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Travel Trend :: Private Travel Sales
[trip style = luxury]
Want to stay here? Me too. Now you can for less. Here's how:
A new breed of elite travel website are making waves with luxury travel enthusiasts faster than you can say: Singapore Airlines First Class. Likened to Travel Sample Sales by Jaunted (the pop culture travel blog), these invitation-only websites are like the country clubs of online travel booking, catering to the elite, or those who want an elite getaway.
How Members-Only Travel Websites Work
- you are invited to join (don't worry, mine got lost in the mail too, but it was found, so now I'm inviting you via the link below)
- deals up to 40% off, or "prices too good to be public" are offered at discerning properties worldwide
- these deals only last for a limited time (usually 5 - 7 days) and are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis
- previews of upcoming hotel deals are sent via email (if that's your preference)
Private Travel Sale Websites jetsetter.com [join here] - Luxury Safari/$1595 per night, Tiamo Resort/Bahamas/$630 per night
vacationist.com [join here] - Furore Inn Resort/Italy/$260 per night, La Amada Resort/Cancun/$90 per night
kayak.com/privatesale [join with a kayak.com account, more info here] - No sales currently offered
Your Take & Mine What do you think about these sites? Are you a member? Have you stayed at any of the properties they offer? I've already signed up and look forward to finding the perfect luxury trip style when my schedule permits. The Vacationist's current La Amada Resort offer looks pretty tempting given the hotel's location, decor, free breakfast and wifi, and accolade from Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Awards as the #1 Spa Hotel in the World. Whether I escape to Mexico or beyond with Jetsetter or Vacationist, stay tuned, I'll be sure to write about it!
[photo credit: vacationist/tiamo resorts]
- usually win on the "amenities offered" side
- offer multi-property loyalty programs, making it easier to collect points and benefits quickly
- have varied in-house dining options
- most have a pool(s) and a gym
- are more likely to offer programs for kids
- are large, and as a result, discount rooms on sites like 
- offer one-of-a-kind decor
- sometimes include breakfast
- are more likely to include internet (yay)
- can be more personable
- are more apt to run promotions 
- get out of your comfort zone, try the option you don't normally choose
- if you're a family with young kids, save the boutique hotel for a romantic getaway
- if you want a more localized experience, go with boutique
- if you're a business traveler, big hotels offer more rewards and incentives
- as for price, you can find both for similar price-points depending on what you want
Recently I wrote about the art of 
[trip style = cruising]
As if a rock-climbing wall, flowrider surf-simulators, zip line and aqua theatre weren't enough, 
Royal Caribbean's partnership with DreamWorks will debut with the Allure of the Seas, but quickly advance into the ranks of some of their other ships: Oasis, Freedom and Liberty. The partnership will extend into the following areas of cruise life: character meals, parades and photo opportunities, 3-D theater for DreamWorks movies and one-of-a-kind aqua theater and ice shows. I'm pretty sure this partnership---3-D movies, aqua theatre and ice shows---will appeal to the kid in all of us.
