[PhantomCat]

I'm planning a few end-of-the-year trips for 2010, one of which is out of the country. I'd like to know if sites like Expedia and Travelocity really work? Has anyone used them? Which are the best?
Any advice and links would be gladly appreciated.

[Jonathan]

I use Hotwire and Priceline for hotels. Study everything on this site and you will soon be staying in luxury hotels for absurdly cheap prices: http://betterbidding.com

I stayed in the Hyatt in downtown buffalo for $59 after fees. The Sheraton in Atlantic City for $90 (all these prices I'm listing are after fees). The Residence Inn Suites in Pittsburgh for $50 a night. The Clarion Resort in Orlando for $45 a night. I just got the Hyatt on Capitol Square in downtown Columbus for $60 last week, but ended up having to miss the trip so I lost that money. That is the one downside to these sites: non-refundable.

If you learn to use those sites though it will change the way you travel. Now I stay at nice hotels for the same prices or even less than the crap ones I was before.

[PhantomCat]

That was so awesome of you to help me.
I wanted to talk to someone who had experience because I see the commercials but I've never used any of the sites.
Thank you, sir.

[cwgator]

Priceline has been the better site for me on the trips I've planned. Especially when combining hotel/airfare. Before I move to FL, I used it several times to go to Orlando and got great deals during the time between thanksgiving and Christmas. One tip tho is to book your travel anywhere from 45-60 days in advance to get the best deal. If you try the week before or too early, you can pay higher. Your best bet would be to go to multiple sites for a price comparison.



OH and one more thing----you usually have to pay up-front for sites like this (with a few exceptions) when you confirm your trip.

[PhantomCat]

Paying up front...
I can imagine so.

Through my church, I have become pen pals with inmates. I have reserved the end of the year to take one of my trips to Texas to visit one in particular. He is in a Rosharon, Texas penitentiary and I do plan to see other sites while I'm there. No word yet if there are any theme parks. I'll have to research the area. I know Texas has a giant shopping mall with an amusement park in it, but I believe that is in a different part of Texas.

Booking up to a month or more in advance if a great tip. I am a true virgin to these discount travel sites.
Thank you so much for your the advice!