Read the fine print of travel flash sales

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During the last few years, flash sales, or time-limited offers with a high discount, have truly evolved. Websites like Living Social and Groupon have recently expanded to include travel discounts. The question is: Are the travel deals worth it? The answer: It depends on whom you ask.

Ask someone who bought one, and they’ll say yes. Ask me, and I’ll say you get what you pay for. Flash deals are just another marketing tool. However, I tend to be skeptical. So in all fairness, I’ll say this: For those who scavenge carefully, yes, sometimes flash sales can be a deal.

The devil is in the details. All offers come with strings attached. When it comes to travel deals, be aware of the following:

Expiration dates. Companies offer flash sales for two reasons: to get rid of unsold inventory and because they realize a percentage of purchasers will never redeem the coupon. Know when your voucher expires and above all else, use it!

Limited benefits. You may not receive the same amenities with a flash deal as you would when booking directly with a hotel. Some all-inclusive resorts offer flash deals but restrict the included meals to their buffet. Spa resorts that normally include treatments and classes may not include such services in a flash sale. Read the fine print and know what you’re getting.

Restrictions. Your offer will be for a specific room category and dates. Don’t expect a room with a view for a holiday week. Even if the resort has rooms available, if they aren’t in your category (read: cheapest rooms), they are not obligated to give you an upgrade, and most likely won’t.

If you can be flexible, and just want to get away on the cheap, a flash sale voucher may fit the bill. If you’re particular, or can only travel in prime season, skip it.

 

Tracy Line is a travel writer and the owner of Noblesville Travel. Contact her at [email protected].

 


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Read the fine print of travel flash sales

0

During the last few years, flash sales, or time-limited offers with a high discount, have truly evolved. Websites like Living Social and Groupon have recently expanded to include travel discounts. The question is: Are the travel deals worth it? The answer: It depends on whom you ask.

Ask someone who bought one, and they’ll say yes. Ask me, and I’ll say you get what you pay for. Flash deals are just another marketing tool. However, I tend to be skeptical. So in all fairness, I’ll say this: For those who scavenge carefully, yes, sometimes flash sales can be a deal.

The devil is in the details. All offers come with strings attached. When it comes to travel deals, be aware of the following:

Expiration dates. Companies offer flash sales for two reasons: to get rid of unsold inventory and because they realize a percentage of purchasers will never redeem the coupon. Know when your voucher expires and above all else, use it!

Limited benefits. You may not receive the same amenities with a flash deal as you would when booking directly with a hotel. Some all-inclusive resorts offer flash deals but restrict the included meals to their buffet. Spa resorts that normally include treatments and classes may not include such services in a flash sale. Read the fine print and know what you’re getting.

Restrictions. Your offer will be for a specific room category and dates. Don’t expect a room with a view for a holiday week. Even if the resort has rooms available, if they aren’t in your category (read: cheapest rooms), they are not obligated to give you an upgrade, and most likely won’t.

If you can be flexible, and just want to get away on the cheap, a flash sale voucher may fit the bill. If you’re particular, or can only travel in prime season, skip it.

 

Tracy Line is a travel writer and the owner of Noblesville Travel. Contact her at [email protected].


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Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

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Share.

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Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

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By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact