BidOnTravel.com

Home > Hotwire Vacation Package Deal Tips

Hotwire Savings Savvy

Hotwire Vacation Package Deals

What makes Hotwire vacation packages special?

Think of Hotwire as a giant vacation package outlet. As the deep discount component of the company that owns Expedia and Hotels.com, Hotwire has fantastic buying power that helps you save.

As with any outlet, the best package deals vary from day to day, based on unsold inventory of hotel rooms and airline seats.

Can I book a last-minute package deal?

Absolutely. Check the deals available on Hotwire.com.

Choose either

Flight + Hotel + Car
Flight + Hotel
Hotel + Car (Great when traveling on free frequent flyer tickets)

You'll receive both online and emailed confirmations. You don't have to wait for any documents to arrive in the mail. Just print out your online confirmation and take it with you.

NOTE: If booking a trip outside of the U.S. at the last minute, be sure that you already have a valid passport. You will not be able to re-enter the U.S. by air from ANY other country without a valid passport or an approved alternative. It is best to have a passport valid for 6 months beyond your intended date of return.

The countries offered in Hotwire packages do not usually require visas in advance, as long as you’re an American or Canadian citizen, but it is always best to check.

What's the best way to save?

For best values, don’t have your heart set on just one destination. For example, while Maui may be nearly sold out, the Big Island and Kauai may offer great bargains. Or vice versa.

So, we always recommend that you check out a variety of package destinations when you use Hotwire.com.

Make a list of what you want, such as warmth, great beaches, fine dining, opportunity to practice Spanish, and see what bargains match these.

How can I tell if I'm getting a bargain?

Compare Hotwire prices with its deep discount competitor Priceline.com.

Hotwire.com

Save up to $500 on your Vacation Package at priceline! (no bidding required)

Because these companies have different relationships with airlines and hotels, their vacation package prices may differ for the same destination and dates.

What's the trade-off for these discounts?

Once you authorize your credit card to be billed you may not get a refund. You may not be able to change dates.

You will be offered cancellation insurance.

What if I don't need a flight?

On Hotwire, you can buy just a discounted room or a combo room and car rental package—great when using free frequent flyer tickets.

What about "all-inclusive" vacations?

You’ll find deep discounts on quite a few "all-inclusive" packages, especially in places like Jamaica, where meal prices are surprisingly expensive if you dine at restaurants not included in your all-inclusive deal.

We’re not so inclined to book Hotwire “all-inclusive” rates in places like Cancun, where you may want to spend a lot of time away from your hotel.

What about the quality of hotels and resorts?

You pick the quality you want on Hotwire. See Hotwire Hotel Names for a detailed explanation of the 1- to 5-star ratings. Hotwire packages tend to use 2.5- to 4.5-star hotels. Generally, Hotwire's best discounts are on 3.0- to 4.5-star hotel and resort packages.

Which days are best to travel?

Try to avoid leaving resorts such as Orlando and Cabo on Sundays. That’s when most people return home to work or school. Traveling to a resort area on Friday also tends to be more expensive.

Rooms in hotspots like Las Vegas are always more expensive on Friday and Saturday nights—sometimes considerably so.

Rooms in business-oriented cities like Chicago tend to be less expensive on weekends, except during special events.

Can I pick my flight times?

Yes!

On Hotwire.com, just click on the "Choose a different flight" link offered for each hotel or resort.

Which airlines are used in these packages?

Air Canada, Continental, Delta, United, US Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and similar airlines that tend to allow you to pick your seats in advance. Hotwire does not use Southwest or charter airlines.

Any last tips?

We've said it before —

When checking Hotwire.com prices, be flexible for best values. A different date or an alternate destination can put money in your pocket.