I am thinking of a Priceline vacation!

[DawnCt]

We have a long weekend coming up, family of four, and want to go someplace warm. Its a little late to book a formal vacation due to the increase in prices. I am considering bidding for air and when that comes through bidding for the hotel and car. Destination, Orlando, Universal Studios vicinity. Quality of the hotel more important than location. Usually when I plan a Disney vacation or a Hawaiian vacation, I am very picky about where I stay but I almost think that the bidding will be part of the fun. Anyplace that is 40 degrees warmer than where I am will be better. Any suggestions?

 

[FreshTressa]

We've always had great experiences through priceline. We have booked full vacation packages, airfare, hotel, and cars through priceline and have always been pleased.

I have heard it is cheaper to bid the hotel and airfare seperately, but as a family of four, I wouldn't want to risk it since some hotels only guarantee accommodations for 2.

With the vacation packages you can specify how many people so you know that the hotel is willing to accomadate more than two. But, I think the packages cost a little bit more.

Check out www.biddingfortravel.com if you haven't already!

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[FreshTressa]

Oh, but I have never heard of a hotel in the orlando area that wasn't willing to accomodate four. It is mostly in cities like vancouver BC and San Francisco that you have problems.

And also, I wouldn't bid under a 3 star in that area.

 

[DawnCt]

The only thing that concerns me is if I bid on airtravel I could end up getting there late at night and having to return first thing in the morning on the last day. That wouldn't be a bad thing for a weeks vacation but for three nights, I don't know.

 

[BedKnobbery2]

In your case, with a family of 4 traveling, I'd agree with Tressa; the upside of doing the package is you get to pick which hotel you want to stay in.

Dawn, you hit the nail on the head in regards to the problem with bidding for airfare--you can't pick the times. I agree, that's a problem with a short vacation. However, that's the 'price' you pay for a lower fare. If you aren't willing to accept that risk, don't use priceline.

An alternative would be Hotwire weekender packages. For those--and only for the weekends-- you can pick your span of time you want to travel, within a 4 hour window. It also shows you a graph showing the prices for all 4 4-hour spans they offer. So you'll get a little more control.

How close are you to Boston? The Boston airfares to FL right now are phenomenal, because JetBlue just starting offering service to Orlando. You can get RT, all fees, for less than $200. I plugged in MLK Day weekend, and got a fare on JetBlue for $179, total. So that might be an option, too.

Good luck with it! I love planning last minute vacations like this. Wish I had the extra $ to do it, too!!!