Tips for making a profit

6 tips for getting the most from Groupon Getaways

Who doesn't love travel deals? The Groupon Getaway deals are often tempting but are they really a good deal? They can be if you're smart about it. Here are some tips that can help you book a great vacation through Groupon Getaways.

1. Ask yourself, is this really what I want?

You have to pay in full when you buy the Groupon, not when you take the vacation. It might be the best deal ever but if you never use it your spending money that you don't need to. Before you click the Buy but think about it this is what will fit into your existing plans and budget. Do you have dates in mind when you are sure you can use it? We need to sacrifice something else to fit it into your schedule or budget?

2. Read the fine print

Watch out for all the hidden fees, blackout dates and expiration dates. $240 for three nights in a one bedroom condo in Keystone looks like a screaming deal, until I read the details and saw that we would be charged a $60 cleaning fee. That is 25% more than the advertised price, but still a better deal than other condos on other trouble sites.

We were traveling to Keystone that weekend anyway any lodging, so the Groupon deal was a winner. But the 25% markup could have been a deal breaker if we weren't already planning that trip.

Also compare costs between staying in a condo and then eating all your meals there versus a nearby budget hotel with a complimentary breakfast. It can work out to be even. But we love the extra space and comfort and there was no doubt we made the right decision.

3. Ask questions

Groupon has a Q&A; section for each so write a question, which is answered by the property. Depending on the speed and accuracy with which your question is answered by the property it may be a good indicator of how you will be treated during your stay.

Even if you don't have a question of your own, either read other people's questions and response times and that can give you good information whether the deal is right for you.

4. Read reviews

Read reviews of the property on one of the many online travel review sites. You can read about the Groupon deals and find out that some of the hotels may not be suited for young children or they didn't have such great reviews so you can move on.

Don't rely too much on one single positive or negative review. Get an overall impression from multiple reviewers and that will give you a good idea of what to expect.

5. Sleep on it

Some Groupon vacation deals sell out quickly. But if you check them frequently will have some time to decide on some of the getaway deals before they're gone.

The deals are not being offered for charitable reasons. The only offer them to fill rooms that might not other wise be filled or possibly in the off-season. You can try to find a good deal for the same destination by other means.

6. Try Groupon coupons

Groupon has added a new feature, and I quickly became hooked. I love the idea of saving money with coupons, but hate keeping track of paper or online coupons it can never find them when I need them. With Groupon coupon codes, you have access to hundreds of brands all the time. If you already use coupons and deals, these will feel similar and familiar. You can use them to order pizza for a family movie night last weekend. You will be checking back next time you need close, luggage food and other travel deals.