Groupon Joins the Travel Marketplace - Whooppee!

Lebua Hotel's Three-Bedroom Suite, Bangkok Thailand

July 13th marked the launch of Groupon Getaways, a partnership between the enormously successful coupon site Groupon and the enormously successful online travel seller, Expedia.  Promising "high quality, curated deals" the two will work together to get as much distressed vacation inventory out the door as possible.

What's new for travelers is that those who buy the discount coupons (in effect, pre-paying for their vacation at a steeply discounted rate) will be able to 'redeem' them at a future date of their own choosing.  Could be a great solution for that family vacation that seems to get priced out of range every time a school break opens up a travel window.

We've said before that Groupon, by offering coupons on attractions, restaurants and shops in 43 countries around the world, can be a boon to travelers.  The trick is to sign up for an email in your destination city before you travel, to take advantage of the savings that locals enjoy. 

How Groupon Getaways Works

According to their spokesperson, Groupon Getaways with Expedia handpicks desirable destinations and the most interesting things to do, offering them at around 50% off retail rates found at other online travel sites. The site will offer a mix of opportunities, from 4- and 5-star properties and activities at premiere locations to nearby weekend packages showcasing hidden gems in a subscriber’s backyard.

The offers available at launch really ran the gamut of interests, and included some whoppers:

•     Las Vegas: $144 One-Night Weekend Stay at The Palms Casino Resort with Direct Access Pass, Gaming Credit and Breakfast Buffet for Two ($299 Value)

•     Dallas: $139 One-Night Stay in Premier King Room at The Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa with Lavish Breakfast for Two and 25% Discount at Spa (up to $269 Value)

•     Bangkok: $2,086 Five-Night Stay for Six Guests in Three Bedroom Hangover Suite at The Tower Club at Lebua with Daily 60-Minute Aromatherapy Massage for Each Guest ($11,875 Value)

Of course, with teens it da' house, the Hangover II suite in Bangkok (pictured above) presented the clear winner for our family. 

Once a customer purchases a voucher, there’s no pressure to book immediately as families can redeem anytime within the expiration period. This allows trip planners to make a down payment toward a memorable vacation, building the trip around that deal when the time is right.

Could be a Win-Win Spend-Spend for Everyone

“Through this partnership, we’re aiming to give the world’s travelers a way to capitalize on travel dreams that might otherwise go unrealized,” said Scott Durchslag, President, Expedia Worldwide. “Sign up, and our Getaway deals will arrive in your in box. When you see one you like, buy it, then take the trip on your timeline.”

Adds Aaron Cooper, Senior VP of New Business, Groupon. "We’ll introduce subscribers to interesting places at prices they won’t expect.”  Check out Groupon.com/getaways for more information.

You betcha!

Asia's Ten Most Holy Sites for Family Travelers

Families are traveling farther from home than ever for unique spiritual and cultural experiences. As Americans become more interested in the religions of the world, long-time tour operators like Asia Transpacific Journeys are organizing guided trips to visit the major holy sites and better understand their significance. With their long history in the region and cultural expertise, you can be sure their guides will ensure that neither you nor the kids will be inappropriately dressed or exhibit other behavior that might offend your hosts.

From the holy Hindu city of Varanasi in India, to the world’s largest Buddhist monument in predominantly Muslim Indonesia, to the Emerald Buddha in Thailand, here is the company's list of the top ten temples, shrines and places of worship in Asia in terms of their impact on tourists.

1. TAKTSHANG MONASTERY (Bhutan) - Bhutan’s most iconic temple and sacred spot, this monastery clings dramatically to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Travelers can join locals in hanging Buddhist prayer flags after checking with monks to make sure the date is auspicious.


2. VARANASI (India) - It is said that a ritual cleansing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Varanasi absolves the believer of all sins, enabling a higher birth in the next life. Millions of Hindus make their way here annually.


3. SHWEDAGON PAGODA (Myanmar/Burma) - Sheathed in gold plates and topped by a 76-carat diamond, the great golden dome that rises 322 feet above its base in Yangon is Burma’s most sacred site, visited by Buddhist worshippers and monks daily.


4. DAMBULLA (Sri Lanka) - The most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples, Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of five caves with over 6,000 square feet of painted walls and ceilings, creating the largest continuous series of paintings in the world.

5. BOROBUDUR (Indonesia) - An absolute must if visiting Indonesia, the reclaimed ninth century ruins are the largest Buddhist monument on earth, and one of the original seven ancient wonders of the world.


6. PASHIPATINATH (Nepal) – The largest temple devoted to the Hindu god Shiva in the world draws devotees from all over the Indian subcontinent. Visitors are likely to witness a fascinating cremation ceremony on the holy Bagmati River.


7. PAK OU (Laos) – A natural cave with more than 3,000 Buddha statues left behind by worshiping kings, merchants and farmers over the centuries, this mystical pilgrimage site is accessible by boat only.


8. DHARAMSALA (India) - The capital of the Tibetan government in exile, Dharamsala is the residence of the Dalai Lama and frequented by pilgrims and visitors from around the world who wish to study Tibetan Buddhism.


9. WAT PHRA KAEW (Thailand) – Located in Bangkok’s Grand Palace and also known as the “Temple of the Emerald Buddha,” this spectacular pilgrimage site is the place where all Thai monarchs have worshiped since it was retaken from the Burmese in the late 18th century.


10. SARNATH (India) – This sacred site near Varanasi, where Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon after achieving enlightenment, draws pilgrims from around the world.


If these destinations sound as intriguing to you as they do to us, get in touch with Asia Transpacific Journeys and let them help you plan a special tour. Founded in 1987, it is the travel company of choice for organizations such as the American Museum of Natural History the World Wildlife Fund, the Harvard, Yale and Princeton alumni associations, as well as individuals, their families and friends.