Deal Hunting: How to Get the Cheapest Rates on Vacation Packages

23 April 2025

Planning a vacation can be exciting, but let's be honest—traveling isn’t cheap. Between flights, hotels, and excursions, the costs add up fast. But what if I told you there are ways to score amazing deals on vacation packages without breaking the bank? Yep, bargain travel is totally possible, and this guide will show you exactly how to find the best deals.

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

If you can adjust your schedule, you'll have a much better chance of finding cheap vacation packages. Airlines and hotels raise prices during peak seasons (think summer, holidays, and school breaks). Instead, consider traveling during the shoulder season—the time between peak and off-peak seasons—when prices drop and crowds thin.

Also, flying midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tends to be cheaper than weekend flights. If you’re not tied to a particular date, tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner let you compare prices across multiple days or even months.

2. Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to booking a trip. While buying too early or too late can cost you, booking at the sweet spot—typically 1-3 months in advance for domestic trips and 3-6 months for international travel—can save you heaps of cash.

Some studies suggest that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to book flights since airlines often release discounts early in the week. But don’t wait too long—last-minute deals are rare unless you're open to spontaneous travel.

3. Use Price Comparison Websites

Why pay more when you can compare prices and grab the best deal? Websites like Kayak, Expedia, Priceline, and Google Flights let you search for vacation packages that bundle flights, hotels, and even car rentals.

For even better deals, check out deal alert sites like:

- Scott’s Cheap Flights (now "Going") – Great for flight deals
- Secret Flying – Finds insanely cheap error fares
- Travelzoo – Offers exclusive vacation package deals

4. Sign Up for Alerts and Newsletters

If you’re not already signed up for travel deal newsletters, you’re missing out! Many travel companies send exclusive discounts straight to your inbox. Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Expedia allow you to set up price alerts so you’ll know the moment prices drop on your desired trip.

Pro tip: Follow airlines and travel agencies on social media. They sometimes post last-minute flash sales that aren’t advertised elsewhere.

5. Take Advantage of Travel Deal Sites

Bundle deals are often cheaper than booking everything separately. Websites like:

- Expedia – Combines flights, hotels, and car rentals
- Travelocity – Offers package deals with easy cancellation
- CheapCaribbean – Great for tropical all-inclusives
- Costco Travel – Exclusive discounts for members

These platforms negotiate deals with airlines and hotels, often leading to huge savings compared to booking directly.

6. Use Cashback and Reward Programs

If you're not using cashback and travel reward programs, you're leaving money on the table. Most major credit cards offer travel rewards, and many booking sites give cashback for reservations. A few to check out:

- Chase Sapphire Preferred – Excellent travel rewards
- Capital One Venture Rewards – Great for everyday spending
- Rakuten (Ebates) – Cashback for booking hotels and flights

Using points or miles can drastically cut costs—even making some trips almost free if you play the game right.

7. Consider Alternative Airports

Big cities have multiple airports, and flying into a nearby airport can sometimes be significantly cheaper. For example, if you’re flying to Los Angeles, compare prices for LAX, Burbank (BUR), and Long Beach (LGB)—you’d be surprised at the price difference.

Also, look into budget airlines like Southwest, Spirit, or Frontier. They might not provide luxury, but they’ll get you there for a fraction of the price.

8. Be Open to Different Destinations

Sometimes, switching destinations can save you hundreds. Instead of fixating on one place, try searching for “cheap flights to anywhere” on Google Flights or Skyscanner. This tool finds the lowest airfare available based on your departure city.

If you’re torn between options, see which destination gives you the best bang for your buck. Who knows? You might end up falling in love with a place you hadn’t even considered!

9. Consider All-Inclusive Resorts and Group Tours

All-inclusive resorts often offer the best value for money—especially in destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. These packages include food, drinks, and activities, which means fewer surprise expenses.

Group tours can also be cost-effective, with companies like Contiki, G Adventures, and Intrepid Travel offering discounted package deals that cover accommodations, transportation, and guided excursions.

10. Use VPNs to Unlock Cheaper Prices

Did you know flight and hotel prices can change based on your location? Some travel booking sites show different prices depending on where you're searching from.

A simple trick? Use a VPN to browse from different countries and compare prices. Sometimes, booking from a different region can unlock lower rates—especially for international flights.

11. Avoid Hidden Fees

Ever noticed how a "cheap" deal suddenly gets expensive after added fees? Yep, extra charges can sneak up on you. Here are some common ones to watch out for:

- Baggage Fees – Budget airlines often charge extra for carry-ons
- Resort Fees – Some hotels add daily resort charges
- Seat Selection Fees – Some airlines charge extra for seat choice

Always read the fine print before booking so you don’t get hit with unexpected expenses.

12. Negotiate and Call Directly

Sometimes, simply calling the hotel, airline, or travel agency can get you a better price than what’s advertised online. If a hotel isn’t fully booked, they might be willing to negotiate rates to fill up rooms.

Also, mentioning competitor prices might get them to match or beat the rate. It never hurts to ask!

13. Use Local Booking Websites

For international travel, check local booking sites in the destination country. Sometimes, platforms like Agoda (for Asia), Booking.com (for Europe), and Despegar (for Latin America) offer better deals than US-based travel sites.

Even better? Booking directly through a hotel or airline’s regional website can sometimes unlock exclusive local pricing.

14. Last-Minute Deals Are a Gamble (But Can Pay Off)

If you’re willing to take risks, last-minute vacation packages can be dirt cheap. Websites like Hotwire and Priceline offer “express deals,” where you book a package without knowing the exact details until after purchase. If you're flexible, this can score you a luxury trip at a fraction of the price.

Airlines and resorts would rather sell cheap than leave seats or rooms empty, so waiting till the last minute can sometimes pay off—just don’t count on it.

Final Thoughts

Finding the cheapest vacation package deals isn’t about luck—it’s about smart planning. If you're flexible, willing to compare prices, and take advantage of deals, you can travel for way less than you think.

So, the next time wanderlust kicks in, put these tips to the test. With a little effort, you’ll be sipping cocktails on a budget-friendly beach getaway before you know it. Happy deal hunting!