Black Friday sales have been starting early this year, so much that you might want to grab them as soon as you can. And don’t forget about Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday sales, too.

Here’s a list of various Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales I’ve found via email pitches or online.

Tour Companies

Gate1Travel‘s Black Friday sale now through November 24 has promo codes to save percentages on booking trips at certain cost levels. For example, if you spend $1,000, then you can apply the promo code,  “BLCKFD100,” to save $100. The deal is valid only on new bookings created November 21 – 24, 2023; one reservation per person. Book online only on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23.

G Adventures has a Cyber Sale with savings of up to 30 percent off various trips. Various discounts will apply to 445 trips on sale, to destinations across Asia, the Americas, Africa, New Zealand and Australia, Antarctica and Europe.

Intrepid’s Cyber Sale is offering up to 20 percent off its various trips.

Context Travel is offering 15 percent off all their experiences, including private and small group tours.

On Black Friday, EF Go Ahead Tours will offer select discounts of up to 20 percent and lightning deals of up to $1,000 off per traveler. The company, which had a month-long sale, will also have deals on Cyber Monday.

For The Love of Travel (FTLO Travel)  is currently offering up to $200 off all of their 2024 itineraries from now until November 30. FTLO Travel curates group trips around the world and caters specifically to solo travelers between 25 and 39.

CIE Tours is offering savings of up to $600 this Black Friday on more than 20 guided vacations to Ireland, Britain, Iceland, and Italy. Booking is now through November 25, 2003 for all 2024 departures with no blackout dates. During Cyber Week, save up to 15 percent per couple for travel starting from June 1 through August 31, 2024. Book online November 26 through December 2, 2023.

Hurtigruten Norway

Cruises

Quark Expeditions is offering up to half off select Antarctic 23/24 voyages via their Black Friday Sale, which ends November 27.

Oceania Cruises‘ Best-Ever Black Friday Sale has savings of up to $5,400 per stateroom on more than 100 global voyages in 2024.  It’s valid on bookings made between now and December 5, 2023.

Norwegian Cruises’ Black Friday sale is promoting 50 percent off all their cruises, with free unlimited open bar and airfare plus $250 free with CruiseFirst.

Hurtigruten Norway is offering up to 50 percent off on almost all sailings with the Original Coastal Express, and North Cape Express, for travel during January 1 and April 31, 2024. Travel between May 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, has discounts of up to 35 percent off, including the Svalbard Express. Booking window is now through November 30.

From now through December 5, travelers who book a cruise on Celebrity Cruises can get 75 percent off a second guest as well as up to $300 in onboard credit for nearly all itineraries through April 30, 2026. The Black Friday sale includes sailings on Celebrity Ascent, set to make her debut in December 2023 with her maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale.

Airlines/Booking Sites/Travel Guides

Priceline’s holiday savings became available in three waves now through Cyber Monday.

Their Black Friday deals include 30 percent or more at over 10,000 hotels across 80-plus countries. They include a $100 resort credit with select Mexico and Caribbean hotel bookings, 20 percent or more off top ski destinations and 60 percent or more off select Las Vegas Hotel Express Deals. Priceline’s Cyber Monday Flash Deals will be available to the first 500 customers.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Cyber Sale rewards early bookings through December 1, 2023, with savings up to 40 percent off on accommodations or free night stays at a range of hotels and resorts. 

Expedia members can get 30 percent or more on select hotels when they book by November 29, 2023 and travel by the end of 2024 (conditions vary).

Campspot, an outdoor adventure and camping booking platform, is having Black Friday through Cyber Monday discounts of up to half off bookings for certain campgrounds. The platform is also having Black Friday exclusive discounts of up to 25 percent off.

Airlines are getting into Black Friday sales, too, with flight deals and discounts. They include American Airlines, Aer Lingus, French bee, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue Vacations, La Compagnie, Spirit, Air New Zealand and Scandinavian Airlines.

Lonely Planet is offering 30 percent off their titles, with the code “EARLY30.”

MedJet will offer Cyber Monday pricing online only on November 27, on individual and family members for Medjet Assist and Medjet Horizon. Discounts apply only to new regular annual memberships, and exclude Short-term and Diamond memberships (ages 75+). 

Priceline is having a big Black Friday hotel sale, with savings of 30 percent or more at over 10,000 hotels across 80-plus countries. Also, save 10 percent on any hotel, rental car, or flight deal with the code, “BFCM10” and 10 percent off Priceline Experiences with the code, “EXPERIENCES10.”

Hotels

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Cyber Sale encourages members to use the IHG One Rewards mobile app to get 20 percent off global bookings, to saving up to 40 percent off at more than 40 participating all-inclusive Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, and several other incredible offers.

The promotional rate is valid only for bookings made from now through November 28 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean and across other regions.

Bookings must be made at least three days in advance of your check-in date. Reservations are final and require full prepayment for the entire stay at time of booking. Payment is non-refundable. For more details, follow @IHGOneRewards on Facebook and Instagram.

Graduate Hotels’ Cyber Monday deal offers 50 percent off stays at all properties from November 27, 2023 through March 31, 2024. Book between November 27 and December 1, 2023.

Virgin Hotels is offering guests 30 percent off through 2024 with booked stays now through December 31, 2023. Additionally, five percent of proceeds from direct bookings made on Giving Tuesday will be donated to Feed America. 

Margaritaville is offering discounts at various properties plus with Margaritaville at Sea.

The latter is offering a two-night getaway for two to The Bahamas starting at $89. Sail aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, and receive 30 percent percent off of Specialty Dining, Beverage Packages, Shore Excursions, and Signature Packages. Valid on sailings through 2024; book now through November 26, 2023.

The Margaritaville Resort Times Square will have 30 percent off standard rooms and up to 50 percent off suites and premium or deluxe rooms, with a stay for two or more nights. Available for stays through November 30, 2024, but book by December 2, 2023.

Book a getaway at Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island between now and November 29 to save 23 percent; stays between now through March 7, 2024.

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is offering stay savings of up to 20 percent of bookings between now through November 28 for stays by June 30, 2024.

Margaritaville Beach House Key West has rates up to 35 percent off select room types on stays through September 2024. Book between November 24-28, 2023, for stays beginning November 24.

Fans of “Sex And The City” might have already heard of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — the chance to book an Airbnb stay in a recreated version of Carrie Bradshaw’s New York City brownstone.

And the listed price is far lower than the city’s apartment rental prices!

The Airbnb booking is in timing with “And Just Like That…,” the upcoming HBO series on the next chapter in the lives of Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Christine Davis) and Miranda Hobbs (Cynthia Nixon).

Carrie’s fictional apartment will be available for two, one-night stays for up to two guests on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12 and 13, 2021 for only $23 a night. 

“Sex And The City” fans interested in reliving the original series can request to book these stays beginning Monday, Nov. 8, at noon ET at airbnb.com/sexandthecity. Bring along your “Mr. Big,” Aidan, Steve or Harry or your bestie with you as your plus one.

This special Airbnb rental’s low price tag reflects the 23 years since Sarah Jessica Parker made her debut as the show’s famous advice columnist and fashionista with a hefty shoe collection. In fact, the lucky guests will get a virtual greeting at check-in from Carrie. I mean, SJP, herself.

They will also get:

• The opportunity to descend the steps of her brownstone and stroll the streets of Manhattan (splash from a city bus not included);
• Cosmopolitans for a toast;
• An onsite but socially-distanced concierge for the duration of your stay;
• The chance to admire and play dress-up in Carrie’s iconic closet, complete with her favorite looks (like the Patricia Field tutu she wears in the show’s opening credits), designers, and of course, shoes!

However, those who request to book this stay must currently live in the United States and are on their own for getting to New York City. Plus there are taxes and fees. You know NYC can get costly.

While in the city, guests have to adhere to New York City and New York State guidelines in relation to the current pandemic. So bring extra masks and your vaccination card or a saved photo copy if you’re wanting to have a night out on the town. Note: if you’re not vaccinated, please read up here beforehand on how that could impact your trip plans.

Airbnb is also closely monitoring New York City infection rates and government policies, and will offer the booking guest a $1,000 USD Airbnb travel credit if it becomes necessary to cancel the stays.

Instead of watching a scary movie, or telling a mystery caller over the phone that you are about to, celebrate Halloween by booking a stay in the house made famous in SCREAM. 

Tying in with the 25th anniversary of Wes Craven’s modern horror classic, and the upcoming SCREAM 5 release in January 2022, Airbnb is scheduling bookings for three single-night stays at this Northern California estate featured in the 1996 film. 

Available on October 27, 29 and 31, 2021, this thrilling home will welcome up to four people, for a shockingly low price of only $5 a night. Plus taxes and fees, if you dare. And, you have to be a U.S. resident to book.

If you’re feeling a little nervous, don’t worry. Your virtual host will be Dwight “Dewey” Riley, the beloved small-town sheriff. In a video, actor David Arquette, who portrays Dewey in the series, will offer to share his tips on surviving the night via an online greeting at check-in. 

The fortunate, or maybe misfortunate, guests will also get acquainted with decor elements correlating with SCREAM. They can settle in and watch a SCREAM movie marathon of all the current four films on VHS tapes. They can also explore this home in all its entirety and in correlation with the franchise’s first film. Guests will come across knife marks on the doors to the garage, where Dewey’s sister, Tatum, (played by Rose McGowan) met a tragic ending. 

There’s also the famous “brick phone” with a dedicated phone line to Ghostface, the film’s gruesome protagonist. Heads up though, he might call the house. 

Other guest surprises tied to this nineties piece of pop culture include a pack of nineties snack favorites.

Superfans can request to book this stay beginning Tuesday, October 12, at 1 p.m. EDT at airbnb.com/halloween.

On Thursday, October 28, 2021, SCREAM (2022) executive producer and scary movie expert Kevin Williamson will host an online experience that will give guests a chance to learn behind-the-scenes secrets of the SCREAM franchise, including the cast, characters, plot twists and more. 

Booking for this online experience also opens on October 12, at 1 p.m. EDT, and is bookable by visiting airbnb.com/SecretsofSCREAM.

My eyes did a double take when I got this email about Intrepid Travel‘s latest giveaway – a trip for two to Antarctica.

To celebrate the inaugural season of its new polar expedition ship, Intrepid Travel has launched a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Antarctica for one lucky winner and guest. The trip’s value is roughly $25,000.

I’m hopefully going to visit Antarctica next year, but with another tour company. If my plans weren’t already in place, and my payment plan now under way, I’d jump on putting in my entry for this Intrepid Travel trip giveaway.

Oh well. But you might have an amazing opportunity ahead of you. Yes, you.

This bucket list trip to Antarctica giveaway will bring the winner and their plus one onboard the Ocean Endeavour. This ship comes equipped with creature comforts including a gym, spa, library, heated saltwater pool, and jacuzzi. And if you’re worried about crowding onboard, don’t. The ship’s passenger to crew ratio will be eight to one.

Plus, along with seeing this continent, you’ll learn a lot about Antarctica. The ship’s passengers will be joined by guides knowledgeable in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history and have access to Citizen Science programs and active pursuits including kayaking and snowshoeing.

The winner and guest will join one of Intrepid’s Best of Antarctica voyages during the 2021-2022 season, an 11-day trip that will explore ice-filled bays and channels, take in majestic scenery and spot wildlife. They also have to book their trip by September 30, 2021 and depart for their voyage by December 29, 2021.

To enter, fill out this online form now through August 23, 2021 by 10 a.m. ET.

And now, read the fine print below (but still take a chance and sign up, okay?).

Terms and Conditions: Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. Limit one (1) entry per person, per email account. One (1) Grand-Prize winner will receive a trip to Antarctica which includes: (a) A booking for the prize winner and a guest (2 people total) on Intrepid Travel’s Best of Antarctica trip, dependent on availability (details are outlined here. ) (ARV: $25,000 USD) (“Intrepid Tour”). Airfare is excluded.

2020 shook up not only our ability to travel but also our daily living; in many cases, our economic means. While this year had some personal and professional setbacks for me, I am overall grateful that for the most part I had good experiences and made lasting memories. 

Here’s my recap of 2020.

Starting 2020 on the road

January had me already going on my first trip to St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida. I stayed at the Don CeSar, a grand hotel that is noted for its bright pink paint color. Its place along the beach was also nice and I spent some time wandering along the sand.

Visiting Abu Dhabi

I’ve been to the United Arab Emirates before — first to Dubai in 2019 — but I returned to this destination in February to see Abu Dhabi, which is its capital. Traveling with Visit Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways, I stayed at St. Regis Abu Dhabi along Corniche, a beach area, and at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, a lux oasis near the Rub’ Al Khali. 

Other highlights ranged from visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an outpost of the famous Parisian museum; to sipping on a 24K gold cappuccino at Emirates Palace; to visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which was built and named for Abu Dhabi’s founder. See more here.

Celebrating Mardi Gras in Lake Charles

It was fun to head to this city in Southwest Louisiana that also puts on Mardi Gras parades and events in February. Compared to NOLA’s, I think Lake Charles’ version still offers a good time but is more chill. I got to throw beads to crowds in a family-friend parade, see a Mardi Gras pageant featuring local Krewes chapters and try locally-made boudin and rum.   

Visiting Tofino and Vancouver

I’ve been to Canada a few times and got to see Vancouver and Tofino, also in February. Tofino is a small district on Vancouver Island that is known for its beaches and forest areas and has a community living here year-round. I tried my hand at surfing and dined at places such as Tofino Brewing Company, Chocolate Tofino, and SHELTER Restaurant. Our group stayed at Pacific Beach Sands Resort, a lovely property along Cox Bay.

Rushing Home from Finland

March 2020 was when the coronavirus pandemic really began to change everything in travel. At that time, I was on a work trip to Finland, where I arrived in Helsinki two days before President Trump implemented travel restrictions to the U.S. from certain Schengen Area countries (Finland, being among them.) I got there on a Wednesday with the ban to kick in on Friday. On Thursday, we were told by Visit Finland officials that they were concerned about myself and another American on the trip being able to make it home okay. Also on that day, they rebooked our return flights to JFK for that afternoon, so we had to rush back to the hotel to get our bags and go to the airport ASAP. 

But I also learned a lot this year. Here’s some of it.

More Of An Appreciation For New York City

New York City got hit hard with the pandemic, with hospitals being inundated with cases, tourism locations having to shut down and restaurants still trying to stay afloat. I stayed at home much from March through June, only venturing out for fresh air walks or essential grocery shopping. I started going beyond that by heading to local parks and often very empty museums and getting takeout from nearby eateries.

The subway and buses are getting busy again, so I’m staying as careful as I can while using them. I have to admit that I’m nervous riding them as cars and seats are filling up. Most riders wear masks, but there a few that don’t.

However, I did venture out in December around Manhattan to see holiday trees and decorations and headed to restaurants that I’ve always wanted to dine at and to get to-go orders.

Branching Out In My Writing

I got scared a lot with keeping work steady this year, as I was laid off from my tourism side job and most outlets had to change their formats. I tried a lot of new fields of writing and thankfully was able to score assignments in new publications, including Reader’s Digest, Smithsonian Magazine and Zagat. Due to my layoff and being able to self-quarantine alone, I accepted a special press trip to Portugal in October to see how its tourism and hospitality sector was adjusting to the pandemic and implementing Covid-19 health and safety precautions. You can read more about my experience here.

These days, and going into 2021, I’m going to be staying local. But that’s fine for me. We’ll see what happens.

So how was 2020 for you? Tell me.