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Black Friday isn't just for TV's & video games
How to make the most of Black Friday travel sales
Hi guys,
This week I want to share a not-so-secret travel industry secret. The week around Thanksgiving is the best time all year to score a screaming vacation deal.
Just like retailers, travel companies want to snag your dollars before anybody else. Deals pop up in quick bursts, and if you’re ready, you can save thousands on next year’s big vacation.
The deals cover everything from cruises, theme park packages, airfare, hotels, you name it. But they only pop up for a few weeks, at most - sometimes just a few hours - so it’s really important to be ready to jump on them.
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How much can you save?
I once saved an extra 20% on my week-long Hawaii resort stay because I happened to see an offer on ALL-Accor’s Facebook page. It was 20% off all gift cards, with a very high maximum. I was already going to stay there - but now a $5000 stay cost $4000.
Some people actually used that deal to save 20% off their entire Hawaii wedding! But just like all Black Friday promotions, the clock was ticking, I think I had an 8 hour window to buy those gift cards.
Sales like this are real and they pop up every year. Here’s some advice about how to score your amazing travel deal on Black Friday.
Be ready
You need to be ready to pounce if you see a deal. There is usually a very narrow time window, and space is always limited.
Is there a trip you’ve been considering for 2024?
Give it a little more thought this week. When would you want to go, if the right offer comes up? Who would you go with?
Hedge your bets
It’s not always a good idea to spontaneously commit to a 4-figure purchase, just because there’s a sale. But there are a few ways to book without putting all that money immediately on the line.
For packages like cruises, theme park resort deals, or European tours, you will usually only be required to pay a deposit at the time of booking. Be sure to find out how much is refundable. This will give you flexibility if the price drops even more, or if you can’t follow through with the plan.
Airfare is one place you’ll have to pay in full, but you can usually pay a little extra for cancellable tickets. Use your best judgement before committing to a non-refundable fare.
Another way to literally insure that you can cancel and get money back is to purchase cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance. You can buy this from an insurance company like Allianz or Travel Guard, or sometimes just add it to your vacation package. For instance, Universal Orlando offers cancel-for-any-reason as an option in all their theme park vacation bundles.
Where to find the deals
Black Friday travel deals can pop up almost anywhere, so you need to get yourself in the right place at the right time. Here are some top ways to capture a sale.
Use a travel agent
Your travel agent is your best Black Friday partner. Want to finally take that cruise to the Galapagos? Reach out now and ask your agent to watch for that deal. If a sale pops up, they can sometimes even hold a spot before you fully commit.
Get on those mailing lists
Do you dream of Tahitian overwater bungalows? Go right now and get on the Air Tahiti Nui email list.
Even if you’re not a fan of promotional email, you’ll want to get on those lists and check your inbox (and junk folder) this month. It’s the top way that companies connect with customers and might be the only channel where they publicize Black Friday offers.
Follow on social media
Flash sales will sometimes be announced only on social media, maybe only on one platform. You can’t be everywhere, but follow that cruise line, tour company, or airline on the social platform where you spend the most time.
And don’t just wait for them to show up in your feed, check their page frequently to see if anything new has been announced.
Turn on app notifications
Yesterday I got a notification about a sale from Air France, from the app I have on my phone. Not an email.
It seems like airlines use app notifications a lot. So if you’re hunting for an airfare sale, be sure you’ve got the airline’s app on your phone and turn on the notifications. (Sometimes the air deals only apply if you book in the app too, so it pays to have it installed and set up).
Monitor travel websites
Big online travel stores like Expedia and Booking.com have Black Friday sales too. Same with VRBO.
And if a trip to Disney or Universal is on your list, be sure to watch those sites. Special offers are usually listed right on the front page.
Have you ever scored a Black Friday travel deal?
Where did you find it? We’d love to hear your story in the comments.
Want to know why I think Tahiti should be on your bucket list? Check out my Bora Bora ultimate guide here.