Oct. 12--Coupons aren't just for groceries anymore. Coupon websites can lead to travel savings.
Traditional coupon sites
Whenever I search for coupons online, RetailMeNot.com, which bought its first coupon sites in 2009, is always in the mix.
"Friends at Orbitz, Priceline, Expedia and Travelocity recently told me that customers can save an average of $200-$500 by booking a customized package, based on double occupancy and an average stay of four nights" by using RetailMeNot, said Brian Hoyt, head of communications for the site (www.retailmenot.com). RetailMeNot has sister sites in Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Flag icons on RetailMeNot's homepage link to sister sites.
Although travel deals may be highlighted on its home page, I usually type "travel" in RetailMeNot's search bar to jump to travel deals. A search for "restaurants" brings up coupons for RetailMeNot's partner, Restaurant.com, a site Hoyt recommends for restaurant discounts. BroadwayBox.com (www.broadwaybox.com) is a good site for theater discounts in many cities, including London and New York.
Stephanie Nelson, the Coupon Mom (www.couponmom.com), says she starts with a Google search. "For a rental car, I might type "Budget Rental Car Coupon" to find the best coupon," said Nelson, who recommends taking grocery store coupons on vacation. CouponMom specializes in grocery coupons but includes travel discounts. Click on the "Online Coupons" tab, then search for travel to bring up travel offers.
CouponCabin.com (www.couponcabin.com) also offers travel coupons.
Time-sensitive deal sites
A few years ago LivingSocial.com (www.livingsocial.com) and Groupon.com (www.groupon.com) began offering short-term, time-sensitive travel deals for specific destinations.
LivingSocial Escapes are available for 14 days after being announced, and Groupon Getaway deals through Expedia are launched weekly and typically run 10 to 4 days. Groupon spokesman Tim DeClaire said deals range from family-friendly weekend getaways to exotic international destinations.
Terry Gardner is a freelance reporter.
