Last-Minute Memorial Day Deals: Your Best Bets for Summer Travel
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer travel, and while prices are creeping up, May remains a sweet spot for locking in real savings before peak season hits. Airlines are rolling out fare sales on popular domestic routes, hotels are offering bonus-night promotions, and booking platforms are sweetening the pot with stackable discounts and loyalty perks.
For cruisers, MSC Cruises is running a Memorial Day sale through May 25 with up to 40% off global sailings and free kids' fares—four-night trips start at $199. HX Expeditions celebrates 130 years with up to 25% off or a free suite upgrade on 2026-2028 voyages, plus air credits up to $1,000 per person for Antarctica bookings. Celebrity Cruises' Spring Sale takes 75% off the second guest's fare, adds up to $550 per room, and offers $100 bonus savings on select itineraries. Royal Caribbean stacks multiple deals: 60% off the second guest with code BOGO60, kids sail free on certain dates, and flash discounts up to $850 off suites.
Hotel deals abound. The Islands of Islamorada in the Florida Keys offers 10-20% off stays of two or more nights booked by May 25. Croatia's new Sirena resort on Hvar Island gives 20% off premium suites booked by May 31, 2026. The Reach Key West by Hilton provides up to 20% off plus a $50 daily resort credit for three-night stays booked through August 31. Iberostar's Miami properties are up to 55% off through June 2026, with kids under 12 staying free. IHG One Rewards members save up to 20% on last-minute bookings (three days ahead) at select properties. Omni Hotels partners with United Airlines for up to 20% off flight-and-hotel bundles booked by May 31, 2026. Marriott Bonvoy's “Stay Longer and Save” rate cuts 10-20% off stays of three or more nights at 80 resorts. Booking.com's Getaway Deals offer 15-50% off thousands of properties, from Paris at $76 a night to Cancún at $33.
Tour and experience deals include 15% off GetYourGuide bookings with Hilton stays at select properties. G Adventures has last-minute tours up to 15% off departing within 60 days. Trafalgar's summer sale saves up to $3,100 per couple plus $300 toward flights on tours and river cruises.
Train travelers can save up to $400 per duo on Amtrak Vacations, with seniors getting an extra 10% off the rail portion. Grand Canyon Railway packages are 25% off, including lodging, meals, and a train ride through the park.
For road trips, Priceline offers up to 25% off rental cars from Hertz and Sixt, plus extra promo codes for hotels and experiences. Hertz itself knocks up to 25% off base rates at US and Canada locations through June 30, 2026.
Flight deals: Southwest Airlines partners with MGM Resorts for Getaways by Southwest, saving up to $250 per domestic reservation and $500 on international trips to Cancún or Punta Cana. JetBlue Vacations from New York City starts at $161 for packages to Las Vegas, Cancún, Aruba, and Punta Cana, with free airport transfers in select destinations.
The key takeaway: Book before June demand spikes to maximize value. Whether you're eyeing a quick coastal escape, a city weekend, or a family cruise, May's deals reward early action.