“Flash” Travel Deals: Nine Great Sites

It seems like everywhere you look these days, there is a new flash site popping up. Flash sites offer deep discounts for a limited period on products, hotels, activities, services, restaurants and transportation. Good for us, no?
“Flash Travel” really works when you are flexible on location and on dates (although most deals are redeemable within at least a 6-month period).  Never pay rack rate again – simply scour these sites below for a deal you like, and go!

1. Groupon Getaways

2. Jetsetter

A member of the GILT Groupe, Jetsetter offers flash sales daily to upscale and exotic locations not found anywhere else on the web. Today I am looking at deals at the Gren Melia in Crete, the Corinthia Palace Hotel in Malta, and the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower. Sounds tempting, huh? Download the iPhone app or sign up for their newsletter online.

Category: Luxury, villas and resorts, global

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3. TripAlertz

Cited by MSNBC as the “Groupon for travel” (likely before Groupon got into travel), TripAlertz offer deals on hotels to its private member base, for which it is free to sign up. In my TripAlertz inbox this week: 43% off a junior suite at The Royal Haciendas in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, and a trip to um, space. No kidding. Should probably leave the kids at home for that one.

Category: Family-friendly, villas and resorts, global

4. Bloomspot and Bloomspot Getaways

Currently serving major metropolitan cities in the United States, Bloomspot attempts to improve your quality of living by bringing deals to upscale and exclusive services. With Bloomspot Getaways you get deals up to 70% off luxury villas in Santorini, for example. If you sign up for Bloomspot in a particular area, you can find great deals on bed and breakfasts, spa treatments and restaurants that you can incorporate into your trip.

Category: Upscale, local, global

5. Living Social Escapes and Family Deals

On January 11, 2011, LivingSocial introduced LivingSocial Families, which is now live in 46 markets and four countries. Family Edition deals offer the same discounts but for family-oriented activities like zoos, museums, day trips, aquariums, art classes, and more. Sign up on the website to avail of these deals or download their mobile app. Current deals on Living Social are to Waikiki, Cancun, Jamaica and Costa Rica.

Category: Family-friendly, local, global

6. TravelZoo

TravelZoo’s deal experts work all over America, Europe and Asia to bring you vacation deals that often include hotel and airfare. We like it because it is international and multi-service so you can book your entire trip in one spot. Check out their Top 20 Deals for a taste.

Category: Family-friendly, resorts and chain brands, global

7. Trubates

Similar to Bloomspot but not as upscale, Trubates specializes in local deals and can bring you great discounts on accommodations, activities and in a particular area (eg. Tahoe).

Category: Family-friendly, resorts and chain brands, local

8. Mr. and Mrs. Smith Offers

If you are like me and are always looking for quaint boutique hotels, Mr. and Mrs. Smith is the site for you. You can book off their regular site but for $30/year you can become a member and avail of special deals around the world such as four nights for the price of three at the Viceroy, Bali or 50% off at the Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany.

Category: Luxury, boutique hotels, global

9. Overstock Vacations

Not exactly a “flash” site, Overstock brings discounts to those looking for mid-range accommodation in the United States and Mexico such as USD 136.99 at the 4 Star Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette Hotel or 2 nights at the Se San Diego Hotel for USD 152.99. Since the savings are so large, the time validity of each deal tends to be short so you either have to be very lucky or very flexible.

Category: Budget, chains, US and Mexico

Other noteworthy ones to watch are Facebook Deals, Google Offers and Yelp Deals, all currently available to small portions of the United States. They have not called out Travel as a special category yet but bet you they will soon.