Purchasing vacations on Groupon Getaways

You signed up for Groupon deals and that dream getaway shows up in your inbox. Now what? Do you buy it? Don't you? How do you decide?

Click "View This Deal" to read the general description of the offer and the resort. If that sounds good,

The Deal, viewed through Groupon iPhone app.
Will look different on computer screen

Read the fine print! Make sure you understand the restrictions on travel and hidden costs. Groupon getaways include restrictions, such as:

• Must book your stay by a specific date or promotional value expires
• Must complete travel by a specific date (sometimes years ahead, sometimes just a couple months)
• Not valid certain dates, particularly holiday weekends or peak travel season
• Valid only for option purchased (can't upgrade to larger suite or add days)
• Subject to availability 
• Credit card required at booking/check-in
• Must use promotional value in 1 visit
• Not valid with reward points
• Resort fees and taxes are generally not included 

Fine print explains details of Groupon
Getaway dates, restrictions, taxes, etc.

Understand the resort.
This resort is ADULTS ONLY.

Review the resort. Take a few minutes before purchasing to read independent reviews at sites such as Travelocity, TripAdvisor, and Expedia. I also check the resort's website for more photos and information before purchasing. These sites provide photos and traveler reviews. They can also help you determine how good the Groupon Getaway deal really is, just compare their prices to the Groupon Getaway package price! NOTE: The Groupon iPhone app provides easy links to other sites for easy research!

Ready to buy? Click on the green "Buy" button at the offer's home page. Groupon Getaways often include options for weekday or weekend nights, view preferences, number of nights, or size of suite. Review the options to select the one that best suits your needs. NOTE: Price and savings vary with different options. Be sure you understand what you are purchasing and at what price (Groupon Getaways makes this information clear).

Green Buy! Button

Some resorts offer options. Consider
which option is best for you by comparing
features and savings

Payment Window. When you click buy, you will go to a secure payment screen to make your purchase. You will have an opportunity to double-check before finalizing.

After your purchase. Within 24 hours (often much less) Groupon Getaways will send you an email receipt confirming that your purchase is in process. That email also explains how to print your Groupon travel coupon and include all the information needed to redeem it. Be sure to save this email in case you have any trouble (I never have, but it's always better to be safe than sorry!)

Want to upgrade? After your purchase -- AND BEFORE THE GROUPON TRAVEL OFFER EXPIRES -- you may change the option you selected as long as you haven't printed the coupon yet. The Groupon site states, "once you print, you can no longer change your purchase." Sometimes, options do sell out. To change a purchase, go to your "My Groupons' link to sign in. If you can change your purchase (offer still active and not sold out), you will see the option to 'Change my purchase.' Click there and follow the directions.

What if the dates I want are not available? Groupon offers "Worry free booking." The site specifically states, "If you aren't able to book the dates you want, we'll give you a refund. It's all part of the Groupon promise."

If you have a Groupon tip to share, please comment below. If you have taken a fabulous Groupon getaway, I'd love to share your story -- and vacation photos -- with our readers. Please contact me.

Happy Travels.

Groupon Getaways are a great travel deal, once you know how to use them. I did not receive any compensation from Groupon for this post. I wrote it so that you, the savvy traveler, can save more money when traveling! The information shared is accurate when the post was written. I am not responsible for any bookings you make.