Last minute deals - Worth the risk?

[CommTHOR]

Recently got back from my first trip to Puerto Plata, and am already seriously thinking about heading back in the spring. (April)

After looking at the last minute deals places like sunquest.ca and flightcenter.ca offer, I was thinking of taking the risk and booking my trip on a last minute deal, as ticket prices seem to be MUCH cheaper (half the price or less)

I'd really like to try Puerto Plata again staying at an AI, (at least this trip - I'm just getting the wife into the whole travel thing) so is it worth the risk of not finding a ticket? Anyone done this about this time of the year before?

Will be flying from Toronto (YYZ), so there's plenty of options.

Once we book our vacations in January, we'll be pretty much stuck with the time frame, and I'm just a bit concerned I won't find anything. I do have Punta Cana as a backup destination, so all will not be lost if the outlook isn't good, but I have a friend who is pre-booking that will be in POP at that time, and I'd really like to be around.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hlywud]

you are looking at the wrong discount sites, sunquest are book rates, try www.bookitforless.ca and you will see quite a difference. There are others also selloffvacations and yourtraveltickets

 

[CommTHOR]

Thanks for the sites. I'll be trying them, but even on those, the last minute deals are quite a bit cheaper like the couple I mentioned. After a cursory look, they are a bit cheaper in prices, but not by a remarkable amount - and the last minute deals are still around the same price.

My main concern with my original post was availability if I did go the last minute deal. I'm willing to pay a small amount more by going to a "book rate" site - but it's of no use to me if they are typically completely out of tickets that time of the year.

Rest assured when the time comes to book, I'll be shopping around like mad. The two sites I quoted were simply off the top of my head.

 

[Malibook]

I always use http://www.selloffvacations.com/home.htm.

April should be no problem at all.
I go in the spring April/May before schools let out.
The AI packages from Toronto have not sold out in a very long time.

I always go last minute so I can check the forcast and get a great deal.
http://wwwa.accuweather.com/world-city-list2.asp?
http://www.caribwx.com/sattelite.html

 

[HOWMAR]

Don't forget Holy week. Although it is off season for foreigh tourists, Holy week, starting Sat. Apr 08 thru Easter Sunday, April 16, is a Dominican Holiday period. Playa Dorada hotels in POP are totally full of Dominicans. Don't expect a last minute room this period.

 

[planner]

I was just going to echo what Howmar just posted. Easter is very busy here as wellas the week before and after. IF you can travel after that time, you will find some deals. IF youdon't care what hotel you stay in you will have more choices too.

The key to a last minute deal is flexibility. IF you are flexible you should have no problems.

 

[Luperon]

Are there any travel deals from NYC area?

Everything seems to be for Canada, what site/s should a New Yorker look at for a good Dominican Travel Deal?

Thanks

 

[RandyE]

Right now

Travelocity has 6 nights at Paradise beach resort in PD for $680 taxes inc. RT direct flight out of EWR (NJ). End of Feb. See ya there......

 

[MaineGirl]

This Thanksgiving AND last Thanksgiving I booked a week before departure and feel I got a great deal. If it was just airline tickets, not such a hot deal but for LESS money I was able to book tickets and an AI. Airline tickets were more than $800 but tickets plus 7 days in an AI were under $800. Crazy.

It is ok to do if you are a flexible sort of person. I used travelocity.

 

[CommTHOR]

All your input is greatly appreciated. The knowledge of the Easter holiday issues will help out a lot in making the decision on when the wife and I should book our holidays. That particular week was actually the one I was planning on booking off - not realizing how it would've severly limited my options.

 

[Malibook]

I just found one of the best deals I have ever seen.:classic:
Leaves this Sunday the 20th for 1 week at Fun Tropicale for $643 CAD ($540 US) including the $275 taxes and no single supplement.
I want to go but I am just too damn busy at work.
Two can go to the Dorado Club for $1166 CAD all in.

 

[moe]

Last min deals

They are great as long as it's not more than a week. I don't get that why do they charge more the longer you go. It's not like the fuel is going to be more the following weeks.They only problem is if you have to tell your boss ahead of time. Last minute usually means 4 days notice. Moe:rambo:

 

[planner]

Well my dear a second week means 7 more nights in a hotel with food and drink! Did you not think it would cost more????

Or, are you referring to just the airfare which is not what Malibook referred to.

 

[laurapasinifan]

This Thanksgiving AND last Thanksgiving I booked a week before departure and feel I got a great deal. If it was just airline tickets, not such a hot deal but for LESS money I was able to book tickets and an AI. Airline tickets were more than $800 but tickets plus 7 days in an AI were under $800. Crazy.

It is ok to do if you are a flexible sort of person. I used travelocity.

That is crazy?..it must be the deals the agency bought ahead of time and are just trying to recoup some money. It might be prudent for some of us to book these packages, even though we dont want the hotel, and just not show up at the hotel!.. Just use the deal to save on airfare!.......bob

 

[planner]

Yes Bob it makes great sense to buy the package even if you only want the airfare! However it only works if you are a couple or family. Most of the time if you are a single they will nail you with a single supplement even if you are not going to use the hotel. Almost always the sale price is based on double occupancy!