10 Great Value Vacations You Want To Take Your Family
Two years of pent-up travel frustration are spilling over this summer. But, with inflation and fuel prices rising, Americans are seeing sticker shock and limited supply when it comes to summer travel destinations.
With travel costs on the rise, it’s more important than ever to find savings on your next vacation wherever you can.
Enter Great Value Vacations, a one-stop-shop travel company that offers vacation packages to top destinations for less.
Read on to learn more about Great Value Vacations and how you can save money on your next vacation.
Who Are Great Value Vacations?
Great Value Vacations has been in operation under various names since 1980. This online vacation solution provider offers turnkey air-inclusive vacation packages to desirable vacation destinations worldwide at an affordable price.
The company claims to find travelers the best deals on vacation packages available. Being in business since 1980 makes Great Value Vacations one of the longest-running and reputable sites.
Who Are Great Value Vacations For?
Great Value Vacations are for those who want a turnkey vacation at a reasonable price. The pre-set itineraries and accommodations take all the work out of the trip. Simply find a destination and departure that work for you and sign up.
Great Value Vacations will handle all the significant aspects of the trip for you, which allows you to relax and focus on enjoying your vacation. Some packages also include detailed and scheduled itineraries for activities at your destination, while others allow you more flexibility to explore your location at your leisure and interests.
How Are Great Value Vacations So Cheap?
Great Value Vacations offers affordable vacation packages, but some of the prices are so good you might be left looking for a catch.
While there are some drawbacks and essential things to know when using Great Value Vacations (discussed below), the secret to their great prices is scale.
Great Value Vacations is part of DH Enterprise and Associates, Inc., which also controls other components and companies. One of these components, GCS, contracts travel products from all over the world. As a result, DH can leverage its size to contract products at the best rates through this vast network of partners.
Local vacation products are then packaged with preferred air contracts to create the affordable vacation packages seen on the site. Thus, the savings gathered through leveraging scale are then passed to the consumer in the form of incredible, pre-set vacations at great prices.
Destinations
Great Value Vacations offered packages to most major cities and top destinations worldwide. Vacation packages are grouped by region, including:
- Europe
- North America
- Latin America
- Asia
- Mexico and the Caribbean
- Africa
- Australia and the South Pacific
Finding Your Perfect Vacation
Aside from region, you can also search for your perfect vacation using several other filters, including:
- Vacation Type
- Departure Month
- Interests
- Trip Length
- Number of Travelers
Use these options to find vacations that fit your interests, budget, and timeframe.
10 Best Great Value Vacations To Take This Year
Great Value Vacations offers over 500 different vacation packages to choose from, spanning different lengths and departures and featuring various destinations and activities.
The following list features just 2% of the potential options, and we highly encourage you to visit Great Value Vacations to see the full array of options.
These options were chosen because they represent some of the cheapest vacation packages from a diverse range of locations around the world. We excluded locations within the United States and Mexico to showcase the affordability of packages further abroad, including some of the most sought-after spots.
From the beach to ancient cities to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, here are the best Great Value Vacations to consider taking this year.
Affordable Cartagena
This package also provides more flexibility in that there isn’t a set itinerary, and travelers can choose what city sights they want to explore. Location: Cartagena, Colombia Nights: 3, 4, or 5-night options Travelers: Rates are available for 1-9 travelers Departure Airport: Miami Departure Month: October 2022 Price: Starting at $503 per person based on 2 travelers. This price includes:
- Airfare, airport taxes, and transfers
- Hotel
- Daily breakfast
Highlights:
- Nearby beaches
- Plaza de la Aduana
- Palace of the Inquisition
- Cartagena Museum of Art
- Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Simply Dubai
Another incredibly affordable option lets travelers discover the largest city in the United Arab Emirates: Dubai. This package offers a partial itinerary and opportunities to explore the city on your own. Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Nights: 3, 4, or 5-night options Travelers: 2 Departure Airport: New York, JFK Departure Month: September 2022 Price: Starting at $885 per person based on 2 travelers. This price includes:
- Airfare, airport taxes, and transfers
- Hotel
- Daily breakfast
- Half-day Dubai City Tour
Highlights:
- Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world
- Dubai Mall
- Al Fahidi Historic District
- Gold Souk Market
- Grand Mosque of Jumeirah
Affordable Rome
Take an affordable Roman holiday with this Great Value Vacations package. Location: Rome, Italy Nights: 4, 5, or 6-night options Travelers: Rates are available for 1-9 travelers Departure Airport: New York, JFK Departure Month: November 2022 Price: Starting at $915 per person based on 2 travelers. This price includes:
- Airfare and airport taxes
- Hotel
- Daily breakfast
Highlights:
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- The Colosseum
- Piazza Navona
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Trevi Fountain
Affordable Reykjavik
Iceland is one of the coolest destinations and is very popular with travelers. Unfortunately, it is also rather pricey. This package offers the most affordable option for visiting Iceland on a budget. Location: Reykjavik, Iceland Nights: 4, 5, or 6-night options Travelers: Rates are available for 1-9 travelers Departure Airport: New York, JFK Departure Month: October 2022 Price: Starting at $985 per person based on 2 travelers. This price includes:
- Airfare
- Hotel
- Daily breakfast
Highlights:
- The Blue Lagoon
- The Golden Circle
- Reykjavik Harbor
- The Northern Lights
- Discover Viking history and culture through local museums
Highlights of Morocco
This Morocco package makes the list because it is one of the most affordable options for visiting Africa. In addition, this package is truly all-inclusive, with a detailed itinerary that allows travelers to see all that the beautiful country of Morocco has to offer. Location: Morocco across multiple cities
- 2 nights in Casablanca
- 2 nights in Fez
- 2 nights in Erfoud
- 1 night in Ouarzazate
- 2 nights in Marrakesh
Nights: 9 Travelers: 2 Departure Airport: New York, JFK Departure Month: January 2023 Price: Starting at $2,161 per person based on 2 travelers. This price includes:
- Airfare, airport taxes, and transfers
- Hotels
- Daily breakfast and 5 dinners
- Guided sightseeing
- Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by first-class air-conditioned motorcoach with Wi-Fi
Highlights:
- Tour of Kasbah de Taourirt
- Guided tour in Marrakesh
- Bahia Palace and Majorelle Gardens
- Tour of Rabat
- Tour of Meknes
- Film studios of Ouarzazate, where Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed
Classic India: The Golden Triangle
Did you know that each state in India has its own local language and that the national language is English? With such a diverse culture, it’s impossible to visit just one spot. This package offers the most affordable option for seeing India’s three most iconic destinations. Location: India across multiple cities
- 2 nights in Delhi
- 1 night in Agra
- 2 nights in Jaipur
Nights: 5 Travelers: 2 Departure Airport: New York, JFK Departure Month: July 2022 Price: Starting at $2,232 per person based on 2 travelers. This price includes:
- Airfare, airport taxes, and transfers
- Hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Guided sightseeing
- Inter-city transfers
Highlights:
- Taj Mahal at sunrise
- Rickshaw ride tour of old and New Delhi
- Harshat Mata Temple
- Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar
Best of Bali
If you’re looking for a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation, then this best of Bali package is an affordable way to see this diverse Indonesian island. Location: Bali, Indonesia
- 3 nights in Legian
- 3 nights in Ubud
- 3 nights in Sanur
Nights: 9 Travelers: 2 Departure Airport: New York, JFK Departure Month: November 2022 Price: Starting at $1,703 per person based on 2 travelers. This price includes:
- Airfare, airport taxes, and transfers
- Hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Guided tours
- Inter-city transfers
Highlights:
- Beautiful beaches
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Mount Batur
- Uluwatu Temple
Irish Castles & Countryside
Have you ever wanted to stay in a castle? That’s exactly what you’ll do on this tour of the castles and countryside of Ireland. Location: Ireland across multiple cities
- 2 nights in Cavan
- 1 night in Kilronan or Lough Rynn Castle
- 2 nights in Ennis
- 1 night in Dunboyne or Fitzpatrick Castle
Nights: 6 or 8 Travelers: 2 Departure Airport: New York, JFK Departure Month: October 2022 Price: Starting at $1,194 per person based on 2 travelers. This price includes:
- Airfare, airport taxes, and transfers
- Hotel and castle accommodations
- Daily breakfast
- Rental car
Highlights:
- The ancient burial mound at Newgrange
- Elegant countryside
- Various castles
- Dublin
Affordable Budapest, Vienna & Prague
Explore three of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful cities. Accommodations and transportation are included with this flexible package that allows you to visit the sites most interesting to you. Location: Budapest, Vienna, and Prague Nights: 6 – 9 nights Travelers: Rates are available for 1-9 travelers Departure Airport: New York, JFK Departure Month: November 2022 Price: Starting at $1,305 per person based on 2 travelers. This price includes:
- Airfare, airport taxes, and transfers
- Hotel and castle accommodations
- Daily breakfast
- Rail travel between cities
Highlights:
- Spires in Prague
- John Lennon Wall
- Budapest’s bathhouses
- Schonbrunn Palace
- Hradcany Castle
Fun in Fiji
Are you looking for some fun in the sun? Then, check out these fantastic package deal to Fiji. Set your watch to island time and enjoy all the island offers without breaking the budget. Location: Nadi, Fiji Nights: 6 Travelers: 2 Departure Airport: Los Angeles, Departure Month: November 2022 Price: Starting at $2,136 per person based on 2 travelers. This price includes:
- Airfare, airport taxes, and transfers
- Hotel
- Daily breakfast
- Jewel of Fiji tour
Highlights:
- Fiji Museum
- Beautiful beaches
- Water sports
- Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park
- Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
Things to Know When Booking Great Value Vacations
Ready to pack your bags and hit the tarmac? While these vacation packages offer great value and a ready-made vacation, there are several things to be aware of when considering a Great Value Vacation.
Limited Solo Trips
While there are solo trips available, most Great Value Vacation packages are priced based on two travelers. Although many of the non-solo packages are available for one traveler, you will be required to pay more than the advertised price. One way to remedy this issue is to bring a friend or go on a group trip with family/friends.
Flights are Only from Departure Airports
You may have noticed a limited number of departure airports shown in the sampling of packages above, and it’s an important point to remember. All vacation packages will depart from a major hub and do not include flights or other transportation costs to get to the departure airport.
As a result, it’ll be necessary to get yourself to the departure airport, which is an extra cost. However, there are several great ways to save money on airfare, including travel hacking using rewards credit cards and taking advantage of flight services like Scott’s Cheap Flights.
Packages are Limited to Specific Departure Months
Another thing to note is that vacation packages are limited to specific departure months/days, and not all vacations may fit with your availability.
This inflexibility is one of the drawbacks to compiling the cheapest deals possible: they are only available at certain times. If you need to take time off, it’ll be best to plan your trip several months in advance.
Inflexibility Once Booked
One of the significant drawbacks to Great Value Vacations is the lack of flexibility once you’re booked. Once you book, you cannot change or cancel your trip for a full refund unless you purchase additional trip protection plans through the company.
Economy Airfare and Accommodations
A major thing to be aware of with many packages is that the price shown is for economy airfare and basic accommodations. While the hotels will likely be nice and will be safe and clean, if you want superior accommodations, you’ll need to upgrade your package.
Some Regions Have Limited Options
Another drawback is that many of the regions have limited package options. Europe has the most vacation package options at 267, while Africa and the South Pacific have only 19 and 11, respectively.
Great Value Vacations: Tips for Saving Even More
Want to save even more on your Great Value Vacation? You’re in luck because there are a few more ways to save on your already affordable trips. First, sign up for the Great Value Vacation newsletter to access deals before anyone else, the deal of the week, special offers, and receive an exclusive coupon code.
Additionally, Great Value Vacations regularly offer promo codes on their site. Combine travel hacking, promo codes and exclusive deals, and Great Value Vacations to plan your next adventure for less.
This article is originally on Hello Sensible.
