| Issue date: May 27, 2001
Going once, going twice, you're gone!
HERE'S A new spin to booking travel online: Do it in a live auction. These sites let you bid on tickets, package deals and cruises, eBay-style, with an entire trip dealt to the highest bidder.
Even if you've never known the thrill of bidding for deals at eBay, you should check out a travel auction site like Bid4Vacations.com, where discounts of 30% or more are common. (One winner at SkyAuction.com scored a week's stay at a Cabo San Lucas resort in Mexico for $212.)
But heed a couple of warnings before you start: First and foremost, know what you're getting into before you lay down a bid. Some auctions will specify a date or date range for travel, which generally can't be changed, and almost all include various surcharges and taxes that are tacked onto the final bid price. To be sure you don't overpay, it's smart to price the ticket or hotel rate yourself before you bid.
Set to start? These sites' auctions are run by travel agents, tour companies, hotels or airlines:
Bid4Vacations.com The focus here is on package trips, with special sections for golf vacations, cruises and family fun.
SkyAuction.com Every auction starts at $1 at this airfare (and more) auction hub.
BidTripper.com Bid for unique vacations, small hotels and resorts.
AdventureBid.com Active adventures like a river safari or an Alaskan log raft trip.
By Contributing Editor Rula Razek, editor of the Internet Cool Guide books.
|
