This is the vacation deal equivalent of the Coke vs. Pepsi debate, except instead of arguing about sugar water, we're arguing about who gives you the cheapest resort vacation with the least amount of hassle. And honestly? Just like Coke vs. Pepsi, the answer is "they're both fine, just pick one and stop overthinking it." But since you're here, lets overthink it together.
I've used both BookVIP and GetawayDealz multiple times, and I have strong opinions about where each one shines and where each one falls on its face. Let's break this down category by category with the scientific rigor of a guy who's spent way too much time comparing vacation deals instead of doing actual work.
1. The Tale of the Tape: Quick Comparison
| Category | BookVIP | GetawayDealz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 | ~2015 | BookVIP (experience) |
| Domestic U.S. Deals | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| International Deals | Excellent | Limited | BookVIP |
| Lowest Prices | $49+ | $49+ | Tie (varies by deal) |
| Fee Transparency | Moderate | Good | GetawayDealz |
| Customer Service | Good | Very Good | GetawayDealz |
| Website Experience | Modern | Dated | BookVIP |
| Cancellation Policy | Strict | Moderate | GetawayDealz |
| Deal Variety | Wide | Focused | BookVIP |
| Hidden Fees | $50-$150 | $30-$100 | GetawayDealz |
Score: BookVIP 3, GetawayDealz 4, Ties 3. But as we'll see, context matters more then a simple scorecard.
2. Pricing: The Bottom Line
When you compare advertised prices side by side for the same destinations, they're remarkably similar. Both start at $49 for budget deals and top out around $199-$299 for premium packages. The difference is in the hidden fees.
BookVIP tends to add more in taxes, processing fees, and resort charges — sometimes $100-$150 on top of the advertised price. GetawayDealz fees are typically $50-$100 extra. So that "$49 deal" might be $149 at BookVIP versus $119 at GetawayDealz. Not a massive difference, but $30 is $30.
Here's the thing tho — BookVIP occasionally has flash sales and promotional deals that blow GetawayDealz out of the water. I've seen BookVIP Cancun deals where the total cost (including all fees) was under $100 for 5 nights. GetawayDealz simply can't match that because they don't have the Mexican resort partnerships.
3. Destination Coverage
This is where the comparison gets lopsided. BookVIP covers:
- All major U.S. tourist destinations (Orlando, Vegas, Myrtle Beach, etc.)
- Cancun and Riviera Maya (Mexico)
- Cabo San Lucas (Mexico)
- Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
- Various Caribbean islands
GetawayDealz covers:
- All major U.S. tourist destinations
- ...and that's basically it
If you want an international deal, BookVIP is your only choice between the two. If you're looking at domestic deals, both are equally viable.
4. Customer Service Showdown
This is GetawayDealz's strongest category. Their customer service is noticeably better than BookVIP's in my experience:
Response Time: GetawayDealz typically responds to emails within a few hours. BookVIP can take 24-48 hours during busy periods.
Phone Support: GetawayDealz agents are more helpful and less scripted. They'll actually answer questions and make recommendations. BookVIP agents are fine but more transactional — they want to close the booking and move on.
Problem Resolution: When I had a date conflict with a GetawayDealz booking, they resolved it in one phone call. When I had a similar issue with BookVIP, it took three calls and a week. Not terrible, but not great.
5. Booking Experience
BookVIP Website: Modern, well-designed, easy to browse. Deals are clearly presented with photos and descriptions. You can filter by destination, price, and travel dates. The website alone is a more pleasant experience.
GetawayDealz Website: Functional but dated. Looks like it was designed when Obama was president and hasn't had a major update since. It works, but it's not winning any design awards. The deal information is all there, just presented less prettily.
Both require a phone call with an agent to finalize the booking, so the website is really just the first step regardless.
6. Cancellation Policies
This matters more than most people realize. Plans change, life happens, and knowing you can cancel without losing everything is important.
BookVIP: Most deals require 72-hour notice. Some are completely non-refundable. Refunds may come as credits rather than cash. The policy can be confusing and varies by deal.
GetawayDealz: Most deals allow 48-72 hour cancellation with a full refund. One free date change is usually included. The policy is clearer and more consistently applied.
Edge: GetawayDealz, easily.
7. Real Price Comparison by Destination
| Destination | BookVIP (Total) | GetawayDealz (Total) | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando (3 nights) | $129-$199 | $109-$179 | GetawayDealz |
| Las Vegas (3 nights) | $119-$199 | $99-$169 | GetawayDealz |
| Myrtle Beach (4 nights) | $139-$219 | $119-$199 | GetawayDealz |
| Cancun (5 nights) | $149-$249 | N/A | BookVIP (only option) |
| Gatlinburg (3 nights) | $149-$219 | $139-$199 | GetawayDealz |
These are approximate total costs including all taxes and fees. GetawayDealz is consistently $20-$40 cheaper for domestic deals. BookVIP is the only game in town for international.
8. Who Should Use BookVIP?
- International travelers (Cancun, Caribbean, Cabo)
- People who want the widest selection of deals
- Travelers who prefer a modern booking website
- Anyone looking for Mexican all-inclusive resort deals
9. Who Should Use GetawayDealz?
- Domestic U.S. travelers (Orlando, Vegas, beaches, mountains)
- People who value customer service and transparency
- First-time deal-seekers who want a less intimidating experience
- Anyone who wants a clearer cancellation policy
10. Final Verdict
It's not really BookVIP OR GetawayDealz — it's BookVIP AND GetawayDealz. Use both. Check both for every trip. The one that wins for your specific destination and dates is the one you should book. For international, BookVIP is your only realistic option. For domestic, GetawayDealz often edges ahead on price and service. But always compare on our deals page where we show you both side by side.
And if you want to explore more brokers, check out our reviews of StayPromo and Monster Reservations Group for even more options.