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Hotwire Savings Savvy
Hotwire's 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.
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.
If booking a trip outside of the U.S. at the last minute, be sure that you already have a valid passport. (Note: As of January 23, 2007, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. by air from ANY other country without a valid passport.)
At this time, visas obtained in advance are not required for any Hotwire package destination, as long as you’re an American citizen.
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.
How can I tell if I'm getting a bargain?
Compare Hotwire prices with its deep discount competitor Priceline.com.
Priceline.com Vacations (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 Hotwire to bill your credit card, you cannot get a refund or make any changes. 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?
With Hotwire, you can pick between these three options:
- Your exact flight times and airline,
- Just the general time of day you’ll depart, for extra savings, OR
- To leave at any time of day for the cheapest price of all.
Which airlines are used in these packages?
Aloha, American, Continental, Delta, United, 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.
- Which hotels does Hotwire use?
- Hotwire Hotel Tips,
- Hotwire Rental Car Tips, and
- Hotwire Airfare Tips.
