Air Canada 1-Day Sale

In my regular perusal of the travel sites, I noticed links to a fabulous one-day sale at Air Canada. The one day is February 20th.  Interesting!  Now, I have no idea what their deal might be, but I'm curious.

If you're looking for a Spring trip, I'd say don't book tonight... stay tuned.

Coconut anything for me

I'm big on coconuts. I love it. Put it in lotion, candles, cakes, beverages, anything... and I'm in. So, naturally when I saw this hotel/resort on-line, I thought.... "yep, that's going on the list."

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort, Naples Florida

Then, there is this one, the Coconut Bay Resort and Spa in St Lucia. Trip Advisor ranked it number one for families.  Travellers' Choice® 2012 Winner 
So, that's enough to put it on my list too.

It's a long list, and I'm always on the hunt for new destinations. I largely rely on the recommendations of Trip Advisor and travel bloggers with similar interests and family situations.  I think sharing info is a fabulous resource. That's why I write this.

Cheers! Somebody grab me a pina colada.... I'm starting to crave coconut again.

When you can't escape

5 fun and fabulous things to do in Manitoba in the winter:

1. Skate the Forks river trail

2. Visit the Festival du Voyager  (Feb 15-24)

3. Explore the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair (March 23-29)

4. Meet the new polar bear, Hudson, at the Assiniboine Park Zoo

5. Take in a concert

Admission to each of these events/activities is $30 or less.

Bahamas - April - All Inclusive

I love the Bahamas. There's no secret there.

It's pretty rare to find a bargain going to the Bahamas. And even more rare with an All Inclusive resort. There are maybe 3 of 30 popular resorts in Nassau that are all inclusive. Breezes, Sandals and Paradise Island Harbour (2star) are about the only ones. Places like Atlantis are "European" meaning your room is the only thing in your resort fee. Food, beverages, entertainment and activities are extra.

Nassau/Paradise Island is the main island. But there are many other smaller Bahamian Islands to visit, including Freeport, Grand Bahama and Abaco.

This bargain is in Freeport. Considering a Nassau vacation at this time of year would cost you about $2500 per person "European", you can see why I am calling $1250 all inclusive, a bargain.

Same great Caribbean. Same great sand. Same great people. It's just not the big island and it's not Atlantis.  But definitely worth consideration.

Bargain found at redtag.ca  The package is Westjet.

Club Seats

When we went to the Anaheim Ducks game in January, the cost of club seats, purchased off Stubhub.com were $78. That's the same cost of a cheap seat at a Winnipeg Jets game.

Sure, you could grab a ticket to the Ducks game for $29, but why? If I am travelling to attend a game, I would prefer to sit in good seats. This is just how I like to travel. And the view is always good, great even!

There are some very practical advantages to sitting in the Club Seats. First off, they generally allow you access to the arena or stadium an hour before general admission. This was great when we were going to an NFL football game. We got to see the teams warm up on the field, plus we got to watch the other televised games from the lounge and "pre-game" a bit.

Washroom ratio is way better too. This is great if you are travelling with kids. It's a 2 minute wait for the washroom instead of the typical 15 minute lineup downstairs.  This is also great if you plan to indulge in a number of over-priced beverages.

Club seats are also great for acquiring those over-priced beverages. The waitstaff will bring them right to your seats. So that's good. You won't miss the game in the beer line.

Food is better in club level too. You could have a prime rib sandwich rather than a salty concession hot dog. I actually enjoy a Jack & Coke with that sandwich.  In fact, the Honda Centre (Anaheim Ducks' arena) has a whole Jack Daniels lounge on the Club Level.  Nice eh?

So, if you are planning to watch hockey in the sunshine states like Florida, California or Arizona, I say "go for the good seats." They're a bargain. Great bang for your Canadian buck!

Time to book for April

Both Air Canada and Westjet have sales on now. Decent prices (approx 20% discount) on most everywhere they fly. Booking dates and prices vary, but you just might be able to grab a great spring getaway bargain if you act now.

Book on line before February 10th.

Examples:  Air Canada will take you to Bermuda $471 all taxes in, return. April 12-19

Westjet will take you (2 adults) and the (2) kids to Anaheim and put you up in a Holiday INN for 5 nights for under $2700

Vegas in April

There haven't been too many outstanding Vegas deals lately. Allegiant Air out of Minot (MOT) and Grand Forks (GFK) have raised their prices 20% or more in the last year, in my opinion.

Plus, they have this crazy idea that they can charge for carry on bags. NO, not CHECKED suitcases, you read right, 20" small wheely-bags that are carry-ons. That bugs me. But not enough to eliminate them from consideration when I need a Vegas holiday.

I think anytime you can get a couple days in Vegas for under $400 (taxes and hotel in) is a decent deal. It has to be a good hotel. I'm not staying at the Quad (renamed Imperial Palace)

Here's a deal I saw today.  It includes 2 free tickets to a show as an added bonus. Most of the MGM hotels are offering that deal this spring.  Allegiantair.com if you are interested.