Looking for a great deal on travel?  eBay Travel is a great way to save money and find a terrific deal on a vacation package for your family!  Here are some things you should know...

SquareTrade Verified:
eBay requires all travel sellers to submit proof that they have been contracted to sell the properties they advertise.  This is your assurance that the sellers displaying a SquareTrade Seal have the authority to sell vacation packages as advertised.  If you are looking for a vacation package or travel package and don't see the  SquareTrade Seal - be wary and contact the seller!  You'll want to take extra care to make sure the offer is legitimate.

Feedback Ratings:
Feedback is the first-person testimonial of a seller's character and professionalism.  It can take time for a seller to gain a lot of feedback, but you can see what people are saying about them from the first message.  One or two negatives per year for a seller are usually alright, if the seller does a lot of volume - remember that no one can please everyone, even in the friendly ebay community.  In general, a feedback rating of 98% positive or greater means the seller delivers services and assurances where promised, and has satisfactory customer service.

Purchasing Tickets:
Purchasing tickets online requires patience and savvy, but there's a lot of money to be saved if you just do a little research about 30 days before travel.  Although eBay sellers may offer $10 or more off gate prices, that may not be your best bet.  Here are some simple tried-and-true methods to finding the best theme park and show tickets:
     1) Go to the Theme Park Website.  Hard to believe, but sometimes big parks
         like Universal and Sea World cut their ticket prices in HALF in order to boost
         flagging quarterly sales.  These occasional "early purchase" specials will be a
         lot lower than anything else you can find, so take note of them before searching
         for other deals.
    2) Ask your employer.  Thousands of companies nationwide sponsor employee
         discounts on travel and theme park tickets.  Ask your Human Resources rep
         what special offers may be available through your company's a la carte travel
         plans and corporate sponsorships.  You might be surprised!
    3) Do some digging and "sell out."  You may be surprised what specials are
         out there! Large companies - think Soda and Fast Food - often hand out $5
         off and $10 off coupons and promotions in co-ordination with the theme parks
         to promote special events like "Dreams Come True" and "Halloween Horror
         Nights."  By doing a little online research you may find additional savings!
    4) Don't be afraid to ask.  The company that's booking your hotel, rental car,
        or flights may be the best people to ask for the best promotions and theme
        park tickets.  Don't hesitate to ask what specials are available, and what offers
        they may have for you!

Unbelievable Deals:
eBay is a very competitive marketplace, and the prices can sometimes seem unbelievably low.  There are some great, reputable companies out there offering deals that can't be beaten, but you still have to be a "smart customer."  Read every listing completely before you bid.  Make sure you understand exactly what the advertised price pays for, and how many people are covered.  Check for additional costs such as Taxes and Deposits.  Read cancellation fees and refund policies before you buy.  When in doubt, contact the seller to clarify any policies or wording that confuses you.

Know Your Destination:
The best weapon a smart shopper can have is a working knowledge of the area you are traveling to.  Buy maps or research online so that you are familiar with the destinations you intend to visit.  I once had an eBay seller tell me the hotel I would be staying at was close to Disney, when in fact it was 14 miles away!  You should try and get a "Major Highways" map of the area if being close to a specific park or attraction is important to you. 

Find more information on how eBay protects its customers HERE
Learn more about feedback on eBay HERE

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