A Hines

Has anyone used an auction site to purchase a caribbean vacation? I am planning a trip and am considering using such a site. Any help would be greatly appreciated! If you do not wish to post on this site please e-mail me privately.
Thanks in advance!

Anne

Karen

I have not but do know someone via the net who did. Their successful bid was a very good bargain for the spot that they were going, I thought! Then there were "special packages" posted elsewhere for just a little bit less. The resort honored those prices when questioned according to the traveler! The one thing that stops me is the "availibility" clause. If the place is not available when I am, I have bought nothing! If you can be flexible, you might get a great deal but do your bidding carefully!

C.Clark

Hi, I've used skyauction.com and got great deals that were alot cheaper than I could get anywhere. I never had a problem with the dates that I wanted to go on either and they were peak times.

greg

We have been sucessful using auctions, with no problems to report. I have seen some posts; however, that were critical of "skyauction". Our latest "sucess" was at "onsale.com" in their Travel department. We will be traveling to French Polynesia (air fare from LAX included) for a 12 day cruise on Renissance's "Paul Gauguin". They advertised a "B" state room with a private balcony and that's exactly what our reservation "documents" provide. Based on my internet crusing, I believe we paid a little less than a quarter of the published fares. Just be careful what you bid on and make sure you know what the package includes. The only other advise I have for you is don't get caught up in the passion of the moment. Track the auctions for a couple of cycles and see what the going price is. Auctions are great but you don't want to be the highest bidder! Good Luck.
gmr

Karen

But how does one "win" the auction other than by being the "highest bidder?" You just don't want to bid what you would pay if you were paying the rack rate.

C.Clark

Karen, I checked the prices out of where I wanted to go, even with an entertainment rate I am paying over a $100.dollars less per night. Best Fares said that you could get good deals if you watched your prices. I checked out onsale.com and personally thought that their prices were alittle to high on most items. Good Luck!!!!

A Hines

Thanks for all of the great responses and tips. Now that I have heard from some people that have actually bought and been satisfied with their purchase I am more inclined to try auctions for my next trip. Please let me know of any other pieces of informaion that you think I should know.
Thanks again! Happy traveling.

Anne