20 Best Travel Deals to Book Now, From Cheap Hawaii Flights to an Amtrak Flash Sale
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The unofficial kickoff to summer, Memorial Day, is right around the corner, bringing with it a serious dose of wanderlust for the warm-weather travel season ahead. No matter what you may (or may not) already have booked, there’s always an opportunity to save some cash on your travels—more important than ever in the current landscape of rising costs—which is why we’ve rounded up the latest batch of deals to help stretch your travel budget.
On the cruise front, several especially noteworthy deals caught our eye. Scenic and Emerald Cruises are both running a too-good-to-miss, two-for-the-price-of-one offer for select sailings, with an added bonus of free airfare (see below for more details). Celebrity Cruises has a similarly superb deal, with 75 percent off full-fare bookings, plus $800 in additional savings. And Costa Cruises is rolling out the deals, too, offering select cruises starting at $489.
In addition, there are some excellent savings up for grabs on airfare (like Frontier Airlines’ GoWild! Summer Pass) and a slew of summer hotels deals, from Hyatt’s Book Now & Save deal (offering up to 20 percent off at more than 1,000 properties) to several free night offers (usually for a three- or four-night minimum). As the temperatures start to heat up, here are the hottest deals to check out.
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Flight deals
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Train deals
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Tour deals
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Hotel deals
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Cruise deals
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More deals
All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Alex Erdekian.
Hawaiian Airlines is rolling out discounts through mid-June.
Chad Slattery/Hawaiian Airlines
Flight deals
Grab cheap one-way flights with Hawaiian Airlines’ sale
It’s easier than ever to say “aloha” to a Hawaiian getaway thanks to Hawaiian Airlines’ current sale, which offers discounted rates on one-way trips to several popular islands from West Coast cities. Flights start as low as $119 (for basic economy from San Francisco to Kahului), and other Hawaiian destinations on offer include Kona and Lihue. Select flights from Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Austin, Boston, and New York also make appearances in the sale. Travel dates run from mid-May through mid-June.
Book now with Hawaiian Airlines
Save up to 30 percent on vacation packages with Spirit Airlines
The budget airline is making it a cinch to save big not just on airfare, but hotels and more, with its vacation packages, which are currently up to 30 percent off when travelers book flights, hotels, or rental cars together. Several of the top deals offer trips to Las Vegas from cities such as Chicago, Houston, and Sacramento, starting at just $108, including flight and hotel. In addition, international destinations, including Mexico and the Dominican Republic, are also on the table.
Save up to 40 percent on hotel stays in Etihad Airways’ Stopover Package
Stopover packages are a great way to add in another destination to your journey without spending too much extra. Travelers who want to experience Abu Dhabi can take advantage of Etihad Airways’ discounted Stopover Packages, which currently include 40 percent off two- or four-night hotel stays in top properties, or a free stay in select three- or four-star hotels. The offer also comes with discounts on restaurants and other experiences, as well as amenities like 24-hour check-in and buffet breakfast. Travelers must make bookings at least five days in advance before arriving in Abu Dhabi.
Fly all you want this summer with Frontier’s $499 Summer Pass
Travelers who don’t mind booking last-minute trips can take advantage of Frontier’s excellent “GoWild!” Summer Pass, which comes with unlimited flights for just $499—$500 off the regular price of $999. The catch: Travelers must book domestic flights as last-minute as the day before departure, but for international flights, the booking window starts 10 days in advance. Keep in mind that there are several blackout dates, that prices don’t include add-ons like bags or seats, that taxes and fees apply at the time of booking, and that travel isn’t eligible for miles or status. The sale runs through May 31, and travel must be take place before September 30, 2023.
Amtrak is discounting Maine-to-Boston Downeaster routes.
Cameron Davidson/Courtesy Rocky Mountaineer
Train deals
Hop on a rare Amtrak flash sale
On-sale Amtrak tickets are always quickly snapped up—so don’t miss the just-announced Mother’s Day Flash Sale. Available for purchase through May 17, the deal offers reduced rates for one-way trips (up to 25 percent off regular fares) on most Amtrak routes across the country from June 1 through August 30.
Don’t fret if you miss out on the above—Amtrak is offering some good longer-lasting deals, too. Tickets on the Downeaster train, which runs five round-trips between Boston and Maine each day, are now eligible for a buy one, get one half-off deal. The special discount runs through December 2024, so you have plenty of time to enlist a travel buddy—just book at least three days in advance. More details on the discount here.
In addition, Amtrak recently sweetened the savings on its children’s discount, so little ones between two and 12 years old may travel for 50 percent off with an accompanying adult.
Tour deals
Indus Travels is offering a new, high-value Dubai package.
Junhan Foong/Unsplash
A new Dubai and Abu Dhabi tour package includes airfare, accommodations, and more for under $1,099
Seven nights’ accommodation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, daily breakfast, activities and transfers, and airfare from the US—all for under $1,000—is a pretty impressive deal and is the latest offering from tour operator Indus Travels. Priced at $999, the newly announced Magic of Dubai itinerary starts in Dubai and ends in Abu Dhabi; the rate does not include a daily tourist tax of about $5.
Hotel deals
Browse Expedia’s ever-changing page of last-minute deals
Last-minute bookers can profit off their procrastination with Expedia’s last-minute hotel deals page. (It’s a good one to bookmark and revisit when you’re feeling spontaneous.) Right now, we’re eyeing the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, 1 Hotel South Beach, and the Westin Resort & Spa in Cancun.
Celebrate the 120th anniversary of NYC’s Kixby Hotel
To celebrate its 120th birthday, the Kixby Hotel, one of the longest standing hotels in New York, will soon launch its 120 Days of Summer package, which runs every Friday this summer. The deal is chock-full of savings with a numerical nod to the hotel’s longevity, with $120 rates for lux king or queen room categories; $1.20 drinks and burgers at on-site restaurants; and $120 worth of in-room goodies. The deal runs from May 15 to September 12 (120 days, natch) and availability is limited; use code 120 to check available dates. In addition, the hotel also is offering a Mother’s Day package that runs throughout May.
The quirky rooftop at Graduate Nashville
Digital Love/Graduate Nashville
Grab a fourth night free at Graduate Hotels this summer
With 31 locations in college towns across the US (and two more in the UK, Graduate Hotels set the bar high for celebrating school spirit. This summer, the brand is beckoning travelers to savor the carefree vibe of summer Fridays with a deal on stays of three (or more) nights that come with one free night plus early check-in. Beginning May 17, the deal will be available to book from until May 24 for stays through July 31, 2023. To book, use promo code: MORESUMMER.
Save up to 20 percent on more than 1,000 Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world
Memorial Day weekend is almost here to kick start summer, and travelers looking to save on their getaways can take advantage of 20 percent off with Hyatt’s Book Now & Save deal. Available at more than 1,000 participating hotels and resorts around the world, the deal must be booked by May 23, and travel must be completed by September 10, 2023 (use offer code LOCKITIN).
InterContinental San Diego is famous for its ocean views.
AUDA/Courtesy InterContinental San Diego
Book a double room at the InterContinental San Diego, get a connecting room free
For those weekend getaways when your group needs a little more space to spread out, the “Better Together” package at the InterContinental San Diego is just the ticket. With this deal, guests can book a double queen room for at least two nights and add a connecting king room at no additional charge, averaging savings of 50 percent. After a long day of exploring San Diego sights, guests can relax in their adjoining rooms and enjoy newly revamped in-room dining. But it’s also worth it to sample just-rolled-out menus by new chef de cuisine Ricardo Heredia at the hotel’s signature restaurants: the Sardinian-inspired rooftop Garibaldi or the Baja-leaning Vistal.
Book now with InterContinental San Diego
Get 20 percent off nightly rates and a $100 daily resort credit at Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos
This butler-serviced villa resort in Providenciales is welcoming families this summer with 20 percent off the best available rate, plus a $100 nightly resort credit (and a gift for kiddos under 12), for travelers who book between April 14 and June 30, 2023. Travel must take place from April 14 through December 18, 2023. Activities on tap for kids and teens this summer include bone fishing excursions, sailing lessons, and private cooking classes.
A plush hotel bed at Mondrian Los Angeles
Courtesy Mondrian LA
Sweet, suite deals of 20 percent off at Mondrian Los Angeles
Level up your LA vacay with discounted suites at Mondrian Los Angeles—they’re currently 20 percent off and also come with a $25 daily in-room dining credit and guaranteed late check out of 1 pm (early check-in is based upon availability; the deal also is subject to availability, and blackout dates may apply). The suites offer travelers a spiffy home base right in the heart of West Hollywood, and the property’s dreamy rooftop pool is a perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing and celeb spotting.
Book now with Mondrian Los Angeles
Cruise deals
Save up to 75 percent on a Celebrity Cruise
Craving a cruise this summer, but don’t want to break the bank? The Spring Into Summer Sale by Celebrity Cruises is packed with serious savings. Through July 6, 2023, travelers can take advantage of a buy-one, get-one-75-percent-off fare deal—plus earn up to an $800-credit to spend on board, depending on the length of the trip. This screaming deal is good for most sailings all the way through April 30, 2025, meaning you can book now at these excellent rates but travel later.
Book now with Celebrity Cruises
Get two-for-one fares and free airfare on European river cruises
If you’re looking for a reason to finally book that luxury cruise you’ve had your eye on, don’t miss this hard-to-beat deal from Scenic. Not only does it come with two-for-one fare on select 2023-2024 European river cruises—but you’ll also get free premium economy airfare if you pay in full within 30 days of booking or 90 days prior to departure (whichever is sooner). New routes for the luxury, all-inclusive cruises, which only accommodate up to 163 guests, include sailings along the Danube River. All fares include extra such as premium beverages, unlimited excursions, and all gratuities included.
Or, alternatively, get two-for-one fares with free airfare on a luxury cruise yacht
If you fancy a cruise that sails the open seas instead of rivers, you can still take advantage of two-for-one savings as well as free airfare with another excellent deal from Emerald Cruises. The 100-passenger luxury cruises offer itineraries in the Caribbean and Central America, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Adriatic Sea. This deal must be booked by June 30, 2023, and payment must be made in full for the free airfare bonus.
Sail for $489 per person with Costa Cruises
An eight-day Europe cruise for less than $500 sounds too good to be true, but Costa Cruises’ spring sale promotion is indeed offering discounted fares as low as $489 for select itineraries. The deal is available for bookings through May 31 on cruises that run through November 2023 (some restrictions and blackout dates apply). Selected itineraries include dreamy jaunts through the Mediterranean, sailings through the dramatic landscapes of Northern Europe, and transatlantic routes.
Skiing at Whistler Blackcomb is discounted with an Epic Pass.
StockStudioX/Getty
Even more travel deals
Save hundreds on extended stays with Cabana Camper Vans
Cabana is a modern mobile hospitality company with a fleet of luxury, high-tech camper vans for rent. This month, they’re offering 20 percent off of all travel dates in May, the perfect opportunity for a last-minute getaway—use promo code MAYDEAL20 at checkout. Plus, on their offers page, find five additional running deals to take advantage of—including extended stays, one-way trips, deals for teachers, and more.
Grab an Epic Pass by May 29 to save on lodging, ski passes, and more year-round
Ski season is still officially months away, but savvy powder hounds know now is the time to book a pass to save some serious cash, and not just for winter trips. May 29 (Memorial Day) is the last chance to lock in the lowest price on 2023-2024 season Epic Pass products and secure two Buddy Tickets for friends and family that also come with the highest discount on lift tickets all season at Vail Resorts properties, including Vail, Breckenridge, Park City, and Whistler Blackcomb.
Invest in a milestone trip
If a Kenyan safari is the adventure you need this spring, Cottar’s Safaris, a luxury outfitter based in Maasai Mara, has some enticing offers. One comes with a fourth night for free with a three-night stay (available at Cottar’s 1920s Camp or the Bush Villa), while a honeymoon offer includes 50 percent off one traveler’s accommodation (1920s Camp only). The deals are good during March, April, and May, as well as November 1 through December 19, 2023. Other restrictions apply, and travelers also should confirm availability before booking.
Book now with Cottar’s Safaris
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
