Perfection in Palm Springs

I can personally recommend this vacation. In fact, I was there at this very hotel just a few months ago.  (See the link for my detailed review.)

These flights have ideal times and I think you'll find this vacation both relaxing and refreshing.

Book with www.westjetvacations.com or call your favourite agent.

This is a hell of a deal, and if I wasn't working that week, I'd be in Palm Springs sipping a margarita by the pool at the Riviera.

Setbacks in the Bahamas: Baha Mar Saga Continues

With 48 hours to go before their long-heralded grand opening, Baha Mar has pulled the plug on the 'open' sign and has announced a delay of another 2 months.

Baha Mar has been billed as the "Riviera of the Caribbean" and is a 5star resort on Cable Beach in The Bahamas.

The lesson in this will be how it blows up on them in the social media, in the next 5 days.  It appears the announcement was made on Facebook. They have not yet made any reference to the delay on their website and are, in fact still inviting bookings. This, is a big mistake.

I feel terrible for their marketing team. It is indeed THE golden rule of marketing in this modern age. DO NOT HYPE WHAT YOU CAN NOT DELIVER.   And that is exactly what they have done, for months.

Since I have a deep love for The Bahamas, and have been following this project for about 2 years, I really hope they are able to make it work and come to terms with their suppliers and construction team in order to see the project through to opening. To see a project crumble, when it is so very close to achieving its goal would be absolutely devastating for the island and its economy.

Lots to read on this subject. Much of it is quite frightening. The politics and the money tied into the project is beyond my comprehension.

Jilted travellers with Spring Break plans will no doubt be knocking on the door at Atlantis in hopes of salvaging their vacation. This might just be what the Marriott's recent acquisition (Atlantis Hotel & Casino) needs to bolster their bottom line and keep on top of travellers' lists in The Bahamas.

Savings to Seattle with Airmiles

This week's Air Miles deals include appealing discounts to Boston and to Seattle, with Air Canada.

Book this week, for flights up to June 15th.

Spring Break Bargain to the Caribbean

Doesn't this just look delightful?

If you agree, book at Aircanadavacations.com Just search from Winnipeg to Curacao at these, or similar dates.

If you'd like to learn more about this island paradise, check out their tourism site, or visit Trip Advisor.

15% off WJ to Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver

Westjet has added a promo code for the next 24 hours offering Canadians from all destinations, 15% off flights to/from Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

This means you could fly to Calgary, from Brandon (YBR) for about $340.

Flights are available March 17th to April 30th, but Easter weekend is not included.

Nice price! But you must use the promo code (shown below) and you must book before end of day March 4th.

Sweet Air Miles Deals on Flights

Brandon is included once again!

Most notably, gold collectors are being treated to a 30% discount this week.

Don't forget to shop at Safeway tomorrow and stock up on those Air Miles. It's customer appreciation  day and you will receive 20X the miles. 

St. Patrick's Day with 9 Fine Irishmen

Take yourself to Vegas this March 17th and you can enjoy a raucous night at an Irish Pub at the New York New York Hotel. Then you can spend the next 2 days sobering up and seeing the city. Vegas.... so much fun!

Nine Fine Irishmen Pub

These are Westjet flights direct, to and from Winnipeg, and can be booked through your favourite agency or Westjet Vacations directly.

If you'd rather stay next door to the action, try the MGM Grand, which is currently packaged at $458 pp.

Doesn't this sound like fun? Sure beats a shamrock shake!

Hawaii..... book today!

Air Canada has been engaged in a little seat sale price war with Westjet for the last 5 days or so. I have been watching and the prices have been at record lows. They have bounced around a little while the airlines posture for position in this market. Looks to me like Air Canada wants your business more!

If you are thinking about flying to Hawaii in the next couple months, your airfare could not be cheaper. But you need to find your dates and book ASAP. It won't be long before you see fares sitting back at the $750-$800 range round trip.

If you are thinking of renting a condo and staying a week or two, this might be the bargain you're waiting for.

Flight prices are in Canadian dollars, though you will have to hedge your bets on accommodation prices and the US dollar at the time you book.  But before you hitch the cart to the horse, take a look at these prices, and then take a look at your date book.

These screenshots are from today. If you want Maui with Air Canada, rather than HNL, it's only about $20 more.

Hawaiian holidays anyone? And yes, please, share with anyone you think could use a little Aloha in their life.

***** Update:

If you want to pair it up with a hotel, through Expedia, you would do very well to choose the Hilton Hawaiian Village, at a total flight and hotel cost $1300 (Canadian, taxes etc included. There are NO resort fees which makes this an even better deal when $30 per night is becoming the norm at most American resorts.)

This resort is an ideal location, right on the beach, and is where Elvis Presley filmed the movie Blue Hawaii. It is, indeed, a large resort, but there is so much to do for the whole family. Fish and turtle ponds, shopping and water sports will keep everyone busy and happy in Hawaii.

If you choose to capitalize on this seat sale (United Airlines are at similar prices and are an Air Canada codeshare partner) in April, you will pay about half the price of doing this trip in July, and a third of the price at Christmas.

If you want to go with more of a bargain, many of the Aqua hotels, near the beach are offered with the flight at about $1000. If you'd rather go fancy... you can included the Trump Hotel, a Westin, Hyatt Regency or the Sheraton Waikiki for just under $2000 per person.

Prices are subject to change, and WILL change constantly. That's why it's valuable to be in the loop and follow travel sites and blog.

Price is off Expedia, for two people, total. At the Hilton on Waikiki