<![CDATA[ Kiplinger ]]> https://www.kiplinger.com Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:08:18 +0000 en <![CDATA[ Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deal Days: Which Is Better? ]]> In comparing Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deal Days, the biggest winner might be the consumer, as the two retail behemoths compete with each other to offer the biggest discounts for shoppers.

Amazon Prime Day, the two-day mega shopping event, kicks off in just over a week, running July 16-17. Not to be outdone, competitor Walmart begins its Walmart Deal Days event later today, July 8th. Both have a bevy of deals and discounts and both have loyal shoppers looking to benefit. Which retailer has the best deals, and in which categories?

Amazon Prime members bought over 375 million items during the company’s annual two-day sales event in 2023. In fact, July 11 (the first day of Prime Day, 2023) was the largest sales day in Amazon’s history. 

Walmart offered a number of sales days and weeks throughout the year, but doesn't have an event from last year to compare directly. Nonetheless, Walmart had U.S. had net sales of 420.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, according to Statista.

Walmart is still the number one retailer, according to the National Retail Federation's 2023 list of Top 100 Retailers. However, Amazon comes in a close second. And so the battle continues to rage during Amazon Prime Day, July 16 & 17, and Walmart Deal Days, which kicks off July 8 at 5 p.m. ET and runs through July 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET.  

So where can you find the best deals? Take a look at both sales events.

What is the Walmart Deals event?

Walmart Deals is the retail giant’s "largest deals event" ever that takes place online via the Walmart app and in the Walmart digital storefront. During the event, customers can save big on a variety of items across many departments. From electronics and home essentials, to clothing and toys, Walmart Deals is coming out swinging with discounts on tons of goodies that you can shop in tandem with Amazon's Prime Day deals. 

Early Walmart Deals

Trying to get a leg up on Amazon, Walmart is already advertising some of the deals you can find during its sales event. Just a sample of what you’ll find includes: 

When can you shop Walmart Deals?

If you're a Walmart Plus member, you'll have early access to discounts and deals starting at noon ET on July 8. That’s five hours of shopping the sales event before the Walmart Deals event kicks off for the general public on Monday, July 8, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET through Thursday, July 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

You can sign up to become a Walmart Plus member ahead of the event and take advantage of a variety of pickup and delivery options to receive the items you've purchased during the sale. In fact, for a limited time, you can sign up for $49. That’s $50 off the regular membership price. After that, Walmart Plus will cost you $12.95 per month or $98 annually.

Is Walmart Deals Day worth it?

Shopping the 2024 Walmart Deals event may be worth considering if you can find deals on things you actually need. The fact that the sales event overlaps with Amazon Prime Day means you have even more deals to choose from, but it will also take more of your time to find those deals. In contrast to Amazon Prime Days, you can shop Walmart Deals without a paid membership. Although you'll have to do a bit of searching on your own, as it stands, there will be plenty of great items on sale both before and during the Walmart Deals event.

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day is an annual event for Prime members. During the sale, which takes place Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17, you'll find exceptional discounts across a wide range of products, from home essentials and electronics to brand-name electronics and Amazon devices. The sales event features flash sales, spotlight deals, exclusive and limited-time offers and special promotions.

Early Amazon Prime Day deals

Can't wait until July 16th?  You'll find dozens of early deals on some of your favorite items right now. 

When can you shop Amazon Prime Day?

Prime Day 2024 will take place on Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Amazon Prime Day has historically taken place during the second week of July.

Is Amazon Prime Day worth it?

You can shop a wide variety of deals and discounts by heading to Amazon and checking out the Prime Day deals page. But understand, some of these deals will sell out quickly, so shop early Prime Day deals, or set your alarm the day of the event so you don’t miss out. Since competitors, like Walmart, have started offering multi-day sales events, Amazon hopes to get a jump on the best deals first. However, (and this is a big however), Prime Day deals are exclusively for Amazon Prime members. 

Amazon holds the event to attract new members and reward existing members with free shipping, deals and discounts, faster shipping, streaming media and more not available the rest of the year. To shop the sale, make sure you have a Prime membership. If you don't, right now you can try prime FREE for 30 days. (Some shoppers will see a different introductory offer). After that, Prime will set you back $14.99 per month or $139 annually.  

Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deal Days: Which Has Better Sales?

So, when it comes to Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deal Days — which is better? That will probably depend on what you’re shopping for. If you’re already a Prime member and shop the site often, it may not pay to wander over to Walmart. But the same can be true if you’re a Walmart Plus member. Either way, you’ll score some great deals in July from both retailers, which is a win-win for you and for the retailers' bottom line. 

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]]> https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/deals/amazon-prime-day-vs-walmart-deal-days 2u4dvm5hmmM6aQNSQqBLTG Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Get 5 Months of Amazon Music Unlimited for Free with Amazon Prime Day ]]> This year marks the 10th anniversary of Amazon Prime Day — the shopping event that’s exclusively for Amazon Prime members. While the main event takes place on July 16-17, a handful of early Prime Day deals are already live, including a free five-month upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited.

Amazon Music Prime Day offer

Amazon Prime members get access to Amazon Music for no additional cost with a Prime subscription. The service lets you listen to an impressive 100 million songs ad-free, as well as podcasts, playlists and stations, on a range of devices.

This deal is for Music Unlimited — Amazon’s premium music subscription service. Music Unlimited gives you access to everything you’d get with Amazon Music but also has heaps of features designed to enhance your listening experience and find more music. Features include tracks in HD and Ultra HD audio quality, a growing catalog of Spatial Audio songs offering “a multidimensional audio experience,” and new releases from today's most popular artists. 

Music Unlimited can also build playlists for you and make recommendations based on your listening habits. Crucially, it allows you to turn off "shuffle mode" so you can listen to your chosen songs in the order you want — a feature that’s not available on the lower tier Amazon Music subscription.

Amazon's Music Unlimited Prime Day offer
Get a free five-month upgrade to Music Unlimited, as part of Amazon's early Prime Day deals. 

This offer is open to you if you’re an Amazon Prime member and you haven’t already subscribed to Music Unlimited (or previously taken up a free trial).View Deal

Just remember to cancel at the end of the five months if you don’t want to keep listening, or the subscription will automatically renew and you’ll end up paying the $9.99 a month charge. If you’re not an Amazon Prime member, once the deal ends, the monthly subscription charge will be $10.99.

While Amazon runs trial offers on its subscription services throughout the year, this five-month Music Unlimited trial is worth considering if you’re a die-hard music fan. It gives you almost half a year of a premium music subscription service and saves you almost $50 — that’s music to our ears.

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]]> https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/deals/get-months-of-amazon-music-unlimited-for-free-with-amazon-prime-day wRkTHwjXUBW9tkPJisioVE Sat, 06 Jul 2024 11:15:14 +0000 <![CDATA[ Walmart Deals Event Is Now — 30 Best Sales You Don't Want to Miss ]]> Walmart Deals — the mega-retailer’s largest deals event ever is underway, running between Monday, July 8 and Thursday, July 11. Sales are live between 5 pm today and 11:50 pm on Thursday. Are you a Walmart Plus member? You can get early access to everything right now, ahead of the 5 pm kickoff. 

Here's a look at 30 great deals available right now. What are you waiting for? Get to your local Walmart today, shop online or through the Walmart app. 

Keurig K-Slim + ICED Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Blue with Iced Refreshers Strawberry Acai Flavor K-Cup Pods, 10 Count. Reg. $125.98, Now only $49.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch Laptop

Space Gray MacBook Air, M1 Chip, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage. Now only $649.

Samsung Galaxy Watch4

46mm Smart Watch w/ Bluetooth, Stainless Steel, Black. Reg. $149, Now only $99.

Dyson Cordless Vacuum Cleaner 

V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | Nickel. Reg. $549, Now only $449.99

HP Gaming Laptop

HP Victus 15.6 inch FHD IPS 144Hz Gaming Laptop AMD Ryzen 5- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 8GB DDR5 512GB SSD Mica Silver (2024). Reg. $979, Now only $599.

TCL Smart TV

65” Class Q Class 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV. Reg. $498. Now only $398.

Westintrends Adirondack Chair

Outdoor Folding HDPE Adirondack Chair, Patio Seat, Weather Resistant, Dark Brown. Reg. $239.99, Now only $89.99

Philips Sonicare Rechargeable Toothbrush

DiamondClean 9000 Special Edition Adult Rechargeable Toothbrush, White HX9911/93. Reg. $199.96. Now only $149.96.

Travelhouse 3-Piece Luggage Set

Hardshell Expandable Lightweight Suitcase with TSA Lock Spinner Wheels 20in24in28in.(Black). Reg. $399.99. Now only $85.99

LEGO Star Wars Toy

Building Kit, Construction Toy, Ages 9 and Up, Buildable Battle of Hoth AT-ST Walker and 4 Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Characters Included. Reg. $49.99, Now only $35.

Shark IQ Robot Vacuum

Bagless 60 Day Capacity Base, Multi-Surface Cleaning, Home Mapping. Reg. $499.99, Now only $288.

Super Mario Party Bundle

Super Mario Party™ + Red & Blue Joy-Con™ Bundle for Nintendo Switch. Reg. $99.99. Now only $69.

Ozark Trail Tent

10-Person Cabin Tent, with 3 Entrances. Reg. $170. Now only $99.

Hoverstar Hoverboard 

Hoverstar Flash Wheel Hoverboard 6.5 In., Bluetooth Speaker with LED Light, Self Balancing Wheel, Electric Scooter, Unicorn. Reg. $89.99. Now only $62.99

AOVOPRO Electric Scooter 

AOVOPRO ES80 350W 8.5' Foldable Electric Scooter for Adults and Child, 21 Miles Range. Reg. $439. Now only $219.99.

Jurassic World Dinosaur Toy

Jurassic World Dominion Tyrannosaurus Rex Dinosaur Toy, Thrash N Devour Sound, Chomp Action. Reg. $49.95. Now only $19.97.

GE Profile Ice Maker 

GE Profile Opal 2.0, Countertop Nugget Ice Maker-Ice Machine with WiFi Connectivity. Smart Home Kitchen Essentials-Stainless Steel. Reg. $579. Now only $479.

Lifetime Basketball Hoop

Lifetime Adjustable Portable Basketball Hoop (50-Inch Polycarbonate). Reg. $329.99. Now only 249.99. 

Apple AirPods

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Case (USB‑C). Reg. $249. Now only $169.

Walmart Plus

Join today and get 30-days of Walmart Plus FREE

Emeril Lagasse Grill and Toaster Oven

Emeril Power Grill 360 Plus, 6-in-1 Smokeless Grill and Air Fry Toaster Oven XL. Reg. $169. Now only $50.

KidKraft Swing Set 

KidKraft Ainsley Wooden Outdoor Swing Set with Slide and Rock Wall. Reg. $399. Now only $248.

TCL Air Purifier 

TCL Air Purifier for Home, Room, Bedroom, True H13 HEPA Air Filter-Metal Design with Night Light. Reg. $69.99. Now only $29.99. 

Reebok Backpack

Reebok Women's Beau Backpack, White Heather Gray. Reg. $20. Now only $12.

PHANCIR Foldable Lap Desk

23.6 Inch Portable Wood Laptop Desk Table Workspace Organizer Bed Tray with iPad Slots, Cup Holder, Drawer, Anti-Slip for Working, Reading, Writing, Eating, Watching-Walnut. Reg. $39.99. Now only $17.99. 

The Children's Place Girls Polo

Uniform Short Sleeve Ruffle Polo, 2-Pack, Sizes XS-XXL. Reg. $29.95. Now only $12.96

JeenMata Solitaire Stud Earrings 

JeenMata 4 Prong 2 Carat Round Shaped Moissanite Solitaire Stud Earrings In 18K White Gold Plating Over Silver. Reg. $189. Now only $62.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS 40mm Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness & Sleep Tracker, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor. Reg. $249. Now only $189.

onn. 8" Kids Tablet

onn. 8" Kids Tablet, 32GB, (2021 Model) - Blue. Reg. $99. Now only $59.

Ninja® Air Fryer

Ninja® 4-Quart Air Fryer, White. Reg. $69. Now only $59. 

Can you shop Walmart Deals?

Yes. Everyone can shop Walmart Deals. But Walmart Plus members have early access to the deals event, starting July 8 at 12PM EST instead of 5PM EST. Walmart Plus members also get free unlimited deliveries, free next-day and two-day shipping, special prices on fuel and more. 

How much does Walmart Plus cost?

A Walmart Plus membership runs $12.95 a month or $98 a year. If you're new to Walmart Plus you can also try the service out completely free thanks to a 30-day free trial offer.

Is Walmart Deals better than Amazon Prime Day?

Walmart Deals is very similar to Amazon Prime Day, offering discounts and deals on thousands of items. But unlike Amazon Prime Day that is only available to Prime members, you don’t have to be a Walmart Plus member to take advantage of all the deals. 

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]]> https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/deals/early-walmart-deals-ahead-of-the-big-sales-event SJRVJxa8Xf8ZkgiHLFVfVN Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:04:55 +0000 <![CDATA[ Best Amazon Prime Day Early Deals ]]> Amazon Prime Day 2024 will be here before you know it, with discounts and deals on brands like Clinique, HP, Samsung, Apple, Sony and more. The super-sensational shopping event starts July 16 at 12:01 a.m. and runs through the 17th. However, Prime members can score exclusive and invite-only Prime Day deals RIGHT NOW.

Excited? You’re not alone. Nearly one in five people reported feeling just as excited about going on a vacation or their own birthday as they do about a sale, according to RetailMeNot.

So why wait?  Jump on these new early Amazon Prime Day deals before they're gone. 

Best Amazon Prime Day early deals for your home 

Best Amazon Prime Day early deals on shoes and clothing 

Best Amazon Prime Day early deals on tech

Best Amazon Prime Day early deals on beauty products

Best Amazon Prime Day early deals on everything Amazon

Prime members can also save up to 68% on select devices, including:

Kindle Unlimited. On July 16 through July 17, eligible Prime members can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for $0.00.

Groceries from Amazon. From June 26 to July 15, Prime members can get coupons for $15 off a $75+ total purchase when shopping at Amazon Fresh physical stores. 

Amazon Travel. Starting now, Prime members can save up to 40% off on select sailings with Carnival Cruise Line and when booking through the Amazon Travel Deals page, up to 30% off, plus 10% back in an Amazon.com Gift Card, on Avis rentals.

Buy with Prime. From July 8 through July 17, U.S. Prime members can shop additional deals directly from participating brands’ websites like HEYDUDE, PopSockets, Carbone Fine Food, and The Woobles, using Buy with Prime. 

Amazon Prime VISA. Prime members can get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval for Prime Visa (from June 27 through July 24) or Prime members can get an $80 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval for Prime Store Card (from July 12 through July 17). 

Audible Premium Plus. Prime members can get their first three months free of Audible Premium Plus. Auto-renews at $14.95/mo. after 3 months. Cancel anytime.

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]]> https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/deals/amazon-prime-day-early-deals 5prZ8ffHRSwttAhuWDa2Ug Sat, 29 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Fourth of July Cookout Essentials: Get the Lowest Prices ]]> Have any plans for a Fourth of July cookout? Let me guess — you’re attending, or even hosting, a cookout or barbecue to celebrate the birth of American independence. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that 66% of Americans will attend a cookout, BBQ or picnic this year, and according to WalletHub, Americans plan to spend an estimated total of $9.4 billion on Fourth of July food in 2024. The average cost? $71.22 for ten guests (around $7 per person), up 5% from 2023.

That’s a lot of money on hot dogs and potato salad. But don’t worry, you actually don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your guests happy and full. Many grocery chains across the country are offering deals and discounts on cookout staples — like hot dogs and potato chips — to make July Fourth grocery shopping a bit easier on your wallet. 

One deal in particular that stands out is Walmart’s Summer Cookout Basket. With it, you can feed a party of eight for under $50. The basket, which includes 18 classic cookout items, costs just $45.43 before tax, a little under $6 per person. 

But is it a good deal? Or just a well-designed marketing tactic? We compared similar products from both Publix and Kroger to see if Walmart's Fourth of July cookout basket gets you more bang for your buck, as well as to identify items that you can get cheaper from somewhere else. Here's what we found. 

Fourth of July cookout basics

After comparing prices per item, Walmart came out as the cheapest option for Fourth of July cookout essentials, costing just $45.43 (pre-tax). If you shopped at Kroger you'd pay almost $10 more ($55.10) and if you filled up your cart at Publix, you could expect to pay almost $25 more ($69.54) than you would at Walmart. And that includes any additional coupons, sales or BOGO promotions both Kroger and Publix offered. Keep in mind that for all stores, additional pick-up, shipping or delivery fees may apply.

Another plus side to Walmart's deal? You don't have to search for each item individually (like we did sourcing these prices). Just follow the link, hit "add all to cart" and checkout. On the other hand, if you have some extra time, you could strategically shop at all three stores to get the cheapest option for each individual item. For example, you could forgo the watermelon and hot dogs from Walmart and buy them at Kroger, which will save you a couple of dollars.

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]]> https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/fourth-of-july-cookout-essentials-get-the-lowest-prices bmZ8E6mJPKqdJUZmNEtDeL Fri, 28 Jun 2024 13:57:07 +0000 <![CDATA[ Join Walmart Plus and Get Free Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME ]]> If you’re a regular Walmart shopper and enjoy the retail giant’s massive range of merchandise and everyday low prices, signing up for its membership program, Walmart Plus, just makes sense. 

Not to mention that today — June 20 — for a limited time you can join Walmart Plus and get Paramount Plus and SHOWTIME — FREE for 6 months. That should get your attention.

Becoming a Walmart Plus member grants dozens of other benefits, such as same-day delivery on some orders, shopping rewards, scan-and-go-app features for in-store shoppers, free shipping, discounts on gas at more than 24,000 locations nationwide and oh, so much more. Besides, the Walmart Plus membership costs just $98 a year if paid annually (less than the $139 Amazon Prime annual membership).

But the perks don’t stop there. Active trial and paid Walmart Plus members inside the U.S. can add the Paramount Plus Essential plan to their membership at no additional cost. 

What's the deal?

Walmart just announced its Walmart Plus Week mystery offer. Walmart Plus members get six months of Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME free. It's available today, June 20th only, and is in limited supply. Plus, you must be a paying Walmart Plus member to see this deal.

With this offer, you'll get everything offered on Paramount Plus along with SHOWTIME movies and TV shows. Normally you'd pay $11.99 per month, but this offer is good for six months, saving you $71.94. This offer is only for paying members, so if you're on a free trial membership, you're out of luck.

Sign me up

Not a Walmart Plus member?  Sign up today. You can try Walmart Plus free for 30 days and check out all of the deals and discounts during Walmart Plus week, going on now through June 23.

Does Paramount Plus cost extra?

Paramount Plus Essential (ad-supported plan) is included with Walmart Plus memberships at no additional cost. Just log into the Walmart app or visit walmart.com/plus to get started. 

Upgrade to the Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME plan

After the six month deal ends, active trial and paid Walmart Plus members can activate their Paramount Plus Essential plan, with the option to upgrade to the Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME plan for an extra $6.49 per month or $64.99 per year (versus the regular price of $11.99/month or $119.99/year without Walmart Plus). 

The option will pop up after you create your Paramount Plus account, or by finding Paramount Plus in your Walmart Plus member hub and selecting Change Plan.

Current Paramount Plus subscribers

If you want to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime deal but already have a Paramount Plus subscription (via a third-party, such as Amazon, App Store, Google Play, Roku and not through Walmart), you can still upgrade to the Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME plan. 

However, you must use the same email address for both your Paramount Plus and Walmart Plus accounts. If you’re using a different email address for Paramount Plus, you must cancel your paid subscription or wait until the end of the billing cycle. Then sign up for Paramount Plus using the Walmart Plus benefit. Need help canceling? Go here.

New Paramount Plus subscribers

You must have an active Walmart Plus membership to access this benefit. Don’t sign up through Paramount Plus.

It’s easy to sign up:

  1. Go to your Account page.
  2. Select Walmart Plus.
  3. Find Video Streaming with Paramount Plus in the Benefits Hub.
  4. Select How Streaming Works to learn more.
  5. Select Get Paramount Plus.
  6. Create a Paramount Plus account.
  7. You must use the same email for your account with Walmart Plus.
  8. Build your profile to start streaming.

Upgrade to Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME

After your six months of FREE streaming, upgrading to Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME is easy. 

  1. Go to your Account page
  2. Select Walmart Plus
  3. Select Video streaming with Paramount Plus
  4. Select Upgrade 
  5. Select Manage Plan
  6. Find Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME
  7. Select Choose this plan
  8. Select a payment method
  9. Select Start Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME

How to stream Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME

Walmart Plus members can stream hit movies, exclusive originals and more at no extra cost during the six-month promotion as long as they have a Walmart Plus membership. Once you’ve linked your Walmart Plus and Paramount Plus accounts, visit paramountplus.com or log into the Paramount Plus app from any supported device and begin streaming.

Key Points

  • Today, June 20, you can join Walmart Plus and get Paramount Plus and SHOWTIME — FREE for 6 months. Limited time offer. 
  • Your Paramount Plus subscription is managed through Walmart Plus.
  • Your Paramount Plus subscription is included in your Walmart Plus membership at no extra cost.
  • Walmart Plus members have the option to upgrade to the Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME plan
  • If you cancel your Walmart Plus membership, your Paramount Plus benefit will also be canceled.

Walmart Plus week deals

  • Now through June 23, Walmart is rolling out incredible offers and savings exclusively for Walmart Plus members, featuring fantastic deals on gas, travel and more. 
  • Get double the discount on fuel at Exxon & Mobil stations nationwide. 
  • Earn up to 20% back in Walmart Cash on flights, hotels, car rentals, and activities booked through Walmart Plus Travel. 
  • Enjoy complimentary Express Delivery, delivering your order right to your doorstep in under two hours, without the usual $10 fee.
  • Experience three free months of Walmart Plus InHome. 
  • Get exclusive access to new and unique items for members only.

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]]> https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/deals/join-walmart-plus-and-get-free-paramount-plus-with-showtime TF3yx8QanBEm4vBZuusKzP Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:59:28 +0000 <![CDATA[ Best Summer Travel Deals 2024 ]]> Looking for the best summer travel deals for 2024? Whether you’re booking a fun family trip, beachfront hideaway, golf retreat, or just a weekend away from the daily demands of life — relax, reset and have a care-free vacation with one (or more) of these amazing deals we found. 

Best Summer Travel Deals 2024

Here's a look at the best airline, hotel and resort, car rental, cruise, package and other deals available right now.

Airline deals on flights 

Delta. Delta has dozens of deals on flights this summer, depending on the flight origin and destination. Skymiles members can use or receive points on their summer flights. Traveling from places like Chicago to New York in July? You may qualify for fares as low as $175 round trip. Or, enjoy sandy beaches and endless sun at the Villa La Valencia Beach Resort and Spa, in Los Cabos, Mexico. Kids stay & eat free or, enjoy a free daily breakfast for the whole family. Book your flight by July 8 and travel anytime from June 4 to December 19, 2024. 

United. United is offering package deals, weekly deals and promotions to people traveling to countless destinations this summer. And, if you book your next trip by June 25th, you can earn up to 30,000 bonus miles. Fly from Houston to Las Vegas late in  July and book a two-night stay at the Rio Hotel and Casino for only $312 per person. Or, stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, FL, from August 10 - 13 for $763 per person. Flight, hotel, taxes and fees included.   

American. Vacationing around the world just got better with American Airlines Vacations and the AAdvantage program. Book your flight by June 30th and earn 20,000 bonus miles when you stay at a Jamaica resort. Soak up the sun for as low as $732 per person. Traveling across the country? Save $100 when you book a vacation using promo code JUNE2024 with a minimum stay of three nights from June 1 - June 30. The average total price per person is based on round-trip flights in the Main Cabin and double occupancy hotel stays. 

Southwest. Southwest Airlines' summer sale has landed. Save up to $500 anywhere Southwest flies. Plus, save an additional $100 when you book by June 18. Or, plan your dream vacation with RIU Hotels and Resorts and save up to 65% when you book your travel from June 14 - June 20 and travel from June 15 - March 5. Flight and hotel included.

Hotel and resort deals

Hyatt Hotels. Enjoy your Hyatt stay in Mexico or the Caribbean with savings of up to 20% off at participating resorts. Activities such as snorkeling and live entertainment are all included in your room rate. Offers vary per destination and availability.  Rather take in the luxe skyscrapers of Tokyo or the lush gardens of Thailand? Save up to 15% on stays between June 12 and January 4 when you book by July 9 and use special offer code STAYNOW. 

Wyndham. Join Club Wyndham and book your flight, hotel, car rental and package deals all in one place. With Wyndham, you can also save on cruises, tours and more. Not ready to join? You can still take advantage of dozens of discounts on your hotel stay at places like Florida and Tennessee. Celebrate SeaWorld's 60th Anniversary with an unforgettable summer at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Aquatica. Now through August 27, save 10% on your hotel and receive a complimentary theme park ticket to a park of your choice. 

Hilton. Plan your next getaway with Hilton and enjoy resort credits to personalize your experience. Book early and save up to 40%, or stay longer in paradise and save even more at many beach, golf, ski, spa and luxury resorts. Choose from Ocean City, Maryland, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Myrtle Beach, SC and more. 

Marriott Bonvoy. Whatever your travel style, you are sure to enjoy your stay at one of Marriott’s 7,300+ hotels around the globe. Right now, if you book by June 19, and use promotional code ES7, you can stay 4+ nights and receive 25% savings and up to a $400 Resort Credit on your Atlantis Paradise Island stay.

Car rental deals

Enterprise. Whether you’re heading off on a romantic break or getting in some much-needed time with the family, consider Enterprise. Travel to New Zealand and get 10% off your car rental plus a free additional driver if you book your rental by July 31, 2024. 

Hertz. Save up to 15% on worldwide rentals when you book your car rental through Hertz by June 25 and pick up between July 1 and September 30, 2024. You can even save on rentals picked up from June 1 in Mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands.

Alamo. Alamo has daily and weekly specials for last-minute travelers and vacationers planning ahead to destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Both last-minute specials and plan-ahead specials require a one-day minimum rental with a four-day maximum. Price varies on pick-up and final destination. 

Budget. Ready for a summer getaway with a Budget car rental? Plan it now and save up to 35% on your car rental reservation from Budget when you select Pay Now. No discount code is needed—simply input your travel information and choose Pay Now to get the discount.

 More ways to save on summer travel

You can also find dozens of summer package deals, including airfare, hotels and car rentals, from Priceline, Kayak, Expedia, and more. Or search for a summer-time deal on Going. Or try Google Flights, the Dollar Flight Club, Thrifty Traveler, Airfarewatchdog or Momondo. 

Ready for a cruise? Check out the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and score incredible offers and last-minute deals on weekend getaways to the tropics, week long Euro discoveries, adventures in Alaska and more. Or find other summer deals on cruises at Cruise Critic. Plus, if you’re heading out this summer, we can help you navigate an extra-busy summer travel season. Where will you go next?

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]]> https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/travel/best-summer-travel-deals-2024 hmHjCAjJZ7mP5BLNUnVKeW Wed, 19 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 12 Free Things to Do on Vacation ]]> Good news for travelers: after a period of higher prices across the board, inflationary pressures are starting to slow, and U.S. airfare, hotels, and gas prices are on the decline.

Domestic airfare dropped 5.9% in May 2024, from May 2023 levels, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data. Gas prices are still up modestly from a year ago, but are down from recent weeks, falling to an average pump price of $3.43 per gallon in mid-June from $3.58 a gallon at the end of May, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And U.S. hotel rates declined nearly 2% from a year ago, the CPI found. 

Now is also a good time for international travel: similar price declines are playing out at many destinations abroad, too.

Both domestic and international travelers can cut costs even farther by finding free things to do at their destination. Here are 12 ways to discover free activities for your next vacation.

1. Find a Meetup group

From hiking and cycling groups to improv troupes and artist collectives, the Meetup website and mobile app can help you connect with like-minded locals. Many of these groups host free events, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local community with people who share your hobbies.

2. Go couch surfing

For free accommodations, consider using Couchsurfing, a global community of 14 million people in more than 200,000 cities that offers travelers free places to stay. The mobile app also provides access to free events, such as dance classes, live music, and city tours.

3. Take a walking tour

For many travelers there’s no better way to explore a new city than on foot. Search for free walking tours through Free Tours By Foot, GuruWalk, Freetour, or the International Greeter Association.

4. Find activities on Eventbrite

You’ll find no shortage of free things to do using Eventbrite, which lets you search for events by interest, offering access to a variety of fun gatherings — everything from bird watching excursions and picnics to photography classes and air guitar competitions.

5. Attend music, art, and food festivals

Many cities offer free music, art, food, and other outdoor festivals year-round. If you’re traveling in the U.S., explore the events calendar at the local chamber of commerce or tourism office.

6. Hit up museums

Some of the best museums in the world — the Smithsonian in our nation’s capitol, the Getty in Los Angeles and the British Museum in London, to name a few — offer free admission. And some paid museums offer free admission on certain days of the week or the month.

7. Chat up locals

Striking up conversation with people who live in the community is totally free. It’s also a great way to learn about hidden gems you won’t come across on a travel guide book or website. Consider connecting with the locals at coffee shops, outdoor parks, or other informal settings.

8. Take advantage of reciprocal memberships

Some museum memberships offer free admission to other museums in their network. For instance, members of the Cincinnati Museum Center get free admission at participating science centers in the Association of Science & Technology Centers.

9. Mine social media

Social media sites can be gold mines for finding free things to do. On Instagram, search using the hashtag #freeevents and the city you’re traveling to. On Facebook, click on the “events” tab in the left rail of the homepage and filter by your destination and travel dates.

10. Go on a photo scavenger hunt

Draw up a list of the landmarks that pique your interest and spend a day snapping pictures at these locations.

11. Check your credit cards' benefits

Some credit cards offer access to free attractions. Eligible Capitol One cardholders can get a six-month complimentary Enthusiast membership, which provides free admission to more than 50 museums around the world.

12. Google it

Don’t forget to do an old-fashioned Google search. For best results, search “free events in…” or “free things to do…” and the city you’re going to.

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]]> https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/travel/free-things-to-do-on-vacation geXEzKG7ehi5Jy45v7Vobc Sat, 15 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Father's Day 2024: 20 Amazing Gifts ]]> Father's Day is this Sunday, June 16. To all the great dads, stepdads and grandpas out there, we salute you with 20 amazing steals! No plaid or striped ties this year! These gifts stand out for their love, novelty and thoughtfulness, from steak and socks, to grilling tools and golf balls. 

Even if he says he has everything, or wants nothing at all, you’re sure to get a smile and win over that special man in your life this Father’s Day. We found items if you’re pinching pennies and also things when you feel like busting the bank. But hurry, June 16 is just around the corner.  

Omaha Steaks

Send Dad the perfect gift, plus earn a $30 E-Reward Card when you place an order of $89 or more between 06/07/24 and 06/16/24. Right now save 59% on steak and burgers — 29 total items, regular price $241.94. Now only $99.99.

Gift of the Month Clubs

Whether he likes beer or hot sauce, you’ll find a club that keeps giving all year long. Try out the Wine Club, where each month he’ll get new selections of hard-to-find, premium wines from award-winning and boutique wineries around the world. Right now, get 2 bottles delivered every month for $50.95/month.  

Uncommon Goods

Find hundreds of items for the man in your life, like the Grillmaster's Cookout Caddy — Keep your BBQ-ing tools together and within arm’s reach with this handcrafted personalized wooden carrying case for as low as $65 . 

Cotopaxi

Give dad a gift to snuggle up to with this Day And Night Pullover Hoodie. You save $35. Now only $70.

MasterClass

A MasterClass subscription gives Dad the chance to learn from experts and leaders in the fields of tech, food, entertainment and more. New classes are added all the time, so he’ll never run out of things to master. Get up to 50% off this Father's Day.

Best Buy

Get dad what he’s always wanted (and needs) — Ultimate Ears — BOOM 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds. Save $54. Now only $95.99.

Lowe’s

Give the perfect gift for Father’s Day and choose from dozens of great deals from under $25, like the Armor All Care Kit 7-Count Car Exterior Wash/Wax for only $19.98. Or buy the Blackstone 28" Griddle and Cover Bundle 2-Burner Liquid Propane Flat Top Grill for only $248 (save $50) and get a buy one get one free tool kit. 

Amazon

Help dad relax with the Mo Cuishle Shiatsu Back Shoulder and Neck Massager that is sure to release the tension in his neck and ease his aching muscles. Regular price $49.99. Save 20%, now only $39.95.

LL Bean

Dad will love the unbeatable coziness of these Wicked Good Moccasins from LL Bean in your choice of sizes, colors and widths. Now only $89. 

REI

The Black Diamond Spot 400 is a headlamp that provides long-lasting battery life and reliable performance that your dad is sure to love year after year. Available in a variety of colors for $49.95.

Amazon

Give dad a good ole' belly laugh with this “You Can't Scare Me, I Have Kids” Men’s T-Shirt. Choose from sizes Medium to 3XXX for only $19.99. 

Titleist

Enter and share how your dad marks his Titleist golf balls for a chance to win a year’s supply of golf balls as well as one special dozen, signed and marked by tour players.

Darn Tough

Get great deals on socks for dad, like the Men's Yarn Goblin Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock for $24. Then enter your dad’s email to win seven pairs of Darn Tough socks, all covered by Darn Tough's unconditional lifetime guarantee.

Made In

Get this fantastic Made In carbon steel wok for the man in your life that loves to cook food that tastes (and looks) great. Now only $139. 

Carhartt

Save on dozens of items for Father’s Day! Get 25% all Carhartt footwear, or 25% OFF Force top gear for when things heat up this summer.

Apple

Treat dad to Apple accessories this year, like the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case for only $179.00. 

Amazon

Dads love their coffee. Now he can enjoy the rich taste every day with an AeroPress Original Coffee and Espresso-style Maker with Chamber, Plunger and Filters. Save 20%, now only $31.95.

Costco

Is dad an avid fisherman?  If so, check out Lew’s Tackle Backpack, complete with Four (4) Medium Sized Utility Boxes, rain cover, waist belt and durable 900D fabric for only $64.99.  If he likes golf instead, get him a One Year GolfPass+ Membership, with Peacock Included, for $79.99.

Leatherman

What dad doesn’t like multitools? This year surprise him with an ultra-light, full-size multi-tool with a knife blade made with premium 154CM steel from Leatherman. Now $89.95.

Paint Your Life

Celebrate this Father’s Day with a portrait he’ll treasure his entire life, hand painted by professional artists. Just choose a medium, select the artist, and upload photos for a one-of-a-kind gift. From only $29.

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]]> https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/gift-ideas/fathers-day-2024-amazing-gifts oyGzXzq7Er9zsQAqMQjpnW Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Costco Vacation Deals: Should You Buy One? ]]> Costco doesn’t just sell cheap hot dogs, rotisserie chicken, and 30-roll boxes of toilet paper to its legions of customers. The big-box retailer also offers vacation packages to destinations around the globe, from 5-star hotels in New York City and Las Vegas to all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, to cruises in Asia and Australia.

Costco isn’t the only wholesale club offering vacation deals. BJ’s and Sam’s Club also sell travel packages to their members. But should you buy a bundled vacation deal from a warehouse club?

Here is a look at the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a vacation package from Costco and other wholesale clubs.

Pro: Convenience

Not a fan of planning your own vacations? A wholesale club offers one-stop-shopping for travelers — with just the click of a button, you can purchase a ready-made trip, including hotels, airfare, and rental cars. This takes the guesswork out of planning a trip. 

“Booking a travel package through a wholesale club can mean cutting down on the endless planning and searching process that a lot of travelers face,” says Katy Nastro, a travel expert at flight deals site Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). “Busybodies who hate the endless searching and just want a selection of options to choose from can find shopping through a wholesale just as satisfying as the in-person store samples.”

Con: A limited selection

Wholesale clubs don’t offer as many options when it comes to hotels, flights, cruises, and rental cars as travel sites like Expedia, Orbitz, Kayak, and Travelocity, nor can they match the unlimited selection you get when planning a trip yourself. As a result, “Not every airline, hotel, or car rental company you prefer may be included” when you buy a vacation from a wholesale club, Nastro says. For example, Costco doesn’t offer rental cars through Hertz, and Sam’s Club doesn’t offer flights.

Pro: Savings

Vacation packages from wholesale clubs are often less expensive than booking with hotels, airlines, and rental car companies directly, a 2021 Consumer Reports study found. For example, a recent Costco package for a four-night stay at the all-inclusive Riu Palace Antillas in Aruba, including flights, cost $1,454 per person, a 15% savings.

Some wholesale clubs also offer extra rotating promotions. BJ’s, for instance, currently offers customers a BJ’s gift card of up to a $500 value on qualifying cruises.

Con: Limited travel assistance

Purchasing a vacation package from a wholesale club means you’re cutting out the middleman, but that also means that you must work with the company’s customer service if a problem arises during your trip. That could prove cumbersome if you encounter an issue. 

Nastro offered this example: “Say you booked your package through Costco Travel, yet you missed your connecting flight. Instead of working with the airline on this issue, you must work first with Costco Travel, which can sometimes be a pain, especially if the wholesale club travel provider's customer service wait times are lengthy."

Pro: Better cancellation policies

According to a recent study by Consumer Reports, warehouse clubs may have more lenient cancellation policies and fewer fees for rental vehicles than those offered when booking directly with a car rental company. For example, Costco car rentals have no cancellation fees, including rentals from Enterprise; however, if you were to book a prepaid rental car with Enterprise directly and cancel the reservation more than 24 hours in advance of the scheduled pickup time, the company would charge a $50 cancellation fee.

Con: You need to have a club membership

You need to be a member to take advantage of travel deals from Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club. Membership prices vary by store, with some offering cheaper entry-level memberships and more costly, higher-tier memberships.

Bottom line

If you don’t mind having a limited selection of travel options and limited customer service, you might save a significant amount of money on your next vacation and enjoy the convenience of one-stop shopping by purchasing a travel package from a wholesale club.

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]]> https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/travel/costco-vacation-deals iQJRgM3hkWRQX9bAyLSpnV Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000