Black Friday can be a crazed, stressful time for shopaholics looking to get the best possible deals on retail items. But for travel enthusiasts, both Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday (which this year is Monday, December 1) can be far more pleasant, since the shopping is done from the comfort of your own computer or other device. Last week I started running some of the Cyber Monday travel deals that will be available on December 1 (check out those deals — discounts of up to 75% — here). Now, I’ve rounded up even more deals — including Cyber Monday hotel discounts that start early (November 24), 30% savings in Panama, and 35% in Guatemala. You need to book soon, but you can travel anytime over the next few months. So get out that calendar and start planning your next Latin America vacation.
Don’t forget: You can get some of the best rates on airlines, hotels, rental cars and cruises by using LatinFlyer’s own travel booking engine (it’s at the top right-hand side of this page if you’re using a computer or tablet, or at the bottom of each page if you’re on a cell phone), where it says “Save Big on Your Trip.” With one click, you can compare airfares and rates from more than 10 top travel sites, including Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity. No more wasting time when you travel!
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
North and Latin America hotels
The Deal: Cyber Monday and Instant Sweepstakes
What Makes It Cool: This online hotel sale offers discounts up to 30% off regular room rates at more than 600 hotels and resorts throughout North and Latin America. All of Starwood’s nine lifestyle brands are participating, including Westin, Sheraton, Le Méridien, W, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element. Sample Cyber Monday hotel savings include 30% to 35% discounts at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico and 20% savings at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico and the Westin Puntacana Resort & Club in the Dominican Republic. Members of the Starwood Preferred Guest program will enjoy an additional 5% savings when booking through the Cyber Monday sale.
In addition to Cyber Monday savings, Starwood Hotels & Resorts also announced its second annual Cyber Monday instant sweepstakes on Facebook. The sweepstakes will award hotel stays to lucky Facebook users who participate in the instant-win online contest. On Monday, December 1st, for 12 hours only – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. Facebook users are invited to engage with Starwood on Facebook and digitally “shake” the online interactive snow globe for the chance to win an accommodations prize instantly.
Valid for Travel: Cyber Monday bookings are available between November 24, and December 7, 2014. Valid for stays between November 24, 2014 and February 1, 2015 at participating hotels and between November 24, 2014 and April 15, 2015 at participating resorts.
Info & Reservations: www.spg.com/cybermonday
••••••
DON’T MISS: Cyber Monday Travel Deals: 75% Discounts in Panama, 50% off in Cancun, 35% off in Peru
••••••
Trump Ocean Club Hotel
Panama City, Panama
The Deal: Black Friday – Cyber Monday travel discounts
What Makes It Cool: This high-rise Panama hotel is offering 30% off all suites.Continuing on the success of The Eric Trump Foundation, which has pledged and donated over $28 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since its inception in 2006, Trump Hotel Collection will donate $10 to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Thanks and Giving campaign for each reservation made during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday Suite Special promotion.Guests will also enjoy a special welcome amenity as well as early check-in and late checkout (based on availability).
NOTE: Trump Ocean Club was an award winner as one of the best hotels in Panama City — and it’s just debuted a grand new casino, as well. Read my review of Trump Ocean Club hotel here!
Valid for Travel: Book between Black Friday (November 28, 2014) through Cyber Monday (December 1, 2014), for stays January 1-March 31, 2015.
Info & Reservations: www.trumphotelcollection.com/suite-deal.php
••••••
DON’T MISS: 2014 LF Awards: The 10 Best Hotels in Panama City, Panama
••••••
Casa Palopo
Guatemala
The Deal: Cyber Travel Deals
What Makes It Cool: This Guatemala hotel is offering 35% off rates (starting at $100/night).
Valid for Travel: Book on Cyber Monday (December 1, 2014) for travel May 1 – June 30, 2015 and Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2015.
Info & Reservations: Email reservations@casapalopo.com with promo code: Cyber Monday
••••••
DON’T MISS: Supersize Travel: The 29 Largest Hotels in Latin America
••••••
LATOUR
Cuba
The Deal: Save $500 on 3 different Cuba tours
What Makes It Cool: Avid globetrotters who have always wanted a firsthand look at Cuba can do so legally while reaping substantial savings on three unparalleled itineraries: Hello Cuba, Shalom Cuba and LGBT Cuba. LATOUR, a member of The Isramworld Portfolio of Brands and the premier expert in travel to Latin America, is offering up to $500 per person savings on 2015 departures. The three eligible tours are Hello Cuba, an eight-night itinerary that includes visits to Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad; prices start at $3,999; Shalom Cuba, an eight-night tour that focuses on Jewish life under Castro, with visits to Jewish Cubans and synagogues; prices start at $3,799; and the eight-night LGBT Cuba itinerary, which highlights the social challenges facing gay people in Cuba; prices start at $3,999.
Valid for Travel: Book by December 22, 2014, for travel through May 2015.
Info & Reservations: www.latour.com (mention promo code “Save $500” at time of booking).