Fast 5 Travel Tips: Save more for travel

Never enough money for travel, is there? What if you could save more, with very little effort?

Here are 5 tested and true tips to save. They key is to designate the money for your travel fund.

1. Those coins at the bottom of your purse, on your dresser, in the car.... grab them and put them in your travel account. Every time you find yourself at a teller, hand over all the loose change in your purse. Even if it's just $6, I promise, it will add up. (Let's say you get to the teller twice a month, that's $12. 12 months would be $144) 

2. Use a coupon app like Checkout 51 which gives you rebates for uploading your grocery bills. Once you accumulate $20 in credits, you can cash out and they will send you a cheque. Real money. No clipping coupons. ($20 quarterly, would be $80 for the year.)

3. Pay yourself for a chore. Laundry isn't a lot of fun, is it? What if you pay yourself a loonie for every load? Just stash a piggy bank in the laundry room. ($2 a week, would be $104 for the year.)

4. Sell something on the free classifieds. Doesn't have to be a car. Could be an extra purse or a book series you've finished. Painless but worthwhile. ($25 four times a year is $100)

5. Switch to a travel miles credit card. Like the Westjet MasterCard, or the TD Aeroplan card. Something that gives you tangible travel money for your regular credit card purchases. (At $250 average earning per year, you have a free savings subsidy already designated to travel.)


How does this add up? $144, $80, $104, $100 ($428 actual cash) $250 credit card perk.

Not bad for very little effort and/or change in lifestyle. $678!

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For bonus savings, if you really want to kick butt and try for $1378: The 52 week challenge

Luxury Christmas Getaway

Air Canada has a sweet deal if you can pack up and go December 20th. Think Christmas margaritas on the beach. At under $1400 per person, it seems to me about half price and a great deal.

Direct flights from Winnipeg.

Fast 5 Travel Follies of 2015

Ry and I were reminiscing about the travel adventures from this year. Here are a couple of our best laughs.

1. We were splashing around in the shallow edge of the ocean and Ry starts yelling 'shark!' I hope he didn't frighten the cheery little dolphins that were playing nearby. City boy!

2. Ry and I were heading into the Montreal Canadiens game and a scalper was calling out "anyone have tickets? Anyone need tickets" and Ry walking by responds. "Sorry, I don't speak any English." In English.

3. Getting on a plane, I noticed a man in my seat. I politely noted that 5A was my seat. He snarled at me and told me it was his. I whipped out my ticket to reveal "5A." He barks... I can count... "1, 2, 3, 4.....uh 1, 2, 3, 4, ok."  I offered to switch with him since 4A was comfort class and came with free booze. He declined and moved out of my seat and up a row to his.

4. We were out golfing at Newport Beach and were paired up with a senior couple to make a foursome for the round. The man challenged Ry to his little made up game. "Levels the playing field," he said. "I call it "oingo, bongo, bango." Not knowing what to say, Ry agreed. The senior kept score. 2 points for hitting first. 3 points for 2 putting the green and on it went in a very abstract way that neither Ry or I could decipher. At the end of the round he tallied the score and Ry "won" by two. That's when the guy stormed off in a huff.  Nothing we could do but LOL.

5. We were in Jamaica at the towel hut where you pick up your free towels on the way to the pool. The attendant remarked that my husband's drink would taste pretty good about now. Since it was yet untouched, hubs turned over the rum and coke as a friendly gesture. All sly the attendant leans in and goes for the bro handshake saying "thank you mon. You good mon. You need any towels, you come see me. I hook you up." For the next 2 days I mocked my husband for hooking us up with free towels at the free towel stand.

Fast 5: Spontaneous Adventures of 2015

You have today. Tomorrow is promised to no one. So I urge you to act now!

If you love someone... tell them.
If you want to ski...ski.
If you want learn to draw...take a class.
If you want to teach your children...participate.

I have an urge to live life and make memories. I am not a "someday" person. I'm a... "Sounds great! Let's do that" person.

With this in mind, I share my favourite 5 spontaneous adventures of 2015: 
(In no particular order)

1. The great camel ride of Palm Springs, California. My son and I were at the Living Desert Zoo and $5 camel rides were being offered. I asked my 9 year old son if he wanted to go. "No thanks, we'll do it another time" he said.  And that's when I erupted into my speech... "Are you kidding? In my 40 years on this earth, no one has ever offered me a camel ride. And frankly I'm not taking you to Egypt any time soon. And when you're 29, and I'm 60 are you getting on a camel with me? No? Now get on the camel!" 

We had a blast on the short camel ride and smiled the whole time! And when he got home to his school friends, you know he told everyone about his favourite part of the trip...the camel ride.

2. Our city's NHL hockey team made the playoffs for the first time in nearly 20 years. The city went wild! Tickets were impossible to get at home. So I decided to round up a group of friends and see the team on the road! Bought tickets in Anaheim California, caught a plane to Palm Springs at 6AM, drove 2 hours to Anaheim, partied all afternoon, then went to the game. Home the next day. One of the surprise highlights of that spontaneous trip was running into high school friends (who now reside in California) at the game. Simply awesome!

3. My hairdresser of 8 years lamented the fact she'd never been to Las Vegas. So I surprised her with a trip to Vegas that next week. We had a blast. Check that off her to-do list.

4. Halloween looked like it was going to be pretty quiet around my house this year. Thinking it might be the last year for my son to trick or treat, I proposed a spontaneous road trip 4.5 hours west to visit our cousins. A few quick texts and a stop at the costume store and we were on our way! We had a fantastic time with family and it certainly earned the honour of Best Halloween ever!

5. Skating at Clear Lake Manitoba was never on my radar until the Winnipeg Free Press posted photos of unbelievable ice, clear as glass. It was simply a weather phenomenon brought on by calm waters, cold nights and a lack of snow. Never in my life had I seen such a thing. And since a snowstorm was pending in about 48 hours, I checked my son out school for the day and raced up to the lake. We skated and played hockey all afternoon. Freezing rain and a storm started about 10 hours after we were safely home from our adventure. Photos of our adventures appeared on the Manitoba Tourism twitter feed and also on Winnipeg's CTV news.

Another Luxury Choice in Vegas

Vegas is already decadent.  Aria has introduced a new level of luxury to their hotel. "Tower Suites"

This introductory offer, includes a $200 resort credit when you stay 2 or more nights. The special offer code is ARIATS15. The offer needs to be booked by the end of December but you may travel until the end of May 2016.

The tower suites rooms are available at $250 per night, at non peak times. Up to $650 or more at New Years.

A good price for a "normal" room is $119 per night.

One of the most notable perks with these new suites at Aria is that luxury airport transportation included with your reservation.

Picture of Happiness

You know those Facebook posts that go around at this time of year... "post 5 photos of yourself where you feel beautiful." Well, in considering that task, I started flipping through my photos. And when I start doing that, I start reminiscing and digging deeper into my photos. It isn't long before I completely forget what I opened my laptop cover to do.

What I discovered, which is really no shock at all, is that I love vacation photos the most. And I feel that I look happiest in vacation photos.

So, why is that? Is it because I am with people I care about? Is it because I'm away from work? Is it because I am happiest exploring and learning about new places? Is it because I feel the stress melt away when I disconnect?  Yes! All of the above!

Vancouver

Vegas

Caribbean Cruise

Waikiki Beach

Quebec City

Hollywood, California

Lunenberg, Nova Scotia

Dreams or Secrets for Christmas?

Pssssst.... that's just the names of the resorts I'm going to talk about.

Yes, there's a whole chain of resorts called "Dreams" and another called "Secrets." Both are all inclusive, both are 5 star luxury chains, but Secrets is Adult only. I guess what you do there on a vacation will remain your secret.

Both are on-sale right now and have Christmas availability. So, rather than jewelry this year, you might opt to wish her away on vacation.

About $2000 per person, is a great deal on these resorts. And they are direct flights, from Winnipeg.

These ultra all-inclusive resorts are located in Huatulco Mexico.  Offered by Sunwing Vacations you can purchase these packages directly through them (www.sunwing.ca) or from a local reseller like Sell Off Vacations. (8th Street in Brandon, or online)

Don't forget to look them up on Trip Advisor to see that this splurge is right for you.

Speaking of dreams, this would be it for me... to pack up and head to Curacao for a week right now. Any of these resorts would do quite nicely. But for me, the biggest bargain on the list is the 5 star Renaissance at $800 plus tax. (That hotel will typically set you back $1700 or so, per person.) The packages are available through Air Canada and include flights from Winnipeg.

This certainly isn't an apple to apples comparison to the two above. (It's not Christmas and not all-inclusive.) But it would definitely go on my Christmas wish list, if I had such a thing. 

Get the hotel upgrade AND save money.

Riley loved the automatic pancake maker at the Sheraton Montreal! 

You know those hotels that don't include continental breakfast and a waterslide? Well, truth is, they often have something better.

Let's take for example, the Sheraton Montreal Centre, and the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. But heck, it could even be the Fairmont Winnipeg, Westin Ottawa or the like. What they, and most downtown business hotels offer is a "Club Lounge" or similar.

Basically, there is an open lounge setting, with TVs, couches, tables chairs, workstations and more. It's on the top floor of the hotel, and is included with some room classes, or can be added (for a fee) to regular rooms.

There are three ways to gain access to the club level: 

1) Be a member of their rewards program. Certain levels will earn you complimentary access.

2) Use your membership rewards points for an upgrade. For example, you can book the least expensive room in the hotel and then call to upgrade your room to "club" using 1500 of your Sheraton (SPG.com) rewards points. So, without any additional cash paid, you have upgraded and get all the perks free.

3) You can pay a nominal fee, at check-in, for an upgrade. Typically it's about $20 per person, but you can always try to negotiate that, especially on weekends when there are very few business travellers.

Why upgrade to Club and why is it worth is even if you are travelling with your children?

1) Space. I love having lounge space to use outside the hotel room itself. You can set up a board game with your kids, or spread out and read a newspaper. Both are typically provided. When kids have activities and other adults present, I always find they are on their best hotel behaviour.

2) The breakfasts are fabulous! "Real eggs!!!" As my son would tell you, are always worth it. If you've ever had stale pastries, powdered eggs and orange drink included as your hotel breakfast you will appreciate this obvious upgrade. Club breakfast, is more like Easter Brunch.

3) Complimentary espresso, fresh squeezed juices, bottle water, tea and hot chocolate, plus grab and-go fruit like apples and bananas are available around the clock.  This alone can be worth the $20 a day, if you are used to paying $5 a coffee and a few dollars for snacks and tea while you are on the go.

4) Both Sheraton and Fairmont offer afternoon "happy hour" and hors d'oeuvres in addition to the morning breakfast.  The Sheraton offered warm brie, cold smoked salmon, cheeses, vegetables and even nachos and guacamole. The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac was all this and more, including gourmet spoons, fresh breads and bite sized desserts.  This is great for kids as they can try new things, in small taster sizes, in a supervised setting, without you having to commit to taking them to a fancy restaurant or spending $100 or more to have such choices.

5) Access to alcohol, soft drinks, milk and juices without having to find a corner store. Aren't there times when you are travelling where you just want to kick back and have a single glass of wine, without committing to or wasting a bottle? Or wouldn't you love to have a mixed cocktail without buying all the ingredients and garnishes? After all, you are on vacation! Well, the Club Lounge has your whole bar. And while there is a fee for alcohol, it is certainly reasonable and much more convenient than hauling the groceries back up to your room and trying to keep ice in a leaky bucket.

So, while your thrifty self might routinely choose the least expensive room at the hotel, do consider the Club Lounge next time you find yourself in a business hotel. I expect you will value the food, beverages and space much more than you realized. And at $20 a day, you will see actual tangible savings over your regular spending habits on the road.

I find the greatest value in this practice, when travelling with my teenage son. I also feel it serves as a learning experience in manners, travel and social skills that I can not replicate when at home. And when it comes time for him to host a business meeting, or attend a fancy restaurant he will already be comfortable and somewhat familiar with the environment.

Shrimp cocktail, and oysters included at the Fairmont that afternoon.

Small sample of the afternoon deli selection. 

My morning cafe latte

Club Lounge at The Sheraton Montreal.

Montreal vs Manitoba

There are very clear differences between the City of Montreal and the Province of Manitoba. On  our recent trip to Montreal, my son remarked of the differences from home.

His top 5 teenage observations: 

1. In Montreal, they have cool transportation. Subways, trains, tunnels, all underground, efficient and cool. Manitoba...not so much.

2. Everyone in Montreal is bilingual. You don't have to speak French to get around as a tourist. In Manitoba, we have French in schools but it's rare to encounter anyone in public who is fluent in both. A tourist who only understood/spoke French in Manitoba wouldn't have an easy or as pleasant an experience.

3. Clothing and styles are different. In Manitoba women shuffle around in UGGs everywhere. In Montreal we didn't see anyone in UGGs, everyone wears fancy boots and shoes. Men everywhere wear scarves. Women are wearing patterned nylons (like fishnets, colours, and bold patterns), and tights.

4. It is less expensive to see a Montreal Canadiens game than a Jets' game. But each audience is equal in passion for their team. A lot of people in Montreal were late in getting to the game. (Lots of seats empty at the Anthems.) Whereas Jets' fans tend to be very early and wouldn't dare miss shouting "TRUE NORTH" during the Canadian Anthem.

5. Montreal has a lot of smokers. Outside every office building, restaurant and hotel there were smokers on the sidewalk. You often smelled smoke in the air. In Manitoba, it seems really quite rare to see a crowd of smokers.

$3.25 a ride ticket. This rapid transit was efficient & easy to use.

Metro map showcases the detailed transportation system. 

Underground plaza and shopping centres. You go UP to street level.

Nearly escaped me! 30% off Canada

I'm sorry folks! I almost missed this. Legit sale on flights in Canada.

Book tonight, on westjet.com using the promo code. Travel until Feb 15th.

$316 is an amazing price for Montreal. I'd consider $550 normal, and $400 a good sale. Taxes, return trip included....$316 awesome!

Christmas holiday dates included!

Air Canada is in on it too!  Calgary $263 return. Quebec City $371. Wowzas!

A Christmas book to treasure

It was the store window display that caught my eye, but once inside, I knew it was my kind of place.

If I'd had extra money to spend, I would have purchased a dozen or so books for my kids' school library and a few for myself too. There were so many lovely Christmas books on display.

The store is called Librairie Bertrand and it's located in Old Montreal, specifically 430 Rue St. Pierre.

There was a beautiful selection of cookbooks too. If you're in the neighbourhood, do yourself a favour and drop in.

Hockey and Boutique Shopping: A romantic weekend?

May I suggest this, as perhaps the most Canadian, and most fabulous couple's weekend?

Montreal. Yes, Montreal.

You arrive at a four star downtown hotel, you can feel the city's heartbeat. You dress up a little and head to a restaurant down the street. You enjoy wine and craft beers, smoked salmon and local specialties for dinner. So good.

You awake to cappuccino and croissants from the bakery around the corner. At noon, he heads to the Bell Centre to take in the Canadiens' rink tour. ($24 and starts at noon.)

You head over to Rue St. Catherine and hit the trendy shops along the way to the Eaton Centre. Later you meet up with your partner and head to Old Montreal. The cobble stone sidewalks, art galleries and boutiques are lovely for a stroll. Jacques Cartier Square offers entertainment and snacks of ice cream and maple syrup treats before you make up your mind on dinner. So many great little restaurants to choose from!

The next day, you head to a hockey game or a concert at the Bell Centre. It's always a hub of activity.

Post-game you stop into a pub and have a drink and a smoked meat sandwich,  rehash the game and watch the highlights on the big screen over the bar.

Before you know it, the weekend's over. And you've had the best time.

There are daily direct flights from Winnipeg, to Montreal for about $400 on either Canadian airline.

You can expect to pay about $150 per night at the four star Downtown hotels. I can certainly recommend The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth and the Sheraton Centre.

Hockey tickets will vary in price according to opponent but plan for$100 and up. The hotel concierge can help you acquire tickets, or you can get your own through the Canadiens or Stubhub.com.

Bertrand Bookstore, Old Montreal

North Pole Gift Shop, Old Montreal

On non-game days, the tour includes THE locker room

Tour takes about 90 minutes, but budget time for the gift shop and plaza

View from section 321. 

Au Pain Dore, Downtown bakeshop. 

Chocolates and treats from Au Pain Dore

One of the many historic buildings lining Jacques Cartier Square.

The centre of activity, in Old Montreal. Jacques Cartier Square. 

Pack like a hockey mom

This is some pretty specialized travel knowledge I'm about to impart. But I expect there's a legion of similar minds out there. I know I can't be alone. I know I'm not the only mom who goes to hockey games, love Starbucks and travels often.

Did you know that a puck fits nicely in a coffee cup? Specifically, the Starbucks "You are here" series.

Did you know that baseballs and pucks almost always get a second look from security when they're in your carry on luggage? I've travelled enough to know that you should just place these items in the bin separately, like you would with your liquids. It's the density that shows up on the scanner and makes it noteworthy. I've also had the baseballs pulled out (for verification) because they looked like oranges. Yes, oranges.

If you are going to pack your pucks in the mug, for transport and space savings, just do it once you're through security. Saves you the hassle.

Why are pucks and baseballs great trip souvenirs? They are much cheaper than jerseys, much easier to pack than sticks and look great in your boys' (or girls') display case. If you plan on a lifetime of sports, travel and healthy living, you can assemble quite the collection.

January Disney: 2 adults, 1 child $2K

Westjet Vacations Cyber Monday Deal

Prices & availability subject to change with no notice.

Fast 5 Travel Tips: HOT HOT Deals

Black Friday sales are abound. You can cash in on travel deals right now.

Here are the first 5 offerings:

1. Westjet.com - flights & vacations on sale. Hot deals include bargains like this one to San Diego California. Look at those flight times...no overnight stop in Calgary and no driving to Winnipeg on icy roads!

2. Aircanada.com Their sale includes destinations across Canada, to the USA, plus International and Sun destinations too. You can travel until April 30th 2016 if you book during this sale. Yes, Spring Break dates ARE included.  One really great deal I spied was to Fredericton, NB. $418! Unbelievable to fly to the Maritimes on Spring Break at that low of a fare. Definitely worth the drive to Winnipeg to board that flight. 

3. Sheraton Hotels are offering 25% off on hotel rooms booked before December 6th. Book now and travel into September, 2016.

4. Redtag.ca is a bonus savings of $15-$100 per person if you book your travel package with them.
There are great deals to Mexico, including 5 star resorts at under $1200 with taxes included.

5. On November 30th there will be a Twitter Travel Auction presented by Air Transat. They are auctioning off vacation packages on twitter. This is the second Cyber Monday auction for them. Funds raised go to charity. Last year's packages were hot sellers, with some going for $1000 less than retail. The trips up for auction will be revealed on November 27th. 

Here's a sample of one of the winning bids from last year. 

My best advice to you in shopping for travel deals this week is to act quickly. The top bargains will sell out easily. And, if it's in your budget, book your Spring Break flights now. It will be the best opportunity for savings on those popular dates.