Cheap Vacation Packages

For many people the words "vacation package" bring to mind images of vacationers dressed in Bermuda shorts waiting for a bus tour. But one of the best-kept secrets is that packages are increasingly a tool for snagging airfare bargains not only for last minute romps but for business travel, routine trips and even family emergencies.  The key is to buy a package for its parts and often the airfare in a package is such a deal that you don't even need to use the hotel portion of the package.

Recently because of air travel picking up, the low cost bargain in airfare is not always available by itself.  But package deals, which are designed for the budget conscious traveler, have not been affected by this trend.  Las Vegas, Hawaii and Orlando have long been popular vacation package destinations and now more destinations are being added such as New York, Toronto and San Francisco. 

Always be prepared for a surprise when arranging a package. Sometimes when booking a vacation package, the rooms are not top of the line.  If you are concerned with this issue, call ahead to the hotel directly to see what type of accommodations are included in the package.

When you buy online travel, even with airlines, you are given the option of buying part of the package ala carte or the whole package.  You can use just the airfare part of a package deal do get a bargain, but remember if you buy the package and don't use the hotel or any other portion that amount is not refundable. Expedia, Travelocity, and Hotwire all sell packages that are easily customized by the traveler. 

Usually the best prices involve a Saturday night stay especially domestic flights in the U.S.  The exception is trips to Las Vegas or the Caribbean where mid-week prices are always lower.

Many hotels, airlines and destinations are getting involved in vacation package arrangements. Cheap Tickets recently reported its best single day ever in package bookings. Vacation packages now account for 20% of the 19.1 billion dollars spent in on-line vacation bookings.