Daily Getaways Returns, But Will Deals Be Worth It?

Daily Getaways will be May 19 – June 20, 2014, but will the deals be worth it? Daily Getaways is an annual promotion by American Express and the U.S. Travel Association that claims “Save up to 50% on offers from some of America's top travel brands.” That's perhaps true of Hyatt, but forget trying to get great deals on Starwood Preferred Guest points, Trump Hotels, or any of the true (non-U.S.) luxury brands that operate in the U.S., such as Four Seasons, Aman Resorts, Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, etc.

For the past couple of Daily Getaways, the best deal, in my view, has been the Hyatt point packages. See my post from last year, Daily Getaways: Hyatt Points for Less Than 1 Cent Per Point

The problem? They've been impossible for the vast majority of people who want them to obtain, due to so few packages being offered relative to the high demand for them. Even if you and your spouse or partner are waiting to pounce on them the second they go live, good luck–you're more likely to be met with a message stating that they're already in other shoppers' baskets, such that you're unable to buy them.

FAQ

What Are the 2014 Daily Getaways Deals?

Some of the travel offers will be announced in a preview on May 12, 2014.

Who is Eligible to Buy Daily Getaways Deals?

While Daily Getaways is intended for U.S. residents age 18 or older, in past years it's been possible for overseas buyers to buy these deals. In fact, if anything, some of these deals end up being even more popular with overseas buyers, because they have fewer opportunities to earn lots of miles and points with credit cards, unless they have a U.S. SSN and are able to apply for U.S. credit cards. See Rewards Credit Card Without a Social Security Number?

Just note that you'll want to use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, as the deals are denominated in dollars and the transaction is processed in the U.S.

Do I Receive an Additional Discount When Buying with an American Express Card?

Yes: you receive an extra 10% off the deal when purchasing with an AMEX card.

The Verdict: We'll have to wait and see what the actual 2014 Daily Getaway Deals are, but if last year's Daily Getaway “Deals” are anything to go by, not too much to get excited about, and I'd channel your energies elsewhere in terms of earning miles and points.