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Travel Tip: Private Sale Sites: Worth The Hype?

Travel Tip: Private Sale Sites: Worth The Hype?

After the recent success of private-sale sites that offer travel deals to members only, a few more are joining the party.

But are they worth the hype?

One site, called SniqueAway.com, was recently launched by the same group that owns TripAdvisor and Smarter Travel.

Limited-time deals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for seven days. It’s free to join, but you must be invited by an existing member.

Another company, called Rue La La, got its start like many other private-sale sites: in the retail world. These guys recently added travel packages, available to members only.

OffandAway.com has a different model. Hotel suites are up for auction, starting at zero and going up in 10-cent increments for the next 18 hours.

Even if you’re not the top bidder, you earn credit that can be used toward booking a hotel room.

Now, the reality is, all of these sites are using the concept of exclusivity as a gimmick. They’re not that hard to join, and not all the deals are the best ones out there.

But what I like is that they promote the idea of impulsive travel, to destinations that may not have been on your radar. And anything that gets people traveling is a winner in my book.

Find more ways to get bargains in our Budget Travel section.

And get more of our Daily Travel Tips here.