Wednesday, July 24, 2013

One day (July 24) Airmiles deal to PLS

Airmiles.ca is offering 8 days of deals. If you are a gold collector and cash in on their selected day, you could really nab a bargain.

Today's deal is 40% off flights booked to The Turks and Caicos in the caribbean. The Turks and Caicos are amazing islands. I was there in 2012. Some of the most gorgeous beaches on earth.

If you would like to check it out this fall, you can go for 2550 (Gold collector) or just over 3000 points for a regular collector. Normal flights from Winnipeg at this time of year (in points) run 4250.

It's a VERY narrow market for this bargain. But if the Turks are on your Bucket List, like they were mine, this might make it possible.

(Tomorrow's Airmiles bargain looks to be Costa Rica.)


Monday, July 22, 2013

Fairmont Chateau Whistler $128

Travelocity.ca or the Fairmont site itself are currently offering outstanding bargains on fall travel. Book at the Fairmont Whistler, BC in September or October and rates are currently as low as $128 at a pre-paid rate.  (Two nights with the third night FREE, then averaged)

If you have ever paid $149 at a lousy hotel on a hockey or soccer trip to stay at the "team hotel" at the "team rate" only to be crammed into less than spectacular quarters you can see why I label this OUTSTANDING and a bargain.

Fairmont. Really, the reputation says it all.  Don't get me started on how amazing the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth is in Montreal.... I can go on and on!

Last fall, I took a trip to Whistler and enjoyed the sites and scenery of the recently past Winter Olympics. I also had the privilege of spending time with good friends and sharing a few laughs and a beer or two. Even though it's not ski season, it is definitely worth the trip. If you can get away for 3 nights, this might be the perfect deal for you.


Saturday, July 13, 2013

The California Cathie

The California version of me:

1. Has wavy, sun dried hair and freckles.

2. Wants avocado on every meal.

3. Can walk for miles in flip flops.

4. Rides rollercoasters, log rides and anything with a short line.

5. Wears bright colours, and beach pants too!

Isn't it time you visited California? There's a California version of you just waiting to be discovered!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

End summer with an incredible bargain

Fly Allegiant Air, from Minot ND from September 5th to 8th and with an absolutely amazing resort included in the price you will pay $207 per person (2 adults, 2 children quoted).  The Westin Kierland.

Seriously.

Taxes included.

Airfare included.

Finish your summer on a high note and have a day to relax at home before school starts post-long weekend.

I have personally spend New Years at this resort and can not say enough great things about it. Their per night rate is typically about $250 a night.  This package is unbelievable.

Prices checked July 10th. Always changing. I  LOVE LOVE LOVE this bargain!






Their gorgeous golf course. They offer kids' lessons too! 

Front drive.

Lazy River area. They have also added a wave/surfing feature. 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

The gift of travel....literally

It's about time there were gift cards for flights.

Air Canada has announced this week that you can now purchase gift cards for travel. I can't imagine wanting any other type of gift card now. :)

And in a move I applaud in a huge way, they are available at every Canada Post retail location.  #win













I hope that Westjet follows suit before the year is out.


Saturday, July 6, 2013

Baby, Let's Cruise

If you're going to cruise with kids, who else would you choose, but Disney?

There's a bargain to be had out of the Galveston, Texas port later this fall. Now that Disney has 4 Ships (Magic, Wonder, Dream & Fantasy... in chronological order) they can move them around the globe and offer many different cruises.

One example is the Alaska Cruise that the Wonder does in the Summer. Later, the Wonder is the ship that will be repositioned to Texas, and later still, over to Miami for service in early 2014.

If you're looking for a bargain, you can check Disney's own site under the "specials" section. Currently they are offering discounts from Galveston or Miami on fall time cruises. There is consistently a Military discount as well. Sometimes there are offers for Canadians specifically, like when the Wonder cruises to Alaska from the Vancouver port.

I have done the Disney cruise to Alaska. It was in 2011, the first summer it was ever offered. Breathtaking scenery, but something I only ever need to do once.

Cruising, on the other hand, I could probably be convinced to go to the Caribbean.

And with some of the Disney deals, I might actually be convinced.

Check out these comparables:



If you look at the two November 16th cruises, there is a significant price difference. New ship vs old ship. Coastal Port vs Texas port. 

Then the 23rd cruise is from Port Canaveral, on a new ship and travels to Grand Cayman, 2 Mexico Ports and Disney's own Castaway Cay (Bahamas). 

Where's the bargain? As I see it, Galveston. For several reasons.... 1) Ports (Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) the older ship has the identical famous service and characters and fewer passengers to share it with. 

There's much more to talk about here, but that will be our next chapter. 








Monday, July 1, 2013