Groupon Travel: How Does It Work?

Groupon Getaways are budget travel packages offered by the popular deal website, Groupon. The company offers three types of travel experiences: domestic hotels, air-inclusive international packages, and cruises. Groupon Getaways are typically run by third-party travel agencies and tour operators, and can be a great way to find deals on travel. However, it's important to read the fine print and understand the limitations and restrictions that come with these deals.

Groupon Getaways offers three types of travel experiences: domestic hotels, air-inclusive international packages, and cruises

For those who want to explore their own country, Groupon Getaways offers domestic hotel deals. These include stays at well-known hotels like the Embassy Suites and the DoubleTree by Hilton, as well as unique accommodations like the Champagne Lodge & Luxury Suites in Willowbrook, Illinois. Groupon also offers deals on popular family destinations, such as the Great Wolf Lodge, which has multiple locations across the United States.

For those looking to travel abroad, Groupon Getaways provides air-inclusive international packages. These trips are typically run by third-party travel agencies and tour operators and include airfare and accommodations, with some packages offering additional perks like guided tours or car rentals. For example, a trip to Machu Picchu in Peru or an 11-day vacation in Bali and the Gili Islands, Indonesia, including hotels and airfare.

Groupon Getaways also offers cruise deals, such as an 8-night Caribbean cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, departing from Orlando and visiting Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and Tortola.

Groupon Getaways provides a range of travel experiences to suit different preferences and budgets, allowing travellers to explore new destinations and create memorable experiences.

Groupon Getaways are super cheap

For example, a seven-day trip for two to Buenos Aires out of Miami International Airport, including airfare, hotel, and meals, costs $799 per person. Look for flights out of Miami to Buenos Aires, and then add in five days of breakfast and a nice hotel in a fancy neighborhood—it's a great deal.

Another example is an eight-day trip to Portugal, including car rental, from $999 per person. Or, seven days in Malta from $799 per person.

Groupon Getaways are typically run by third-party travel agencies and tour operators. The prices are so low because Groupon works with a handful of tour operators who specialize in assembling air-inclusive packages, choosing partners based on their ability to provide packages that are affordable without sacrificing experience.

Groupon Getaways also work as a middleman, handing over the details to a travel agent or online tour operator who books the trip from start to finish. This means you can show up on your arrival date as you would with Expedia, without needing to contact the hotel. All you have to do is contact the provider and redeem your voucher within the booking window.

Groupon Getaways are a one-stop shop. After redeeming your voucher, the agency books your tickets, hotels, tours, meals, and transportation for you. All you have to do is show up on time.

Groupon Getaways are also a great way to introduce first-time travelers to international travel. Having the whole trip planned out makes it a less stressful introduction.

Groupon Getaways are so cheap that you can afford to be flexible. You can book last-minute trips or choose one months out. You can also wait for the getaway to be about to expire, as the price gets cut anywhere from $50 to $100.

Groupon Getaways are typically run by third-party travel agencies and tour operators

Firstly, it provides access to a wider range of travel options, as Groupon works with a variety of partners to offer domestic hotels, air-inclusive international packages, and cruises. These partners are carefully selected based on their ability to provide affordable packages without sacrificing the quality of the experience.

Secondly, the use of third-party providers allows Groupon to offer pre-planned trips, which can be especially helpful for first-time travellers or those seeking a stress-free travel experience. These trips include various components such as airfare, hotel reservations, transfers, and tours, all bundled into a single package. This takes away the hassle of planning and coordinating multiple aspects of a trip.

Additionally, Groupon Getaways often include guided tours or excursions, which can be beneficial, especially in destinations with language barriers. These guided tours can provide unique experiences and insights that travellers might not discover on their own.

However, it is important to note that Groupon Getaways may have certain limitations, such as specific departure dates, non-refundable bookings, and additional fees for single travellers. Therefore, it is crucial to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions before purchasing a Groupon Getaway.

Groupon Getaways are good for celebrating special occasions

Groupon Getaways can be great for celebrating special occasions. For example, Christian Portilla and her now-wife visited Machu Picchu in Peru through a Groupon Getaways package. At the top of the Incan citadel, Portilla's girlfriend proposed. Portilla described the experience as "a memory I'll never forget".

Groupon Getaways can also be a good option for first-time travellers. Shelby Williams, a college student, found that having her trip to Mexico planned out made it a less stressful introduction to international travel.

The deals on Groupon Getaways are often very affordable. Williams, who has been on three Groupon Getaways, said her favourite trip was to Costa Rica with her mum. It cost about $1,200 per person, including airfare, a car rental, and a hotel. The hotel included a swim-up bar, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes.

The guided tours included in some Groupon Getaways packages can also be very helpful, especially when there is a language barrier. Maddy Osman, a travel blogger, found the guided tours to be a huge plus when she visited China.

Groupon Getaways are not always flexible

Limited Dates and Inflexible Schedules: Groupon Getaways typically offer specific departure dates with limited flexibility. If you have a fixed vacation schedule, you may need to compromise to find a suitable deal. For example, if you are looking for a trip to Ireland but can't find dates that align with your schedule, you might have to consider an alternative destination like Italy.

Limited Airport Options: Groupon Getaways usually specify departure airports, and if you don't live near one of them, you'll need to factor in the additional cost of travelling to the designated airport. This can add a significant expense to your trip.

Non-Refundable and Cancellation Fees: Once you book a Groupon Getaway, many components of the trip may be non-refundable, especially airfare. Cancellation policies vary, and you may incur fees if you need to make changes. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions before booking.

Early Morning or Overnight Flights: Groupon Getaways often include early morning or overnight flights to keep costs down. This means you may need to be flexible with your sleep schedule and be prepared for less convenient travel times.

Long Layovers: To keep prices low, Groupon Getaways sometimes include long layovers. This can extend your travel time and may not be ideal if you prefer a more direct route.

Single-Traveler Fees: Groupon Getaways typically cater to pairs or groups, and if you're travelling solo, you may be subject to a "singles" fee. This can make the trip more expensive for single travellers, and in some cases, the fee can be substantial.

Limited Hotel Choices: While Groupon Getaways offer a range of accommodations, you may not have the flexibility to choose your specific hotel. The selected hotels are usually of good quality, but there is a chance you might not get your preferred option.

Guided Tours and Shopping Stops: Some Groupon Getaways include guided tours, which can be helpful, especially in places with language barriers. However, these tours may also include shopping stops that may not be of interest to all travellers. It's important to review the itinerary carefully to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

In summary, while Groupon Getaways offer incredible deals, they may not always provide the flexibility you desire. Be sure to read the fine print, understand the limitations, and carefully consider your priorities and preferences before booking.

Frequently asked questions