Best travel deals October 2023: Low cruise fares and tickets to Universal

We all follow those people on Instagram who are somehow always on vacation. We don’t know their life story, but we’d be willing to bet they didn’t pay full price for that excursion — they just planned strategically. We’re keeping track of the best flight, train, luggage, and hotel deals below to help you do the same. Now get outta here. SEE ALSO: The best sites for cheap flights Flights Why we like it The cold weather version of Frontier’s internet-breaking summer pass unlocks unlimited flights to both domestic and international Frontier destinations between Sept. 2 and Feb. 29, 2024, for a one-time fee of $299. Frontier serves more than 100 airports across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America, with new locations frequently being added to the lineup. This is cheaper than even the summer pass’ debut price of $399 and its long-term sale price of $499. Frontier also dropped a monthly pass that’s free for the first month (aside from a $49 enrollment fee) and renews for $149 monthly after that. Your unlimited monthly pass begins the day you purchase it and runs for 30 days each period. Be sure to read the fine print before snagging any of the tickets. More flight deals Air New Zealand — get reduced fares to Auckland with the option to add cities like Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown (19 total options) at no additional cost Trains, cruises, and rental cars Why we like it If you need a sign to book that cruise you’ve been talking about taking since last year, Celebrity Cruise Line’s current offering of 40% off all guests on all trips is that sign. The Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Saint Kitts, Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and more Caribbean and European destinations are all options, and depending on the itinerary, you can sail for as long as 13 nights or take a quick three-night getaway. More train, cruise, and rental car deals American Airlines — save up to 35% on rental car base rates Amtrak — save up to 60% on eight tickets to various destinations, up to 50% on Northeast trips, up to 15% on California and Virginia trips, and more Norwegian Cruise Line — save 70% on a second guest’s fare Priceline — save on several select cruise destinations plus get up to $1,000 to spend onboard Princess Cruises — save up to 50% including on low balcony fares, plus up to $300 in onboard spending Theme park deals Why we like it Vacation doesn’t feel like vacation when you’re trying to cram a theme park’s full glory into a few short days. You can add three full days at Universal to your trip for free when you purchase tickets for two days (as long as they’re all consecutive). That’s five days for the price of two, so you can really take your time between Universal and Islands of Adventure — or even devote a whole day to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You’d still have to buy separate tickets (starting at $84.99) to Halloween Horror Nights, but the money you’re saving with this deal basically secures those for free. Universal is also offering a slightly different deal that involves lodging: Get 30% off a three-park, five-night hotel ticket package. More experience deals Busch Gardens — get two days for $99.99 or buy a 2024 Fun Card and get the rest of 2023 for free at Tampa or get trips now through Oct. 31 for free plus unlimited visits between Jan. 8 and Sept. 2, 2024 when you buy a 2024 Fun Card at Williamsburg Hersheypark — save up to 35% on dates between Hersheypark Halloween and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, or over 20% on a regular one-day ticket Hotels Why we like it Quick weekend excursions are society’s sanity staples — but sometimes, you deserve more. If you didn’t get to take that long trip this summer, Kimpton’s extended “Stay Longer and Save” promo is your nudge to get away before 2024. Through Dec. 31, you can save between 15% and 20% on stays three nights or longer at a ton of stylish participating Kimpton locations across the U.S. If a one or two-night trip is in the cards, however, you can also save up to 20% off the best flexible rate when you book at least seven days in advance. More hotel deals B Hotels and Resorts Orlando — save up to 25% on stays of two or more nights when booked by Dec. 20 Casa de Sierra Nevada — stay three nights and get a fourth night free through Dec. 15 Extended Stay America — save up to 45% on stays longer than 30 nights The Grove Resort & Waterpark Orlando — 20% off stays through Sept. 3, 2024 when booked by Nov. 19, 2023 Hampton Inn — save up to 17% on the Best Available Rate when you book at least seven days in advance JetBlue — save up to 20% on hotels if you have a JetBlue flight Marriott — save up to 20% on hotel and flight bundles to select destinations Priceline — save up to 15% on European destinations when you book through the app with code EUROESCAPE, plus save up to $625 on hotel and flight bundles to select golf destinations Red Roof Inn — save an extra 15% on your stay with Redi Rewards Sonesta — save up to 20% on premium suites when booked by Oct. 31 with code SUITEW Walt Disney World — save up to 25% on stays most Sunday to Thursday nights from Jan. 9 through Feb. 22, 2024 when you book by Dec. 15, 2023 Wyndham — Wyndham Rewards members can save 15% on two or more consecutive nights when you stay by Oct. 31 Luggage Why we like it Still putting up with your suitcase’s busted wheel? Longstanding luggage icon American Tourister’s extended site-wide Labor Day sale is your excuse to finally replace it. Save up to 30% on hardside and softside spinners, carry-ons, garment bags, and more. More luggage deals Bagail — save up to 40% on packing cubes in select colors Béis — save 10% on a luggage set of two or 15% on a luggage set of three Calpak — save up to 60% on select best sellers Herschel — save 30% on Forever Classics Kohl’s — save up to 50% on suitcases from Delsey, London Fog, Rockland, and more Macy’s — save up to 60% on Bric’s Milano, DKNY, Jansport, and more Mark & Graham — save up to 50% on select personalized totes, handbags, travel pouches, and more, plus an extra 20% off sale with code EXTRA20 Paravel — save 20% on a set of two Aviator suitcases or 30% on a set of three Samsonite — save 25% on select styles TravelPro — save up to 30% sitewide Tumi — save up to 20% on select styles Walmart — save up to 50% on hardside luggage sets from Sunbee and Travelhouse