This post brought to you by Groupon Getaways. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Baby to Boomer Lifestyle.
Are you in a vacation rut? We are. We’ve “been there” and “done that” and seem to go back to the same places time after time because it’s easy. We know what’s available, which hotel offers the best deal, and what activities there are to do there. I’m not complaining, I’m thrilled that we can make time to go away together, but after 32 years of marriage, it’s time for a change.
With so many travel sites on the Internet it’s overwhelming trying to find the right deal for the right location and perhaps that’s a part of the reason we’ve defaulted to the same tried and true vacation spots. But just because we want to shake-up our vacation location, it doesn’t mean we’re willing to take risks. We want to choose a new vacation in the safest way possible, and we want it at a great price. That’s where Groupon Getaways come in.
What?!? Didn’t you know that Groupon has great deals on vacations? I didn’t either! Even though I’ve purchased fabulous deals on classes, entertainment, and activities here in Seattle, I’ve never paid any attention to the fact that they also provide getaways to many cities in the US as well as around the world. Plus, they offer discounts on activities and adventures at many of those same locations to saving us even more money!
Groupon Getaways: So Many Choices!
When I first looked over the list of deals, I was floored by the prices. An 8-day Ireland B&B vacation with airfare* and car rental was just $899 per person – that’s completely doable! I was almost giddy thinking about it, and then I remembered that neither my husband nor I have a passport which is something our globe-trotting son likes to tease us about often. His is nearly full, and it’s time to get a new one, but though my husband I are both in our 50’s, we’ve never held a US passport.
With destinations like Italy, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Greece, France, Antigua, Costa Rica, New Zealand, St. Maarten, Hong Kong, China, the United Arab Emirates, and even a 13-day European tour through London, Paris, Venice, Rome, and Florence available, there’s a trip for everyone. At least those with a passport! I’ve never wished so hard that we’d have gotten around to applying.
Groupon Getaways: From Coast to Coast
But no worries, for the rest of us there are plenty of locations throughout the US. I picked out several to present to my husband as options for our getaway. I chose Washington DC, Yosemite, Niagara Falls, Boston, and a few others that we’ve talked about visiting. He shot down every one of them by showing me pictures of each covered in ice and snow. Oops! He reminded me that while our weather is wet and mild, many are dealing with some unusually cold weather – that’s a deal breaker.
We’re ready for some sunshine, so we started thinking heading further south. My first thought was to go to Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites in San Diego. It made me smile to see it among the offerings because over 20 years ago we vacationed there with our small children. We loved the hotel and watching the military boats in the bay, and we were treated to an outdoor concert by Little Richard at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay right there on the grounds. My husband and I sat on the lanai with the kids to listen and now and then, much to the delight of our two little boys, Little Richard would come to the edge of the stage and they would get a glimpse of his bejeweled outfit which was dazzling in the lights. They loved being allowed to stay up past their bedtime and hang out with us in the warm evening with the refrains of “Tutti-Frutti and “Good Golly Miss Molly” stirring them dance. It was truly magical. 
It was such a fabulous time and we always said we wanted to go back, but we decided that this time we’d be going without the kids, and it would likely be too melancholy for us to remember back to that first trip. Perhaps it was best to leave that memory intact, so we decided to go somewhere new. But it had to be warm, not too far because we didn’t want to waste a day traveling there and another home, and we needed to be able to book it within ten days.
Groupon Getaways – Buy It, Book It, Go!
Sound impossible? Nope! We did it. We chose a getaway to Sedona Summit in Sedona, AZ. It’s the perfect mash-up of my new age hippy lifestyle and his love for hiking. I’m looking forward to morning meditations and art classes, and he can’t wait to try out the restaurants and bars after a day of exploring the red rocks. We couldn’t be two more different people, but that’s why this location is perfect for us. 
This Groupon Getaways deal has a great feature where the hotel is booked at the same time the deal is purchased – it makes scheduling a vacation so easy! Every deal provides details on when it has to be booked by or when the offer ends, information about the location, and pictures to explore so you can make the right choice for you. Our mid-winter fever is about to get an infusion of some sunshine!
Vacation with Me in Sedona, AZ
I’ll be blogging and tweeting from the hotel and I’ll be sending up a flare if I get lost in the desert so I hope you’ll follow the hashtag #MyGrouponGetaway on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram just in case I need help. Then in a few weeks we’ll be sharing an in-state getaway to a historic location with ties to Hollywood!
What Groupon Getaways deal would you choose to get out of your vacation rut? Would you take a trip across the pond or on the other side of the state? Where do you dream of visiting?
*Airfare is included from JFK and ORD – expenses from your hometown airport to one of these is on your own. Photo Credits: Groupon.com
Groupon offers amazing savings on all sorts of things. These getaways are amazing to save on travel.
I’m all for saving money as long as it’s easy and this is easy!
I’ve had my eye on some of those Groupon getaways for a while. The locations seem so inviting and exotic.
I love the feature of booking hotel when deal is booked. It makes booking a vacation like a breeze
The instant-booking feature is my favorite. I hope it expands to the deals – booking those the minute I buy them would be fantastic, but it’s the vendor’s that are the issue…bummer.
I’d love to go to Venice. It’s been on my to-do list for awhile but I’ve really really got a hankering to go.
Venice would be fantastic. Oh the food and the views. Someday!
I am so itching to go back to England and Paris in the summer.
England and Paris – sounds divine. I bet you have some great photos!
I have never been on a Groupon Getaway, but I will definitely have to check them out. Our favorite way to travel right now is via cruise. I will have to see if they offer those. 🙂
Have fun on your vacation in Arizona! I can’t wait to hear about your adventure.
Thanks Jenny! We did have a great time and I’m working on a few posts now about our time there. We will go back again soon!
I’ve never purchased a groupon get away. One of these days when I take a vacation I’ll have to look into it
I would love to do a vaca with the Mister. I should check Groupon more often.
There are so many incredible places you can go through Groupon. They have such a great system!
I think that is awesome Groupon now offers travel deals. We will definitely keep them in mind for our next family trip!
Groupon has so many great deals for getaways. I’ve never used their deals myself but I know plenty who have and loved where they were able to go!
Looks like a lot of great options. I want to go somewhere soon!
How awesome to have a groupon getaway! I am definitely doing this for the summer
I didn’t know that groupon offers these also. So many places I would love to travel but have to think about budget. I’ll try thinking about groupon next time I’m planning a trip.
WOW. I HAD NO IDEA THAT GROUPON HAD SUCH WONDERFUL DEALS.
I just booked an Orlando trip with them. SAved a TON of money. Love these ideas.
Fabulous! Now can I go with you? 😉 Have a great time!
Seems so cozy and pretty much a nice getaway to experience. I would love to stay in haha!
I used to buy a lot of groupons but found I was not using them as much and unfortunately lost a lot of money that way. These getaways looks amazing though.
I’ve done that as well, but you never lose the original value. I’m more careful about what I purchase now and I make sure I use them!
We save a lot of money using Groupon! We’ve found a lot of good deals on trips there. It helps a lot!
So exciting – I forgot to share this similar info the last time – with my hubby – so I enjoyed your ideas again 🙂
I’ve never used groupon like this. They seem to have a lot of great deals though.
We’re using a Groupon Getaway right now and we’re so loving every single second of it! Tomorrow night is our last night and we’re already wishing we were staying another week!
I love Groupon. I use them every chance I get. I haven’t used them for getaways, yet, but I’m sure I will.
I never thought about Groupon for vacation planning. I’d really love to book an Ireland getaway through them!
I’m often tempted by groupon getaways. I don’t know how they discount them so much.
It’s easy to check the prices – they’re *generally* the lowest prices or they add additional features which makes them a better deal but ALWAYS read the fine print and price check for sure!
I had no idea that Groupon had trips on there as well. That’s amazing!
My second oldest son turned me on to Groupon. It really is a great resource!
We’ve done a few of the local Groupon getaways to spas and things, and they’ve been awesome! I’d definitely consider checking them out for a big trip too!
Wow! All the photos look amazing. I’d never think of Groupon for vacations! How cool!
I have never tried Groupon, but I have heard they give you amazing deals. That deal to go to Ireland sounds great!
I have never used Groupon for trips but I have used them for outings and I love it.
I’ve never purchased a trip from groupon. I’ve seen them but never bought.
I love sites like Groupon and Living Social. I have been able to find new things to do and places to eat at here in the state. The discounts are awesome and I get a cash back through Fat Wallet.
Oh, I’ve forgotten about Fat Wallet! I used to use them all the time. Thanks for reminding me!
Groupon has such great deals! I’ve never used them on a getaway but I’m definitely tempted.
This is good to know as we are planning our vacation. I never knew that Groupon offered giveaways
We’re leaving our Groupon Giveaway soon and WE DON’T WANT TO! 🙂
I love Groupon! You can find some great deals on their site. I need to plan our spring break and summer vacations so I’ll be checking them out shortly!
I have never even thought of using Groupon for outings. What a great idea.
I have used Groupons for outings, but never for a vacation. It sounds like a good option to me 🙂