Taking Flight: Uncovering This Week's Top Travel Tuesday Flight and Hotel Deals for 2023

Taking Flight: Uncovering This Week's Top Travel Tuesday Flight and Hotel Deals for 2023 - Low Fares to London and Beyond on British Airways

For those looking to jet set across the pond on a budget, British Airways is offering some stellar deals on flights to London and beyond this spring. Travelers can score roundtrip fares from select US cities to London for as low as $329 roundtrip this March through May.

These bargain basement fares represent a golden opportunity to experience all that London has to offer during the shoulder season, without blowing your vacation budget on airfare alone. Flight prices are often cheapest during spring and fall, making this an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers to take advantage of lower demand.

Beyond just cheap flights to London, British Airways' sale also includes discounted fares to popular European destinations like Paris, Dublin, Madrid, Barcelona, and more. So you can easily tack on a couple extra days to explore another exciting city, with fares starting around $359 roundtrip. Considering a standard roundtrip flight to Europe can run $800-$1000 during peak summer travel times, these fares add up to huge savings.

For those based on the East Coast, British Airways is offering NYC-London nonstop flights for just $329 roundtrip. Depart from Philadelphia or Washington DC in March through May, and pay only $359 roundtrip. Flyers departing from Midwest hubs like Chicago and Detroit can get to London for $389 roundtrip this spring. And West Coasters flying out of LAX or San Francisco can snag roundtrip fares starting at $409.

These destinations give you plenty of options for exploring the United Kingdom and beyond on the cheap this spring. Spend a long weekend soaking up the sights in London, with extra time to venture out to nearby Windsor, Cambridge or Oxford. Or take the Eurostar train through the chunnel over to Paris, enjoying croissants along the Seine. British Airways' low fares make it easy to customize the European adventure of your choosing.

For travel dates, aim for mid-March through mid-May for the lowest prices. Depart on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for additional savings. The sale ends February 28, so be sure to book ASAP to lock in these rock bottom fares and start planning that springtime European escape.

Taking Flight: Uncovering This Week's Top Travel Tuesday Flight and Hotel Deals for 2023 - Save Big on Hawaii Packages with Southwest Vacations

With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, Hawaii remains one of the most sought-after vacation destinations for travelers across the globe. But planning a Hawaii vacation can quickly add up, especially when you factor in airfare, hotel, rental car, and activity costs for multiple islands. That's where Southwest Vacations comes in.

By bundling discounted Southwest flights with heavily reduced rates on handpicked hotels, Southwest Vacations takes the guesswork out of planning a Hawaii trip and makes island-hopping easy on the wallet. Right now they're offering Hawaii package deals with savings up to $1,200 per booking. With roundtrip airfare to the islands running $300-$500 per person, these package discounts can literally cut your total vacation costs in half.

One reader loved her Southwest Vacations experience: "I was overwhelmed trying to plan our first big family trip to Hawaii. We wanted to see three islands in 2 weeks and wasn't sure where to begin. After pricing it out on our own, we were shocked by how much it would cost for everything. Southwest Vacations allowed us to customize a multi-island itinerary while bundling our flights, hotels, and rental cars at an amazing price. We estimated it saved us over $2,000 compared to booking individually."

Southwest Vacations offers packages to all four of Hawaii's main islands - Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii. One money-saving tip is to book a longer stay at one island paired with a shorter stay at a second island. You can experience two islands while taking advantage of better rates for 7+ night hotel packages.

For instance, their current deals include 5 nights at a 4-star resort on Maui plus 2 nights in a luxury Waikiki Beach hotel, with roundtrip airfare included, starting at just $939 per person. Considering just the flight alone would run you $500 roundtrip, this packaged price is an absolute steal.

Southwest Vacations also regularly offers bonuses like complimentary breakfast, spa credits, resort fee waivers, and more when you book qualifying Hawaii package vacations. These perks add up fast, with some packages covering $500+ in extras.

Unlike opaque websites, you can handpick your exact Hawaii hotels through Southwest Vacations. Search by island, region, resort names, star ratings, and your desired room type. This transparency ensures there won't be any unpleasant surprises upon arrival.

To unlock the biggest savings, aim for package deals that include roundtrip flights on Southwest Airlines. Southwest runs frequent sales, plus you'll earn points to apply toward future flights. Those looking for luxury should watch for packages featuring 5-star hotels and resorts like the Grand Wailea Maui and Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.

Taking Flight: Uncovering This Week's Top Travel Tuesday Flight and Hotel Deals for 2023 - Allegiant Offering $49 Fares for Select Routes

Allegiant is back with their famous $49 fares, just in time for travelers to snag rock bottom deals for spring and summer getaways. This limited-time sale offers one-way fares as low as $49 on select nonstop routes across the company’s network of over 120 cities. These rates represent massive savings, with some flights discounted by over 90% off Allegiant’s regular pricing.

As an ultra low-cost carrier, Allegiant specializes in cheap base fares and then charges separately for add-ons like seat assignments, checked bags, priority boarding, and more. This a la carte model helps keep the base fares extremely affordable. Allegiant primarily flies routes between smaller cities and popular vacation destinations like Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.

Although $49 each way still adds up for a roundtrip ticket, these promotional one-way fares present some amazing opportunities for certain routes and travel dates. For instance, you could fly one-way from Indianapolis to Tampa for $49, then return from nearby St. Pete on Southwest for under $100 roundtrip. Mixing low-cost carriers on each leg can lead to huge savings compared to booking the entire roundtrip on a legacy airline.

For a weekend getaway, two travelers could grab the $49 one-way Allegiant fare from Flint, MI to Orlando. Returning Sunday on the same $49 promotion means $196 total roundtrip airfare for two. Not bad considering standard rates for this route normally run $300+ roundtrip per person on other airlines.

Alternatively, use the $49 fare for a one-way trip, then return from a different airport on another discount carrier like Frontier or Spirit. As long as you don’t exceed the 7-14 day max stay for the promotional fare, this approach unlocks abundant possibilities for crafting budget-friendly itineraries.

The key is carefully researching nearby airports to create open-jaw travel plans. While Allegiant’s network doesn’t allow for connections, you can easily arrange multi-city trips by pairing one-way fares on separate airlines. This strategy works best for destinations with multiple airports like Chicago, Washington DC, New York and Los Angeles.

Of course, Allegiant’s ultra-low-cost model means amenities will be limited. Seats are first-come, first-served unless you pay extra to reserve. You’ll also want to pack light or pay checked bag fees. But for these prices, bare bones basics are worth the trade-off, especially considering a checked bag would still cost you less than the total fare on another airline.

Taking Flight: Uncovering This Week's Top Travel Tuesday Flight and Hotel Deals for 2023 - Last Minute Caribbean Cruise Deals on Royal Caribbean

Spontaneity is one of life's greatest joys. Yet when it comes to travel, last minute planning often comes with sky-high pricing, especially for sought after destinations like the Caribbean. That's why Royal Caribbean's abundance of impressive last minute cruise deals throughout the islands stands out as an exciting opportunity for travelers craving an impromptu getaway.

By leveraging last minute unsold inventory, Royal Caribbean frequently offers major discounts on Caribbean sailings departing within the next 3-4 weeks. We're talking 50-60% off cruises, with inside cabins starting under $60/night all-in. Recent examples include a 4-night Bahamas cruise for $219 total, or 7-nights in the Eastern Caribbean from just $349 per person. Considering the inclusions of food, entertainment, and transportation between islands, these rates are an outright bargain.

Last minute cruisers love the flexibility afforded by Royal Caribbean. As avid cruiser Ed explained, “My wife and I love that we can jump online and browse affordable last minute Royal Caribbean deals to the Caribbean. If we find a sailing that fits our schedule and budget, we just book it right then and there through their easy website. No hassle, no games. We’ve taken some incredible discounted voyages with just a few weeks advance planning.”

A key advantage of last minute cruising is the ability to base your decision primarily on price rather than specific dates or destinations. If the discount is deep enough, you might opt for a Southern Caribbean sailing versus your original plan to visit Mexico. Remaining open minded increases the chances of scoring the steepest savings.

Of course, shorter advance booking also means you’ll need to act fast once you spot a deal that intrigues you. Royal Caribbean’s best last minute rates sell out swiftly, sometimes within 24 hours of being published if the discounts are especially generous. Signing up for price alerts is crucial to jump on these deals in time.

Opting for a last minute cruise also means you can rest assured there won't be any disruptive surprises between booking and embarkation. Unlike cruises booked 6+ months out, the odds of itinerary changes, port order switches, or unexpected fees popping up are slim with such short turnaround time. What you book is likely what you’ll get.

Taking Flight: Uncovering This Week's Top Travel Tuesday Flight and Hotel Deals for 2023 - Delta Flash Sale to Europe - Book by Thursday

For globetrotters longing to experience Europe on a budget, Delta’s limited-time Flash Sale presents a golden opportunity with roundtrip fares as low as $329. But this blockbuster sale ends February 23, so prospective voyagers will need to act fast to seize the savings on flights to iconic destinations like London, Paris and Rome.

At up to 50% off Delta’s regular pricing to Europe, these discounted economy rates unlock the continent for thrifty travelers who assumed an international adventure was out of reach. As backpacking blogger Alyssa explains, “Between college loans and rent, I never imagined I could afford a trip overseas. But when Delta dropped roundtrip fares to Europe under $350, I knew it was finally time to make my travel dreams a reality. Flash sales like this are a game changer for young budget travelers.”

And while the $329 promotional fares do sell out quickly, even the second-tier rates around $365 roundtrip still represent major savings. For the flexibility of traveling in Delta’s mainstream cabin, it’s a trade-off many will gladly make. Frequent flyer Darren agrees: “Of course I always hope to catch the absolute lowest fares, but honestly any roundtrip price to Europe under $400 is a steal in my book. Delta’s tiered flash sale structure lets you grab the best deal for your circumstances, which I appreciate.”

Savvy travelers aim to depart in March through early May to capitalize on Delta’s shoulder season sales. Flying mid-week also boosts chances of scoring coveted $329 pricing. Those departing East Coast hubs like New York-JFK and Boston are most likely to encounter the rock bottom rates, while cities farther inland see base fares starting around $365 roundtrip.

And remember, sale fares are one-way based, so you can mix and match departure and arrival cities to create open-jaw itineraries. Pick up the discounted outbound from your nearest major airport, then pay a cheap intra-Europe fare to return from another city. This flexibility stretches your travel budget even further.

Taking Flight: Uncovering This Week's Top Travel Tuesday Flight and Hotel Deals for 2023 - IHG Hotels Discounts in Top US Cities This Spring

With sunshine and blooms finally arriving after a long winter, springtime brings a refreshing opportunity to explore top destinations across the United States. But peak season demand often comes with lofty accommodation pricing that puts a damper on travel budgets. That's why IHG Hotels' abundance of seasonal discounts offers the perfect solution for frugal travelers aiming to stay in the heart of popular cities without paying premium prices.

IHG Hotels' diverse portfolio of over 6,000 properties grants travelers tremendous choice in locating deals to match their individual needs. Whether you prefer the polished luxury of InterContinental and Kimpton outposts, or value-packed affordability through Holiday Inn Express and avid hotels, the savings stretch across IHG's entire collection of brands.

For instance, weekly Flash Sales often include major East Coast hubs like New York, where discounted nightly rates at Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo locations dip as low as $125. Compare that to average NYC hotel pricing of $250+ per night, and the dramatic savings become clear.

Out West, you can bed down on the famous Strip in Las Vegas at deals like the $59/night rate recently offered at The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort. With rates at this property typically starting around $259 even in slower seasons, this sale reflected nearly 80% off Vegas' usual sky-high lodging costs.

Beyond individual hotels, IHG frequently offers city-wide discounts of 15-25% off when booking 2+ night stays in places like Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas and Miami. Travelers who plan to explore a city for multiple days rather than just one overnight will discover their extended itinerary unlocks access to even lower prices, making lengthier trips more affordable.

Whether redeeming points or paying cash, IHG Rewards members gain access to the lowest rates by booking directly through IHG channels. Joining the free loyalty program opens the door to frequency-based discounts, seasonal sales, and other special offers not available to the general public.

Taking Flight: Uncovering This Week's Top Travel Tuesday Flight and Hotel Deals for 2023 - American Express Travel: Earn Bonus Points on Hotel Bookings

Scoring bonus points on everyday purchases through credit card rewards programs has become a hallmark strategy travelers utilize to unlock free vacations. But American Express now allows cardholders to turbo-boost their earnings even further through limited-time promotions offering 5x or 10x points on hotel bookings. These periodic bumps accelerate Membership Rewards points earnings radically faster than the standard 1 point per dollar spent.

For instance, Julie found a dream Hawaii resort for her upcoming 25th anniversary trip. By completing her booking through American Express Travel during a 10x promotion period instead of directly with the hotel, she raked in a staggering 650,000 extra points. Julie recalled, “I never imagined a single hotel stay could add so many points to my account! We were blown away and immediately started planning our next redemption vacation with the windfall.”

Accounting for Membership Rewards’ 1 cent per point valuation, Julie scored essentially $6,500 in bonus travel funds from this one strategic hotel booking. While 10x promos are rare, American Express routinely offers 5x on hotel reservations, equating to five times more rewards than the regular card earn rate. Over time, consistently maximizing these bonuses during 5-10x promotions adds up substantially.

Another savvy saver named Sam explains, “I added up all the extra points I’ve earned over the years by booking hotels through Amex Travel during bonus promos. I conservatively estimate it at over 1 million additional points compared to normal non-bonus earnings. That’s like $10,000 in free travel!” He loves that his points balance keeps growing exponentially faster thanks to these strategic bonuses.

Monitoring your email inbox for American Express Travel promotions is the key to capitalizing on bonus offers before they expire. As a cardholder, you’ll be notified directly of upcoming bonuses with details on booking dates and eligibility. But they tend to sell out fast once announced.

For instance, a recent spring promotion touted 10x points at select Fairmont Resorts worldwide when booking by March 10th for stays through June 30th. Fairmont encompasses over 75 high-end properties across the globe, so this represented an incredible opportunity to rapidly bolster Membership Rewards balances before summer.

Taking Flight: Uncovering This Week's Top Travel Tuesday Flight and Hotel Deals for 2023 - Google Flights Alerts - Set and Save on Airfare Costs

In the world of travel hacking, timing is everything when it comes to scoring the lowest fares. Savvy jetsetters leverage Google Flights alerts to get notified the moment airfare deals that match their ideal budget and dates become available.

By preemptively setting these airfare tracking alerts for specific routes, you can sit back and let the deals come to you. No more endlessly searching day after day hoping to catch that perfect flight price. Google Flights does the monitoring for you 24/7.

Frequent flyer Marie sings the praises of Google Flights alerts: “I’m a teacher with a tight budget and limited travel dates. In the past, I’d stress about finding affordable flights during school breaks. Now I set up alerts for my target destinations and let Google notify me when airfares drop during my available vacation weeks. It’s so simple and prevents me from wasting time checking constantly.”

Google Flights alerts also help flexible travelers capitalize on surprise fare sales that pop up out of the blue. James, who travels frequently for his job, explains: “Airlines are always tinkering with prices, sometimes drastically slashing fares for short periods to fill empty seats. By getting instant notifications, I can jump on these unpublished sales immediately before airlines hike the prices back up.”

After entering your preferred airports and travel dates, customize your alerts by price point, number of stops, airlines, and more. Designate your ideal fare – say $300 roundtrip – and Google Flights will ping you when prices reach this threshold. No need to constantly comb through flight search results hoping to spot a deal.

For optimal accessibility, ensure your Google Flights alerts are set to notify across multiple channels. You can receive real-time email notifications plus app push alerts on iOS and Android devices. This multi-pronged approach prevents you from missing out if you’re away from your computer.