Its that time of the year again and we are giving away a 7 day paid vacation to one lucky family that follows our blog.
Enjoy 7 day paid vacation to your choice of Orlando, Vegas or Mexico.
15 day noticed required to book your vacation and you are responsible for $9 per day in taxes paid to the resort. If you are visiting mexico you are responsible for $75 resort fee paid to resort.
Depending on location and time of arrival depends on actual retail value. Vacation valued at up to $3500.
We will pick one lucky follower on Christmas day to receive a paid 7 day vacation.
Want extra entries? Share this blog and comment and increase your chance of winning this amazing vacation. No purchase necessary.
A family tour vacation provides the ideal space to build-up the missing bond with your family. Plan an exotic vacation plan for your partner is a romantic setting or take your kids to the amusing locations in the United States. A vacation tour will also fresh-n-up your mood and relaxes you out of the hectic daily work & routine. Planning and booking the type of vacation is an important phase of the tour. There are many tour booking companies who plan the vacation for you at the best rates. It is better to plan and book all the aspect of vacation in advance so that you do not face any type of hitches during the journey.
Get the best vacation package from a tour management company
The tourism industry is a big deal in the US and there are companies you plan and book tickets on the user behalf. Getting a cheap vacation tour for your family can be can be a confusing or hectic process. There are many opportunities today to find and book a cheaper deal on travel tickets while saving money on the tour. With proper planning and research, it will be easy to find cheap vacation ideas & deals. Online vacation trip booking is the most convenient option these days as it is easy to book to compare the various deals online and then select the appropriate one. Online vacation discount is not a myth and there is a number of companies in the US which provides the facilities.
Online Vacation Discount for Family
Here are the striking features of online vacation or tour booking –
It is totally hassled free to book the travel or vacation tickets from home.
Spending quality time is easy now with your family with online tour booking.
Huge savings can be done with online booking of vacation trips. Get VIP vacation tour at the price of normal regular fees.
Travel around the world with pleasure by choosing the vacation spots online. It gives the opportunity to select a number of places for the vacation trip.
Hotel bookings, car rental bookings, vacation homes, amusement park bookings can be done instantly online.
Online vacation discount for a family can be easily commended now at a price much lower than VIP ticket booking by a person. These companies that are providing these discounts have a different chain of hotels and travel services which results in cheap price tickets. Save a considerable amount of money on your travel tickets and you will find that the price will be always cheaper than the estimated first price.
Caribbean vacations are the way to go and while this is not just because they are often the most affordable destinations, price always matters. In this sense, you can usually be sure that a Caribbean vacation will cost less than somewhere further away such as the Maldives or Bali, but what if you could find a vacation deal with an extra 50 – 70% off? And these are very real offers, not just click bait or promotional deals which require hidden extras.
Firstly, why choose a Caribbean vacation
Endless stretches of white powdered sand and five star all-inclusive resorts, incredible weather, fine food and interesting activities? There is rarely any question in terms of why you should choose a Caribbean vacation and where you decide upon exactly will usually come down to the cost.
Mexico is usually the most affordable option given the huge amount of competition for customers in this part of the world but you can also find excellent vacation deals in more isolated destinations such as Aruba or even the Dominican. Infused with cheap food and value-driven day tours, most parts of the Caribbean have enough things to do outside of relaxing on the beach and when you consider the amount of money you can save on these vacations, the extra spending money will most often ensure a more memorable adventure.
How to find the best value Caribbean vacation
They say that value is relative and while this is mostly true, let us assume you want an excellent resort and destination at the lowest possible price. In most instances, the lowest price will likely mean a low quality product or service, maybe even a defect of some kind, but when it comes to booking vacations through a travel membership club, you can be sure there is rarely any disadvantage to choosing the lowest priced anything.
Of course, you must also ensure to pick the right resort to meet your own particular expectations but as a rule, if you choose a 4 star resort for an extremely low cost, the experience should still reflect a memorable 4 star experience. Harboring 4 million members and a solid reputation throughout the travel industry, Hotels Etc is one such “Closed User Group” which is currently providing their members with the best vacation discounts anywhere online.
In fact, a recent law (Law of Rate Parity) which has restricted traditional booking engines from offering their customers discounted prices has ensured these memberships status as the best value-for-money service in the current travel industry. Experts with negotiating and online relations, Hotels Etc is essentially a private booking engine which secures huge discounts directly with hotels in the Caribbean and relays this value back to their millions of subscribers.
Sound simple? It really is.
It is all about the Closed User Group
As outlined previously, Hotels Etc is known as a Closed User Group which means it is exempt from the laws which currently restrict the travel industry. Simply put, this exemption allows for them to provide vacation discounts for the Caribbean that you cannot find anywhere else.
Originally published January 29, 2017 | Updated August 2026
Hotel rate parity generally refers to contractual provisions, pricing practices or distribution arrangements affecting how certain hotel rates are advertised or distributed across specified sales channels. It is not one universal worldwide law. Publicly advertised rates and eligible private member offers can operate differently, especially when access is restricted to authenticated members or other qualified users.
Hotel distribution can include publicly advertised rates as well as eligible private member offers available through restricted channels.
What Is Hotel Rate Parity?
Hotels distribute rooms through many channels, including their own websites, online travel agencies, travel professionals, wholesalers and private membership platforms.
Hotel rate parity generally refers to contractual provisions, pricing practices or distribution arrangements concerning how certain hotel rates are advertised or distributed across specified sales channels.
Historically, these arrangements have often been described as rate-parity agreements or rate-parity clauses.
It is important not to describe rate parity as one universal worldwide law. Contracts, competition laws, regulations and court decisions can differ by jurisdiction, and the legal treatment of rate-parity provisions has changed over time.
Is Hotel Rate Parity a Law?
No, not as one universal law that applies the same way everywhere.
Rate parity commonly refers to contractual provisions and hotel distribution practices. Laws and regulations affecting those arrangements differ among countries and jurisdictions.
Some jurisdictions have restricted certain types of rate-parity clauses, while contractual arrangements between hotels and distribution partners can also vary.
For that reason, statements such as “rate parity is a worldwide law” or “private travel clubs are universally exempt from rate-parity laws” are too broad and can be misleading.
Why Do Hotel Prices Sometimes Look Similar on Different Websites?
Travelers sometimes search the same hotel, room type and travel dates across several public booking websites and see identical or very similar prices.
There can be many reasons for this, including hotel pricing strategies, inventory, distribution agreements and market conditions.
However, seeing similar publicly advertised prices does not necessarily mean every travel platform has access to exactly the same inventory, pricing or member benefits.
There is an important distinction between a hotel rate available openly to the general public and an eligible offer distributed through a private or restricted channel.
Public Hotel Rates vs. Private Member Rates
Public Hotel Rates
Public hotel rates are generally visible without requiring a traveler to belong to a particular private membership program or authenticated group.
They may be displayed on hotel websites, online travel agencies and other publicly accessible booking platforms.
Private Member Offers
Private offers may be available to eligible members of membership programs, loyalty programs, corporate programs or other qualified groups.
Access may require authentication, membership or another form of eligibility.
Private pricing does not automatically mean that every hotel will always be cheaper. The key distinction is access to another category of eligible offers that may not be distributed in the same manner as unrestricted public pricing.
Travelers should compare the complete offer, including rates, room types, taxes, fees, cancellation terms and eligible member benefits.
What Is a Closed User Group?
A Closed User Group, commonly referred to as a CUG, is a defined group of eligible users who can access certain offers within a restricted environment.
Membership, authentication or another eligibility requirement typically distinguishes the private environment from unrestricted public access.
This concept is important when understanding private travel membership programs.
Simple CUG Explanation
Public pricing: Generally viewable by anyone.
Private member offer: Available to eligible or authenticated users.
Closed User Group: A defined group whose eligibility separates the private environment from unrestricted public access.
Hotels Etc. operates as a private membership program. Eligible members access the membership environment using their credentials and can search participating travel offers based on destination, dates, supplier availability and other booking conditions.
Do Private Member Rates Always Mean Lower Prices?
No.
Private access does not mean every hotel, destination and travel date will always produce a lower price than every publicly available offer.
Hotel pricing is dynamic and can change because of:
Hotel occupancy
Destination
Travel dates
Seasonality
Special events
Demand
Room type
Available inventory
Cancellation terms
Refundability
Supplier availability
Temporary promotions
The value of private travel membership is access to eligible private offers and participating benefits that may not otherwise be available through a normal unrestricted public search.
Why Can’t Every Private Member Offer Be Displayed Publicly?
If an offer is distributed specifically to eligible users through a private environment, displaying that same offer openly to everyone could eliminate the distinction between public and restricted distribution and may conflict with applicable supplier or distribution requirements.
That is why some travel offers may require membership authentication or another qualification before the traveler can access or book them.
This type of private-rate structure is not unique to Hotels Etc. Major hotel distribution platforms also recognize private rates that are available only to eligible groups or loyalty members.
For an example of how private hotel rates can be handled within a major hotel distribution ecosystem, see Google’s official information about conditional and private hotel rates.
How Does Hotels Etc. Fit Into Private Travel Distribution?
Hotels Etc. has been serving members since 1996.
Hotels Etc. provides eligible members access to a private travel and lifestyle discount membership environment.
Rather than describing Hotels Etc. as operating through a “loophole” or claiming that the company is universally “exempt from rate-parity laws,” a more accurate explanation is that eligible offers can be distributed through a private membership environment subject to supplier terms, availability and applicable requirements.
The rates, inventory, savings and benefits available for any particular search can vary based on destination, dates, hotel, room type, supplier availability and other conditions.
Why Comparing Public and Private Travel Offers Matters
Public booking sites are useful tools, but they represent only part of the travel marketplace.
A traveler who qualifies for private, corporate, loyalty or membership offers may have access to additional booking options.
That does not mean the private option will always win on price. It means the traveler has another qualified channel to compare.
Compare the Complete Hotel Offer
When comparing hotel pricing, look beyond the headline room rate.
Compare:
The exact hotel property
Room category
Occupancy
Travel dates
Taxes and fees
Resort or destination fees
Refundability
Cancellation policy
Included amenities
Available member benefits
Final checkout price
Two offers that appear identical at first glance can have different booking terms.
Is Rate Parity the Same Everywhere in the World?
No.
The contractual and legal treatment of hotel rate-parity provisions differs among jurisdictions and continues to evolve.
Some countries or jurisdictions have restricted particular parity arrangements, while other markets may permit different forms of contractual distribution arrangements.
For this reason, broad statements about one worldwide “rate parity law” should be avoided.
The Bottom Line
Hotel rate parity is not one universal worldwide law.
It generally describes contractual provisions, pricing practices or distribution arrangements involving how certain hotel rates are advertised or distributed.
Public hotel rates and eligible private member offers can operate through different distribution channels.
A private membership does not guarantee that every hotel will always be cheaper. It can provide eligible travelers access to participating private offers that may not be available through an ordinary unrestricted public search.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel Rate Parity
Is hotel rate parity a law?
No, not as one universal worldwide law. Rate parity commonly refers to contractual provisions and hotel distribution practices. Laws and regulations affecting those arrangements vary by jurisdiction.
What is a private hotel rate?
A private hotel rate or offer is distributed through a restricted or qualified channel rather than being available in exactly the same way to the unrestricted public. Eligibility may require membership, authentication or another qualification.
What is a Closed User Group in travel?
A Closed User Group, or CUG, is a defined group of eligible users who can access certain offers within a restricted environment. Membership or authentication generally distinguishes the group from unrestricted public access.
Why do I have to log in to see some Hotels Etc. offers?
Certain member offers may be distributed within an authenticated private membership environment and can be subject to supplier, eligibility and distribution requirements.
Does Hotels Etc. guarantee every hotel will be cheaper?
No. Travel pricing and availability constantly change. Rates and savings vary according to hotel, destination, dates, room type, inventory, supplier availability and other factors.
Are private member rates always better than public rates?
No. Private membership provides another category of eligible offers to compare. Travelers should evaluate the complete booking, including room type, taxes, fees, cancellation terms and any participating benefits.
How long has Hotels Etc. been in business?
Hotels Etc. was founded in 1996 and has provided private membership discounts and travel benefits for decades.
About Hotels Etc.
Hotels Etc. is a private travel and lifestyle discount membership company founded in 1996. Eligible members can access participating travel and lifestyle offers through the private Hotels Etc. membership platform.
According to recent studies in the industry, these days more travelers are choosing a cruise vacation over an all-inclusive resort. As per estimates, nearly 24 million people had taken cruise vacations around the world in 2016 and these numbers are expected to rise in year 2017. As demands for a cruise vacation grow, so do choices for travelers. Among a wealth of cruise vacation offers, how do you choose which one is suitable for you? Well, here we are to help you sort through various options and select the best cruise line for both your budget and vacation needs.
Best Value for Money Cruise Lines
If you are looking for a cruise line which returns best value for your money in 2017, then consider taking Celebrity Cruises. Although it has smaller fleet compared to its rivals, Celebrity’s many ships provide personalized service as it has an average ship-capacity of less than 2,700 passengers. This helps in catering to passengers personally. That does not mean it has any less amenities than big ships. The cruise line also offers all those amenities you would look for in big ships such as open-air movie screens and also kids’ programming. Big amenities, but at lower rates of $100 per traveller, per night. Second option can be Royal Caribbean International or Norwegian Cruise Line which also provides best amenities and value for your money while choosing a cruise vacation
Best Cruise Vacations for Families
When it comes to family cruise vacations, Disney Cruise Line wins hands down against its competitors. It has topped the list of family cruise lines for four successive years. The cruise line is famous for its deck parties based on Disney characters and has a specialized kids’ club, which is sure to keep the younger crowd happy. On the other hand, there are also exclusive areas for adults which provide an excellent place to parents for unwinding after a day of fun-filled activities. Another favorite for family cruises is Royal Caribbean International, which is ranked number 2 and Carnival Cruise Lines with a rank of number 3.
Couples? Here are Best Cruise Lines for You
Whether it is Valentine’s Day or your sweetheart’s birthday; if you are looking to celebrate by sailing away with your partner, then you can get an enchanting experience on Crystal Cruises. This cruise line has been selected as the top ranking for couples this year. Here, the lovebirds can enjoy all-inclusive, special amenities such as terry cloth robes, feather beds and complimentary spirits and romantic wines. If you want to give a romantic gift to that special person with you, then instead of going for some regular gift, choose couple’s spa treatments or/ and specialty private dining. For those wanting to spend romantic vacations on sea, other recommended cruise lines include Azamara Club Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises that provide best romantic cruise for couples.
Best Cruise Lines for Caribbean Destinations
Nothing compares to emerald waters of Caribbean seas and if you are searching for the best cruises line to Caribbean, then Disney Cruise Line should be your first choice. Two reasons set apart Disney from other cruise liners; first it owns a private island called Castaway Cay (Bahamas) from where its ships set sail. Secondly, it sends ships to not one or two, but more than a dozen Caribbean destinations. These include popular destinations such as Jamaica, Cozumel, Puerto Rico, Mexico and also to lesser-known islands like Curaçao and Grenada. Second rank for Best Caribbean cruise lines goes to Celebrity Cruises and Crystal Cruises is at number 3 if you wish to go on ocean-vacation in 2017 in the Caribbean.
Best Mediterranean Cruise Lines
If you are looking for warmer climate and heavenly food, then Mediterranean shores would appeal to you. For 2017, Celebrity Cruises tops the list of the best Mediterranean cruise lines. The line’s ships are mostly mid-size that travel to popular European ports such as Greece, Santorini and Naples (Italy). These ships will take you to famed Mediterranean destinations where you can explore the waters as well as dine at in-house swank restaurants, which will offer you a wide range of delicacies from French desserts to juicy, tasty steaks. After satisfying your taste buds, you can enjoy the restful hospitality of their comfortable accommodations. The number 2 spot in the list of the best Mediterranean liners in 2017 is occupied by Regent Seven Seas Cruises while Oceania Cruises holds the number 3 rank in this list.
If you would like to know more about these cruise vacations or find the best available cruise discounts, you can avail of a free trial perios with Travel membership experts Hotels Etc.
Travel discounts, Travel Tips 
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