Skip to Main Content

CheapTickets Travel Deals

The less you pay, the better it feels.

Articles for ‘Tips & Advice’ Category

Cheap vacation destinations for June

Friday, May 1st, 2009

Cheap vacations By Kate Schwartz

The key to finding cheap vacations is knowing when and where to find the best deals. The CheapTickets 2009 Value Travel Forecast highlights the top cheap vacation destinations for 2009. June 2009’s cheapest vacations can be found in Dallas, Columbia, South Carolina; and Egypt. With up to 38 percent in average savings on hotels as compared to peak rates, a cheap vacation in June is the perfect way to jump-start your summer.

Take a cheap vacation to Dallas in June and see what Texas’
third largest city has to offer. Known for outstanding BBQ, Tex-Mex and
authentic Mexican food, one could spend an entire vacation exploring
the culinary excellence of Dallas. After you’ve taken the belt buckle
up a notch, do some walking in Dallas’ Art District which is home to
the Dallas Museum of Art, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, and the Dallas Children’s Theater.
Dallas, like any big city, offers a diverse selection of activities,
accommodations and adventures. This June CheapTickets anticipates average hotel savings of 15 percent as compared to peak rates, which makes taking a cheap vacation to Dallas more affordable than ever.

Columbia, South Carolina, may not immediately come to mind when you think of a common place to take a cheap vacation, but there is much more to South Carolina’s capital than meets the eye. Families will enjoy a slew of kid-friendly museums including the South Carolina State Museum, or the Edventure Children’s Museum. Nature enthusiasts can take refuge in the Congaree National Park, or kayak on the Saluda River, while those travelers looking to take it easy can stroll along the Columbia Riverfront Park or relax in the Saluda Shoals Park. Take a cheap vacation to Columbia this June and take advantage of 22 percent average hotel savings as compared to peak rates.

With 38 percent savings on hotels in June compared to peak rates, travelers heading to Egypt can see more while they spend less. Relax on the banks of the Red Sea or explore the ancient pyramids. Travelers can even sail down the Nile River as they immerse themselves in Egypt's culture and history.

June travel doesn’t have to be expensive if you plan a cheap vacation in advance. The CheapTickets 2009 Value Travel Forecast predicts that some of the best spots for a cheap vacation in June are Dallas, Columbia, and Egypt. Whether you are looking to explore the pyramids, light up the BBQ, or play in Saluda Shoals Park, CheapTickets can help you find the cheap vacation that is right for you and your budget.

CheapTickets resources:

Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When
she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking
advantage of them!  From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches
of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.

Tags:
Posted in Big Cities, Cheaponomy, Free or Discounted, Hotels, International Travel, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Cheap Chicago hotels, eats and activities

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Cheap chicago hotel For a cheap summer vacation that really packs a punch, look no further than the Windy City. Cheap Chicago hotels, affordable restaurants and free fun can add up to a great low-cost getaway. Here are just a few tips for places that won't break your budget.

Cheap Chicago hotels:
These Chicago hotels offer the best of both worlds — great location and great price:

  • Travelodge Hotel Downtown Chicago: Two blocks from Lake Michigan and walking distance to The Art Institute and Sears Tower. Rates from $80 a night.
  • Howard Johnson Inn Downtown Chicago: In the heart of River North, a neighborhood filled with art galleries and restaurants — and an easy walk to Michigan Avenue shopping. Room start from about $85 a night.
  • Tremont Hotel: Just off Michigan Avenue and an easy walk to the Hancock Building and the lake. This three-star hotel has rooms starting from $90.

Cheap Chicago restaurants:
Sure you can go gourmet, but why — when it's so easy to find good food that doesn't cost a lot.

  • Cafe Iberico: Fine Spanish tapas dining lets you spend as much — or as little — as you like. Fantastic food and a friendly atmosphere, if sometimes a little crowded on weekend nights.
  • Joy Yee's Noodles: Cheap pan-Asian dishes and styles, located in Chinatown. Head over and experience all the charm and excitement of the neighborhood, without losing a fortune (cookie).
  • Hot Doug's: Yes, Weiner Circle is still a great stop for fantastic Chicago-style hot dogs served with plenty of attitude. But for something different, head up to Hot Doug's, where the owner-chef uses special mixes of meats, cheeses and spices to take cased meats to whole new level.
  • The Billy Goat Tavern: The original SNL "Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger!" joint, although many folks are too young to remember the Belushi skit. The downtown Billy Goat is also a renowned greasy-spoon hangout for old-school reporters from the Sun-Times and Tribune. Stop by for a very laid-back beer and a cheeseburger.

Cheap Chicago activities:

  • Millennium Park: Chicago's newest public showcase, the Park features the famous Cloud Gate "Bean" sculpture, the delightful "Faces" fountain, and much more. During the summer, free classical concerts are performed in the outdoor Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
  • The John Hancock Building: You can buy a ticket to the Hancock Observatory on Michigan Avenue, or enjoy equally spectacular views for free at the Signature Room at the 95th.
  • Navy Pier: Free fireworks shows light up the sky here Wednesday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. A $6 ferris wheel ride offers great city views.
  • Lincoln Park Zoo: Open 365 days a year and always free.

CheapTickets resources:

Tags:
Posted in Big Cities, Cheaponomy, Food and Drink, Hotels, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Cheap vacation destinations for May

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

Cheap-vacations
By Kate Schwartz

The key to finding a cheap vacation is knowing when and where to find the best deals. The CheapTickets 2009 Value Travel Forecast offers a month-by-month guide to cheap vacations. May 2009’s best deals can be found in Lake Tahoe, Denver and Atlanta. With up to 38% in average savings on hotels as compared to peak rates, a cheap vacation in May is the perfect time shake the winter blues and get ready for summer.

Lake Tahoe: Spring in Lake Tahoe is a sight to be seen and a popular cheap vacation spot for travelers who love the outdoors. Miles of hiking, kayaking and water sports are the main draw to the area, and with average hotel savings of 38% compared to peak rates, a cheap vacation is affordable on any budget.

Denver: A cheap vacation to the Mile High City offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. You can hike in the mountains and take advantage of the city's breweries, restaurants and cultural attractions. Visit Denver in May and save an average of 28% on your hotel.

Atlanta: With average spring temperatures in the high 60’s, Atlanta is a great location for a cheap vacation. Atlanta comes to life in May as residents and tourists alike flock to Piedmont Park to enjoy the azaleas, ride bikes or rollerblade. Bars and restaurants open their outdoor seating, and nearby hiking trails become popular spots for weekend excursions. Rates on Atlanta hotels are an average of 12% cheaper in May compared to peak season.

Whether you are looking to take a dip in Lake Tahoe, check out the Rockies, or lounge in Piedmont Park, CheapTickets can help you find the cheap vacation that is right for you and your budget.

CheapTickets resources:

Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When
she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking
advantage of them!  From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches
of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.

Tags:
Posted in Big Cities, Cheaponomy, Hotels, Sports, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Cheap vacations: Best bets for March travel

Monday, February 2nd, 2009

Travel-deals
By Kate Schwartz

Travel off the beaten path this March and take advantage of tremendous travel deals while you discover some of North America’s hidden gems. The CheapTickets Value Travel Forecast indicates that Portland, Maine; Reno, NV and Canada are March’s vacation hot spots, with significant savings on cheap hotels. Each of these locations boasts loads of local charm and regional flavor. From Portland’s famous clam chowder, to Reno’s tantalizing casinos, discover the travel deals you’ve been missing this March.

Book your cheap flight to Portland in March and experience the perfect blend of geographic beauty and colonial architecture. Nestled on the rocky shores of the Atlantic, Portland is the quintessential New England town. Punctuated with lighthouses and brimming with quaint boutiques, this seaside hot spot is famous for its seafood. Lobsters and clam chowder are the local fare, but spring is sweet in Portland and with it comes Maine’s famous maple syrup. With hotel savings of 53 percent compared to peak rates, it’s no wonder that Portland is the CheapTickets Value Travel Forecast pick for the best travel deal this March.

If you prefer gambling to clamming, take a cheap flight to Reno this March and see what life looks like on the other side of the lake. Combine the beauty of nearby Lake Tahoe with the excitement of Nevada gambling and you will understand why Reno is an up-and-coming top travel destination. In the month of March, travelers can take advantage of savings of up to 31 percent on Reno hotels — leaving plenty of money left over for the slots.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific, cheap travel deals span the continent. Visit Canada this March and explore the beauty and diversity of this vast country. With average savings of 23 percent on Canada hotels, you can experience the rush of Niagara Falls, visit Vancouver, the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, or explore the Canadian Rockies. Canada is an amazing place to take advantage of travel deals, and this March it couldn’t be more affordable.

In this economy, getting the most for your money is of utmost importance, which is why the CheapTickets Value Travel Forecast is helping you find the best travel deals for your next vacation. From the shores of Portland, to the casinos in Reno, and all the way up to the highest mountains of Canada, there are plenty of places to explore.

CheapTickets resources:

Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When
she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking
advantage of them!  From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches
of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Big Cities, Cheaponomy, Hotels, International Travel, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Cheap Chicago vacation

Friday, January 30th, 2009

Cheap chicago hotel
By Kate Schwartz

In tough economic times such as these, there is nothing like finding a cheap travel deal to help you beat the recession blues. This February, find cheap travel fun for the whole family in Chicago. With these travel tips from CheapTickets, you can eat, sleep and play for much less than you would expect.

February 20 marks the beginning of Chicago Restaurant Week, one of the most exciting culinary events in the Windy City. For seven days only, more than 130 restaurants will offer multi-course meals for a price that is easy to swallow. Twenty-two dollars will get you a 3-course prix-fixe lunch and $32 will get you a 3-course prix-fixe dinner. Pair a nice dinner with a cheap Chicago hotel, and you are looking at a weekend you will not soon forget. Throw in some exciting free activities, and you are looking at a cheap Chicago vacation the whole family can enjoy.

Cheap family fun in Millennium Park: Millennium Park is arguably the most popular attraction in Chicago. This architectural wonderland is home to some of the most amazing and high-tech works of modern art, architecture and design.  From Frank Gehry’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion to the infamous “bean,” Millennium Park is a great place around which to plan your next cheap family vacation. Stay at the Palmer House Hilton and a wealth of fun will be at your fingertips. This reasonably priced 4-star hotel is located two blocks from Millennium Park and within walking distance from the Art Institute of Chicago, which is free every day during the month of February. For more cheap fun, enjoy free ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, and dine for less at the Park Grill, one of the participating Chicago Restaurant Week establishments conveniently located next to the ice rink.

Get away for Valentine’s Day: Sweep your significant other off their feet with a romantic weekend getaway in the Windy City. Make reservations at The Melting Pot during Chicago Restaurant Week and spend the night feeding each other fondue while enjoying fine wine and a romantic ambiance. After dinner, take a romantic stroll along the Magnificent Mile and take in the sights and sounds of the Windy City after dark. Finish the evening with a short walk to the James Hotel, a chic yet affordable downtown hotspot that boasts a trendy bar. Not ready to hit the sack? Check out free post-show improvisation at Second City, the comedic breeding ground for many SNL favorites.

Recession or not, there are always ways to have fun on a budget. Book a cheap Chicago hotel in February and enjoy the city's food and culture for less. (In addition to the free days at the Art Institute, The Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium have several free days in February, as do about a dozen other Chicago museums. Get details here.) Whatever your travel plan, CheapTickets can help you find it for less.

Related Orbitz resources:

Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When
she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking
advantage of them!  From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches
of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.

Tags: ,
Posted in Big Cities, Cheaponomy, Food and Drink, Free or Discounted, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Cheap vacations: Best bets for February travel

Friday, January 9th, 2009

Cheapvacations_2
By Kate Schwartz

Save big this February with astounding deals on cheap vacations. According to CheapTickets’ 2009 Value Travel Forecast, February is the best month to explore Italy, France and Colorado Springs, Colorado. With hotel savings of up to 42% compared to peak rates (based on analysis of hotels booked on CheapTickets from December 2007 to November 2008), February is the perfect time for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway to Europe, or simply an end-of-winter excursion to the Rockies.

The CheapTickets’ 2009 Value Travel Forecast has named Italy as the best travel value this February, with savings of up to 42% on Italy hotels.
With its impressive history, fashion houses and food, Italy is the
perfect place to travel for your next cheap vacation. Whether you want
to explore ruins in Rome, art in Florence, or take in the scenic countryside, you can have a cheap Italy vacation for less than you would imagine.

Plan a cheap France vacation this winter and see what everyone
is talking about. Exquisite cuisine and breathtaking architecture are
just a couple of reasons why people fall in love with this country. The
topography of the country alone is enough to make you come back for
more. Whether you are looking to ski the Alps, sun yourself on the southern coast, or take in the urban ambiance of Paris, France has something for everyone. And when you travel to France in February, you can save up to 35% on your hotel.

Overlooking beautiful Pikes Peak and couple hours from some of the best skiing in the country, Colorado Springs is a truly unique place to spend your cheap vacation. Located at the edge of the Rockies, Colorado Springs embodies the spirit of the mountains while being firmly grounded in the culture of the plains. Experience the juxtaposition by traveling to Olympic Training Center located close to downtown Colorado Springs, and then heading across town to the Garden of the Gods, home to some of the most beautiful hiking in the area.  With savings of up to 29% on cheap Colorado Springs hotels, February is the best time to take advantage of all this mountain town has to offer.

CheapTickets resources:

Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When
she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking
advantage of them!  From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches
of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Cheaponomy, Free or Discounted, International Travel, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Cheap vacation: Save money with vacation rentals

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Vacation rentals
By Kate Schwartz

Think you can’t afford a villa in Italy or condo on the slopes of Vail? Think again. With CheapTickets’ new vacation rental tool, you can have the luxury vacation of your dreams for the price of a cheap vacation.

Cheap vacation rentals allow you to find villas, condos, cabins or houses for much less than you would imagine. Plus, private accommodations boast increased privacy, space and amenities that can help you save money. Pair one of these cheap vacation rentals with the following tips to make your next cheap vacation the best one yet!

Tip #1: Eat in. Find a cheap vacation rental with a full kitchen and save money on the cost of eating out.  For less than $100 per night you can rent a farmhouse in Tuscany with a private pool, full kitchen, high-speed internet, fireplace and much more. Find a food market nearby and explore the area while you save money buying local produce to prepare in your enormous, farm-style kitchen. Natural light, modern appliance and plenty of room will make every meal a treat.

Tip #2: Pack Light. Find a cheap vacation rental with a washer and dyer and save money buy packing fewer clothes and washing them to wear again. With airlines charging $15 and more per checked bag, the less you pack, the more you save. Spend your next cheap ski vacation at a Breckenridge townhouse and know that you will wake up every morning with clean, dry gear for the slopes. What’s better? While you’re waiting for the wash, relax in your very own hot tub that overlooks beautiful Summit County.

CheapTickets resources:

Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When
she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking
advantage of them!  From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches
of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Cheaponomy, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Cheap vacations: Best bets for January travel

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

Santa barbara hotels
If you want to take a cheap vacation in January, here’s a tip: According to the CheapTickets 2009 Value Travel Forecast, the cities where travelers can experience the greatest savings include Hong Kong, Santa Barbara, CA and New York City.

You can save up to 59% on Hong Kong hotels in January. To fully appreciate this modern city, take the tram up to Victoria Peak for a stunning view, (there’s a great walking path around the peak if you really want to take it all in). Or if you’d rather stay close to the ground, hop aboard the Star Ferry and cruise Victoria Harbor.

Santa Barbara, CA, is known as the American Riviera for its palm tree-lined streets, gracious waterfront and elegant shopping and restaurants. Plan a vacation in January and save up to 38% on Santa Barbara hotels. Wine lovers can make the easy 30- to 40-minute drive northeast to the vineyards and wineries featured in "Sideways." Film buffs may want to time their vacation to coincide with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival January 22 - February 1.

If you’re idea of a great vacation includes fabulous food, theater and attractions, head to the Big Apple in January and save up to 37% on New York hotels. Go early in January to enjoy the holiday decorations without the holiday crowds. And get seats to that show you’ve been wanting to see — for less — with our insider’s Five ways to get cheap Broadway tickets.

CheapTickets resources:

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Big Cities, Cheaponomy, International Travel, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Top cheap vacation destinations for 2009

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

The key to cheap travel is knowing the best time to find cheap flights and cheap hotels. So we created the CheapTickets 2009 Value Travel Forecast, a month-by-month guide of top destinations that offer the most savings for travelers.

To help identify the best budget-friendly travel opportunities for next year, we analyzed hotels booked on CheapTickets from December 2007 to November 2008 and calculated the percentage of savings compared to peak rates.

Here are the winners (and honorable mentions) for 2009:

Italy vacationsJANUARY: 37% savings in New York
In addition to a 37 percent savings on New York hotels compared to peak rates, retailers are buzzing with post-holiday sales, and big-city attractions are easily accessible now that the holiday crowds have come and gone. Visitors can also take advantage of New York City’s Restaurant Week in January, giving them access to some of the city’s best restaurants for a fraction of the price.

Other January cheap vacation destinations: Santa Barbara, CA and Hong Kong

FEBRUARY: 42% savings in Italy
In February, Italy is just starting to come out of its winter cloak, and budget travelers will appreciate the lower airfare and savings of up to 42 percent on Italy hotels when compared to the high season. February visitors can experience one of Italy’s most famous festivals, Carnevale.

Other February cheap vacation destinations: France and Colorado Springs, CO

MARCH: 53% savings in Portland, ME
This historic, seacoast town is filled with galleries, one-of-kind boutiques and incredible restaurants serving everything from creamy clam chowder and lobster rolls to nouvelle New England cuisine.

Other March cheap vacation destinations: Reno, NV and Canada

APRIL: 58% savings in Brazil
In April, the summer surge of tourists in Brazil is complete, which means fewer crowds, but the same great tropical weather.

Other April cheap vacation destinations: Santa Fe, NM and Columbus, GA

Lake tahoe hotels MAY: 38% savings in Lake Tahoe
For those who love the outdoors, Lake Tahoe is the ideal destination in May. The lake is popular for water sports and beach activities, and with 38 percent savings on Lake Tahoe hotels compared to peak winter rates, going during the off-season means affording activities like a guided cruise or dining at the many lake front restaurants.

Other May cheap vacation destinations: Denver, CO and Atlanta, GA


JUNE: 38% savings in Egypt
With 38 percent savings compared to peak rates, June visitors can relax on the wondrous Red Sea or Sinai coasts, take in the high culture of Cairo or even leisurely float down the Egyptian Nile on a river boat.

Other June cheap vacation destinations: Columbia, SC and Dallas, TX

(more…)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Big Cities, Cheaponomy, Free or Discounted, Hotels, Off-season Deals, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Cheap hotels, activities make cities great travel destinations

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

Losangeleshotels2
By Kate Schwartz

Get the most for your money this holiday season with a cheap vacation to a big city. As cultural and transportation hubs, it’s easy to find cheap flights to and cheap hotels in big cities, and they offer plenty of cheap — and sometimes free — activities. From visiting museums on days when they offer free admission, to taking efficient and cost-friendly (not to mention eco-friendly) public transportation, big cities can be fun and cheap vacation destinations. This holiday season, CheapTickets is offering great deals on cheap hotels in big cities across the country.  Here are just some of the ways you can save on your big city adventure:

Chicago: Enjoy being steps away from Lake Michigan and a mile of magnificent shopping when you stay at the Talbot Hotel in Chicago. For a limited time, CheapTickets is making your stay cheaper with 25% off your reservation. For cheap travel fun, take a short walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art and see the latest and greatest for free on Tuesdays.

New York: Although the city never sleeps, you may have to, and when you do, the Wellington Hotel provides a cheap place to rest your head. With 15% off your stay, traveling to New York City has never been cheaper.  Conveniently located a mere three blocks from Central Park, you can spend your days exploring without having to spend a penny.

Los Angeles: Hollywood here you come! Travel like a celebrity this holiday season without breaking the bank. The Wilshire Grand Hotel is offering an astounding 50% off a two-night stay. For a fun and free travel activity, take a trip to the Griffith Observatory. A mere seventeen minutes away from the Wilshire Grand Hotel, this popular attraction includes a free observatory, museum and park.

Wherever your travels take you, there are always ways to save money. With cheap flights and cheap hotels from CheapTickets, combined with savvy travel tips, you can always afford to explore!

CheapTickets resources:

Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When
she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking
advantage of them!  From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches
of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Big Cities, Cheaponomy, Free or Discounted, Hotels, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

« Older Entries