Luxury Link is a highly successful travel auction site, with a cadre of devoted users eager to get great deals on luxury vacation packages. Its sister site, Family Getaway, focuses on travel packages best suited for family vacations. Family Getaway brings upscale travel within reach for families that may otherwise have a hard time affording it — and bidders can have a little fun with the process of trying to win these auction trips along the way. The Vacation Gals asked Diane McDavitt, President of Luxury Link, about Family Getaway.
Luxury Link is a travel auction site with a focus on 5-star vacation packages all over the world. Family Getaway is a sister site to Luxury Link; could you describe how they are similar?
Both sites offer a curated list of hotels that match the target segment (luxury or family-friendly) and one-of-a-kind vacation packages at terrific savings of up to 65% off. Both sites offer packages for purchase in two formats: at auction and also at a fixed price for those who would rather ‘buy now.’
…and different?
Luxury Link concentrates on splurge-worthy holidays for two, whereas Family Getaway is naturally focused on trips for families, typically four or more travelers. Family Getaway also offers a slightly broader portfolio of hotels, including 5, 4 and 3-star properties. Family Getaway also allows users to search properties by family-friendly amenities such as “Children’s Pool”; “Kids Club”, “Kitchenettes” and more.
Even high-end family travel fans enjoy feeling like they got a great deal on a trip. What are some of the great packages available on Family Getaway that could save families a bundle?
Some of our most popular packages fall into the all-inclusive category. One of our best sellers is our package from Dreams Tulum, Mexico, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. It’s easy to see why – the package is valid for travel for almost a year, includes all meals, unlimited beverages, unlimited activities, Explorer’s Club for children each day and much more. Rates are offered at 40% off for each season.
Another best seller is our Park Hyatt Aviara package. The property is well-located just north of San Diego, near LegoLand, the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, but with so much to do at the property for kids – Camp Hyatt, kids’ pool, complimentary shuttle to the beach – no one would blame families if they never left the resort grounds. The package is valid through May of 2011 and includes 3 nights, a $200 dining credit, Camp Hyatt, taxes and more, all at nearly 50% off.
The Mystery Auctions started less than a year ago on Family Getaway. Has the concept of not knowing where the destination is been embraced by the readers/bidders on Family Getaway?
Yes! Mystery Auctions are some of our most active and we run at least two every week. So far, we have auctioned family vacations to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Florida, California and some parts of Europe and they typically receive multiple bids – in fact, sometimes even a bidding war or two breaks out.
Which packages seem to be the most popular with your frequent users?
We expected family travelers to be more comfortable with our “Buy Now” option than our Auction model, simply because families often have very specific travel dates and more complex travel needs. We have been surprised to find that in fact, auctions make up the majority of our purchases. When it comes to destinations, as expected, the most popular are the Caribbean, Hawaii, California and Florida, though we have had some surprises, too – we have a 5-night package for a villa in Phuket which is one of our best sellers.
Families with school-age kids usually feel comfortable taking vacations only during school breaks. How does this work with “black out dates” for auction items?
We have found a majority of our hotel partners are willing to make space available for Family Getaway packages, even during traditionally busy periods. For example, we have Christmas space available in the Caribbean this year and plenty of packages available for travel during spring break and the busy summer months. That said, the packages are typically limited in number so we encourage our users to visit the site often and if they find a package they like they shouldn’t wait too long – especially for auctions, because when they’re gone, they’re gone!
Where would you like to see Family Getaway five years from now?
Our goal is to build the largest collection of vetted, family-friendly hotels and resorts in the world, along with our signature, one-of-a-kind family vacation packages at terrific savings. In five years we’ll also be offering air, cruise and event products, all while catering to multi-generational and non-traditional families in addition to the nuclear family we currently serve.
This post was sponsored by FamilyGetaway.com, the first advertiser on the Family Travel Ad Network, a partnership among The Vacation Gals, Ciao Bambino, Delicious Baby, Travel Savvy Mom, Trekaroo, See Jane Fly, and Traveling Mom.
Family Getaway is also running a special where you get $100 off your first purchase when you subscribe to their Family Travel Newsletter.
