20 TRAVEL DEALS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Memorial Day Weekend has finally arrived, opening a door of possibilities to warm-weather travel destinations and last-minute vacays. Whether you’ve already begun your summer travel planning or are just getting around to scheduling trips for the near future, there’s always room for more adventure—and if you play your cards right, you just might look back on the year surprised by all you were able to see without depleting your bank account.

If you’re looking to take part in cruise season, you’re in luck: Scenic and Emerald Cruises are both running two-for-the-price-of-one offers, Celebrity Cruises is enticing sailors to enjoy 20 percent off an all-inclusive Galapagos expedition, and even Alaska is getting in on the fun with Holland America Line offering half-off last-minute voyages for the summer solstice. Even better, many cruise bookings come with free airfare for select dates, making the often expensive form of travel more accessible.

More of a rail traveler? Rocky Mountaineer has pulled out the stops this season with up to $1,000 off its Rocky Mountain rail tours in the US and Canada, lasting anywhere from 1 to 11 nights. And for airfare, hotels, camper vans, ski passes, and traditional Amtrak-style train rides, you’re in luck, too, with savings that won’t last long. Welcome to summer—here are the hottest travel deals to get the ball rolling.

  • Flight deals
  • Train deals
  • Tour deals
  • Hotel deals
  • Cruise deals
  • More deals

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Alex Erdekian. 

Flight deals

Peruse seasonal deals with Ireland’s premier airline

Having something to look forward to is the key to happiness, so why not spend this Memorial Day weekend lining up your next out-of-town reset? Aer Lingus is always looking to give flyers some seasonal getaway deals, and right now through June 5, you can look ahead to summer, fall, and even winter travel with its host of on-sale economy flights between various US destinations and Irish hubs. Fares shown on the sale page are round-trip costs and include fees.

Grab cheap one-way flights with Hawaiian Airlines’ sale

It’s easier than ever to say aloha to a Hawaiian getaway thanks to Hawaiian Airlines’ current sale, which offers discounted rates on one-way trips to several popular islands from West Coast cities. Flights start as low as $119 for basic economy between numerous California and Hawaii cities, and select flights from Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Austin, Boston, Las Vegas, and New York also make appearances in the sale. Travel dates currently run from August through October.

Save up to 30 percent on vacation packages with Spirit Airlines

The budget airline is making it a cinch to save big not just on airfare, but hotels and more with its vacation packages, which are currently up to 30 percent off when travelers book flights, hotels, or rental cars together. Several of the top deals offer trips to Las Vegas and Orlando from cities such as ChicagoHouston, and New Orleans, starting at shockingly low prices that include flight and hotel. In addition, international destinations, including Mexico and the Dominican Republic, are also on the table.

Save up to 40 percent on hotel stays in Etihad Airways’ Stopover Package

Stopover packages are a great way to add another destination to your journey without spending too much extra cash. Travelers who want to experience Abu Dhabi can take advantage of Etihad Airways’ discounted Stopover Packages, which currently include 40 percent off two- or four-night hotel stays in top properties, or a free stay in select three- or four-star hotels. The offer also comes with discounts on restaurants and other experiences, as well as amenities like 24-hour check-in and buffet breakfast. Travelers must make bookings at least three days in advance before arriving in Abu Dhabi.

Fly all you want this summer with Frontier’s $499 Summer Pass

Travelers who don’t mind booking last-minute trips can take advantage of Frontier’s excellent GoWild! Summer Pass, which comes with unlimited flights for just $499—$500 off the regular price of $999. The catch: Travelers must book domestic flights as last-minute as the day before departure, but for international flights, the booking window starts 10 days in advance. Keep in mind that there are several blackout dates, prices don’t include add-ons like bags or seats, taxes and fees apply at the time of booking, and travel isn’t eligible for miles or status. The sale runs through May 31, and travel must take place before September 30, 2023.

Train deals

Save up to $1,000 per couple on a scenic luxury rail-tour

Rocky Mountaineer is offering remarkable savings of up to $1,000 (or $780 USD for Canada trips) on select rail expeditions aboard a luxury train. Journey through the US or Canadian Rockies, depending on the trip you choose, and take in scenic views, high-end amenities, and locally sourced meals. When night falls, you’ll be put up in a hotel to get ample rest without missing any of the views along the way. Eligible trips, which are scheduled between June and October of this year, last anywhere from 2 to 12 days, and must be booked by May 31 to qualify for the promotion.

Ride out Amtrak’s range of ongoing sales

Amtrak is offering some good longer-lasting deals, too. Tickets on the Downeaster train, which runs five round-trips between Boston and Maine each day, are now eligible for a buy one, get one half-off deal. The special discount runs through December 2024, so you have plenty of time to enlist a travel buddy—just book at least three days in advance. More details on the discount here.

Riders can also enjoy up to 20 percent in savings on train rides booked at least seven days in advance, trimming costs on a variety of routes that range from coast-to-coast with no change fees. Plus, on most journeys, seniors save 10 percent on ticket costs—that means people 65 and over for qualifying domestic trips and ages 60 and up on cross-border expeditions. And, in addition to the rest, Amtrak recently sweetened the savings on its children’s discount, so little ones between two and 12 years old may travel for 50 percent off with an accompanying adult.

Tour deals

An under-$1,000 Dubai and Abu Dhabi tour package that includes airfare, accommodations, and more

Seven nights’ accommodation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, daily breakfast, activities and transfers, and airfare from the US—all for under $1,000 if you play your cards right—is a pretty impressive deal and is the latest offering from tour operator Indus Travels. With a starting price of $999 for select dates in September (other dates between July and November are available at a range of prices, plenty of which are still a great value) the newly announced Magical Dubai itinerary starts in Dubai and ends in Abu Dhabi; the rate does not include a daily tourist tax of about $5.

Hotel deals

Stay longer, save bigger at Omni Hotels this summer

The longer you stay, the more savings you’ll rack up with Omni Hotels & Resorts’ Longer Days, Longer Stays promotion, running now through September 27 and eligible for trips during the same time frame. The enticing package means that a one-night stay equals 10 percent off, two nights equals 15 percent off, and three nights or longer equals up to 20 percent off the cost of the booking. Countless Omni properties in every corner of the United States are participating, giving you full control over where you venture. The question now is… how do you choose?

Browse Expedia's ever-changing roster of last-minute deals

Last-minute bookers can profit off their procrastination with Expedia's last-minute hotel deals page. (It's a good one to bookmark and revisit when you're feeling spontaneous.) Right now, we're eyeing The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, and Oh! Oasis Urban Hotel in Cancun.

​​Celebrate the 120th anniversary of NYC’s Kixby Hotel

To celebrate its 120th birthday, the Kixby Hotel, one of the longest standing hotels in New York, will soon launch its 120 Days of Summer package, which runs every Friday this summer. The deal is chock-full of savings with a numerical nod to the hotel’s longevity, with $120 rates for lux king or queen room categories; $1.20 drinks and burgers at on-site restaurants; and $120 worth of in-room goodies. The deal runs from May 15 to September 12 (120 days, natch) and availability is limited; use code 120 to check available dates.

Book a double room at the InterContinental San Diego, and get a connecting room free 

For those weekend getaways when your group needs a little more space to spread out, the Better Together package at the InterContinental San Diego is just the ticket, applying on stays now through June 30. With this deal, guests can book a double queen room for at least two nights and add a connecting king room at no additional charge, averaging savings of 50 percent. After a long day of exploring San Diego sights, guests can relax in their adjoining rooms and enjoy newly revamped in-room dining. But it’s also worth it to sample just-rolled-out menus by new chef de cuisine Ricardo Heredia at the hotel's signature restaurants: the Sardinian-inspired rooftop Garibaldi or the Baja-leaning Vistal.

Earn 20 percent off nightly rates and a $100 daily resort credit at Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos

This butler-serviced villa resort in Providenciales is welcoming families this summer with 20 percent off the best available rate, plus a $100 nightly resort credit (and a gift for kiddos under 12), for travelers who book before June 30 for trips through December 18, 2023. Activities on tap for kids and teens this summer include bone fishing excursions, sailing lessons, and private cooking classes.

Get a sweet, suite deal at Mondrian Los Angeles 

Level up your LA vacay with discounted suites at Mondrian Los Angeles—they’re currently 20 percent off and also come with a $25 daily in-room dining credit and guaranteed late check out of 1 p.m. (early check-in is based upon availability; the deal also is subject to availability, and blackout dates may apply). The suites offer travelers a spiffy home base right in the heart of West Hollywood, and the property’s dreamy rooftop pool is a perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing and celeb spotting. 

Cruise deals

Spend the longest day of the year in Alaska with a half-off cruise

The summer solstice on June 21 is a bright and beautiful time to tour Alaska, and Holland America Line wants you to do just that by offering 50 percent off last-minute sailings that can amount to as little as $329, with third and fourth guests on select bookings joining the party for free. If you move quickly and complete the purchase before the end of May, you’ll get up to $150 per stateroom in onboard credit to ease the financial burden a little extra as you cruise through the world-renowned glaciers that have put Alaska on nearly every traveler’s bucket list. To redeem this offer, all guests need to do is simply book their trip on the Holland America Line website. The reduced fares will be automatically applied through Holland America Line’s booking page.

Get 20 percent off an all-inclusive Galapagos cruise plus round-trip airfare

Through May 31, travelers can enjoy an all-inclusive trip to the historic Galapagos Islands in Ecuador with major savings if they play their cards right: that means 20 percent off cruise fares with Celebrity Cruises, and free round-trip airfare if you book an offer package by calling the cruise line directly. By all-inclusive, Celebrity means it’ll cover flights, guided Galapagos National Park excursions, meals by a Michelin-starred chef, unlimited drinks and Wi-Fi costs aboard the ship. (See more of our favorite Galapagos cruises here.)

Get two-for-one fares, plus free airfare on European river cruises

If you’re looking for a reason to finally book that luxury cruise you’ve had your eye on, don’t miss this hard-to-beat deal from Scenic. Not only does it come with two-for-one fare on select 2023-2024 European river cruises—you’ll also get free premium economy airfare if you pay in full within 30 days of booking or 90 days prior to departure (whichever is sooner). New routes for the luxury, all-inclusive cruises, which only accommodate up to 163 guests, include sailings along the Danube River. All fares include extra such as premium beverages, unlimited excursions, and all gratuities included.

Another two-for-one deal, but for luxury cruise yachts

If you fancy a cruise that sails the open seas instead of rivers, you can still take advantage of two-for-one savings as well as free airfare with another excellent deal from Emerald Cruises. The 100-passenger ships sail through the Caribbean and Central America, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Adriatic Sea. This deal must be booked by June 30, 2023, and payment must be made in full for the free airfare bonus.

Sail for $489 per person with Costa Cruises 

An eight-day European cruise for less than $500 sounds too good to be true, but Costa Cruises’ spring sale promotion is indeed offering discounted fares as low as $489 for select itineraries. The deal is available for bookings through May 31 on cruises that run through November 2023 (some restrictions and blackout dates apply). Selected itineraries include dreamy jaunts through the Mediterranean, sailings through the dramatic landscapes of Northern Europe, and transatlantic routes.

Even more travel deals

Save hundreds on extended stays with Cabana Camper Vans

Cabana is a modern mobile hospitality company with a fleet of luxury, high-tech camper vans for rent. This month, they're offering 20 percent off of all travel dates in May, the perfect opportunity for a last-minute getaway—use promo code MAYDEAL20 at checkout. Plus, on their offers page, find five additional running deals to take advantage of—including extended stays, one-way trips, deals for teachers, and more.

Grab an Epic Pass by May 29 to save on lodging, ski passes, and more year-round

Ski season is still officially months away, but savvy powder hounds know now is the time to book a pass to save some serious cash, and not just for winter trips. May 29 (Memorial Day) is the last chance to lock in the lowest price on 2023-2024 season Epic Pass products and secure two Buddy Tickets for friends and family that also come with the highest discount on lift tickets all season at Vail Resorts properties, including Vail, Breckenridge, Park City, and Whistler Blackcomb.

Invest in a milestone trip

If a Kenyan safari is the adventure you need this spring, Cottar’s Safaris, a luxury outfitter based in Maasai Mara, has some enticing offers. One comes with a fourth night for free with a three-night stay (available at Cottar’s 1920s Camp or the Bush Villa), while a honeymoon offer includes 50 percent off one traveler’s accommodation (1920s Camp only). The deals are good during March, April, and May, as well as November 1 through December 19, 2023. Other restrictions apply, and travelers also should confirm availability before booking. 

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