weighing in on their favorite restaurants, bars, stores and more. Take tips from city experts, not just tourists passing through.

20. YPlan – Why plan when you have a personal event planner in your pocket? YPlan helps you discover the best events daily in San Francisco, New York and London with plans to expand.

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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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June 22, 2015

5 Airport Hacks to Save Time and Stress

You’ve looked at your flight confirmation email a hundred times in the last month, agonized over what neutral colors you can mix and match outfits with and told your coworkers a dozen times the dates you’ll be gone. You’re all set, right? Wrong. What you’re missing is some fool-proof ways to make your airport experience quicker and hassle-free. Wearing slip-on shoes and leaving the belt in your suitcase are fairly common knowledge to most travelers, but there are plenty of other tips to navigating the concourse you should be aware of.

If you’re thinking of planning a trip in the months ahead, check out the travel category at Ebates for coupons and Cash Back savings on flights, hotels, rental cars, activities and more. Read on for our walkthrough of five airport hacks that’ll save you time and stress.

Bring an Empty Water Bottle

We’ve all encountered the disappointment of arriving at security with a freshly opened bottle of water, thirsty from the scramble to get to the airport on time, only to have it taken from us. Next time you’re traveling, bring an empty bottle of water. You’ll be able to take the bottle through to fill up in the terminal area. Not a game-changer by any means, but hey, it sure beats having to buy a $5 bottle of the same water you just threw out.

Know Who’s in Your Line

When you’re about to hit the security screening lines, take a look around. You probably see some families with small children, solo business people and random collections of adults and youths. If there’s one thing you should not do in this scenario, it’s get in the lines filled with large groups, families – and most of all – small children. You’re guaranteed to wait much longer than if you had gotten behind the quick-moving business folk who’ve done this airport thing a time or two before.

Line Your Pockets with Plastic Zip Bags

Before you get to the airport, make sure the contents of your pockets are lined with plastic zip bags. As you near security, you’ll be able to simply pull the plastic bags out of your pockets to place onto the trays. When your tray comes through, you easily grab your plastic bags and you’ll be on your way.

Flag Your Bag

You caved on a nifty piece of luggage from eBags, but after you’ve checked your bag you see eight other people with the same luggage model. “How frustrating!” you think as you play out the whole baggage carousel circus scenario upon arriving to your destination. Vow to not make the same mistake again and simply tie a ribbon around your baggage handle. You’ll save yourself the headache of pulling each piece of similar-looking luggage off the belt to look at the ID tag.

Bring a Portable USB Charger

You could be the unrivaled savior of your terminal by bringing a power strip to feed multiple phones, but for space concerns, a portable USB charger will do the job. Most airports have charging stations in their terminals, but it’s rare to see open outlets at most times of the day. Plus, leaving your phone at a recharging station means you either have to stay glued to your phone or risk someone taking it as you walk to hit the restroom or grab a bite. Relax anywhere before our flight as your phone recharges.

Following the above steps take little to no effort and will save you added headaches as you get ready to embark on the trip you’ve been waiting for.

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June 9, 2015

Enter to Win $1000 Hotel Credit

Planning a getaway can be stressful, particularly when you’re trying to get the most out of your money (and who isn’t?). Let Accor Hotels ease the pain in your wallet with the chance to win every jet setter’s dream–a $1,000 hotel credit! Now paying for your stay will be one less (gigantic) expense to worry about for your next trip, whether you’re visiting family in Philly or sight seeing in Sydney.

With over 3,800 locations worldwide, Accor Hotels provides accommodations that will make you feel right at home with exceptional customer service and a rewards program that can’t be beat. With the Le Club Loyalty Program, you can earn free nights, upgrades and late check outs the more you book your stays with Accor Hotels.

Enter to win the $1K Accor Hotels giveaway below so you can kickstart your vacay planning with peace of mind know you’ll save a buck…or a thousand! One lucky winner will pick any hotels and destination they want!

More Ways to Save at Accor Hotels:

1. Get a second room half off: Book a room just for the kids at select hotels and save 50% off of your second room. Choose from a number of hotels and give up to two kids under 16 years of age their own space.

2. Book early to get up to 30%: Reserve your next hotel room at Accor Hotels at least 30 days before your stay and take up to 30% off of your purchase. It pays to plan ahead! More details

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How to Enter the $1k Hotel Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, join over 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40% Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Joining Ebates is free and you’ll receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join today at www.ebates.com.

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

June 2, 2015

4 Tips for Traveling with Kids

Traveling requires packing and planning at any age, but adding young kids into the mix? Things can easily get a little overwhelming. If you’re going to be traveling with your children in the near future, check out these tips to minimize stress and make your trip an enjoyable one.

1. Plan Your Destination Wisely

The best way to ensure that things go smoothly when you’re traveling with little ones is to plan, plan and plan some more. Minimize any uncertainties ahead of time by making sure that you’ve covered all of your basics with passports, visas, hotels, flights, car rentals and immunizations as far in advance as possible. As you get closer to the date of departure, things will be much easier for everyone.

Along the same lines, look into family friendly options with established resources for parents with young children. There’s no shortage of resorts that can cater to your needs. All you have to do is find them. And when you do place your bookings, use travel coupons from Ebates to find a deal.

2. Be Judicious About Your Packing “Essentials”

Let’s face it, if you’re traveling with children, you’re going to run into over-packing issues. While you might think a third sweater is necessary, your children are not going to be chilly in Orlando in mid-June, trust us.

Start off with the items that you and your family use on a daily basis like a stroller or car seat. They’re the essentials you need most when you’re traveling, but if they’re not going to fit in your overhead compartment, consider investing in a travel-friendly option using BuyBuy Baby coupons. When you’ve covered the basic essentials, move onto clothing, but bringing only what you need is the key to success when packing.

3. Bring Bribes

Inevitably, travel is going to lead to more than one incidence of an exhausted kid, and your best bet for a quick solution is a bribe. While you might not be a fan of the “bribe your kids” school of parenting at home, you have a little more freedom to indulge your kids while you’re on vacation. It’s a different frame of mind, and everyone deserves a treat every once in a while, especially if it’s going to keep them calm, happy and tantrum-free.

4. Kids in Flight

There’s a special place in heaven for parents that can keep their child peaceful for the duration of a long flight. Although there’s no set formula to guarantee a calm flight for your kids, you can certainly take a few precautions to help things out. CNN suggests flying while they normally sleep. If you can take a red-eye to your destination, the chances of getting your child to sleep through a long flight are going to be dramatically higher, making things easier for everyone. But if you’re on a shorter jaunt, just make sure you have enough hours of prerecorded entertainment to keep them busy for the length of the flight. Another episode of Sesame Street anyone?

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March 25, 2015

Music Festival Survival Guide

Festival season is upon us and if you’re new to the world of all-day music extravaganzas, a little planning will go a long way in terms of what you should bring along. You’ll be in it for the long haul all in the name of rocking out and spending quality time with your best buds. Get prepared with our festival checklist of essential items including a few tried and true life hacks that will make your experience just a little easier.

music_festival_packing — via Bows and Sequins

Festival Packing List:

Mini flashlight – Don’t get caught in a porta-potty after dark without one.
Hand sanitizer – Because porta-potties are gross
Tissues – Because porta-potties run out of TP way too fast
Baby wipes – For messes and spills
Portable cellphone charger
Earplugs
Water bottle – Pro Tip: Freeze it first and use it as an ice pack for quick relief from the heat.
Lip balm with SPF – Nothing worse than sunburn on your lips
Sunscreen
Snacks – Food at festivals is expensive with very long lines. Pack a couple of energy bars to keep you fueled between jumbo hot dogs.
Plastic rain poncho – Because rain happens. Lightweight, easily folds into a tiny square.
Cheap sunglasses – Leave the designer shades at home. Things get rowdy.

Quick Festival Tips:

1. Carry a mini shoulder bag. All of the above items are small enough to cram into it, plus backpacks are invitations for theft since you don’t have eyes in the back of your head.

2. Make a custom staff or flag. If you’re going with a large group, avoid getting broken up in the crowd by letting your freak flag fly high for all to see.

3. Wear closed-toe shoes. You may be tempted to sport sandals but your toes WILL get stepped on. Better protect those piggies.

4. Use hair ties to secure maxi skirts during calls of nature. Wear them on your wrist (they’ll hardly stand out among your bangles and friendship bracelets) and use them to bundle up your maxi skirt so it doesn’t get in the way while in the confined space of a porta-potty. Genius, right?

5. Tie a lightweight scarf around your waist or bag strap. It will be perfect for sitting on in the grass instead of a bulky blanket or towel.

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February 25, 2015

Staycation Success: Tips & Tricks

The word vacation brings up images of escape, relaxation, and fun. Most traditional vacations take place away from the home. But when a traditional vacation isn’t an option, plan a staycation instead! You can easily take a break in the comfort of your own home and city. Staycations are a great choice for singles, couples, and families alike!

The Ground Rules
A staycation is meant to feel like a real getaway, so there are a few ground rules that need to be set. Deciding a start and end time to the vacation (whether it be a weekend or a whole week) and guidelines to follow ahead of time keep everyone involved and on the same page. NOTE: Not all of these examples will work for everyone, so pick and choose what works for you and your family!

No working from home
No cooking, cleaning, or laundry
Only check your phone or email when you absolutely have to (preferably not at all!)

Plan Your Staycation
Destination vacations usually include fun plans for dinners, activities, and ways to relax, so make sure you do the same for your staycation! Set a realistic budget with money set aside for eating out or a massage. Try to prep around the house in a way that makes your vacation at home as relaxing as possible. You can make sure all your laundry is done ahead of time, gathering local menus, preparing meals in advance, and using disposable dishware to cut down on doing the dishes.

Get Out and About
Just because it’s called a staycation doesn’t mean you need to stay in! There are most likely dozens of things to do around your hometown that you have never even thought of. Here’s a list of 10 ideas to get you started. Check out our Groupon and LivingSocial for coupons and discounts on local events, plus get 6% Cash Back at Ebates!

Visit your local museums
Check out your local library for activities
Root for your favorite major or minor league team
Have a board game tournament
Camp in the backyard
Catch a show at your local theater
Tour a local brewery
Take a painting or pottery class
Visit a local park
Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride

Relax and Refresh
While you’ll probably be tempted to tackle a few chores during your staycation, remind yourself to kick back and enjoy the moment. Whether you have a list full of activities or one or two picked out, the attitude and commitment you have to making this time about relaxing and having fun is ultimately the most important key to a successful staycation. Take the time to let your hair down and spend time with your partner, kids, or even catch up on some “me time!”

Have you ever taken a staycation? What activities around your town would you do? Let us know in a comment below!

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December 1, 2014

Win a Free Flight from Orbitz

The holidays will be over before your know it and we’re thinking between all the shopping and wrapping and baking and eating, a little recuperation will be in order. Why not let Orbitz take you away?

Our friends at Orbitz are ready to help you kick your new year off with a free plane ticket to the getaway destination of your choice. Whether you’re dying to get your tan on in the Caribbean or simply just want to visit grandma, Orbitz can get you there for exactly zero dollars.

Orbitz is offering 1 flight voucher for EITHER travel in the US48/Canada OR from the continental US to Mexico/Caribbean valued at $580.

How To Enter The Orbitz Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, visit us here and complete the free & simple signup: www.ebates.com. You’ll be on your way to saving money and earning Cash Back at over 1800 stores!

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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