UPDATE: Deal has expired 8/31. I suggest looking at the Orbitz deal with the $200 off a 6+ night stay on a vacation package.

There’s a great deal on Expedia right now for solo travellers! $200 off Holiday Inn vacation packages (air+hotel) for 3 days or more. Usually, you need to travel with double occupancy to take advantage of travel deals.  Double occupancy travellers can take advantage of this by booking separately (6 days minimum for both travellers) by using the “I only need hotel for part of the stay” option. To find the hotel, enter “holiday inn” in the hotel name section. This also works for many hotels across the USA too.

How to redeem: Sign in to your Expedia.com user account. After selecting a qualifying vacation package, on the vacation package billing and delivery page you will see the link “I have a coupon”. Click on this link and enter the code 200IHG

http://www.expedia.com/daily/promos/terms/coupon-terms-IHG200/default.asp

Holiday Inn Waikiki
Sample rates:
$564 after discount for airfare and hotel from LAX to HNL for 3 nights in September
Includes flight, hotel, taxes.

Terms and Conditions

Offer: Receive an instant $200 savings on a qualifying vacation package booking that includes least one (1) non-refundable, roundtrip plane ticket, together with a hotel booking of at least three (3) consecutive nights at the same participating hotel.

How to redeem: Sign in to your Expedia.com user account. After selecting a qualifying vacation package, on the vacation package billing and delivery page you will see the link “I have a coupon”. Click on this link and enter the code 200IHG. Instant coupons cannot be applied to guest registration bookings. If you do not have an Expedia.com user account, please create one prior to making your qualifying vacation package booking.

Restrictions: Coupon must be used on Expedia.com by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on 8/31/09, for travel between 7/20/09 and 9/30/09. Travel must be completed by 9/30/09. One (1) day advanced purchase required. The cost of the qualifying booking must be at least $200 before taxes and fees. Limit one (1) coupon per package booking. This offer is from Expedia.com® and is available to Expedia.com U.S. customers only. Bookings are subject to availability and to all applicable terms, conditions, taxes and fees. Coupon is not transferable and may not be combined with other coupons, promotions, or special offers. Coupon cannot be applied against taxes, supplier-charged fees, cancellation or change penalties, prepaid bookings, administrative fees or other miscellaneous charges. A coupon will be deemed fully used once a qualifying booking has been made and may not be reused, even in the event that you change or cancel your booking. Terms and conditions of this coupon are as written and cannot be changed by any representation of any unauthorized person, including employees of Expedia, Inc. Coupon is not transferable and is not redeemable for cash. Coupon cash value 1/100¢. Void where prohibited by law.

Popularity: 18%

Planning a trip to Maui? Here are some tips before making the journey to Maui.

Airfare
It is important to book the airfare early for the best pricing. The best time is usually 1-2 months before departure for non-peak season. If you are travelling in a large group, the earlier the better if you plan to sit together. I suggest signing up for their e-mail list to get notification of their sales. You can get some good deals with the specials — sometimes they offer flights starting at $149 each way depending on the season. San Diego airport usually offers the lowest airfares, while LAX/Orange County (SNA) runs at least $50 more each way.
http://www.hawaiianair.com/Specialoffers/Pages/SpecialOffersWebfares.aspx

The pricing from the airline websites are usually better than online airfare search engines. You can try  
http://www.farecast.com/ or http://www.cheapflights.com/

Update: Aloha Airlines has filed for bankruptcy and stopped all flights. You will need to contact your credit card company or travel agency for a refund. ATA Airlines also has filed for bankruptcy. Always purchase your plane tickets with a credit card in the event that the airline goes bankrupt. This way you will have 60 days from date of purchase to utilize a chargeback to your credit card under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Car Rental
As with the airfare, you should get the car rental early too. Prices nearly double if you wait until the last minute. I’ve had an ok experience with most rental companies out of OGG airport. I prefer the companies that allow you to choose any car in the lot like Alamo. Midsize cars range from the Pontiac Vibe, Chevy HHR, or Pontiac G6. If you are a Costco member, I recommend using their travel section to book the car. I’ve gotten 1 week rentals as low as $140 for a midsize car. Remember to book the car early for best pricing. If you wait until the last minute to book the car, figure to spend at least $30-$60 per day.

Travel Books
This is a good way to plan what locations you want to visit. I recommend Maui Revealed for a good overview of activities. I wouldn’t rely solely on the book for dining recomendations though, you are better off using Yelp for reviews. Most imporantly, buy a map (or better yet a GPS) for your trip. You’ll find the highway numbers change often since the state highways change into county ones. http://www.hawaiihighways.com/FAQs-page3.htm

Old Lahaina Luau
This is the best luau in Maui — best food, drinks, and show. You will need to make reservations well in advance though since it is very popular. The only downside is that there isn’t fire knife dancing (since its not a Hawaiian) but the good food makes up for it. Open bar — good Lava Flow and Pina Coladas. If you like sashimi, try the Ahi Poke. Its marinated raw Ahi tuna — all you can eat! Service is excellent — a server brings you drinks so you don’t have to wait in line at the bar.  Website: www.oldlahainaluau.com

Popularity: 9%