Save Some Money on Your Next Trip with Groupon Getaways

Today, many people are looking to save money wherever they can.  Whether it be saving on groceries or a vacation, every little bit matters.  One app that is designed to offer deals to its users is Groupon.  This website and mobile app allows users to search for deals based on their location.  There are deals on a wide variety of items including discounted food and drink, lower price gym memberships, discounted spa services and so much more! Groupon offers discounted hotel rooms and vacation packages.

Recently, Groupon introduced an app which allows users to find travel deals based on their current location.  This app is called Groupon Getaways and allows users to find discounted hotel rooms and vacations based on their current location.  The different types of discounted trips offered on the app can match the interests of many different types of people!

Find discounts on same-day bookings Groupon Getaways features a "Near Me Tonight" section.  This area of the app allows users to book same day hotel reservations.  By clicking on a hotel which has a room available for the evening, users are able to see "G-bucks" (the company's reward program) they will earn or view the discount they are receiving.

Find Your Getaway feature  This feature allows users to find a getaway to meet their needs.  Users can search for a getaway by location or date.  In addition, they can search for trips by theme.  Themes include international getaways, trips which include airfare, beach getaways and ski destinations.

View Groupon Getaways exclusive travel deals for trips within the United States and those outside the country The "home page" of the app shows users exclusive Groupon deals based on their current location.  Deals can include both hotel rooms and international vacation packages. Clicking on an exclusive deal reveals how long the deal is good for as well as its availability.  Some of the travel deals featured on the app have limited availability so be sure to snag them before they are gone!

See features of the vacation package or hotel room  If a user finds a vacation package or hotel room they are interested in learning more about, they simply click on it.  The app then directs users to a page which shows the hotel location and amenities.  For some vacations, users are able to view an itinerary within the app.

Shows users the discount they are receiving Trying to figure out if that hotel room or vacation package is a good deal? Groupon Getaways lets you know how much of a discount you are receiving.  To view the discount, simply click on the hotel or vacation package you are interested in!


Although travel deals are still available on the traditional Groupon app, the Groupon Getaways app allows you to find travel deals in one location! Since the app was released recently, more features may be added in the future.  The app is available for both iPhone and Android.  Avoid paying extra for your next hotel room or vacation package by using Groupon Getaways!

Could Hotel Room Keys Be a Thing of the Past?

I was recently reading up on some travel news and came across a very interesting article.  The article discussed mobile check-in at hotels.  Up until I read this article, I had no idea that mobile check-in at hotels even existed! Having mobile check-in at hotels could take the hassle out of waiting at the desk in a hotel lobby or worrying about losing your hotel rooms keys while you are out and about.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts became the first hotel chain to offer this type of service to their guests.  Hotels in the Starwood chain include Westin and W Hotels.  Mobile check-in is not available at all of Starwood properties quite yet but they are hoping to add this handy feature to more of their hotels by next year.

You're probably wondering how exactly this so called mobile check-in feature works.  In order for a guest to use mobile check in, they must first install the hotel's app.  Starwood Hotels and Resorts currently has an app where guests can book rooms and view information about promotions the chain is offering.  The mobile check-in feature allows users to check-in to their hotel room using Starwood's app.  In addition to checking in, guests also have the ability to use the app to open the door to their hotel room.  The door of the hotel room is unlocked using Bluetooth that is connected to the lock.  In order for a guest's room door to unlock their mobile device must be touching a pad on the room door. Only one phone can be connected to the keyless entry system for security reasons.


Other hotels are now working on upgrading their locks to allow for keyless entry.  Many hotel chains are not yet offering this feature because upgrading the locks can be very expensive.  Although mobile check-in may be more convenient for some guests, the traditional way to check-in is still being offered.

Would you be willing to use mobile check-in on your next trip or would you prefer to keep things the way they are? Share your thoughts with me in the comments!

Interested in learning more? Visit https://www.spgpromos.com/keyless/

5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Travel Planning

It's hard to believe that it is the end of October and Fall is officially upon us.  The end of this month means one thing: we are officially getting closer to the holiday season! That means shopping, cooking, family get togethers, and of course, traveling! Taking a trip during the holiday season does not have to be hectic as long as you take the right steps when planning! It is important to plan ahead for travel during the holiday season no matter if you are taking a short weekend trip or spending a whole month traveling! Here are a few steps you can take to make planning your trip during the holiday season easier:

1. Book early: Prices of flights tend to go up as you get closer to your departure date.  Booking flights early is important especially if you are traveling during a peak travel time such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's.

2. Plan to leave early: You never know if you'll get stuck in traffic along your route or experience inclement weather.  Leaving early is especially important when you are taking a flight.  You never know how long it will take you to find your way around an unfamiliar airport.  Also take into account that airports will be busier during the holiday season which will usually cause you to have to wait in longer lines.

3. Set price alerts using mobile apps: There are many apps that allow users to set alerts so they know when the price of a flight they are looking to book drops.  This handy feature allows users to get the best price if they are willing to wait to book their flight.  Apps such as Kayak, Airfarewatchdog, and Yapta all allow users to set an alert in order to save money when booking their flight.

4. Travel on the actual holiday if you can: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day are generally less expensive days to travel.  If your schedule allows you to travel on a holiday, it may save you money in the long run!

5.  Use mobile apps to check the status of your flight or plan for heavy traffic: Apps such as FlightView allow you to track the status of your flight in real time.  Avoid the unpleasant surprise of a delayed or cancelled flight by using the app to check out the status of your flight! If you are driving to your destination, navigation apps such as Waze allow you to plan for traffic along your route.

Traveling during the holiday season doesn't have to be hectic! Be sure to plan ahead to make your trip less stressful! Safe travels!

The Ride Revolution: Uber Edition

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It used to be that if you wanted to find your way around a city while on a trip, you had to turn to taxis or public transportation.  A couple of years ago, a new app was launched which would change the way people get around in major cities across the world.  This app called Uber has been around since 2009 and has been gaining popularity ever since.   I had an opportunity to use Uber on a recent trip to Minneapolis.  Although I was skeptical at first, it turned out to be a great way for me to get around in a city I would typically get lost in!

What exactly does Uber do and how can I start using it?  
Uber is an app that allows users to find a ride in the major cities the company serves.  It is similar to that of a cab service except that users can call for a ride using the app all over the world.  Recently, Uber expanded its services to Europe, Africa, and Asia.  This app is available for iPhone, Android, and Windows phones. 

In order to begin using the app, you must create a username or login using your Facebook credentials.  A mobile phone number must be entered so that drivers are able to reach you.  Next, you must enter your pickup location.  After this information is entered, you are able to see if drivers are located near you.  Uber shows you a map with the exact location of the drivers.  To request a driver, you simply click on the driver and submit a request. 

While you are waiting for your driver to arrive, you can enter your destination into the app.  After Uber receives this information, the app will show you approximately how long it will take for the driver to reach your destination.  If you are using Uber with a friend, you are able to split the cost of the ride with them as long as they are also a user of the app. 

Who drives for Uber?

Before I learned more about Uber, this was my first question! I wasn’t sure if anyone was allowed to drive for Uber or if there was training involved to be a driver.  You will be happy to know that all Uber drivers go through a background check before being allowed to drive.  The company wants to be sure that riders are paired with reliable drivers.  

After a rider arrives at their destination, they are able to rate their driver using the app.  Riders are encouraged to rate their drivers on a variety of factors including driving, car quality, and route.  The ratings given by users are anonymous and are used by the company to ensure the reliability of drivers.  Drivers are also able to rate their riders.  When selecting a driver, users are able to see the ratings the driver has received.  In order to make sure the rider feels safe, drivers are able to pick them up outside their door instead of on a street corner or in a parking lot.

What makes Uber stand out?

One of the main features which makes Uber stand out is that users are able to find out more information about their driver before they are picked up.  When requesting a ride, users are able to see their driver’s name, rating, and a picture of the driver.  They are also able to see which type of vehicle they should expect.  Uber prides itself on providing users with newer model vehicles that are in good condition. 

The second feature that makes Uber stand out is that users are able to pay for their rides electronically. When creating an account, a user enters credit card information to use as payment.  By using Uber, riders never have to worry about carrying cash to pay for their ride.  After using Uber, a receipt is emailed to the user informing them of the cost of the fare.  

Interested in learning more about Uber? Check out their site or download the app on your smartphone!  

MapQuest: A Blast From the Past or An App of the Future?

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Most of us probably remember using MapQuest.  My earliest memory of MapQuest was when I first got the Internet at my childhood home in elementary school.  My family and I were getting ready to leave on vacation when my Dad suggested that I print off some directions.  I waited for my Internet to dial-up, pulled up directions on MapQuest, and printed them out.  After a few years, GPS devices and smartphones were introduced and direction/map websites seemed to fizzle out.

I'll admit that I still use MapQuest directions for my longer road trips.  Recently, I was traveling and my phone conveniently decided to lose service while I was in the the middle of nowhere.  When this happened, I was very thankful that I had my MapQuest directions because my iPhone navigation wasn't working.  This incident led me to wonder: Does MapQuest have an app or is their service only available on the website? After doing a little bit of searching, I discovered that MapQuest not only offers an app for directions, but also offers other types of apps to help those who are traveling.  Here's a look at the different apps MapQuest offers:

1. MapQuest: This app allows users to see maps and get directions to a destination.  When users are looking to get directions, they are able to select options to make the directions fit their needs! For example, if a user does not want to drive on toll roads they are able to select this option and receive a list of directions which avoid toll roads.  The MapQuest app also allows users to see restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and shopping near their destination.

2. Commute: Traveling in a large metropolitan area and worried about traffic? Commute is here to help! This powerful app allows its users to see traffic updates in real time.  Simply enter your home address, what time you are leaving, work address, and what time you are leaving from work.  Commute then notifies you of traffic updates 15 minutes before you leave.  This app even allows you to use MapQuest to take the fastest route to your destination. Commute can also give you an update on the weather in your current location.

3. MapQuest Gas Prices: This app accesses a user's location and displays a list of the best gas prices with the distance from your location.  The list of gas prices can be sorted both by distance and price.  Users have ability to select which type of fuel they wish to use and can also save "favorite" gas stations on the app.

4. MapQuest Travel Blogs: Are you a traveler who is looking to share your adventures with others? MapQuest Travel Blogs is perfect for you! This app allows its users to share photos and information about their trips with other users.  Simply create an account and everything can be uploaded to the app when you are away from your computer.  The app even works offline so users who don't have an Internet connection on their trip don't have to worry! Uploaded blogs can then be shared with friends and family who use the app.  MapQuest Travel Blogs even features a "Featured Blogs" section where users are able to read blogs published by other users of the app.

Although some may think that MapQuest is a site of the past, the company is working hard to come out with new apps to meet the needs of their users.  These four apps can help anyone from avid travelers to those simply trying to commute to work.  I would recommend checking out these apps for help when planning or taking part in your next travel adventure.  These apps by MapQuest are available for iPhone and are worth a try for anyone who is looking for new apps to try out.  

Avoid getting lost on your next road trip with the help of MapQuest!

Five New Apps To Make Your Next Trip A Breeze

Ever since I started blogging, I have been taking more time to research and test out new travel apps.  I have to admit, it was hard for me to branch out from the apps I am used to using.  After taking some time to download some new apps on my iPhone, I discovered 5 new apps which can be useful for traveling.

1. TripIt: This app helps organize your travel schedule.  After receiving an itinerary from any travel site, simply forward it on to TripIt. The app will then keep all aspects of your trip in one place.  Worried about juggling flight times and meeting times? TripIt can help you stay on task whether you are traveling for business or leisure!

2. PackPoint: Do you struggle with exactly what to pack every time you leave home? PackPoint can help solve this problem.  Put your travel location, date, and type of activities you will be doing into the app and a packing list will be generated for you! PackPoint also checks the weather of the city you are traveling to so you are able to receive a more accurate packing list! If there is an item not included in the list PackPoint gave, it can be added! PackPoint allows you to save packing lists for multiple trips if you are a frequent traveler.

3. Hotel Tonight: Need a hotel at the last minute? Hotel Tonight can help! Find hotel rooms for the evening of your stay or book a room for up to 7 days later.  Hotel Tonight helps you find the best prices for hotel rooms and also displays amenities of each hotel!

4. Waze: Let's admit it, we all hate getting stuck in traffic! Waze is not only a navigation app but also an app which helps drivers avoid getting stuck in traffic.  Users of the app are able to send updates to other users if there is an issue slowing down traffic.  Find the best route to your destination by using Waze!

5. FlightAware: If you travel frequently for business or leisure, FlightAware can be beneficial to you! This app allows users to search for their flight so they can be prepared if there is a delay.  If you are curious as to if a flight is en route, you can use the app to see which planes are currently in the air.  Another great feature of the app is that it allows you to view airport information.

These five apps can be beneficial to all types of travelers. Be sure to check them out when planning your next trip! They can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android and are free of charge!
Bon Voyage!

Find the Next Best Restaurant or Hotel with TripAdvisor!

We all remember a time when we’ve been away from home and we couldn’t seem to figure out a place to eat.  This has happened to me too many times to count!  Most of the time my solution is asking someone at the hotel I’m staying at or performing a simple Google search for restaurants in the area.   When I was in this situation, I thought to myself: there has to be an app for this! After reading some articles online, I discovered an app that helps me find the perfect place to eat or stay when I am away from home.  This amazing app is called TripAdvisor and can be utilized to help you while you are on a trip or if you are in the process of planning one.

TripAdvisor allows you to browse for attractions which are in a certain area.  Select the “Near Me Now” option and you are presented with list of hotels, restaurants, and attractions in your area.  Clicking on the hotel option allows you to search for hotels by availability and read reviews by other users.  The hotel section of the app allows users to see exactly where the hotel is located and even get directions.  Not only will TripAdvisor let you know if a hotel is available but it will also let you know the rate.

If I’m traveling to a new city how can I use this app?                                               

I’m glad you asked! TripAdvisor can be used to find restaurants, attractions, and shopping in the area you are visiting.  If you are looking for a bite to eat, simply enter your location, price range, and the cuisine type you want to eat into TripAdvisor.  The app then gives you a list of restaurants that match your search criteria.  Just like with the hotels section, there are reviews you can read about the restaurant. The option of narrowing your search by ranking is also available. This allows you to find the top attractions in a certain city! TripAdvisor also ranks the attraction out of other attractions in that city.  Another super great thing about TripAdvisor is that it allows you to save restaurants and hotels you may be interested in!  This feature can be helpful to anyone who is planning a trip.

I went to this awesome restaurant when I visited another city, am I allowed to write reviews?

Absolutely! Anyone with the app can write a review of a restaurant, hotel, or attraction.  The app also allows you to rate the attraction on a scale of one to five circles (instead of stars).  Sometimes management of the property will respond to reviews written on the app.  

After  spending some time using the TripAdvisor app, I discovered that TripAdvisor produced three other apps which can be helpful in the travel planning process! These apps are housed in the Travel Tools section of the app.  The City Guides app allows you to download city guides which include maps of cities.  SeatGuru helps users learn more about the status of their flight and pick the best seat on the plane.  The final app, GateGuru, helps users who are looking for more information about their flight or need a map of an airport. 

The TripAdvisor app is available for both iPhone and Android! Prefer to use TripAdvisor on your tablet? No worries! TripAdvisor has an app for tablets as well! With TripAdvisor, you’ll never get stuck in a new city wondering where to eat or stay!  

Looking to use the Kayak app to plan your next trip? Check out these tips and tricks!

When I got my first smartphone in 2012, I was super interested in travel and figured that installing some travel apps would help me learn more about the industry.  After talking to some friends and reading about travel apps online, I came across this app called Kayak.   I had no idea what it did but figured I would give it a try since I had some free time.  After installing the app, I was hooked! The features on the app were amazing and I couldn’t get over how much easier it was to find hotel rooms and flights by simply picking up my phone!  So you might be wondering: what’s so cool about this app and how can it benefit me? Here are 5 reasons why the Kayak app is helpful for those who are looking to plan their next excursion:

1.       Worried about spending too much on your next flight or hotel? Kayak allows you to compare the prices on multiple travel sites so you can get the lowest rate. Compare Priceline, Expedia, Orbitz, and CheapTickets.com on the app! Another great feature of the app is that you are able to compare several travel sites without multiple windows popping up!  Being able to compare prices is one of my favorite features since one of my favorite hobbies is bargain shopping!

2.   Want to keep tabs on the price of a flight but worried about forgetting? No worries! Kayak lets you set a price alert for flights and hotels to ensure you get the best price.  The app even lets you pick how often you want to be notified of a change in price.  Choose between weekly or daily.  I set up a price alert when I was looking for a hotel room for a trip I was going on in the summer.  Kayak notified me when the price changed so I was able to snag the cheapest rate!

3.       I feel like I keep talking about how Kayak helps you save money! The Buzz section of the app allows you to see which days your flight is the cheapest during a month.  This is perfect for anyone with flexible travel dates! All I had to do in order to view this was to put in airport information and the month I was looking to travel during.  Buzz allows you to see exactly which airline and travel days are the cheapest.

4.       Looking for help while you are away? Kayak allows its users to look up airline information or call an airline.  If you need to get a hold of your airline while you are traveling, the airline info section of the app is perfect for you!

5.       Stranded in an airport with nothing to do? The Kayak app houses an airport information section which allows you to pinpoint the exact location of restaurants and gift shops!  If you are out of the country, the app also allows you to see exchange rates.

The Kayak app houses tons of features which can assist those who are looking to plan a vacation and those who are already on a trip! Be sure to check out all that the Kayak app has to offer! The app is available for both iPhone and Android! 

How My Travel Obsession Began

If you have stumbled upon this blog, you are probably wondering how my obsession with travel planning began.  Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to travel and my family spent nearly every summer on a week-long vacation.  We drove to most of our destinations which gave me the opportunity to see tons of amazing parts of the United States! Fast forward to my first year of college and I was spending a good amount of my free time online researching potential vacation destinations.  I couldn't get enough of looking up hotels, resorts, and cruises.  Other people thought I was crazy, but I couldn't stop planning out trips I wanted to take in the future!

It was not until the summer of 2012 when I purchased my first smartphone that I started to use travel apps.  After downloading my first app, I was immediately hooked! I began researching the top travel apps using my favorite tool, Google.  Suddenly, I had over 10 apps on my new phone which were all related to traveling and the planning process! The speed of these apps as well as the fact that I can take them wherever I have my phone was one immediate perk I noticed.  Whether I was waiting in line or bored in the car, I could spend my free time researching potential vacation destinations.  After spending several weeks using my newly installed apps, I began reading travel blogs and subscribing to a travel magazine.   These publications opened my eyes to the ever changing travel field!

In January of 2014, I had the opportunity to go on my first international trip to Cancun, Mexico.  This trip gave me to opportunity to learn about what life in another country is life.  Before leaving for Cancun, I spent some time researching places to see as well as downloading apps which would help me while I was there.  The apps I installed on my phone came in handy whenever I needed to figure out an exchange rate or know when the café closed at my resort.  It wasn’t until I took this trip that I knew that travel apps were a must-have!

Savvy Traveler is a blog written by a travel enthusiast for those who are interested in using mobile apps to plan their next excursion.  The blog will include reviews of travel apps as well as tips on using apps to make travel planning a breeze.