Black Friday, a day I used to dread is now one I adore, thanks to the invention of the internet. Especially for all things travel, I anticipate this day like a little kid on Christmas, waiting to see what deals the travel gods have waiting for my adventurous self. Whether it’s convenience – a 20 percent discount on Amtrak for all those weekend trips to Washington, D.C., or the big one, a first class seat on the Emirates A380 (yes, you too can fly the friendly skies like Jennifer Aniston), this is my day!
Unfortunately, this year’s deals have left a lot to be desired. At a time where companies could use Black Friday (Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday) to encourage travel, they are decidedly lame (to put it politely) and seem to try to confuse their potential clientele rather then reward them.
I did my own deal digging based on personal experience, new finds and forever favorites to bring you this list of the best 2018 Black Friday/Cyber Monday travel deals. Enjoy and happy shopping!
10. Amtrak
This deal from Amtrak may not be sexy, but it’s a great deal! The company’s Track Friday Sale is offerings 30 percent off fares (including on Acela) now through Cyber Monday. Book any anticipated train travel and you should see a significant impact on your wallet. Amtrak does not charge a change fee – just the difference of the price of the ticket – so even if you don’t know exactly when you’re going to be hitting the rails, it won’t hurt to book a few trips today. There are no blackout dates, and travel is available from January 7 through April 30. Find out more here.
Image: Amtrak
9. TUMI
The renowned luggage company is offerings 40 percent off select styles and online exclusives for one day only. True, they may have picked the least ascetically appealing collection possible, but if you dig you can find some great steals. Their luggage tags and passport holders are perfect stocking stuffers for your favorite travel enthusiast. For more information on this deal click here.
Image: TUMI
8. Flight 001
Flight 001 (pronounced: “flight one”) has been my go to for thoughtful travel accessories and unique gifts for my fellow travel enthusiasts. From packing blocks and international adapters (fashioned by color to avoid confusion), sleep masks and on the go laundry wash bags – this company has almost everything you could ever need to make travel a little more fun and a lot more organized. This year they offering 30 percent off all Flight 001 travel essentials from now through November 26. Use code: BLACK30FRIDAY18.
Image: Flight 001
7. American Airlines
The gift of miles is often overlooked and it shouldn’t be. Miles can get your loved ones home or to the most exotic adventures, but with the choice all their own. This year American Airlines is giving shoppers the chance to earn up to 120,000 bonus miles when they buy miles through November 26. Those with an eligible AAdvantage® credit card can also earn additional miles for every dollar they spend. For more information on to give the gift of travel (via miles), click here.
Image: American Airlines
6. GoPro – HERO7 Black
It’s time for the ultimate GoPro upgrade. If you’ve been waiting to see what’s next from GoPro – don’t. From now until Monday, November 26, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. PST, GoPro is offering a bundle deal for purchases of HERO7 Black made on gopro.com. The offer includes one Rechargeable Battery, one Chesty, and one SD card for $399.99 (the normal cost for the HERO7 Black on its own. Freakishly smooth footage. Battle-tested and waterproof without a housing. The most advanced GoPro ever comes with HyperSmooth stabilization – gimbal-like video without the gimbal. A new intelligent photo mode delivers the best, most brilliant images automatically. And now with live streaming and the GoPro app, you can share every amazing moment as you live it. For more information, click here.
Image: GoPro
5. BÉIS
The latest from actress and avid traveler, Shay Mitchell, BÉIS is a new collection of travel luggage ranging from cosmetics cases to oversized duffles and everything in between. The collection comes in black and beige, with pieces thoughtfully designed to serve travelers’ evolving needs. I recently purchased the duffle in black and the separate shoe compartment has proven to be life changing. I don’t even own that many pairs of shoes, but it’s been a game changer as I continue to roll the rest of my clothes and slip them into the unusual side zipper that makes packing a delight. The new company’s “Black & Beige Friday” sale has tiered out three deals: 15 percent off purchases of $75+, 20 percent off purchases of $125+, and $30 percent off purchases of $200+. Find out more here.
Image: BÉIS
4. Skyscanner
The mother of all airline deals, Skyscanner will be updating airfare deals from the top airlines including, but not limited to: Turkish Airlines, Singapore Air, American Airlines, LATAM, Jetblue, Southwest, Virgin Atlantic and more! The real time updates require some extra research and rechecking their website, but with deals of up to 40 percent off – it’s worth it! The website provides direct links to each airlines’ deals while also providing detailed research on the best time to book flights, the most sought after destinations and more. Knowledge is your friend here, so run (do not walk) to learn more and start chasing deals here.
Image: CIVIC
3. Emirates
Originally reported by Forbes: “Emirates is perpetually one of the world’s top-rated airlines, although like most it has had some controversies. Still, Emirates is the world’s first and only airline to operate a fleet of all Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Emirates is offering airfare savings around Black Friday from all of its twelve U.S. gateways to many destinations across its global network. You can book here.
The Black Friday fares kick off starting November 21st at 12:01am EST and end November 24th at 11:59pm EST. Some examples of Emirates Black Friday fares in its relatively well-appointed economy class include:
- $799 USD to Dubai (DXB)
- $499 USD to Athens (ATH)
- $449 USD to Milan (MXP)
- $949 USD to Bangkok (BKK)
- $899 USD to Nairobi (NBO)
- $949 USD to Singapore (SIN)
- $859 USD to Mumbai (BOM)
Economy class passengers can pack their bags for travel between January 12, 2019, through May 9, 2019. Business Class fares include $5,999 USD to Dubai (DXB), $3,699 to Athens (ATH), $3,699 to Milan (MXP) and $4,499 to Mumbai (BOM). The fares for Business Class passengers are good for travel between December 24, 2018, and August 31, 2019.” – Michael Goldstein, Contributor for Forbes
Image: Emirates
2. Aqua Wellness Resort
One of the best resorts and best deals going today, this Nicaraguan retreat is offering a 50 percent discount on room stays and all spa treatments (including gift certificates). Nestled on the Emerald Coast in San Juan del Sur, this luxury hideaway boasts private tree house villas, an award winning spa, yoga, meditation, kayaking, surfing and the friendliest of neighbors – the local howler monkeys. There’s not too much that tops a private pool on the deck of your private treehouse villa overlooking the private beach cove. Blackout dates apply, but this should be booked immediately! For more information call: +1 917 338 2116 or e-mail: reservations@aquanicaragua.com.
Image: Aqua Wellness Resort
1. Intrepid Travel
Depending on how long you’ve been following The Tipsy Traveler, you have probably heard me mention Intrepid Travel a few thousand times. A longtime favorite and personal friend, Intrepid Travel has always been a leader in adventure travel, offering explorers of all levels the chance to see the world unlike any other company can – an accolade I can award with 100 percent certainty. This year is no different as the small group tour operator is taking 20 percent off 1,000 trips worldwide for 2019 departures. If you are thinking “tours are not for me” – trust me, I was with you. These tours are really small groups (10-12 people tops) and no umbrella-toting tour guides. This means you can visit with the gorillas in Rwanda or trek Nepal with this significant discount (polar trips, short breaks, and sell-ins not included). The sale is available now through November 28, for tours departing between January 15 – December 15, 2019. For more information and to book, please click here.
Image: Intrepid Travel
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