The cancellation of any vacation is always a difficult one. Delaying a week of poolside paradise due to unforeseen events (like a global pandemic) is never fun. To add to the challenge, it can sometimes take weeks or even months for an airline refund to show up in your bank account. If you booked your trip with an online travel agency (OTA) like CheapTickets, and are still waiting on yours, here is everything you ever wanted to know about airline refunds and credits, and why yours might be taking longer than expected.

RELATED: Everything you really need to know before booking a budget airline

Exactly how do OTAs like CheapTickets work?

To put it simply, travel suppliers (like hotels, airlines, and car rental companies) distribute and market their products on third-party sites like CheapTickets in order to reach millions of travelers around the world. They load their available inventory into the OTA’s system, then set the pricing, and publish. By making their platforms accessible for a variety of travel suppliers, OTAs like CheapTickets can offer travelers a convenient way to book their entire trip, delivering the largest variety of travel offerings across flights, accommodations, rental cars, and activities.

When I purchase an airline ticket through an OTA like CheapTickets, where does my money go?

Most OTAs allow you to either book a single flight, hotel, or car; or book a package that’s a combo of those. This is done primarily through either a merchant or agency model.

Under a merchant model, the online travel agency facilitates the booking of hotel rooms, alternative accommodations (like vacation rentals), airline seats, car rentals, and destination services from travel suppliers and acts as the merchant of record for such bookings. This means the OTA is the one charging the customer directly. Most merchant model transactions for OTAs like CheapTickets are related to lodging bookings.

Under the agency model, an OTA facilitates travel bookings and acts as the agent in the transaction, passing reservations booked by the traveler directly to the relevant travel provider. The OTA in turn receives commissions or ticketing fees from the travel supplier and/or traveler. This means the travel provider is the one charging the customer so that when you look at your bank statement, the actual supplier (like the airline, for example) will show up and not CheapTickets.

If I am owed a voucher, refund, or credit, will it come from the OTA or the travel supplier? 

Regardless of the business model, terms and conditions and rules and restrictions for the booking are set by the supplier and not the OTA. For example, whether or not a booking is refundable, or whether a change fee is charged are all determined by the supplier. However, OTAs typically employ large customer support teams that advocate for the customer in the event there is a dispute or issue between the customer and the supplier, and they’ll work directly with the supplier to find a resolution on behalf of the traveler.

During the first few months of the global pandemic, for example, OTAs navigated more than 3,000 separate airline cancellation policies; many such policies called for travelers to be issued credits. CheapTickets, for example, built a “one-click” cancellation feature that gave travelers the ability to cancel directly through SMS or via the app, thereby alleviating the stress and long hold times involved with mass cancellations.

How long does it usually take for a refund, voucher, or credit to show up in my account?

As soon as an OTA is granted approval from the airline or hotel to process the refund, voucher, credit etc., it processes that request promptly on behalf of the customer. However, under the agency business model (which is how most of airline partners are set up), the supplier (meaning the airline) controls the refund process and timeline. COVID created massive delays on this front for a variety of reasons (including the sheer scale of requests), but generally speaking, airlines process refunds within a credit card billing cycle, though some of the smaller or mostly international carriers may take longer. As for credits, it usually takes around 12 hours, assuming there aren’t any sync issues between the airline and the OTA.

How are OTAs treating unused flight vouchers issued to customers?

CheapTickets launched new self-service tools so that customers can easily redeem their existing flight credits without having to call in. For example, if you have an account with CheapTickets, its new Coupons and Credits page is a central place within your account where you can view and use any credits or vouchers you have, start a chat with a virtual agent, and redeem credits in addition to accessing a customer service line.

Why was I offered a credit when I could have received a cash refund?

When cancellations due to the pandemic were at peak levels, many OTAs, CheapTickets included, launched a series of campaigns proactively allowing customers to cancel bookings without having to call in. The best solution CheapTickets had at the time was to cancel and issue a flight credit or voucher. However, since then, the company has gone back and made sure all customers whose bookings were eligible for a refund, based on the airline or hotel’s policies, have been offered a path to get a refund instead.

Are OTAs extending airline credits due to longer lockdowns in Europe and Canada?

Airline credits have varying expiration dates, which are set by the airline. Many airlines extended credit validity into 2022, but this varies depending on the airline. OTAs are continuing to actively advocate on behalf of their customers and work with their airline partners to get the best resolution possible for travelers.

How are OTAs helping customers still waiting for refunds?

Over the last several months, OTAs like CheapTickets have made sure any customers who originally received a credit or voucher but were refund eligible have been offered a path to a refund; CheapTickets has promised to continue to work closely with its airline partners to advocate for its customers.

What should I do if I am still waiting for my flight refund? 

Sit tight! While OTAs work closely with their airline partners to ensure travelers get their refunds as soon as possible, ultimately it is up to the airline to refund the traveler as OTAs like CheapTickets pass on the payment to the airline as soon as the ticket is purchased. There are still a number of outstanding refunds owed from some airlines.

The post Why some airline refunds take so long appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.

Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Four hours by car from Miami, Key West—aka the southernmost city in the continental United States—is another world, full of colorful characters, history and a culture all its own, a place where almost anything goes. And what better way to immerse yourself in it than to spend some time at some of its finest local watering holes. Whether you’re parading up and down Duval Street, witnessing buskers entertain with comedic and, at times, daring feats as the sun sets in Mallory Square, or sipping libations from the deck of a catamaran while sailing from the harbor, there are plenty of memorable ways to raise a glass to this charming island city. Here are some of our favorites.

RELATED: 7 off-the-beaten path Florida beach towns you’ll love

Best place to watch the sunset: Half Shell Raw Bar

For an island vibe just off the water, this harbor-side hangout can’t be beat. In 2022, Half Shell Raw Bar will celebrate its 50^th anniversary. Prior to opening in 1972, the building housed a shrimp warehouse in this once rough-and-tumble part of town. Today it’s an expansive bar and restaurant that smacks of Old Key West, decorated with patron-donated license plates (the first hung to cover a bullet hole—the result of an argument between two fishermen—to mark the shooter’s spot at the bar). Dine at wooden picnic tables on fresh seafood, including a wide array of oysters, served during lunch and dinner seven days a week, Don’t miss deals on seafood and half-off well liquors, house wine, and beer during the 4:30–6:30pm daily happy hour. Once you’ve finished your meal you can throw any remaining seafood morsels to the fish waiting in the water below.

Best place to people watch: The Bull & Whistle

There is no better place to people watch in Key West than on Duval Street, the main drag through town. Seek respite from the throngs of tourists and locals at the ideally situated Bull & Whistle on the corner of Duval and Caroline streets—three bars in one that serve all walks of life. On the first floor, The Bull is an open-air bar with a street side view of the action, accompanied by nightly live music. On the second floor, The Whistle offers pool tables, darts, pinball, foosball, and a wrap-around balcony on which to enjoy a warm breeze and the views below. Meanwhile, a DJ provides nightly music on the clothing optional rooftop bar, known as the Garden of Eden (camera, cell phone use, and lewd behavior prohibited).

Best place to hang out with locals: Virgilio’s

Also on Duval Street, but a bit more subdued in tempo and decor, Virgilio’s is a classic cocktail lounge, tucked behind La Trattoria Restaurant, which serves hearty Italian fare. Sip a selection of sublime martinis, like the Raspberry Chocolate Bomb, Caramel Apple and Pineapple Pizazz while enjoying live music and late night dancing. Opt to sit in the covered space or beneath the leaves of the giant tree growing in the center of the outdoor patio. Every Monday martinis are $7 during happy hour from 6pm until close.

Best place for a lively atmosphere: Sloppy Joe’s

Sloppy Joe’s Bar, Key West, Florida

Sloppy Joe’s is a must on every visitor’s list, with a long history serving those stopping in Key West. The bar opened on December 5, 1933 a block down the road, moving on May 5, 1937—patrons, seats and all—to its current location, when owner Joe Russell learned the rent would be raised a dollar. Hemingway frequented the place, and encouraged the name Sloppy Joe’s after another of his favorite watering holes, the Jose Garcia Havana Club in Cuba. Sloppy Joe’s is open for lunch and dinner daily, with live music during three sets throughout the day—switching from guitar to a nightclub vibe later in the evening. Tourists flock to this crowded spot to dine on bar fare including Sloppy Joe nachos and sip libations like Sloppy Ritas (the house margarita) amid Hemingway memorabilia and flags donated by customers from all over the world. The bar even hosts a Hemingway lookalike contest annually in July, with pictures of former contestants on the wall. Shop for souvenir merchandise in the adjacent store.

Best place for live music: The Green Parrot

Green Parrot Bar, Key West, Florida

They say sooner or later everyone winds up at the Green Parrot and it’s no wonder, as its known for an eclectic mix of live music offerings, including “soundcheck” sets Friday–Sunday from 5:30–7pm, allowing an early bird crowd to experience the same talent at a reasonable time of night. In addition to live music, a 100-CD vintage Rowe jukebox fuels the interests of every manner of music enthusiast. The building dates back to 1890, first as a grocery store and then as a bar since WWII, catering to the navy customers from a submarine base down the street. When the navy closed the base in the ’70s (only to reopen it several years later) the place was renovated and became a hippy bar until it was sold in 1983. Friendly, no nonsense bartenders serve a mix of locals and tourists from 10am–4am in an expansive space, void of frills but adorned with colorful, donated artwork. Past celebrity clientele includes John Goodman, Michael Keaton, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Best bar with outside seating: Smokin’ Tuna Saloon

Join the lively crowd of visitors and locals at this popular hangout, boasting several sets of live music seven days a week, performed on the courtyard stage. Enjoy a full menu of fresh seafood, including a raw bar serving up more than 90 “personalities” of oysters. Wash them down with tasty libations such as a Cucumber Mint Cooler or a Smokin’ Dirty Banana. The Mercantile opens at noon, while the bar and restaurant open at 2pm. Smokin’ Tuna is home to the annual Key West Songwriters’ Festival, held in May and drawing big name talent—the largest festival of its kind in the world and the largest country music festival outside of Nashville.

Best bar with a colorful history: Captain Tony’s Saloon 

Captain Tony’s is such a signature spot, and arguably the oldest bar in Key West, that it’s been featured in several Jimmy Buffet songs. Along with Buffet (who got his start here), Hemingway, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, and Shel Silverstein frequented this saloon–a casual dive bar owned by the late Tony Tarracino. The larger-than-life owner’s storied life included work as a shrimper, fishing boat captain, gunrunner, casino operator, and mayor of Key West. The building was built in 1851 as an icehouse that doubled as the city morgue, housed a telegraph station in the 1890s, a cigar factory in 1912, and later a bordello, before becoming the site of the original Sloppy Joe’s Bar from 1933 to 1937. The 428 Greene Street location remained a bar, purchased by Captain Tony in 1958. The ceiling is covered with donated ladies’ bras while business cards plaster the posts around the bar framed by stools painted with the names of famous patrons. A “hanging tree” grows in the middle of the place, where 17 people were once hanged, which may explain why many say it’s haunted. Captain Tony’s jewfish still hangs above the door. Come here for live music, pool, and cold beer.

The post Key West’s best bars for every kind of night out appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.

Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

COVID aside, winter is not an ideal time to visit Ireland. But if you’re ready to plan a trip to the Emerald Isle in spring or summer, winter is a great time to start planning. With seemingly endless natural splendor, a renowned reputation for hospitable residents, and highly walkable cities, a trip to Ireland makes for an excellent re-introduction to Europe, and it doesn’t have to blow your budget. Here are seven prime ways to experience the Emerald Isle without having to uncover a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

RELATED: 9 gorgeous hostels in Europe starting at $10 a night

Let the locals direct your pub crawl

The worldwide reputation of the Irish pub pretty much precedes itself, and if you’re headed to Ireland, it’s somewhere between likely and inevitable that hitting a few pubs is somewhere on your agenda. Rather than agonizing over various reviews and guides ahead of time, here’s a suggestion: Let the locals do the work for you. Pick the closest pub to your accommodations that looks good to you, pop in, chat up the bartender or a willing local, and before you know it, you’ll have a fully loaded, local-approved drinking itinerary. A benefit of this approach is the ability to indicate your preferences, whether you’re looking for something hip and contemporary or if you’re interested in a postcard-perfect spot to hear some trad music (traditional Irish folk music). Who knows, you might even find yourself with some new drinking buddies.

Find great deals on Dublin hotels right here.

Bike your way through Killarney National Park

County Kerry is stunning in general, and Killarney National Park is arguably its crown jewel. Many will suggest you rent a car and drive the full Ring of Kerry, and if you can swing it that’s a fine choice. (Look for car rental deals here.) But with car-rental prices at an all-time high, reaching Killarney via train and renting a bike makes for a budget-friendlier option that puts you within easy distance of sites like Muckross House, Ross Castle, and Torc Waterfall. More ambitious riders can even make a day trip of reaching the stunning Gap of Dunloe. If an extra €10 isn’t too much, the quick ferry to Innisfallen, an island on Lough Leane that includes the ruins of a 10th-century monastery, is well worth the modest price tag.

Find great deals on Killarney hotels right here.

Demolish a full Irish breakfast

Provided that pork is on the menu for you, you’d be remiss not to devour the full Irish breakfast at least once during your trip. For the uninitiated, said breakfast will include some if not all of the following: bacon, sausage, eggs, tomato, beans, mushrooms, toast, and black and white pudding (sausage-like dishes typically stuffed with pork and grains). This is another case where surveying locals is likely to point you in the direction of a good breakfast at a good price, but even if you just fly blind you’re still likely to leave happy and full. The latter element is worth knowing, because if you finish the whole thing, it’s quite possible you won’t need to eat again until dinner.

Add value to your trip by using the “free breakfast” filter when searching hotels.

Stage your own GOT reenactment

Northern Ireland (that’s the six counties that are part of the United Kingdom for those who skipped European history) is rich with sites that figured prominently into the filming of the hit HBO series, with Belfast serving as the primary base of operations during the show’s run. If you want to spring for it, there are plenty of tours that will schlep you around to various sites at a reasonable cost, but if you want to sort out your own transit, most of the sites are free to visit, giving you the chance to channel your inner Arya fleeing Kings Landing via the Dark Hedges or take in Dunluce Castle, which served as the basis for the Greyjoy’s Castle Pyke. Here’s a list of Northern Irish sites used in the show.

Find a lovely place to stay in Belfast here.

Tour a brewery or distillery

If you’re going to be sampling the beer and whiskey in pubs, the least you can do is take some time out to appreciate how it’s made. Guinness’ St. James Gate brewery is a hugely popular destination for a reason, and the pint you’ll enjoy at the culmination of the tour is almost worth the €18.50 admission on its own, thanks to a stunning 360 degree view of Dublin that comes with it. Whiskey aficionados may find themselves drawn to Jameson or Bushmills, but if this sort of thing interests you, be advised that Ireland has seen a surge in craft breweries and distilleries in recent years that may offer more intimate and economical tour options.

Find great deals on Dublin hotels right here.

Get lost in Galway

It’s no secret that putting one foot in front of the other is the best way to get acquainted with most cities, but the charming cobblestone streets of Galway’s Latin Quarter along the River Corrib particularly lend themselves to aimless sightseeing. The medieval city’s got an arty, bohemian vibe so you’ll find plenty of interesting shops and cafes to explore, as. well. The Salthill Promenade is another popular choice for a stroll, offering a pleasant path along Galway Bay and a view of the Aran Islands (where they make those sweaters you’ll see in every Irish gift shop) on a clear day. Basically, Galway is one of Ireland’s most pleasantly walkable cities, so take advantage of it.

Find great deals on Galway hotels right here.

Conquer Ireland’s rugged coastline

Ireland’s coast is rich with stunning scenery and if you have the time and money at your disposal for a car or a guided tour, sites like the Cliffs of Moher or the Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula are well worth the effort. However, if you’re more limited, or if you’re stopping in Dublin as part of a larger European travel experience but still want to sneak in some natural beauty, Howth makes for an excellent choice. It’s easily accessible from Dublin by train, and the scenic paths along the cliffs offer hikes of different lengths depending on how ambitious you’re feeling. Complete the journey with some fish and chips at one of the local pubs.

Find great deals on Dublin hotels right here.

The post 7 ways to have a blast in Ireland on a budget appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.

Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Live music is back. Thanks to COVID vaccinations, most of us can now hop on a plane, dine indoors, and see a live show. If you’re ready for it, and appreciate smaller, iconic spaces where legendary acts like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana played to audiences of just a few hundred on their way up, this list for you. We’ve chosen 10 venues where 20-somethings, and other music fans on a budget, can afford to see a show for less than the cost of a rush hour Uber ride.

RELATED: Get your concert tickets, even for sold out shows, through CheapTickets!

9:30 Club: Washington, D.C.

Flickr CC: Valerie Hinojosa

The 9:30 Club opened at the corner of 10th and F streets just as punk was giving way to new wave. Local bands like Bad Brains and Minor Threat helped put this 199 capacity venue on the map for punk and hardcore fans. Stadium and arena acts like The Police, and Red Hot Chili Peppers played here on their way up. The latter played a surprise show here back in 1998, to mark the return of guitarist John Frusciante.

In early 1996, the club reopened in a 1,200 capacity space at the corner of 9th and V streets. The Smashing Pumpkins, who were at the height of their commercial success, played the inaugural show. Since then, everyone from the Foo Fighters (Dave Grohl spent part of his childhood outside DC) and Radiohead to the Beastie Boys and ZZ Top have played special occasion or secret gigs here. You can catch a 2007 Pumpkins gig from the 9:30 Club on their If All Goes Wrong DVD.

But in 2021, you are much more likely to catch an up-and-coming indie rock or hip hop act at the 9:30 Club. Tickets are typically between $25–35, which will set you back less than the cost of an Uber after the Metro stops running.

For those looking to catch the vibe of the original location, former DC-suburb dweller Dave Grohl recently announced plans to open a replica of the original next to the current location.

Nearest Metro station: Shaw-Howard

Cafe Wha?: New York City

Flickr CC: Carl Mikey

Looking at the list of legendary NYC venues that have closed is about as uplifting as sitting alone in a tiny studio apartment after a bitter breakup and blasting Joy Division to drown out the noise coming from the party on the floor above. CBGB is now a clothing store. L’Amour is now a general event space. But there’s still Cafe Wha?.

This 325-capacity venue can barely hold all of the people who work for Bruce Springsteen the day of a stadium show. But he played here before he was anointed “The next Dylan.” And Bob Dylan himself played Cafe Wha? the year before releasing his debut album. Jimmy James and the Blue Flames did a residency here in 1966 before their frontman went off to London to record one of the most influential debut albums of all time.

Founder Manny Roth was a legend in his own right. But he had an even more famous nephew who fronted Van Halen. A couple years before Manny’s death, Van Halen came back here to play. Several legendary comedians like Lenny Bruce, Joan Rivers, and Richard Pryor performed here, as well.

Today, you can see a local rock band, comedy act, or tribute band at Cafe Wha?. The rest of the time, you can catch the house band for a $15 cover charge, which you can pay via Eventbrite.

Closest subway station: W 4 St – Wash Sq

RELATED:  America’s most awesome vintage record stores

Central Saloon: Seattle

One of the last grand old saloons, the Central dates back to the 1890s. The venue opened just three years after Seattle’s great fire. Before Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Soundgarden headlined arenas and festivals around the world, they all played the Central Saloon. So did Seattle-area native Jimi Hendrix. The walls are lined with photos and concert flyers from the days that led up to the brief period when Seattle seemed like the center of the musical universe.

The venue is similar in size to the former-CBGB and currently hosts indie, hip hop, and local rock bands. Tickets are usually under $20.

Nearest light rail station: Pioneer Square

The Fillmore: San Francisco

While the building at 1805 Geary Boulevard dates back to 1912, the shows that most of us associate with The Fillmore started in early 1966. Dozens of psychedelic rock bands and soul acts passed through here during the last half of the 1960s. The Grateful Dead alone played more than 50 shows at The Fillmore before 1970.

By the early 1980s, the venue (by then rechristened The Elite Club) was an obligatory tour stop for punk bands like Black Flag and local outfit Dead Kennedys. After damage from a 1989 earthquake, the club was remodeled. It opened back up in 1994 with a surprise gig by the Smashing Pumpkins. And in 2011, hometown heroes Metallica played four 30th-anniversary shows at The Fillmore to fan club members only.

Live Nation currently operates the 1,300-capacity venue. They’ve created several spinoffs in cities like Denver, Philly, Charlotte, and Miami. Nowadays, you are most likely to see up-and-coming acts, with the odd legacy act thrown in every month or so. Tickets start in the high 20s, which is quite a bargain considering that San Francisco tops nearly every list of most expensive cities in the country.

First Avenue: Minneapolis

Flickr CC: Tony Webster

In 1970, Joe Cocker played the inaugural show at this historic 1,500-seat venue, which is housed in a former Greyhound Bus Depot. You’ve likely heard of First Avenue because of Prince, who began playing here in 1981. Purple Rain was filmed here and before his untimely death, Minnesota’s most famous performer since Bob Dylan was scheduled to play nine shows at the club he helped make famous.

The 531 stars on the venue’s exterior list many of the past performers. Nirvana played here a few weeks after releasing Nevermind. U2 supposedly wrote the title track from their sophomore release during a 1981 soundcheck at First Avenue. And local acts like The Replacements and Soul Asylum got their start playing here, too.

Since COVID, they’re returned to nearly nightly entertainment. You can see a lesser-known act for under $20. $30 is closer to average. You can double that when someone like Elvis Costello passes through, but it’s worth it for the intimate setting.

Nearest Light rail station: Warehouse Hennepin

Franklin Music Hall: Philadelphia

Philly may often be overshadowed by D.C. and New York, but the local concert scene is every bit as exciting. The former Electric Factory changed ownership back in 2018, but the location and purpose remain the same.

Elton John, Pink  Floyd, and the Grateful Dead played the original location, which closed in 1973. Following the 1995 reopening, Alanis Morissette, Radiohead, and No Doubt played here at the height of their commercial success. In 1996, The Ramones played their final Philly show at the Electric Factory. And no less than Bruce Springsteen did a show here during his time away from the E Street Band.

Before the name change, this legendary 3,000-capacity venue made a cameo in the first Creed movie. Bianca performed as an opening act. Nowadays, you can catch everything here, from metal and punk to hip hop and funk. Tickets can be as low as $20–25 for lesser-known acts. Double that when a reunited Bikini Kill or a combination of Wu-Tang Clan members come to town.

Nearest SEPTA station: Chinatown

Metro: Chicago

Flickr CC: VXLA

The Metro opened just up the street from Wrigley Field in a former Swedish Community Center back in 1979 (just like the Chicago-based Smashing Pumpkins song). This legendary, 1,100-capacity North Side venue is a stone’s throw from the Blues Brothers’ fictitious address in the 1980 classic Chicago film.

R.E.M. and Metallica played here in the early 1980s as up-and-coming acts. In the early 90s, Jane’s Addiction, Nirvana, and Soundgarden passed through here on their way to the arenas. Pearl Jam did a live radio broadcast from the Metro in early 1992, which was a popular bootleg throughout the decade.

Today, you’ll find mostly alternative and indie bands playing here. Most shows start at under $30. Thanks to the Metro’s proximity to Wrigley Field, you can check off two popular Chicago bucket list items in the same day.

Nearest L station: Addison

Paradise Rock Club: Boston

In 1977, Joe Strummer sang, “no Elvis, Beatles, or The Rolling Stones.” The Paradise Theater opened along Commonwealth Avenue that same year, just as punk bands like the Sex Pistols, Ramones, and The Clash were offering an alternative to 20-minute drum solos and 15-foot-high stages.

During the early days, Blondie, Iggy Pop, and Tom Petty played this 1,000-seat venue. The version of “Last Child” that ended up on Aerosmith’s first live album was recorded at the Paradise in August 1978.  Local acts like The Cars and Buffalo Tom played here more than a dozen times each. Letters to Cleo holds the current record with 20 (and counting) Paradise performances.

As the currently-named Paradise Rock Club is located a stone’s throw from Boston University, they attract a largely student audience looking for an affordable night of entertainment.

Nearest T station: Babcock Street

Ryman Auditorium: Nashville

Flickr CC: Jim Rhodes

No list of music venues is complete without at least one legendary spot in Music City itself. Although this late-19th-century Tennessee landmark is still known to most for its Grand Ole Opry, you can also catch hard rock and comedy acts here. Since 2000, Neil Young and the Foo Fighters have shot concert footage at the Ryman. And in 2019, the Wu-Tang Clan became the first hip hop group to perform at this 129-year-old venue.

Ticket prices are a bit steeper than the other places in this list, but the Ryman is also a much more comfortable venue. You can  get a tour of the building for $30, including fees.

Nearest RTA station: Riverfront

Troubadour: West Hollywood

Picking the best legendary concert venue in West Hollywood is a bit like asking a New Yorker where to find the best pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge. There are several very worthy choices within close proximity including the Roxy and the Viper Room.

This 500-capacity venue started as a place for ’60s folk legends to master their craft. James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, and The Eagles all played the Troubadour before hitting the big time. Buffalo Springfield played their first gig here. And the Troubadour is also where Elton John made his legendary American debut.

The Troubadour’s history is also replete with legendary comedy acts. Steve Martin, and Cheech and Chong, performed here in the early 1970s. The Troubadour is also the place where Lenny Bruce was arrested for using the word “schmuck” on stage. And during his lost weekend, John Lennon (along with Harry Nilsson) was ejected from the club for heckling the Smothers Brothers.

Punk, new wave, and glam bands all made the obligatory stop here during the 1980s. You can still catch a variety of rock, folk, and comedy acts at the Troubadour on any given night at prices as low as $15. If you are more into the local history, check out this rock tour of the Sunset Strip.

The post 10 iconic music venues to visit in your 20s appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.

Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

As the weather starts to chill across the country, there’s one long stretch of coastline where the beach still beckons—the Gulf Coast. From Texas to Florida, you’ll find sunny stretches of sand, delicious seafood restaurants, buzzing beach bars, and plenty of affordable hotel and house rentals. That’s right. The Gulf Coast is the rare vacation paradise that won’t break the bank. True, winter is nippy across much of the Gulf (though still a nice time for a sunny stroll in your favorite hoodie), but most of the year the weather is reliably warm. Here are the best Gulf Coast beach towns in each state.

RELATED: 10 kid-friendly things to do in Pigeon Forge

Mustang Island, Port Aransas, TX

Port Aransas, or “Port A” as locals call it, has blossomed into one of the hottest destinations in Texas, and this barrier island just off the coast is one of the main reasons why. Mustang Island offers gorgeous clear waters and soft, nutmeg-colored sand. You can drive on the beach with your car or golf cart rental, which means there’s always a party or tailgate set up somewhere. Down by the wharf area of Mustang Island, you’ll find seafood spots aplenty. Grab a shrimp cocktail at Virginia’s on the Bay and watch dolphins splash about the marina every evening, then head over to Castaway’s for some of the best hushpuppies in town.

Stay: Check out this modern, recently remodeled condo with gorgeous ocean views. You’ll be beachfront with two bedrooms for under $200 a night!

Gulf Shores, AL

If you’re looking for an affordable beach destination where the party never ends, make your way to Gulf Shores. It’s like Alabama just decided to make things easy for everyone and put all its best bars, restaurants, hotels, and rentals in one place. With its warm, sparkling blue water, Gulf Shores is a seaside escape for everyone from families to fraternities alike.

Stay: There’s no shortage of condo rentals, but we particularly like this cozy 2-bedroom condo that sleeps 7 right across from the beach. The condo building boasts a pool and great gazebo grill area directly on the water. That’s where we’d be with friends most evenings after a day at the beach!

Perdido Key, FL

If you haven’t seen an episode of MTV’s Floribama Shore (the Gulf Coast version of Jersey Shore), then you’re just going to have to trust us. The Alabama-Florida state line is where the party’s at, and Flora-Bama is the bar that made it all famous. Some say it’s the most famous bar in the country.

Stay: When you rent this 3-bedroom condo directly on the beach, you’ll be mere steps away from the fun. Besides its prime location, this condo has beautiful 8^th floor Gulf views and a full kitchenette.

Gulfport, MS

Lined with beachfront casino resorts, sunny Gulfport is here to show you a good time. After a day in the sun, grab some of the famous beer-fried Gator Bites at Shaggy’s Gulfport Beach for dinner, then head toward Howard Avenue closer to Biloxi for great nightlife at places like The Mermaid Dive Bar or Sandbar Daiquiri Bar and Grill.

Stay: We love this charming coastal townhome on the stretch of beach between Biloxi and Gulfport because it lies a block from the beach, was recently renovated, and is located in a picturesque gated beach community. Relax here in a modern home decked out with memory foam mattresses and large, flat-screen TV offering both Hulu and Netflix.

Holly Beach, LA

Not only does the Louisiana coast have beautiful stretches of shoreline, but it also has great hunting, fishing, and casinos like Delta Downs Racetrack and Casino. Gather your group and stay at this cheery canal-front home in Holly Beach—also known as the Cajun Riviera!

Stay: This clean 3-bedroom house has a welcoming coastal vibe and spacious patio for socializing. The place was especially built for outdoor fun, and is outfitted with an outdoor fridge, charcoal BBQ pit, plus a crawfish boiler and fish fryer. There’s even an outdoor fish cleaning station for those who like to grill up their catches of the day!

The post 5 best Gulf Coast beach towns appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.

Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Looking to save money on your next vacation with a hot tip or two? How about 17 of them?! Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you should’t get to enjoy every sight, tour, or experience on your itinerary, and that’s where this list comes in. From digging up discounts on major theater productions to harnessing parking hacks, follow these 17 money-saving sightseeing hacks that will save you a bundle.

RELATED: 10 best cheap places to travel

Find free WiFi

When it comes to booking tours and reserving tickets, you may need to do that online, or via phone. Fortunately, there’s always free WiFi to be found, be it in libraries, cafes, fast food chains, hotel lobbies, or even public parks (many National Parks offer it at their visitors centers). Free WiFi avoids using up all your data, paying expensive WiFi fees at hotels, or having to spring for a foreign phone plan. Use CheapTickets’ filter to search for hotels with free WiFi and, if traveling abroad, be sure to use your phone’s “WiFi calling” settings or an app like Skype that uses WiFi to make free or cheap phone calls .

Search online for local bargains

Install apps and follow social accounts that let you track the best deals locally. This will help you save money even when you might not be familiar with local retailers or attractions. For example, the RetailMeNot app helps you instantly find deals at nearby stores, while Groupon often offers discounts to local attractions, restaurants and services. Another favorite is the Honey browser extension, which automatically applies known promo codes at check out. Many tour operators, theatrical productions and cultural attractions also offer coupon codes through their social media profiles (and often their email lists, as well), which makes it easy to find a great deal.

Find parking deals

If you’re driving to downtown museums and attractions but don’t want to pony up for downtown parking prices, give the SpotHero app a try.  The app will help you find and reserve discounted parking at just about any major attraction. Likewise, if you must park at the airport, use Airportreservations.com or way.com (or a similar service) to snag a cheap spot at a parking lot nearby. Free shuttles run fairly consistently but check the customer reviews to pick the best lot within your price range. Prices go up the closer it is to the scheduled departure date, so plan ahead.

Use student, military or senior discounts, if that’s you

European nations are especially good about offerings student and senior discounts at museums, on trains, tours and more. Just be sure you have the proper ID (for students, this mean the official International Student Identity Card). CheapTickets now also offers student and military discounts on travel; just enter your ID number to save.

Look into phone plans

If you are traveling for more than a month, it’s worth looking into local phone plans. Most companies usually have a cheap plan option for tourists that’s often as easy as swapping out the SIM card on the phone you already have. This will allow you to use data (especially maps when trying to navigate around a foreign city),  and you’ll avoid those unwanted roaming charges from your provider.

Buy a city pass

Seeing all the sites? See if the city you are traveling to offers an attractions pass (for example, the New York pass). If there are multiple attractions you want to see, you will save lots of money with a pass instead of paying for each attraction individually, which can add up quickly. You can reserve a city pass for many destinations ahead of time right here on Cheaptickets.com.

Get discounts on major performances

If your schedule is flexible, you can get huge discounts—often half off—on tickets for major theater productions. Just check for same-day ticket distributors like the TKTS ticket booth in New York’s Times Square or  HotTix in Chicago.

Take advantage of free days

Many parks, museums, and other attractions have specific days throughout the year with free or deeply discounted entrance fees. Find the calendar on their website for these days and plan your trip to take advantage of these offers.

Buy souvenirs… at supermarkets

Check out the supermarket where the locals shop to get interesting souvenirs for friends and family, For example, pick out regional snacks and spices that are not only more interesting as gifts, but a lot cheaper than buying the usual airport offerings! It’s also a great way to pick up snacks for yourself and save money while traveling.

Consider car shares vs. car rentals

This is the same premise as ride-sharing, but for car rentals. If you are only going to need that car for a few hours here and there where you are going, you may want to look into a car share like Zipcar, instead of renting a car. This could save you on overnight parking costs, as well. But if you definitely need a car, book on a site like CheapTickets that lets you compare prices from numerous agencies.

Gas up for less

Use an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas station wherever you are. This is especially useful on road trips!

Use public transit

Before you spend a hefty amount on renting, fueling and parking a car, or taking taxis everywhere, research public transportation. When visiting major cities like New York, Paris, London, or even Los Angeles, learn the routes and pricing systems of the light rail, subway and buses to save time and money. Taking public transit also makes you look and feel like a local!

Use UberPool or Lyft Line

Good news, thrifty friends! In November, Uber announced that it would soon bring back its carpooling option, which lets multiple riders with similar routes share a car, and save money. If you are in a new city it may also be a great way to chat with a local and learn some insider tips!

Switch to a no foreign-transaction fee card

If you’re traveling abroad, save money without trying by simply switching to a no foreign-transaction fee card. This also means updating your credit cards linked to your apps! The last thing you want to come home to is additional charges on your credit card because a ride-sharing service app is synced with a foreign transaction fee credit card.

Choose the right season to travel

Travel industry insiders often throw around words like peak, shoulder, and off-season. More often than not, you will find special deals and steals on travel for off-season trips. Peak seasons are usually during summer and holiday breaks, which makes it difficult to find affordable flights and rooms, depending on where you’re headed. Plan your trip during low season or shoulder season to give yourself cheaper options, and less crowded attractions.

Talk to locals

Get the inside scoop from locals and save money. It can go a long way to simply ask for directions or simple advice like where to get the best food for cheap. No one knows a city’s cheap eats better than the people who live there. You can even get started on this before you leave; find friends and friends of friends in your destination via your own social networks such as Facebook or Instagram.

Walk more

Yes, public transit saves money. But walking saves even more, and will give you a great way to explore a destination up close, and also get some exercise. Want to  stop in at that cute boutique you just passed? Why not! Did you see that gorgeous courtyard hiding behind that nondescript building? Only when walking!

Look for free activities

There are many things you can do and see for absolutely free. From movie screenings to street fairs, hit the street and get lost in a city or town. It’s amazing what freebies you’ll discover around every corner.   You can generally find out about these events on a city’s tourism site or via a city’s arts & culture publications’ websites.

The post 17 cheap sightseeing hacks to save you real money appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.

Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s almost time to fill your Instagram feed with perfect shots of colorful Christmas trees, holiday cookies, nauseating mistletoe kisses, you and your friends in ugly sweaters, and even that snow angel you tried, and failed, to make. Why? Because it’s the season, and it’s tradition! Read below to find 10 must-do holiday photo ops that even Santa would “like.”

RELATED: 7 over-the-top holiday lights displays you’ve got to see

An iconic Christmas tree

When the holiday season comes around, every big city and small town boasts an iconic Christmas tree. You know which one we’re talking about—that tree that you can snap a photo of and your neighbors (or even people from afar!) know exactly where it is. Take the tree at Rockefeller Center, for example, which is strung with 50,000 colorful LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star. Stand in front of Channel Gardens, where you can catch the 12 winged angels lined up in front of it, et voila! That’s your shot.

Find a great NYC hotel here.

A holiday train ride

Flickr CC: J Diaz

Christmas-themed trains have become a trend, and for good reason: They’re beautifully decorated and have dancing elves, jolly waiters serving hot cocoa and marshmallows, Christmas tunes and of course, Santa Claus himself. In Grapevine, TX (known as the Christmas Capital of Texas), you can even take the North Pole Express® all the way to the “North Pole,” where a snowy winter wonderland and Santa’s workshop are waiting when you arrive. If you’re not in Texas, hop on the official THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, which can be found in 50 cities, from Miami, FL all the way north to Canada.

Browse hotel deals near Grapevine here.

A winter wonderland

Ice skating at Maggie Daley Park | Photo: Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Ice skating is a charming winter pastime, especially during the holiday season. Grab your friends or that special someone and find an ice rink in your city where you can capture some yuletide cheer! On the ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park in downtown Chicago, skaters can wind their way through an alpine forest while snow falls over the surrounding city skyline. If you don’t want to skate, buy a cup of hot cocoa and watch everyone else do it. The view alone is worth going for.

Check out great downtown Chicago hotels here.

A holiday parade

Flickr CC: Jeff Kern

Parades are a fun way to celebrate the season—and lucky for holiday revelers, there’s always one nearby. Watch as ornaments, furry reindeer, elves, snowman and marching Nutcracker soldiers parade down the street, paving the way for Santa’s grand entrance. Some of the most magical holiday parades are at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and march right past Cinderella’s Castle as it glows with thousands of Christmas lights.

Reserve your Disney hotel right here.

A festive hotel

Flickr CC: Pyro Spectaculars by Souza

We love how every city always has one (if not many) hotels that really get into the holiday groove. Think twinkling lights, tinsel galore, a giant gingerbread house in the lobby and, of course, a can’t-miss Christmas tree. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, just look at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA. This SoCal stunner attracts visitors far and wide for its hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights, giant nutcracker statues and its extravagant, 19-foot Christmas tree.

Book the Mission Inn or a nearby hotel here.

A Christmas market

Who doesn’t love a Christmas market? There’s mulled wine, handmade ornaments for sale, mulled wine, animals, holiday music and… did we mention mulled wine? For the perfect Instagram photo, wear a cozy winter hat, grab a piping hot cup of vino and strike a pose in front of a festive chalet. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, take a peek at Bethlehem, PA’s famous Christkindlmarkt. Here, you’ll find 50-plus artisans selling their handicrafts, live Christmas music, an appearance by St. Nick himself and, like we said, mulled wine.

Check out hotels near Bethlehem here.

A holiday “fun run”

Flickr CC: Me!bourne Mermaid

There is never something not funny about hundreds of people dressed as Mr. or Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, an elf or even Olaf running through town. If you’re near Virginia Beach, VA, head to the Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler, the largest Santa run in the entire world, and you’ll see what we mean. Every major city has a holiday fun run at this point, so join one wherever you are and capture the holiday hilarity in all its glory.

Get great deals on Virginia Beach hotels here.

A themed-out holiday festival

Flickr CC: Selena NBH

Instead of travel shots, how about a time-traveling shot? Find a themed-out holiday event in your hometown where everyone gets into character. We love the annual “Dickens of a Christmas” festival in Victorian Village in Franklin, TN, where you’ll mingle with Father Christmas, carolers, locals in full Victorian garb and characters from A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist. Even Ebenezer Scrooge will be there!

Book a room near Franklin right here.

Over-the-top downtown décor

When a whole city gets into the season, it’s hard not to feel the holiday magic. (It makes for great photos, too.) St. Augustine, FL proves that you don’t need cold temperatures to feel the Christmas spirit! Every year, its Spanish-style historic downtown comes alive with “Night of Lights,” an award-winning activation with over three million Christmas lights, carriage rides, restaurants and bars decked out in holiday trimmings, and more.

Check out great hotels in St. Augustine here.

An impressive neighborhood lights display

Sure, NYC is famous for Dyker Heights Lights and LA has its Candy Cane Lane, but if it’s a decked out holiday ‘hood you want, there’s probably one in your own hometown. Take, for example, McAdenville, NC—otherwise known as Christmas Town USA. In a town with less than 700 residents, a half million people visit every December to see homes with Hallmark Channel-worthy Christmas decorations and more than 500,000 Christmas lights.

Book your stay near McAdenville here.

The post 9 holiday attractions that will blow up your Insta feed appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.

Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Traveling in winter, whether heading home for the holidays or heading off to somewhere tropical, always seems like a fun idea until delayed flights, snowstorms, and overstuffed suitcases get involved. We start to regret booking a layover flight, wearing a parka to an overheated airport, and not getting the right rental car. If winter travel has you feeling like a blow-up holiday snowman in a blizzard, don’t panic. Here are 11 winter travel tips to keep mishaps and delays at bay, and keep your budget in check through it all. 

RELATED: 15 cheap flying hacks that will save you real money

Book direct flights

Keep in mind, if your travel plans are interrupted by bad weather (or other natural events known in the industry as “acts of God”), airlines are not obligated to reimburse you or cover the cost of a hotel. That’s why booking direct flights is one of the easiest ways to ensure that you don’t get stranded at a layover airport. That way, if your departing flight does get canceled, you can just go back home and try again in the morning. 

Invest in travel insurance

Winter weather can be unpredictable, especially in places like the Midwest or Northeast. Travel insurance typically doesn’t cost much, but if there’s a winter storm causing cancellations and you can’t make your reservation, you’ll be reimbursed for the parts of your trip that you missed (just be sure to read the terms carefully). As for purchasing travel insurance, booking on sites like CheapTickets.com makes it easy: When you check out, you’ll be given the option to add it to your itinerary with just a few clicks.

Pack layers versus one big coat 

Red suitcase being packed with black and white shirt, camera

Going from a cold climate to a warm one? Don’t get stuck dragging that bulky parka around in a place where it’s not needed. Instead, wear multiple layers to keep warm en route; unlike the parka, light layers like T-shirts, long sleeved shirts, leggings, and just one or two sweaters will still be useful in your destination during cooler tropical nights.

Book the right car for the terrain

Golden, British Columbia, Canada

An economical car like a Prius is great for road trips. Unless you’re headed to the mountains or some other place with lots of snow and potential ice. Be sure to reserve a rental car that has all the right features like 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that can handle the terrain. When you book on CheapTickets.com, you can use the “All-wheel drive/4X4” filter to narrow your search. You may also want to consider springing for an SUV, as the added height can help you navigate through heavy snow. 

Treat yourself to some cozy amenities

Harbor Light Inn, Marblehead, MA

When you dream of a winter getaway, you might think tropical paradise, or you might imagine yourself soaking in a hot tub after a long day of skiing. Regardless of what your perfect vision is, booking on a site like CheapTickets.com can help you find it. Just use the search bar to find cozy amenities like fireplaces, or use the hotel filters to discover accommodations with hot tubs, indoor pools, spas, and more.

Stay up to date on your flight’s status

Terminal 4 in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Photo: Robert Couse-Baker – Flickr

Don’t you hate it when you go to check in, only to find your flight was canceled, right after you paid handsomely for that Uber ride to the airport? Stay on top of changes when you download the CheapTickets app. It’ll send you real-time flight alerts, plus information on gate changes and luggage carousel numbers. You might also want to consider following your airport and airline on social media. Most airports and airlines will post updates about closures and cancellations due to impending weather on their social channels first. 

If you’re driving, gear up your car for cold

Getting stuck on the side of the road stinks, but in winter, it can be downright dangerous. Be prepared by gearing up your car with a flashlight to see under the hood, a first aid kit, potable water, snacks, warm clothing and a thick blanket, a spare tire and jack, a basic tool kit, and emergency flairs. It also helps to leave a bag of kitty litter in your car. Why? Well, it’s not just for cats. When driving in snow or on iced-over roads, sprinkling a little kitty litter right in front and behind your tires will provide the traction needed to keep going. 

Avoid checked-bag fees

Checked bag on luggage carousel at an airport

The easiest way to avoid them is of course to pack light, so you can go carry-on only. But we know, it’s winter, so your bag might be loaded up with holiday gifts or chunky cold-weather clothing. If that’s the case, you could still skip baggage fees, thanks to airline loyalty programs, or airline credit cards. Just be advised that some cards have high interest rates and sizable annual fees.

Be flexible with booking dates

Everyone wants to fly out on Thursday or Friday and return on Monday for long weekend getaways. That’s why these days of the week tend to be more expensive for everything from flights and hotels to rental cars and activities. Same goes for the days right before and after major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. That said, one way to save big bucks is to check flight calendars to see if there’s a lower priced flight on Tuesday or Wednesday, or some other day of the week close to when you’d like to leave. Comparing is easy when you book on CheapTickets.com, thanks to the site’s “Flexible dates” tool. Most travel websites will let you view a full calendar where you can see cheaper dates.

Consider driving versus flying

While flying will get you to your destination faster, it could also come with major delays due to bad weather. Even if your departure city enjoys a mild climate, your plane could experience weather delays if it’s coming from a storm-addled destination. A more reliable mode of travel would be to drive yourself, especially if you’re eight hours or less away. Driving is also often cheaper, especially if you plan on traveling around major holidays.

Wear your bulkiest items on your travel day

If you really must have the cable knit sweater that looks just like the one Chris Evans wore in Knives Out with you on vacation, then consider wearing it for the first time on your travel day. Same goes for your chunkiest pair of shoes or boots. Create room in  your suitcase by wearing larger items on the plane or in the car. 

The post 11 winter tips for a better trip appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.

Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Yes, Las Vegas has a reputation for gambling, excess booze, and other more illicit activities (they don’t call it Sin City for nothing!). But what if betting it all on black isn’t exactly your bag? To the surprise of perhaps none, the entertainment capital has so much more to offer. Look beyond smoky slots to find your new favorite activities. Whether it’s educational, adventurous, or just straight up fun—we’ve got you covered.

RELATED: 6 hippest small towns to get off-grid

Explore a neon boneyard

A slice of Sin City’s history at the Neon Museum. Credit: Bark.

Vegas without its signature neon would be a very dark place indeed. It turns out those swirling signs you see along the Las Vegas Strip tell a larger story. Visit The Neon Museum for an unstuffy (and outdoor!) look at how The Beatles, Elvis, and even Tim Burton (yes!) play into the history of “The Entertainment Capital of The World.” They’re open all day—but for the best photos, schedule a tour of the Neon Boneyard at dusk. (Book well in advance.)

Get weird at Omega Mart

Omega Mart at Area15 | Photo: Joshua Mellin jdmellin@gmail.com, @joshuamellin.jpg

Part of the Meow Wolf collection of fully immersive art installations, Omega Mart, located within the equally whimsical AREA15 entertainment complex, tells the story of a mysterious superstore. Is it being taken over by aliens? Can you buy a refreshing carton of mammal liquid? Will they allow you to hang out as long as you want, search every corner, touch every button, have a drink at the secret speakeasy, and take the perfect #Selfie? Yes, yes, and absolutely yes.

Catch free entertainment

Mirage Las Vegas | Photo: Joshua Mellin jdmellin@gmail.com, @joshuamellin.jpg

Okay, so maybe you maxed out your budget just flying out. No worries, like everything else in this city, Vegas does free entertainment bigger and better than just about anywhere else in the world. Start at Circus Circus, where, as the hotel name would imply, jugglers, acrobats, and trapeze artists regularly flaunt their big top skills along the Midway. Swing by the Silverton Hotel to awe at their 117,000-gallon aquarium, home to tropical fish, stingrays, and mermaids. (Yes really!) Finally, you absolutely can’t go wrong with Strip classics: The dancing fountains outside of Bellagio, and the epic volcano erupting multiple times nightly outside of the Mirage.

See a breathtaking show

As you’ve probably gathered, Vegas is not short on entertainment. But if you’re planning to shell out for a performance, consider a Cirque du Soleil show. With five different shows blending humor, special effects, and breathtaking athleticism, the French-Canadian troop has become a Vegas-mainstay for good reason. From the unusual diving creatures of O, to a twisted high wire act where performers swing over the crowd at Mystère, this is artistry in its highest form. Looking for an outrageous Cirque alternative? Absinthe by Spiegelworld has been the toast of the town for a decade now and recently spun off two completely different shows including Opium and Atomic Saloon with a fourth slated for 2022. Think Cirque, but more intimate and much more bawdy and over the top!

Hit up a music festival

Life is Beautiful Music Festival | Photo: Joshua Mellin jdmellin@gmail.com, @joshuamellin.jpg

Music festivals are back. For your favorite band with a side of glamour, keep an eye on Vegas’ upcoming schedule, which includes a slate of hip hop icons like Kendrick Lamar at Day N Vegas, yearly EDM highlight Electric Daisy Carnival, and Life is Beautiful, which takes over blocks of the downtown area and features high profile pop acts like Billie Eilish and St. Vincent.

Fly above the crowd

Downtown Las Vegas’ Fremont Street, aka “The Old Strip,” still functions as a vibrant entertainment hub where there’s still plenty going on. Get a bird’s-eye view of it all by zip lining over the top of it all aboard Slotzilla. For between $39-$59 (depending on the length of your ride, day of the week, and whether you want to cruise sitting up or “Superhero style”), you can get the ultimate adrenaline ride. Be sure to keep your eyes open so you can appreciate the Viva Vision ceiling light shows as you cruise by.

Get soaking wet

Thanks to the recently shuttered Hard Rock Hotel (now the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas; see below), Sin City is officially the place to get wet in summer. Its Rehab (2004–2018) popularized the Vegas pool party and made the city an it destination for young travelers. Many imitators followed and today parties like WET Republic at MGM Grand, Drais Beach Club at the Cromwell, and countless others guarantee a sun-soaked, booze-fueled, and DJ-driven day of hi-jinks under the desert sun. Pace yourself and drink water!

Stay comfortably away from the action

Exploring Vegas can be a high-energy, frenetic good time. Which is why it’s worth booking a hotel slightly off the beaten path. Just a 20-minute walk from The Strip, The Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is the perfect place to recharge between adventures. Grab a drink at their relatively peaceful pool/beach resort, after treating yourself to an elaborate spa treatment. Grab some ice cream after your soak at Afters, or slide directly into dinner without leaving the property at Night + Market Thai. And if you’re ready for more action, you can always catch a concert before falling into one of their lux beds.

Featured image courtesy of Josh Melin.

The post The best of Las Vegas for non-gamblers appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.

Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Everybody wants to land an awesome flight deal, but getting a good price on your ticket is only the beginning. Take a look at our list of savvy tips to help you save a lot of money flying, from booking to packing to your final arrival.

RELATED: 15 dining trips that will save you real money on your next trip

Sometimes nonstops are actually the best value

Bargain flights are tempting, but often include unusual layovers or multi-city stops, so they’re not always the best value once you factor in the cost of having to pay for airport meals during a long layover or worse, paying for a hotel during an overnight layover or—even worse—a weather cancellation mid-connection.

Know when to book

We’re all used to guidelines telling us that certain times of day or days of the week are smarter to buy tickets. And while usually that day is in fact Tuesday, that’s not always true. In reality, airlines tend to offer their best prices when they’re having a fare sale or in the off season when demand is lower. CheapTickets data also shows that the golden booking window for a good price is just far enough in advance: Three weeks out is consistently the cheapest time to save on flights.

Add a Saturday-night stay to your flight itinerary

Go on, stay the weekend! Adding a Saturday stay could unlock extra savings of up to 25% on your flight, according to data from the Airline Reporting Corporation and Expedia.

Sign up for all the travel deal lists

Be the first to know about great flight deals when you join mailing lists like CheapTickets. Signing up also gives you access to promo codes and exclusive prices on hotels, cars and more.

Get the right travel insurance

Sometimes you need to spend a little money to save a lot of money. If you travel often, get a policy that lasts a full year versus buying per trip and you’ll have peace of mind that could save you thousands.

Find airport parking deals

If you must park at the airport, use Airportreservations.com or way.com (or a similar service) to snag a cheap spot at a parking lot nearby. Free shuttles run fairly often but check the customer reviews to pick the best lot within your price range. Prices go up the closer it is to the scheduled departure date, so plan ahead.

Weigh your luggage at home

Baggage fees are constantly going up. Before heading to the airport, double check the airline’s weight limits and then weigh your bag. If your bag exceeds the limit, you can at least transfer items between bags in the privacy of your own home or leave any unnecessary articles behind. Same goes for measuring the dimensions—if you’re hoping to avoid baggage check fees, make sure your bag qualifies as a carryon.

Research airline credit cards

An airline credit card can save you a ton of money and unlock valuable perks if you’re loyal to a specific airline and fly frequently. Even if there’s an annual fee, you may be able to easily come out ahead in rewards value depending on how much you fly. Aside from the miles you’ll earn on flights and everyday purchases, many airline cards also treat you perks like free checked bags or free Global Entry.  Other travel cards let you earn travel dollars back on flights, hotels and everyday purchases, in addition to awarding you freeTSA Pre✓^®.

Compare fares at nearby airports

Always compare prices between nearby airports such as Fort Lauderdale versus Miami or Chicago Midway versus O’Hare to find the cheapest price. Sure, you might have to drive further, but if you’re saving hundreds of dollars per person it might be worth it. Of course, if the difference is only a few dollars, consider the extra costs in time, money and energy that getting to that other airport requires.

Don’t bash Basic

Savvy travelers know how to make Basic Economy work for them. Do the math: Will you end up paying more in the end if you have to check a bag both ways? Will Basic end up costing you more if you insist on purchasing seats a la cart? Another inside trick: Getting the airline’s branded credit card often helps override a lot of the restrictions associated with Basic. For example, both American and United’s credit cards let you check a bag free, offer preferred boarding, and allow you discounts on inflight food and drink. Find more info on how to fly Basic Economy and win here.

Don’t fear the red eye

Fares for red eye, or overnight flights, tend to be cheaper, but there are other advantages. Flights tend to be less crowded, so you’ll have your choice of seats, plus you’re paying for one less hotel night. Compare red-eye fares and see for yourself at CheapTickets.com.

Split the cost with Lyft Shared Rides

If you’re taking a ride share to or from the airport, it could be worth it to share your ride share. While the UberPool shared ride program was suspended during the pandemic, Lyft Shared Rides are now back in select cities. The Lyft option allows riders going in the same direction to share a ride for a discounted cost, which is perfectly convenient if you’re all headed to the airport or all headed from the airport to downtown. Just make sure you’re not packing in so much luggage that the ride becomes uncomfortable! Bonus: Sharing a ride in a new city may also be a great way to chat with a local and learn some insider tips!

Take advantage of off-season and shoulder season travel

The travel industry has jargon regarding times to travel, namely peak, shoulder and off-season. More often than not, you will find special deals and steals on travel for off-season trips. Peak seasons are usually during summer and holiday breaks, which makes it difficult to find affordable flights and rooms. If you’re not constricted by school schedules, plan your trip during low season to give yourself cheaper options, and less crowded attractions.

Opt for a stopover

Not to be confused with a layover, a stopover allows those who are not in a rush to linger for a few days in their connecting city. It’s like getting two destinations for the price of one, and many airlines now offer them for free—including Icelandiar, TAP Portugal, Finnair, Emirates, Avianca and others. Many stopovers even come with free or discounted hotel nights, free tours, airport transportation and more.

Book your flight and hotel together to save

CheapTickets offers deep discounts when you book your flight and hotel together. In fact, you can save up to 42% on your hotel when you book it with your flight!

The post 15 cheap flying hacks that will save you real money appeared first on CheapTickets Travel Deals.