How to Game Black Friday Travel Deals During a Pandemic

How to Game Black Friday Travel Deals During a Pandemic

Look for flexible cancellation and rebooking policies, and trips you can book next summer and beyond, when the coronavirus may be more controlled.Miraval Resorts is offering a Black Friday deal that includes a $275 nightly credit for spas and activities at its properties in Tucson, Ariz. (above), Austin, Texas, and Lenox, Mass.Credit...Miraval ResortsBy Elaine GlusacNormally, the 14-room Tierra Magnifica resort in Nosara, Costa Rica, doesn't participate in Black Friday sales as it never had trouble filling its few rooms. But this year is different. While Christmas and New Year's bookings are strong, periods before and after are weak, inspiring the 25-percent-off sale on Nov. 27 through Dec. 6, with rooms from $274, and 50 percent off spa services.“We're not in it this year to make money,” said Steve Jacobus, the owner of the resort. “We're in it to increase loyalty. We know the people we bring in at a discount will return and tell friends. We're keeping the lights on and everyone employed.”Survival of the busiest is the invisible hand feeding Black Friday travel deals this year, which seem to be growing based on the number of first-time sales, deeper discounts and extra perks, all usually bundled with flexible cancellation