Great Summer Vacation Deals

Everyone loves a good vacation and that’s why so many people take them during the summer. In fact, I’ve heard that most people choose summer for their vacations over winter because there are more deals to be had! That’s what got me thinking about writing this blog post today.

In preparation for summer vacation, many travelers have already bought their tickets and have begun researching their destinations. The rest of us are just about to embark on the journey to make our holiday dreams a reality, but how can we save any money?

Summer time is great for vacations. Hot days, cool nights and the smell of BBQ in the air. It’s a season that is well known for its parties. If you’re lucky enough to have some extra cash lying around, here are a few ideas on vacation spots that could be calling your name! Looking for the perfect place to spend your summer vacation? We have some great options (depending on your budget, of course) that I think you’ll enjoy. Whether you like fine dining and luxury or going budget, we have some ideas that will definitely work.

Great Summer Vacation Deals

Summer is finally here, and it’s time to get outdoors and explore with the whole family. These vacation package deals offer substantial savings and bonus perks for your next big trip. Here are some of our favorite travel packages being offered for the summer season. Don’t forget to include your loyalty program number with each stay, and when it makes sense, to pay with your hotel-affiliated credit card to accelerate the earnings.

1. Bonus points at Hyatt’s new Inclusive Collection

This summer, World of Hyatt is celebrating its new Inclusive collection of all-inclusive hotels across nine different brands by offering 5,000 bonus points on stays of at least three nights. For stays between now and Sept. 15, members can register (by Aug. 15) to receive the bonus points. Among the participating properties include names like Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas and Dreams Resorts & Spas, among others. Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara resorts are not included.

2. Sun, fun and shopping at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Beat the heat at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in Texas with plenty of refreshing activities. Families will love the nine-acre water park including numerous pools for families, adults, activities and even one with a sand beach-entry edge. There are hot tubs, water slides, body slides, a 1,100-foot-long lazy river and a unique custom water ride experience.

Sports lovers or those that want some relaxation can take advantage of the Hill Country Shopping, Golf & Spa Experience package including daily breakfast for two, one 50-minute spa treatment per night, 18 holes of golf for one per night and a coupon book for shopping at the nearby outlet mall. You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points for the stay, which means you can start saving for your next trip.

Use a Marriott Bonvoy credit card to pay and you can put the earnings into overdrive.

3. Summer of More at Gaylord hotels

Part of Marriott Bonvoy, Gaylord Texan; Gaylord Rockies; Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Florida; Gaylord Opryland in Nashville; and Gaylord National near Washington, D.C., are offering an amenity-rich Summer of More promotion. The promotion is valid for stays until Sept. 6, and can be booked via the Gaylord Hotels website.

These big convention hotels offer more than just meeting space. They come with water parks, swimming pools, atrium lobbies featuring synchronized light and fountain shows, escape rooms, and arts and crafts experiences for kids. The Gaylord Opryland even has a unique aquatic attraction known as SoundWaves with water slides, pool parties and pirates and princesses-themed activities.

At Gaylord Palms in Orlando, a new Ultimate Upgrade Package celebrates the hotel’s 20th anniversary. The three-night package for a party of four is not cheap at $6,500, but includes suite accommodations with a connecting room, a private three-course dinner prepared in the room by a private chef, a private hour at the new Crystal River Rapids water park and a poolside cabana throughout the stay. There is also VIP perks including a wildlife tour and limousine transportation to and from Walt Disney World Resort theme parks as well as entry tickets.

4. Third night free benefit in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California (often called the American Riviera) has a Get Your Third Night Free program this summer offering guests the third night free when staying at popular hotels. These include many big name properties like Mar Monte Hotel, which participates in World of Hyatt, and Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, part of the Marriott Bonvoy program. Reservations must be made before July 31, 2022, and each participating hotel has different dates for participation.

5. Flight-included packages with Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, Bahamas

The option to coordinate flights with a visit to a hard-to-reach destination with your hotel stay is quite helpful. Hilton at Resorts World Bimini is offering a package that includes round-trip flights from Fort Lauderdale via Tropic Ocean Airways. The two- or three-night Fly & Stay package starts at $658 per person for a two-night stay with flights and room.

Eligible on-site spending will rack up Hilton Honors points, especially when using a Hilton Honors-affiliated credit card, during a trip to paradise. The 4.5-acre Resorts World Bimini Beach area is similar to party-style beach clubs on other islands and a favorite of sun-seeking guests. Another benefit of this package is that it includes complimentary access to visiting guest performer events and concerts.

6. Platinum Elite status upgrade with IHG One Rewards

This summer, families can benefit from a fast-track upgrade to Platinum Elite status with IHG One Rewards as part of a status match by showing elite status in another program. By registering for the promotion before July 31, this high-level status is instantly awarded and valid for 120 days from the date you sign up.

It comes with perks like a welcome amenity upon arrival, a room upgrade based on availability and a 60% bonus on points. This status will be valid through the end of 2023 if a member stays just five qualifying nights. If you stay a total of 15 qualifying nights within the promotion period, you’ll get an upgrade to Diamond Elite status, the top tier, which adds a 100% bonus on points earning and breakfast as a welcome amenity choice. There are plenty of popular IHG properties where you can earn qualifying nights for this generous promotion.

7. “Little Kid, Big City!” add-on package at Conrad New York Downtown

The Conrad New York Downtown hotel recently partnered with the author of “Little Kid, Big City!” Beth Beckman, to develop a fun special package and experience for visiting families. The activity booklet, ideal for children between the ages of 8 and 12, gives them the chance to run a scavenger hunt around the city. It doubles as a family-friendly, self-guided tour visiting places like the Bronx Zoo, Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center.

There is a $75 charge for the kit, but when families complete it, they are eligible for a prize. Guests can earn Hilton Honors points when they stay here and multiply those earnings when paying with a Hilton Honors-affiliated credit card.

8. Fourth night free at Grand Hyatt and SLS Baha Mar

This popular World of Hyatt Resort in the Bahamas is offering the fourth night free in a special summer package. There are several hotels within the complex. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is celebrating its fifth anniversary, and this special package includes free dining for kids under five. This must be booked by June 30 for stays through Dec. 16.

Its neighbors SLS Baha Mar and Rosewood Baha Mar are offering similar family-friendly offers this summer, too. For example, the Family Fun Getaway at SLS Baha Mar is good for stays of at least three nights. Valid through Dec. 19, the package also includes daily breakfast for four, a round of mini-golf, and an in-room movie with snacks and blankets to get cozy.

9. Free Tuesdays at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas

Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas, which includes properties like The Cove at Atlantis, is finalizing a major renovation project to rooms in The Royal Towers for this summer. Marriott Bonvoy fans can earn and redeem points with a stay here. Past guests will find a new property design called “Somewhere Else,” which will replace The Beach Tower.

Renovations at the resort include updates to the casino, the waterpark and swimming pools with new slides, and a new beachfront restaurant. Among the special summer offers include free Tuesday stays at The Cove when booked in conjunction with at least a three-night trip. Guests that book a suite at The Coral can take advantage of a free pool cabana.