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Are Groupon Travel Deals Really a Bargain?

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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Groupon’s travel deals can seem too good to be true. Can you really get six nights in Hawaii including airfare for under $650? We investigated Groupon Getaways to find out if the deals are worth it—and the important catches you need to watch out for if you book.

Do Groupon Getaways Actually Save You Money?

No matter what Groupon deal you’re considering, always price check it against the cost of booking it yourself directly. This will help you be sure that the Groupon is really worth it.

To find out if Groupon Getaways actually save you money, we compared three current Groupon travel deals against the cost of booking it on our own. We compared the prices based on two people traveling, as Groupon Getaways generally charges a single supplement fee for solo travelers. Here are the results:

Editor’s Note: All prices were accurate at the time of writing, however, deal costs and fares are likely to change quickly.

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4-Night Hawaii Vacation With Hotel and Air

This trip includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Honolulu, along with four nights in a City Mountain-View room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alana – Waikiki. The cheapest Groupon option is for dates between March 10 and March 31.

Groupon Price for Two People

Total Price: $1,462.92 / $731.56 per person. The package price is $649 per person and there is a $20.64 daily resort fee. 

Cost to Book Directly for Two People

Flights: $568 Total / $284 per person. The cheapest round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu costs $284 for a March 24 departure and March 28 return.

Hotel: $1,342.38. Booking the same City Mountain View room directly through the DoubleTree’s website costs $1,342.38 (including the resort fee).

Total Price: $1,910

In this case, booking through Groupon Getaways saves you a few hundred dollars. 

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Cofresi Palm Beach Spa Resort

A Superior Garden-View Room with VIP Amenities at the all-inclusive Cofresi Palm Beach Spa Resort is on a super sale through Groupon. There is a four-night minimum stay on the Groupon deal, and the cheapest rates are found for stays starting April 1. Only one voucher is needed for two guests sharing a room.

Groupon Price

Total Price: $247 for 4 nights.

Total Price: $520.46 for 4 nights.

The same hotel room costs more than double to book directly on Cofresi’s website

However, one of the FAQs on Groupon’s website should throw up a red flag regarding this hotel. “Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Our customers are never obligated to attend a sales presentation. If you are approached and decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your voucher or have to pay additional fees.”

Be sure to check the reviews carefully (both on Groupon’s website and other sites to determine the quality of the hotel included in the deal.

What Is Travel Hacking—and Should You Be Doing It?

8-Day Tuscany Vacation with Hotels and Air From Gate 1 Travel

Since this deal is also available directly from Gate 1 Travel, we compared it against booking it through Gate 1 as well as booking it on our own.

The cheapest package option includes round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) to Milan, an economy manual rental car, 5 nights at the Grand Hotel Plaza & Locanda Maggiore, and 1 night at the Hotel Novotel Milano Malpensa Airport. The $699 price is valid for departures on October 11.

Total Price: $1,398 / $699 per person

Cost to Book With Gate 1 Travel

The price is exactly the same to book via Gate 1 Travel .

Flights: $812 total / $406 per person on Tap Air Portugal.

Hotels: $586 total: $500 Grand Hotel Plaza & Locanda Maggiore + $86 Hotel Novotel Milano Malpensa Airport

Rental car: $194 total

Total Package Price: $1,592

Booking this deal through Groupon or Gate 1 Travel saves you a bit of money compared to booking directly.

The 14 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Travelers

Watch out for the Fine Print

Always read the terms and conditions before booking a Groupon Getaway. You’ll also want to carefully scrutinize what’s included in the deal. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Single supplements: How much extra will you have to pay if you’re traveling alone?
• Expiration date of Groupon voucher
• Age restrictions (many travel deals are for 21 and older)
• Cancelation policies
• Additional fees you’ll have to pay at check-in
• Flight options (including number of stops and departure times)
• Rental car options (generally the cheapest car type with a manual transmission is included, so you might want to investigate how much an upgrade will cost you.

Should You Book Through Groupon Getaways?

Groupon Getaways are undeniably a good deal. However, be warned that Groupon Getaway costs can quickly escalate from the rock-bottom advertised cost. For example, the Tuscany package mentioned above is promoted at $699, but will quickly increase to $849 if you would rather fly out of Miami. Adding the hotel “upgrade” package will be another extra cost. Picking a different departure date can bring the cost up to $1,049 per person. Make sure you pay attention to the extra price as you customize your trip.

Before booking, you should evaluate all of the options included in the deal. Independently research the hotel included in the Groupon Getaway. Is it in a good neighborhood? Does it have good reviews? Is it near the things you want to see and do? What bed types are included in the deal?

Also see if you can find out what flight options are included before committing. Is the flight nonstop or will there be layovers? Is the flight at a convenient time? 

Booking a trip through Groupon Getaways can definitely save you money. However, if you would rather have a bit more control over your flight times and hotel choices, Groupon Getaways can also be a great jumping off point to plan your own vacation. For example, if you see a cheap package deal to Tuscany, it likely means that travel to Tuscany is pretty inexpensive during the dates that the Groupon is valid. You could then look up your own flights and hotels for the same time period and find something similarly priced that would give you more flexibility than booking with Groupon. However, if you’d prefer not to have to do all of the trip planning research, and just want someone to take care of all the details, a Groupon Getaway can be a great deal. 

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Groupon Travel: Review

Find cheap hotels, airline tickets & vacation packages.

Groupon Travel brings fresh discounts every day for all types of travel, from local getaways and weekend breaks to luxurious international all-inclusive travel packages.

Groupon works with travel agencies, hotels, and tour providers to offer unique travel deals . These include "flash deals" - short-term 15-70% discounts off three-to-five-star hotels.

Beyond hotels, tours and packaged vacations, you can score deals for your entire vacation with Groupon, including tourist attractions, restaurants, airport transfers, airport parking, boat cruises, hop-on-hop-off bus tours, bike rentals, and more. Also, check out their travel accessories : luggage, packing cubes, cameras, travel pillows, toiletry pouches, travel adapters, world maps and more.

Shop mega discounts at Groupon. Grab up to an extra 25% off on select deals with code: PROMO! (valid 15-18 February 2024).

Hands On Experience

With Groupon, it's easy to find the type of vacation you're looking for - an air-inclusive beach break or perhaps an adventure holiday. Just choose which type of vacation suits you best (left navigation menu). And the price can also be filtered to suit your budget, helping you find the Groupon Travel deal that fits you best.

Finding travel discounts on Groupon is easy:

• Go to the Groupon website
• Select the Getaways tab
• Type in your destination in the search bar, and optionally apply pricing filters
• Select a hotel from the top deals
• Select the room type
• Select your check-in and check-out dates (for hotels), or a date window (package vacations)
• At the checkout, confirm the traveler's name and enter payment details

For instant hotel bookings, you'll receive an immediate confirmation, whereas with package vacations, you'll need to get in touch with the travel agent to confirm your dates and additional details (their contact details will be provided).

But how does the pricing compare? Here's an example of the same hotel for the same dates (3 nights, with breakfast) on Groupon Travel versus Booking.com… and Groupon comes out substantially cheaper.

• Booking.com: US$487 (with my Level 3 Genius discount!)
• Groupon: US$334
• Saving: $153 (31.4% cheaper)

Benefits of using Groupon Travel

• Booking is super simple - just 2 pages. There are less confusing up-sells and cross-sells than you'll find on other major Online Travel Agent websites.
• Groupon supports major debit and credit cards for easy payment, as well as Google Pay and Paypal. Klarna is also available for buy now, pay later.
• Receive daily email alerts for deals for your preferred destination (in your email alert, click the "add another city" link).
• Earn Groupon Bucks with each purchase - credits that can be used towards future purchases and trips.
• Groupon Guarantee : Groupon offers a money-back guarantee for peace of mind if you're unable to book your trip due to issues with the deal or the travel provider.

• If you travel solo or add optional extras to your trip, the cost can increase substantially.
• Hotel and flight availability can be limited, especially around peak travel periods. If your preferred dates are not available, you are likely eligible for a refund (but read the fine print before purchasing).
• Check the expiry date of the Groupon voucher.
• Some hotels have hidden fees (such as taxes and resort fees), however these should be itemised on the Groupon listing, so read the fine print (again).
• Some super cheap hotel deals on Groupon involve a timeshare sales pitch, but these are never obligatory, and if you decline, you won't lose your voucher or have to pay additional fees.
• Flight deals may only be valid from specific cities. So, check the cost of flying from your nearest regional airport to the departure point of the deal (eg. Austin to New York).
• Read reviews on Groupon from other customers who have made the same trip and look for any potential red flags.

International

Beyond the United States, you can buy travel deals for any of the countries Groupon operates in as long as you have an accepted method of payment there. Just create an account on that country's Groupon site first. Countries include: Australia , Belgium , Canada (Quebec) , France , Germany , Ireland , Italy , Netherlands , Poland , Quebec , Spain , UAE , and United Kingdom .

Refer your friends and earn $10 in Groupon Bucks for each signup (if they purchase a Groupon for $10 or more within 72 hours). Read details on the Refer-A-Friend program .

Based in Chicago, Groupon was launched by Andrew Mason in November 2008 and gradually expanded to more cities reaching 150 cities in North America within 2 years. Groupon went public in June 2011, and today operates in 13 countries.

Is Groupon Travel Right For You?

Groupon Travel works well for first-time international travellers who want someone else to do most of the hard work organising the trip. Or if you're a deal hunter with limited time on your hands, Groupon Travel can get you from zero to confirmed booking in a matter of minutes.

Experienced travelers will appreciate the inspiration that Groupon provides. If you're seeing a destination like Puerto Rico with cheap package deals, it may mean travel to Puerto Rico is cheaper during the dates the Groupon deal is valid. Chances are you can find great deals with a little more flexibility if you research direct options. But if the dates and inclusions look good to you, why not just book via Groupon and save the headache?

Pro Tips For Groupon Travel

Here are some tips for using Groupon for travel discounts:

• Download the free Groupon mobile app to search for travel deals anywhere, anytime.
• Read the terms and conditions carefully before booking a Groupon Travel deal.
• Carefully examine what's included (and not included) in the deal.
• Compare the hotel location to your destination's airport and check if airport transfers are included. If they're not, research how much that will cost so you're not caught out.
• Be aware of single supplements, such as how much extra you'll have to pay if you're traveling alone.
• Most hotels on Groupon Travel are of decent quality, but some subpar ones can slip through. So search Google and TripAdvisor for reviews and feedback.
• If your international package deal includes car rental, bring a map or GPS and understand the driving conditions of that country.
• Some promos are specific to a type of deal, such as restaurants, beauty/spa, or travel.
• On the checkout page, select Promo or Gift Code.
• Enter the promo code and select "Apply".
• Check that your discount is reflected in your order total.
• Note that promo codes do not apply to taxes, shipping, or other fees.
• Save money on flights, hotels, tours & transport.
• Wide range of destinations and travel packages available.
• Comprehensive info provided about each hotel or travel deal.
• Reviews from other customers can help set your expectations and reduce risk.
• Check the terms of each deal carefully to make sure you get what you expect.
• Add-ons to trips can increase the price considerably, so be careful.

Where To Buy Groupon Travel

Groupon travel.

Retail Price: varies

Exclusive discount code: PROMO!

Up to 25% off selected deals.

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10 Things You Must Know Before Booking a Groupon Getaway

October 22, 2017 By Giustina Miller Leave a Comment This post may contain affiliate links. I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links but at no additional cost to you. Thank you for continuing to support Domestically Blissful!

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10 things you must know before booking a Groupon getaway in order to get the best deal & vacation from your hard earned money.

Groupon is a magical website full of adventures waiting to happen!

At least that’s how I feel.

There are many people who frequently purchase on Groupon who say they often look at the Groupon Getaways & dream of traveling to far off lands, but for one reason or another they have been hesitant & held off on checking off a new destination from their bucket list.

I understand, it can be scary purchasing something so big on Groupon, but let me tell you, it is totally worth it!

And if you are nervous about planning a trip through Groupon I recommend you start out slow & work your way towards bigger vacations. Which is exactly what we did.

We started off as your normal Groupon users.

A purchase here, a purchase there. Mainly using it for restaurant deals.

Then once Roger started dental school we used it to purchase discounts & deals on hotels.

The more we did it, the more we became addicted to it.

I remember the first trip we booked was for a hotel right outside of D.C. during his second summer break from deal school.

Our families were skeptical, even after we told them all about it when we got back.

How could something so great come from Groupon?

Easy, we did our research & we planned ahead!

We kept booking & planning small trips in the southeastern United States for the next several years.

Once Roger graduated from dental school we began to dream about Europe, but our home renovations sort of took over everything.

By that Christmas, our dreaming turned into planning.

We needed a break from renovating & we were ready for an adventure.

He found an amazing deal for an 8-day vacation to Paris, Barcelona, & Rome & we quickly decided to make it our Christmas present to each other last year.

And from our little Groupon trips to our big European Groupon vacation, we have learned a lot about booking a Groupon getaway.

So I thought it was time that I shared what we have learned so that you too can find amazing Groupon trip deals!

And if you have any great Groupon tips be sure to share them in the comments.

We can always learn more from each other!

Also, if you love this post, be sure to check out all of my travel & vacation posts here .

1. Plan Ahead

Groupon Getaways are often for dates booked far in advance so you will need to look early to find a vacation for your future travel plans. While it is hard to find last-minute getaways, you can find amazing prices 3-6 months prior to your vacation days.

2. Frequency

When planning a vacation through Groupon Getaway it is a good idea to check every day for a week or two because deals come & go often. A new getaway can have certain travel dates that can sell out within hours.

So if you have specific dates you want to travel, be sure to check Groupon Getaways frequently as new ones are added every week.

3. Extra Savings

You can save even more money on your already amazing Groupon Getaway deal through cash back insensitive or rewards with your credit card, by using Ebates, or both!

You should also check Groupon’s site regularly because they sometimes have 10% off getaways. And while that doesn’t sound like a lot, it is for a big trip. Think about how much you would save through credit card rewards, Ebates, & a Groupon discount!

Occasionally you can even find a deal by searching for Groupon promo codes on Google.

And yes, we used all 3 when booking our European Groupon getaway!

4. Not Actually Groupon

While you are purchasing your getaway through Groupon, it is not actually Groupon who is planning your vacation.

If you are doing something local or in the U.S. most like you will be arranging all of the details with a specific hotel. If it’s a larger vacation, such as outside of the conventional U.S. you will most likely be working with a travel agency.

What you purchase through Groupon Getaways is more like a voucher that you use to book the trip with a third-party company.

5. Airports

While many big Groupon vacations only list a few major airports, you can actually book your flight through other major airports. It might cost an extra fee, but you will get to fly out of a closer location.

Originally we thought we would have to drive or book a flight to New York for our European trip, but after speaking with a representative of the travel agency (see tip #3 for clarification) we were able to book a flight out of Atlanta, which is just an hour & a half away from Roger’s work.

Often times, you can purchase excursions with your Groupon Getaway purchase . These can often be cheaper than doing it yourself later, plus you know you will be with a legitimate tour/excursion.

We added on two excursions when we purchased our Groupon Getaway to Europe. The one in Paris was our absolute favorite, which you can read all about here.

Once we had our Groupon Getaway voucher & booked our trip with the third-party agency we able to change our airport from New York to Atlanta & we were also able to add on an airport to hotel to airport transfers. Which was great for first-time European travelers.

You can read more about why we purchased these & what we plan to do next time we visit Europe in this post here .

7. The Best Deals

If you are looking to get the best bang for your buck the best deal trips on Groupon Getaway are often those that come with airfare & an all-inclusive resort .

Also, be sure that when you are looking at specific deals on Groupon Getaway that you have the correct dates entered for the trip because prices often vary depending on the week & season.

8. Research Hotel Separately

Another important detail when booking a Groupon Getaway is to research the hotel(s) separately.

The hotels vary from trip to trip, but most are mid-range hotels. And by doing your research separately you can read reviews.

You will also want to look at the location of the hotel in relation to your trip plans. It’s important to know the general vicinity of where you will be staying so that you can plan the other details of your trip, such as transpiration & day trips.

9. Local Groupon Deals

This one is a bit confusing, but a good tip for finding more excursions for your already purchased Groupon Getaway is to look for local Groupon Deals for things like boat trips, snorkeling, restaurants, & museums in the location you plan to travel.

10. The Details

It’s always important to read the fine print & know the cancellation policies before booking any trip, including a Groupon Getaway .

Life happens & it’s good to know everything in case the unexpected happens. Plus you also want to be aware of any additional fees. You don’t want to be taken by surprise later on, especially while on your trip.

And if you have any questions there is even a Q&A section for each deal so that you can get the answers you need before booking your trip.

*** Bonus Tip.

Be sure to check out Groupon Getaways FAQ’s page for more details & information.

Discover your next adventure by exploring all of the Groupon Getaways here!

If you use these tips to plan a dream vacation be sure to share a picture & tag @DomesticallyBlissful on Instagram so that we can all see your fun adventure!

And if you enjoyed this travel post, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter below so that you don’t miss out on another blissful tip!

Do you have any Groupon Getaway Tips? I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to comment below, email me, or tweet me on  Twitter .

Want to connect on a more personal level!? You can find me & Domestically Blissful on Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Twitter ,  Bloglovin , &  Pinterest !

With love, G

  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

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Tips For Family Trips

Start planning your dream trip today

5 Tips for Getting a Great Groupon Deal

Save Money / January 10, 2022 by Allison / 36 Comments This article may contain sponsored content or affiliate links.

Wondering if Groupon deals will really save you money?

YES, Groupon is legitimate. My family has been using Groupon for years. You can find all kinds of deals on Groupon, but we especially like deals for family activities and vacations.

We often use Groupon to save money on family activities close to home. It's a great resource for creating epic weekends or staycations. You can also find deals for

• vacation packages

If you like to plan and budget your family trips in advance, Groupon can be a great money-saving tool for travelers. But it's important to know how Groupon works so you don't spend your money on a deal that doesn't really work for you. 

Know how Groupon works

Groupon partners with local businesses to offer deep discounts to customers. You pay Groupon, and then redeem your voucher with the merchant. Groupon gets a commission from the sale. It's a great way to try new activities, restaurants, lodging, or vacation packages. 

Visit groupon.com or download the Groupon mobile app to get started. It's completely free to browse Groupon. No commitment or membership is required to access the deals.

Groupon has a satisfaction guarantee. For many deals, you can get your money back within 3 days of purchase, exchange the Groupon, or get a refund if you're unhappy with the experience. If the promotion expires, your Groupon is still worth the amount you paid for it with the merchant.

Groupons come and go. You can often wait to buy, but there is no guarantee that the same deal will be there next time you visit Groupon's site or app. Some merchants like iFly almost always have a deal on Groupon.

Visit the merchant's official website and compare the Groupon deal with the regular price and other discounts. You'll usually find more options and deals on the official website. Make sure the Groupon deal is the best fit for your family.

Recently, my teens wanted to try iFly in Ogden, Utah, which costs about $60 per adult (age 13+). For that same $60, I found a Groupon that included iFly, Flowrider, and rock climbing – all at the same location. 

Three activities for $60 is a MUCH better price than one activity for $60. And my teens loved all three.

Read the fine print

This is my top tip for using Groupon . There is actually a “Fine Print” section on the Groupon page, but make sure you read everything on the page so you know exactly what you're getting and how it works.

• What's included?
• What's NOT included?
• How do I redeem the Groupon?
• Does this Groupon cover my whole family? If not, can I buy more than one?
• Does this Groupon include the location I want?
• When does the Groupon expire?
• Are there blackout dates?
• Is this Groupon changeable or refundable?
• Are there resort fees, cleaning fees, taxes, or other costs that are not included?
• Are reservations required? If so, how do I make reservations?

Click that FAQ or Live Chat links if you still have questions. You may not need to do this for less-expensive local deals, but booking a hotel or vacation package is a bigger commitment. Find out everything you need to know to feel confident about your purchase.

We once booked a condo in Keystone, Colorado through Groupon. We needed an affordable place to stay and didn't want to crowd our family into a cheap hotel room with no kitchen. We found a great condo through Groupon.

By reading the fine print, we learned that there was a $60 cleaning fee on top of the advertised rate. And we had to figure out how to reserve our dates and check in with the Groupon. But by reading all those details before we booked, there were no surprises and our stay was just what we hoped for.

Read Reviews

You can read reviews for every established deal on Groupon . These reviews can help you decide if this is the right deal for your family.

But don't stop there… For more expensive resorts, activities, and vacation packages, use TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google, and other reputable sites to find general reviews for this destination. Read others' experiences to find out if the experience, location, service, etc. are a good value and a good fit for your family.

Some time ago, I was intrigued by Groupon deals in Costa Rica and the Bahamas. When I read reviews on tripadvisor.com , I found that one of the resorts was not well suited for young children and the other had a lot of ho-hum reviews, so I moved on.

Don't rely too much on a single positive or negative review. Get an overall impression from multiple reviewers and you'll get a good idea of what to expect. When there are lots of good, recent reviews on multiple sites, then you're likely to have a good experience too.

Download the Groupon app

The Groupon mobile app is the easiest way to browse, buy, and redeem Groupons. The app is free and easy to use. 

I'm “old school” so I often print Groupons from the website. But the more I use Groupon, the more comfortable and convenient it is to just access our Groupons through the app when we arrive. 

Watch for sales

Groupon often has sales, which means that you can save even more. You can often save an extra 20% on family activities.

Look for discount codes on Groupon when you're browsing for deals. They are usually easy to spot and apply on the website or in the app.

My family likes Groupon a lot. It's our go-to site when we are looking for fun weekend activities because we almost always find something extraordinary.

The original 2012 version of this article was featured on ABC's “The Lookout” and on the Huffington Post . A lot has changed since then, but we still love Groupon. I've updated the post to reflect our most recent Groupon tips and experiences.

I hope that these tips help your family find a great travel deal on Groupon.

Thanks for Sharing!

Reader Interactions

Joseph @ HolidayTravellers

June 20, 2012 at 6:03 pm

Very good advice for choosing a Groupon Getaway. Reading review online is really good. It helps you to know what you are paying for.

June 21, 2012 at 9:24 pm

Thank you! I really do think that you need to do your homework here. There are some great deals out there, but not all of them are right for everyone.

June 14, 2014 at 1:40 am

I bought a vacation in St Croix last year and it was truly awesome. Two people, for seven nights, few yards away from the water for less than $650.00. Now this is with added tax. Airfare was only $260.00/person round trip, breakfast included… Sure it wasn’t 5 star hotel, but we spent most of the time laying down on the beach, snorkeling, diving… It was so great, that I’m actually playing with a thought of moving there, lol. So in process of looking for that exact deal so I can go one more time to see if the feeling of falling in love with the place was real

Allison Laypath

June 15, 2014 at 7:49 pm

Sounds like you got a great vacation for a great price. I hope you get to return to St. Croix soon!

June 20, 2012 at 11:36 pm

You totally made the right choice. We booked a room at one of the budget hotels that Keystone owns and it was a dive. It was AWFUL. Luckily we were there for a conference and needed the cheapest option so we were only in the room for sleeping or I would have been mad.

June 21, 2012 at 9:56 am

So sorry! Sometimes you do just need a place to sleep for the cheapest price. We always dither between paying more for comfort and saving that money for something fun. Fortunately, this time we were able to get both.

Michele @ Malaysian Meanders

June 21, 2012 at 5:18 pm

It looks like you ot a great deal! That’s a very nice condo. I keep looking at the Groupon Getaways in Asia but haven’t bought one yet. I have specific dates when I want to travel. I’m afraid that I’ll buy it and then find out that the Groupon designated rooms for my dates are already taken. I have no idea if though if they’ll only take so many Groupons per date. So, I guess I’m waiting for a time when I have more flexibility.

June 21, 2012 at 9:22 pm

On the one I bought, several people (including me) asked about availability of specific dates in the Q&A and received answers. I’m sure that a lot of your concerns depend on the individual property, so it’s nice to have the opportunity to ask questions up front. Once I hit “Buy” and had a certificate to print, I called the property right away to make reservations.

Mary @ The World Is A Book

June 21, 2012 at 10:11 pm

You lucked out on a wonderful deal and place. I’ve used Groupon for a number of things but haven’t used its Getaways portion yet. Great advice here. I too read multiple sites for lodging reviews. We’ve passed up on some lodging deals with no reviews found. Hope you had a great TBEX experience. Sorry to have missed it and meeting you and fellow bloggers.

June 22, 2012 at 8:19 am

I would have loved to meet you at TBEX! Hopefully, we’ll have another opportunity before long.

June 26, 2012 at 11:52 am

Great tips! That fine print will get you if you are not careful. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way before.

June 26, 2012 at 1:13 pm

I’ve used both a Groupon Getaway and a Living Social one, both with very positive results. The ones that bug me though, are the hotels that advertise $99 for a room, but only for two people. The last one I looked at wanted $30 extra per person, even for children. That was a huge dealbreaker for me.

June 26, 2012 at 8:26 pm

We had that experience when we were looking for a room in Las Vegas for our family. Many of the advertised rates are for only two people. It is annoying and can be a tip-off that the hotel is not as family-friendly as others.

walkingon travels

June 26, 2012 at 5:48 pm

Another thing to look at in the fine print is the Book By and Use By dates. I missed the Book By date on one deal but thankfully had a very nice booking agent who let me use the voucher anyway. Phew!

hotmamatravel

July 7, 2014 at 3:09 pm

Great tips. Sometimes I get that over-excited feeling when I see a groupon deal and instantly want to buy (like if I accidentally watch HSN). Before I buy I always check other resources to make sure it is actually a good deal. I think the tip to sleep on it.

July 8, 2014 at 8:13 am

I agree. Thanks for your comment!

September 30, 2014 at 7:07 am

al comprar un groupon para un viaje bs as-colonia en ferry no daba la opcion de comprar dos viajes, solamente uno. Compre uno y al querer comprar el segundo sale un cartel que dice “Sorry, you cannot buy this deal. Have a look at some other deals here!” No se porque sucede esto y no me sirve un solo pasaje ya que debo viajar con mi marido. Como se soluciona esto?. Gracias si pueden ayudarme.

September 30, 2014 at 12:47 pm

Graciela, mejor que hable con Groupon para ayudar con este tipo de problema. Creo que ellos pueden ayudarle a comprar el otro viaje, or si no, se pueden devolver su dinero. Si busca “Customer Support” al fin de groupon.com, se puede escribir su problema y ellos le ayudara.

January 21, 2015 at 1:31 am

How exactly does groupon trips work you buy it then what I am interested in a lot of the places I see but can’t sny reviews except this one on how it works! Is it easy or difficult?

January 21, 2015 at 9:00 am

You purchase the Groupon online and receive a printable voucher in your account with instructions on how to redeem it. On ours, we called the property to make reservations and gave them the information from the voucher, and it was smooth sailing from there. I would be sure to have your voucher on hand when you arrive at the property.

Since each property is different, some may make the process easier or more difficult than others. Overall, it shouldn’t be much harder than making a phone reservation in the usual way. Just be sure to always read the fine print before you buy. Good luck!.

Katy Brendlinger

February 22, 2019 at 1:27 pm

What about plane tickets I usually go through gate 1 so this is so new to me. Looking at the China trip.

February 25, 2019 at 3:47 pm

Hi. I’m not familiar with that specific Groupon trip. I recommend that you read the fine print carefully. Do post a question on Groupon if anything is unclear. Don’t buy unless you feel like you understand what you’re getting and how it works. Good luck!

February 23, 2015 at 10:02 am

Great tips! I’m shopping around right now for a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands (haven’t decided which island yet) so my starting point is to look around Groupon to see if they’re offering anything and to see a rough estimate of budgeting. I’m also doing my own research of places as well.

February 23, 2015 at 12:17 pm

Groupon is a great place to do a little window shopping, and hopefully to find a good deal. The Virgin Islands are beautiful, and lots of fun. Happy planning!

rita sandoval

March 21, 2015 at 10:48 am

We have used Groupon for Kenya, China, and Spain. We were very satisfied with all three. The hotels in China and Kenya were super luxurious. The Spanish hotels were less luxurious but perfectly located and fine hotels. All tours had excellent tour guides and drivers. We we were completely satisfied with the three trips.

March 21, 2015 at 2:44 pm

Thanks for sharing your experience! Those sound like such wonderful trips.

July 17, 2015 at 11:32 am

We’ve been quite fortunate in our dealings so far. Just returned from a Jersey shore vacation at a really nice hotel right by the beach. I had read both good and bad reviews on the hotel but decided to go anyway. Same thing when we did two B&B stays booked through Groupon. All three times we did nothing after buying the deal but show up. No problems any of those times.

July 19, 2015 at 9:00 pm

Glad to hear that you’ve had repeat good experiences! Thanks for sharing!

July 29, 2015 at 10:04 am

On Saturday July 25, 2015 I purchased 2 groupon getaways after reading the fine print stating that my money would be refunded if the agency could not book the dates I wanted to travel. This was close to $2000, so not an insignificant amount of money. I immediately called the travel company and was told that I could not travel on the dates I wished. I called groupon back (within 2 hours of the purchase) and was told that they could not refund it until they spoke to the travel agency, and that should be by Monday. Well… I called Monday and of course they had “reached out” to the travel company but hadn’t heard back. I called Tuesday and was told the same thing. I asked to speak to a supervisor but of course they were all busy. They would be “happy” to call me back. No one did. I called Wednesday and was told the same thing as the past 3 attempts, but elected to speak to a supervisor. Forty minutes later, a supervisor was telling me the same thing about being unable to refund without speaking to the travel agency. However, SURPRISE, in the middle of telling the supervisor that this was inappropriate, Emily who has handling the “ticket” got a response from Vacation Express. So..apparently my money is going to be refunded but I am not holding my breath. Never again will I use groupon or Vacation Express.

July 29, 2015 at 1:53 pm

Thanks for sharing your experience, Alina. It sounds very frustrating, and I hope that your money is refunded soon.

Jake Johnson

April 15, 2016 at 8:41 am

Here is a great Groupon Getaway the next time your in Florida swim with the manatees https://www.groupon.com/deals/nature-coast-manatee-tours-7

August 16, 2019 at 6:11 am

Amazing site thanks for sharing.

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Groupon Getaways Review | Tips for Booking a Groupon Vacation

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I polled my friends to get their thoughts on Groupon Getaways.  When I saw the price of a Groupon Getaway, I was somewhat skeptical about the validity of the deals. The consensus was that they were legitimate deals but don’t expect luxury hotels on the package deals. A few months later a friend approached me about purchasing a Groupon Getaway to Iceland . Normally I like to spend a day before booking to research the area and deals on the top hotels but this time I was spontaneous and booked quickly. I will give you the details of what was included in the package and an honest Iceland Groupon Getaway Review!

Do Groupon Getaways still exist?

Yes, briefly Groupon Getaways disappeared and you could only book hotels. Now, you can book Groupon Getaways again!

Iceland Groupon Getaways Review

Groupon getaways package detail.

The details of the Iceland Groupon Getaway: $849 after $50 off coupon (Based on Double Occupancy)

•  Iceland vacation with airfare from Washington D.C., SEA, or New York City
• Airline taxes and fuel surcharges
• 3 nights of standard accommodations at Reykjavík Natura or Radisson Blu Saga
• Daily breakfast
• Northern-lights evening tour

Not included:

• Additional excursions-There are cheaper alternatives but it all depends on what you want to do. Gate 1 Travel had limited options but worked for our agenda. Check TripAdvisor for advice on the best companies to use if you want to climb glaciers or go snowmobiling.
• Ground Transportation to and from the airport-cheapest option at the time was Flybus (prepay online before arrival), if you have a lot of points with Icelandair and plan to use again you can pay a few dollars more to use Grayline. If you use a shuttle please check for the departure time immediately after claiming bag. If not you may miss your shuttle. The ride is about 45mins-1hr from the airport to Reykjavik. Check out this post about more details of the airport and flying on Icelandair.
• Breakfast on the first day of arrival

The Groupon included a direct flight from DC (IAD) to Reykjavik. I used Southwest to get DC and stayed a couple of nights in DC and visited friends. On departure day I met friends at the airport for an evening flight on Icelandair. Icelandair was interesting as it was a no-frills flight. There was no meal service. The service was not the best but for the price and 6 hr flight it is tolerable. The one thing I did not like is that my friend had a whole row to herself and they kept waking her up to say they would move someone in the row but never did. I believe Icelandair tweeted me asking how I enjoyed the flight because I checked in on Four Square and when I replied they asked that I email. I did and it took over a month to respond with the wrong information. Read more of my Icelandair review.

The Hotel: Radisson Blue Saga

Currently, the hotel is ranked 44/56 hotels in Reykjavik . Radisson blue saga is about 45 minutes away from the airport. It was basic. It does not include washcloths so be sure to pack your own or bring a bath sponge. The package included a breakfast buffet. We made sure to eat enough to hold us through the day. It is not as close to the main action but the hotel offers a shuttle option to the city. The walk to the city center is about 15-20 mins. It’s ok to walk but when it’s snowing or ice, pack boots with a good grip. Be sure to check out my packing list for Iceland.

As I mentioned earlier, a tour to see the Northern Lights was included but we did not get a chance to see the Northern Lights due to the weather. We were never really told by Gate 1 that the tour was officially canceled, nor were we offered an alternative. We also booked a Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle tour. These tours included a shuttle from the hotel to the city center then we would get on another bus to the excursion. Both tours were nice.

Gate 1 Travel Review

The company used in this Groupon Getaway was Gate 1Travel. Once the Groupon Getaway was purchased we had to finalize detail with Gate 1. Booking additional excursions with Gate 1 was easy. The only downside to using Gate 1 was that they partnered with several local providers, so when there was an issue with our Northern Lights tour (which was canceled due to the weather) it was hard to know where to go. The notes of the deal stated that if the Northern Lights tour was canceled another would be offered, which never happened. Since Gate 1 provides deals for international travel, an international toll-free number, maybe a click to chat would be helpful and additional hours of operation. 

Transportation

Transportation from the Keflavík International Airport (KEF) was included in the package. The fine print, the bus left after a certain time the flight lands, we took it to mean we had time as long as

another flight landed. At the time there weren’t any other flights landing for hours. We spent time shopping in duty-free and freshening up and missed our bus. We ended up taking a taxi. The ride to the city is about 45 mins. Once you’re in the city, depending on where your hotel is or if you are going on a tour you may have to board another bus.

This deal was purchased in 2014. You can find much better priced Iceland Groupon deals for under $600.

Groupon Getaways Review

I would recommend a Groupon Getaway package if it will truly save you time to plan and money. However it is important to research the company and if you plan to buy travel insurance, make sure using a travel company to book your travel and excursions is covered.

Additional Things To Check Before Purchasing A Groupon Getaway

• Look at the companies involved in the Groupon and review the company and hotel before purchasing. You can check TripAdvisor for hotel reviews.
• Compare the weather and the best time to visit the Destination. Most of the time the Groupon Getaway deals are in off-peak season to get the best price. U.S. News and Trav el is a great resource to view at a quick glance.
• Read the fine print about the cost based on occupancy and the airport.
• Check for Groupon getaway coupon codes. A simple google search can help you save.
• Pay attention to the dates on Groupon such as how soon you need to book the trip after purchasing the Groupon Getaway.
• Check the distance of the hotel from the main attractions.

What are some of the pros and cons you are considering before purchasing a Groupon for a visit to Iceland? Comment below!

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Groupon Review [2024]: Is It Useful for Finding Travel Deals?

Traveling's fun but becomes costly when done often. But travel deal sites like Groupon can help you save while doing what you love. Want to know more? Discover what Groupon has to offer in this review on the deal platform.

You may already know Groupon for its deals on physical goods like clothing, bedding, homeware, and more. But did you know that Groupon can also help you save money while traveling? 

You can use Groupon to find deals on accommodation, food, and entry to tourist attractions. In this article, I'll tell you what Groupon is, how it works, and tips for sifting through scams.

What is Groupon?

Groupon is an online marketplace that connects local businesses in 13 countries to customers looking for a deal.  Over 1.5 billion Groupon vouchers have been sold  since the company was launched. 

You can find all sorts of deals on Groupon, and Groupon offers lots of travel deals that can help save you money. Still, you'll also come across some activities or eateries you may otherwise skip over. 

Which Countries Have Groupon?

In 2024, you can buy Groupon vouchers for cities in the following countries:

Which Groupon Deals Are Best for Travelers?

As a traveler, you'll be most interested in Groupon vouchers for:

• Entry to tourist attractions
• Accommodation
• Airport Parking
• Groupon Getaways
• Transport deals
• Cool local experiences

Groupon sometimes has offers that include plane tickets, but they aren't always the best deal. If you're still looking at flights for your trip, make sure you're booking the cheapest flights available on the market with  Skyscanner !

Skyscanner helps you find the cheapest flights available so that you wouldn't have to pay more for flight tickets and save that money for more things to do or food to eat! 

And if you still need to decide on a destination, check out some  budget travel magazines  for inspiration!

What is Groupon Getaways?

Groupon Getaways is basically what people call a "package holiday." These can take you to Las Vegas in the USA, Iceland, France, Hungary, and many other countries. 

Flights, accommodation, and sometimes entry to special events or guided tours are included in the price. You will not always get meals as part of the deal. Read over each Getaway deal's "What you get" section carefully. Every deal is different.

Customers can leave reviews for the Getaways. So be sure you read them, as not all Groupon Getaways receive only praise.

Want to make sure you get the best deal? Then check how much the trip would cost if you booked everything yourself. Groupon Getaways is a great deal in most cases, but sometimes you can create a cheaper trip yourself.

How Does Groupon Work?

Groupon works by connecting businesses with customers. It's the middle-man. On the Groupon website, you'll find thousands of listings. Each tells you which business you deal with at the bottom of the offer's page or in a byline. You usually see a location map for hotels or travel deals.

When you see an exciting offer, you don't buy the service or item straight away. You buy a voucher, which you'll then have to redeem. This can happen in person if the coupon is for a tourist attraction, a restaurant, or online via a merchant's website.

You need to create a Groupon account to buy vouchers. Your account is where your coupons are stored and where you can activate them. You can also add deals to your wishlist for later. All you need is your name, an email address, and a secure password. The website does a great job guiding you through the sign-up process.

How to Use the Groupon App?

The  Groupon mobile app  is an excellent tool on your phone when you're on holiday. Checking local deals while on the go is a great way to find cool places to eat or local experiences not listed in your tourist guide.

You can download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play or enter your number on the Groupon site. They'll send you a link for the download.

How to Find Groupon Deals Near Me?

Groupon has thousands of listings. You don't want to browse deals that aren't close to your location. Luckily, it's easy to filter deals on Groupon. It would help if you allowed the website or app to access your location. If you want to avoid doing that, manually enter a place in the search bar.

Of course, the search feature also allows you to search for deals in your future destination. If you know you'll spend a weekend in London, you can quickly check out what Groupon has to offer in London.

Features of Groupon

Easy-to-use website and app.

It's easy to browse Groupon's deals, no matter whether you use the website or app. Choose a category from the top, use the search bar to look for something specific, or browse. 

It's fantastic that the site works the same in every country, so you don't have to get used to a different layout!

Available in 13 Countries

Groupon's got offers on some fascinating destinations, as mentioned above. Many of them are popular travel destinations with a thriving tourism industry. This means there'll often be tourism-related deals.

Multiple Payment Methods

I love PayPal, and so do many other travelers. The good news is that Groupon allows you to pay for vouchers with PayPal, which adds an extra layer of safety on your end. But you can also use all major credit cards and debit cards that work as credit cards to pay.

Email Alerts For New Daily Deals at Your Destination

Say you're planning a trip to London and would love to save some bucks, but there's no deal on Groupon right now. There's still a chance the perfect deal will come. You can set up an email alert if you don't want to check Groupon daily. 

You can change the settings for that in your email preferences. Click "add another city," choose London, and you'll get email notifications.

Groupon Bucks For Every Voucher You Buy

Every time you buy a Groupon voucher, you collect Groupon bucks on your account. You can use these towards future purchases on Groupon, also called "Groupon credits."

Interactive Maps

Every Groupon listing comes with a handy interactive map. It shows you where the business is located, and you can even ask the map for directions. Under the map, you'll usually see a link to the business website, so you can check them out before you buy the voucher.

Groupon Gift 

Groupon deals can be sent to others as a gift. Instead of checking out as usual, click "Give as a gift." You'll be guided through the following steps so that the gift will arrive at the right place.

Extra Discounts For Students

You can save 9% extra on top of Groupon's deals if you register as a student. You'll need to verify your student status, but that's easy if you have your student ID.

The Groupon Promise AKA Money-Back Guarantee

Groupon wants happy customers, so they want to make refunds and cancellations easy. Even if you've already used your voucher, you may still be eligible for a refund. There are exceptions, and deals that aren't eligible for refunds are marked as "non-refundable" in the fine print.

Fine Prints That Are Easy to Understand

I mentioned fine print a few times. Boring stuff, I know. But it's essential to read them. Groupon's fine prints are to the point and contain vital information. I like that you don't have to be a lawyer to understand them!

Cancellation/Refund Policy of Groupon

How to cancel a groupon.

If you want to cancel an unused Groupon voucher, you need to do this:

• Log in to your account
• Click on "my stuff"
• Click on "view details" of the coupon you want to cancel.
• Cancel the coupon, or contact customer service via web chat.

How Do I Contact Groupon For a Refund?

You can start the refund process without contacting customer service. When logged into your account, you can request a refund by clicking "view details" in your "my stuff" section. If there's no refund button, you can contact customer service via the live chat, as you may still be able to get a refund.

What People Are Saying About Groupon…

People have mixed opinions of Groupon. On review websites, some people rave about great savings, fun getaways, and excellent food. 

But some people reported issues with the Groupon booking system. To avoid problems with restaurant or hotel bookings, it's a good idea to double-check with the restaurant or hotel itself to see whether the Groupon booking went through.

Other negative points often mentioned are lousy customer service and that some merchants sell cheap copies of expensive brand names. Fortunately, travel-related listings seem to be less of an issue.

Are There Any Drawbacks of Groupon?

Groupon's a safe site to use. Scams happen very rarely, but that doesn't mean Groupon is perfect. Like every app, Groupon has its downsides, and here are some of them…

• A good deal can become more expensive if you want to customize it. Traveling solo, changing departure times, or going somewhere during prime time can soon make a deal less attractive.
• Some vouchers are challenging to redeem. Some places, like restaurants, only allow vouchers to be redeemed during their off-peak hours.
• Sometimes, you can get things cheaper elsewhere. I found that flights are often more affordable when you use Skyscanner.

Remember these tips, and you will find some incredible deals on Groupon.

Is Groupon Worth It?

Yes, as long as you realize it's not always perfect! 

You can find incredible deals on Groupon if you read the fine print and do your research. I know a couple who arranged their whole holiday via Groupon. 

Saving money while traveling  was always a big priority for them. They saved a huge amount on parking fees at their local airport with a Groupon voucher. 

It helped that they weren't particularly picky about where to go, so they booked a so-called "Mystery Getaway" via Groupon and were lucky enough to get a week in the Maldives, including flights and accommodation, for a ridiculously low price.

Even if you only use Groupon to save here and there, it's still worth signing up. Saving a few dollars for a nice lunch or saving 50% off the entry for some tourist attractions adds up fast.

My Rating: 3.5/5

• Great savings
• Cool discoveries
• Easy to use
• Available in 13 countries
• Invalid for some destinations
• Some deals aren't worth it
• Bad Customer service

Plan Your Budget Adventure with Pilot!

Now that you know how to save with Groupon , you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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When it comes to getting great deals on vacations , a lot of people head to Groupon first. And why not? Everything there is highly discounted . . . right? Unfortunately, it's not that simple. You  can find great deals, but you need to make sure you're not getting fooled into spending more money than you need to.

Groupon makes money by using a few  marketing tricks to make you think you need to grab their deals immediately. Don't fall for those tricks and get into "oh-no-I-need-to-buy-this-right-now!" mindset that Groupon is trying to create. Instead, use these 7 tips to get the best possible deals on Groupon Getaways.

1. Consider the details.

Instead of being rushed and feeling like you need to click "Buy" to get the best deal possible, take a moment and consider the exact details of the trip that you're looking at. For example, if the trip is a little shorter or a little longer than you planned, you may have to make adjustments to your schedule. Or it may not quite be the destination you had in mind, which could reduce your estimation of the value of the trip.

And, of course, consider whether you'll actually use the Groupon. With unpredictable cancellation policies, it can be a bad idea to buy a Groupon for a hotel stay without a specific date in mind. If you don't use it, you could be out some money; although the purchase value of the Groupon will always remain valid, you might end up spending more money when you go. Make sure you know what you're getting and that you want it!

2. Read the fine print.

Most people don't read the fine print  of anything, including Groupons. While you should always read fine print, you don't usually suffer too much by skipping it. However, t's really important to read the fine print when purchasing a Groupon. There are often fees that you weren't counting on, like cleaning fees, taxes, or cancellation charges.

Groupon may be advertising a 50% savings on a particular getaway, but if you're going to pay an extra $100 in fees, that significantly affects how much you'll actually be saving over the cost of booking directly through a hotel or another site.

3. Check cancellation policies.

Over the past couple years, I've come to realize that a company's cancellation policy can actually be one of the most important things to take into consideration when comparing vacation deals. Things come up—someone can get sick, work can call you in for an emergency, and with the volatile global political climate, you never know what the situation in large parts of the world will be over the next couple months.

As you can see from the image above, there can be some strange cancellation requirements; who would have guessed that you needed 46 days' notice for this deal? Most of the vacation deals that I've seen on Groupon have a 48-hour cancellation policy, which is pretty standard, but it's definitely worth checking.

4. Read reviews.

There are few things that are more gratifying than sitting on a tropical beach knowing that you got a killer deal on flights and hotel to get there. What's less great is when you got a great deal, but the beach is full of drug dealers and prostitutes (some of whom worked for the hotel you stayed at), as happened to Linsey Davis .

In Groupon's response, they stated that they removed the deal as soon as they started getting complaints, but do you want to be one of the people who has to complain? Checking reviews of the resort, hotel, or getaway that you're about to embarked on through reputable review sites is important. Make sure that you're going to get what you paid for. Everyone presents their hotel as the nicest one around, but that doesn't mean they're right.

5. Check the hotel or airline website.

Groupon always lists the standard price next to their own price, and tells you how much you're saving—but unless you check, you'll have no idea if they're telling the truth. While they do their best to properly estimate the prices that you would pay if booking through another service, prices change all the time, and the deal you're getting may not be as good as it seems.

Make sure that you enter your travel dates into Groupon before checking the hotel or airline website, as that can affect the price as well. On this Groupon for a hotel in Winter Park, it says that rooms are $69+ per night. But when I changed the date to one in December, the price jumped to $96+ per night. Granted, it's still cheaper than the listed price on the hotel website, but the change in price does make a big difference.

On a related note, checking that a hotel or airline website actually exists will help you avoid getting burned by a Groupon . If the site looks questionable, stay away.

6. Check other travel sites.

Despite it occasionally being misleading, Groupon does have some of the best prices out there. But that doesn't mean they have the best deals for you. Other sites, like Expedia, Kayak, Travelocity, and Orbitz may have deals that are similar, but not quite the same. Maybe the flights work better for you. Or maybe the stay would be one day longer, and that's more appealing.

With the vast number of hotels, airlines, and vacation package providers out there, there's an almost infinite supply of travel deals, so doing your research on hotel deals sites can pay off in a big way.

7. Look for promo codes.

You might be surprised to find out that Groupon uses promo and discount codes like any other site. If you run a quick Google search for "Groupon promo codes" or use a coupon-finding browser extension , you can often find an additional 10% or 15% off, which could make up for some of the extra fees required for a trip.

Do Your Homework, Save Money

Groupon can be a fantastic way to save money on vacations—but you have to be willing to do a bit of research. Make sure the trip is what you want, that its terms are acceptable, and that you can't get a better deal somewhere else. If you do that, you can be confident that you're taking full advantage of Groupon and saving money on a great vacation!

Have you used Groupon Getaways before? How did you find the experience? Would you recommend it to others? Share your experiences below!

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Top Coupon Sites for Travel Deals

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Between baggage fees and gas prices, any vacation discount these days is especially welcome. “Social coupon” websites provide fast and easy ways to trim your travel expenses -- if you research carefully. We’ve read the fine print -- here are our picks for solid sites offering deals and rewards on everything from lodging to fun things to do while on vacation. Sites to ... Find and Track Flash Sales Each day, users of sites like Groupon and DailyCandy purchase steeply discounted coupons (“vouchers,” “deals,” etc.) during limited-time “flash sales,” then print or download them for later use directly with the retailer. Get buddies to join you in an Eversave beer tasting, and earn credits toward your next coupon, or savor those suds completely free with LivingSocial . Tracking deals is easy with mobile apps, Facebook, Twitter and email alerts. Sites to ... Snag Affordable Weekend Getaways Looking for an affordable weekend getaway? LivingSocial Escapes offers hand-picked travel packages at discounted rates. Most deals are lodging-based, like a Napa Valley B&B weekend -- but you’ll also find the occasional Alaska fishing or Nepal hiking package. After you purchase a travel package, make sure to tell your friends via a tweet, Facebook post or unique link sent via email. If 3 friends buy the deal using your link, your package is free. (You can pay your friends back in daiquiris during your next St. Lucia girls’ getaway.) In conjunction with travel giant Expedia, Groupon Getaways offers handpicked deals on hotels and resorts – best of all, with a booking guarantee. Yuupon is a travel deal/booking engine hybrid that incorporates TripAdvisor ratings with fewer restrictions than other coupon sites. Photo-filled JetSetter scrutinizes hotels and vacation homes for “personality, style, great service and a sense of place.” TripAlertz believes travel should not be just a transaction, and donates 1% of direct revenue to sustainability efforts. Sites to ... Get Discounts on Day Activities You’ll want to keep yourself occupied while on vacation -- and that takes money. But fret not. Sister site LivingSocial Adventures offers great deals on a wide-range of 1-day activities like kayaking, yoga and mud runs. Try these activities at your destination or even in your hometown. For local deals, check out AmazonLocal , which can save you up to 75% on restaurants, spas and many more entertainment options. AmazonLocal's iPhone app lets you shop for deals on the go. And consider Groupon Now! offerings -- 50%-off vouchers around the US on food, bars and other entertainment options within the next 24 hours. GrouponLive and G-Passes promise entertainment tickets and expedited admission. Refer a friend to sign up for Groupon and earn a $10 credit when they buy their first coupon. Eversave also offers $10 for each referral. Sites to ... Travel in Style Daily Candy seeks “what's new in fashion, food, and fun,” primarily for women. The site offers occasional travel deals and travel-useful products like language CDs and bicycles. Ditto for style savings site Rue La La for golf, luggage, limousines and more. But ... Read the Fine Print Travel industry minutiae can be profuse. Coupon sites try valiantly to simplify things, but a multitude of murky exceptions and blackout dates can apply. So as with any travel booking, read (and reread) the offer carefully. A recent Living Social Tanzania safari package, for example, advertised itself as $3,996 but didn’t include the $430 entrance fees, gratuities and other expenses listed at the bottom of the page. Deals can also sell out at any time, and availability isn’t guaranteed -- if a hotel can sell $300 rooms during a big event, your $100 Groupon room may disappear (though you will be refunded). And it’s often unclear when you become the retailer’s responsibility. Coupon sites complicate things further by claiming “no questions” 30-day return policies on one page, then “case by case basis” on another (as in Eversave’s case). Losing out on a leg waxing is one thing; losing your deluxe cruise cabin is another. Bottomline: Confirm all return policies and whom to call for what. More Fine Print -- and Why the Search Is Worth It! Many users comment (and demonstrate mathematically) that deals aren’t always the vast savings these sites claim -- 50, 60, 70% and more. Also not uncommon is a coupon offer that is no better than a deal found right on the hotel’s own website. It’s difficult to actively search for a deal or property you want, like “Oahu hotel.” Few coupon sites have a search function; you just have to sign up for the alerts and wait. Further, sites might offer hotel rooms “from $99,” yet no matter what combination of dates you enter, all you get back are those from $239. Did they sell out? Am I just picking bad dates? What is the meaning of life? Who knows. But the good news is that all your patience will pay off in savings one way or another -- either through a coupon or your own hard work. And you’ll learn along the way what a real deal is, so you’ll be ready to pounce on it the next time.

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