Win a trip from Lay's Canada

Here's one more Twitter contest with a travel prize!  You can post a photo daily, but you must be over 18 to enter.  #LaysLovesSummer

I'd sure love to win the trip to Italy!

Win a trip to London

No purchase necessary. For Canadian residents. Enter with your Twitter account.

Link to the Contest details

Cheaper than a stay-cation!

Broke? Tied to work? Even if you can't go anywhere, with a little imagination, you can make your own home feel like a fancy hotel. Delight the kids or dazzle your next house guests.

This can work for your cabin, your first apartment and even your RV.

Here are 5 easy ways to make your imagination, stay-cation a 5 star delight for $25 or less!

1) Afternoon tea like the Fairmont. Use the good china or picnic plates, it won't matter.... just invite your guests to join you at 3pm. Cut your sandwiches into triangles. Have veggies and dip. Put Pot of Gold chocolates or brownies on dessert plates. Place a candle on the table.  And of course, drink tea!  But give it a fancy name. "Would you like some raspberry marigold catillion tea? Why yes!"  If you're serving iced tea, make sure to add fruit as garnish and little drink umbrellas.

2) Play some elevator music. Something instrumental. It makes everything seem fancy!  Or play steel drums or Caribbean tunes if you've got an island theme.

3) Buy some sample sizes in shampoos and lotions.  New toothbrushes too. Set them out for your guests. You could even roll your towels and tie them with ribbons.

4) Post an activity schedule.  4pm badminton on the front lawn. 5pm movie trivia. 6pm cocktails on the deck. 9pm storytime by the fire.

5) Serve room service on a tray. Add a single flower from your garden, in a bud vase to emulate the elegance of a Westin hotel.

------------------------

Your Dollar Store Shopping List: 

Napkins & matching plates

Note cards or invitations 

Bud vase

Candles 

Serving tray

Tiny cups or ramekins

Grocery Store: 

Strawberries

Chocolates

Colourful veggies

Shoppers Drug Mart/Superstore/The Body Shop:

Sample size shampoo, lotion. 

Toothbrushes

What's your path? Your perfect trip?

Are you a trail blazer? 

A patio princess? 

A cafe Cathie? 

A super sports fan?

A water baby? 

You can be them all! Travel is an amazing gift to give yourself.  Find you inner strength, your curiosity and sense of fulfillment.  Choose your own ADVENTURE!

If you are waiting for someone else to give you permission to live your life....here it is. 

You are worthy. You are wonderful and you are CAPABLE. You got this! Now go for it. 

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Pack like a mom

I travel light. I've even taken my family to Hawaii for 8 days without ever checking a bag. And you'll never find me on a suitcase shaming site trying to shove an oversized bag into the overhead bin.

While I don't know everything, and I'll never claim to,  I can sure help the travel newbie.

5 things to pack for EVERY trip:

1. Basic family first aid kit. Make sure to bring any medication you need. Make sure everything is in its original packaging and properly labeled.

2. Snacks. Even if you are travelling to an all inclusive resort, I always make sure to pack granola bars, almonds and trail mix for the flight, the airport delays and the 'hunger crankies' that plague kids on the sometimes exhausting travel days.  The M & M's are for me.  I could never pay $3 at the airport kiosk for my fix!  Snacks can take up very little room. This is one Ziploc sandwich bag.

3.  Distractions.  Batteries die and even kids get bored with their video games. So I always pack a deck of cards (think Go Fish or War) and a tactile puzzle. (See the little wire puzzle.) You can pick up one of these mind bender puzzles at any toy store for about $9. They are deceptively simple and sometimes frustrating, both are awesome qualities and challenge you and the kids in ways you will enjoy. Road trips or airport lounges, these wire puzzles get passed around and around. Everyone loves them and asks me where to get them or even if they can buy it from me. Hours of old school fun!

4. Pack something that makes you feel fashionable and fun. It's YOUR vacation too. And don't forget the hat and sunscreen. You need to model good sun habits for your kids. 

5. Pack a camera. Any camera! And have it with you at all times. Some of the impromptu experiences and sudden joys will be what makes the trip most memorable.  And please print photos when you get home. At least a few! Because we have all heard the stories of broken phones, lost cameras and stolen memories. Don't lose yours. 

I love scenes and signs. Brings back great vacation memories! 

Fast 5 Travel Tips: How to find the YBR bargain

YBR is a small, and relatively new airport in Brandon Manitoba. It has daily service from Westjet Airlines to their hub in Calgary, Alberta.

So far, YBR is not recognized by the major search engines or travel sites, thus making it a challenge to find the best dates to fly. However, using these tips and tricks you'll be poised to find the best deals.

1. Be flexible. If your leisure travel can be tailored to suit the best bargains, you'll save more money and travel for less.

2. Using your favourite APP, like 'Air Fare Watchdog', 'Kayak' or 'On The Fly' set your searches for YYC (Calgary) airport.  When you find the cheapest dates to fly to your destination, from Calgary, THEN go the Westjet flight booking page and look up the price starting in YBR.

3. When there are advertised Westjet sales even from other departure cities, make a point of looking up your favourite destinations. They might be on sale from YBR even though they are not advertised.

4. Book 6-8 weeks before your desired flight. Historically, this is when the best prices are offered.

5. Now that a second daily flight has been added, (After January 15th, 2016) you should look to book trips for January to March, as soon as possible, while supply still exceeds demand.

** Do note that holiday times (like Christmas and Easter) are extremely busy travel times. You are not likely to find a bargain during these high times. It's best to book early and commit as soon as you can.


And of course... the best tip of all:  Subscribe to this blog and hear about deals departing from Manitoba cities!

July 24 Bahamas Sale

Air Canada has answered Westjet's Blue Tag special with their own one day deal. Good prices on select dates on flights to Nassau (Bahamas) or Grand Cayman. Travel prices on sale until midnight on the 24th only.

It's not an exceptional deal. It's a nice deal, nearing the end of hurricane season.  Your call.

So much more that JUST Calgary!

It still makes me cringe when I hear people say,  "I don't want to fly to Calgary. What good is Westjet if there's only one flight a day and it only goes to Calgary?"

OMG NO! Westjet does not ONLY fly to Calgary. Calgary (YYC) is a hub. A hub!! Like Denver is to United Airlines and Minneapolis is to Delta.  Their flight system feeds into their hub and from there you can connect to the world!

From our little airport in Brandon, Manitoba (YBR) you can currently fly (Leaving at 1:15pm) and get to your fabulous holiday destination same day. That list includes Honolulu, Maui, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Nanimo, Comox, Edmonton, Los Angeles and more!

However, there are additional routes (Like SNA, SFO) that require an overnight stay in Calgary (YYC) but, as on January 15th, 2016 Westjet will double the number of flights out of Brandon, with strategic timing so that you can widen your choice of same-day destinations even more.  This is wonderful news!  It definitely has cost savings for the bargain traveller.  When you eliminate the hotel stay in YYC you are saving at least $150.

Let's look at this Las Vegas example:   Look at the flight options in September and January.  Pretty great eh? More vacation for your money. And realistically, back at home at 11:20pm after arriving at YBR. Sure beats that 2 hour & 20 minute trek from YWG!

The future of travel looks bright and includes our YBR. Where do you want to go next?

New Compensation from Air Canada

Well, this is news. It just popped up on Air Canada's website this week and it outlines their new system for re-booking passengers on oversold flights.

While it does not spell out the actual dollar value of potential compensation, industry experts suggest it is $400 or greater, depending on the delay or inconvenience you are caused. (Albeit something you volunteered for.) 

In 2013, the Canadian Transportation Agency ruled against Air Canada saying their schedule of payment was insufficient. In their ruling, they mandated higher compensation, as high as $800 in some cases.  Here's a CBC news article to that regard, from nearly 2 years ago.

Air Canada's new guidelines and explanation is dated July 20, 2015.

This now puts Air Canada more in line with Delta Airlines and their $200/$300/$600 compensation structure. I have, at least 5 or 6 times, been alerted at the kiosk by Delta of their need for possible volunteers. Their kiosk asks you to name your compensation requirement at time of automated check-in. And one can only assume, the passengers who volunteer and offer the lowest bid are selected.

I personally have chosen to 'bump' and indeed our family of 4 was awarded $600 per person in future flight credits. (That's $2400 in free future flights that we received.) It was sweet! And we hardly minded the inconvenience.  Heck, I believe we even toasted Delta on our subsequent free flight to California.

While not making it to your destination on-time can be annoying, it can also be an opportunity for discounted future travel.

September getaway

Here are a few suggestions and current prices for a 3-4 day getaway that are NOT Las Vegas.

Even though the prices listed here are in Canadian funds, and the package prices are very good, please keep in mind that your spending money is only worth 72cents in the USA right now.  This might make you think twice about staying in Canada.

British Columbia anyone?  This samples are for flights only, from Brandon.

**** Different dates will have different prices. Subject to change at any time.

Package samples: 

San Francisco, from Winnipeg. Flight only & with a hotel sample 

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Why you should buy the professional photo

1. Because this is what it looks like when a family member takes a photo of me, in paradise.

2. Because the photo is missing you when you are always behind the camera. 

3. Because this is what it looks like when you try to take a selfie. Not a lot of paradise in that photo. But the giant shoulder shot is great. Ugh. And nobody's teen wants to be in a selfie with their mom. 

4. Because equipment failure can ruin a once in a lifetime pic. 

5. Because it's a small price to pay (usually $10-20) for a print of resort or cruise photo that is ready for you to frame. No on-line ordering, no picking up at the mall AND, perhaps most importantly you are helping contribute to someone's employment and their family all while you & your family get to enjoy a vacation together. 

Great flight prices on now!

If you plan to fly by the end of summer, or in September, I'd encourage you to take a few minutes today and check out the prices at Westjet and Air Canada. Both are having a sale right now and are offering pretty great prices.

My rule of thumb is any domestic flight under $400 is a good deal. Any flight to the USA under $500 and any overseas flight in the $750 range.

Right now, both AC & WJ are offering YWG to YYC under $300. So, if you need to go from Winnipeg to Calgary this fall, you should look at booking now.  Under $300 is fabulous.

Since the Canadian dollar is weak,  (6 year low) I would encourage you to book a package that includes your hotel whenever possible and pay in advance, with Canadian funds. For example, if you are going to Vegas, pay the Canadian package price with Westjet rather than using a US supplier or paying for each separately.  The package prices certainly have not jumped drastically in price so in my humble opinion you can still travel to the USA.  Anytime I can go to Vegas for $500, is good enough for me.

Of course, prices are subject to change at any time. Bargains won't last forever. Sadly, you can't ever expect a last minute airfare bargain.  Booking 6-8 weeks before you intend to travel, will offer the best prices.  Also, do look into your airline's policy on price drops or price matching.  The industry has changed in this regard in the last year or so. Never hurts to look.

Fast 5 Travel Tips: When to book that flight

1.  Any time you are locked into dates, and the price hits your comfort zone.  The odds of you getting a bargain, on the dates you NEED to travel are slim. Just bite the bullet and book it now.

2. Six to eight weeks before you travel, statistically presents the best price.  Plan today for your September travel.

3. Immediately, if you see an anomaly or a price that seems too good to be true. Once Twitter and the travel forums spread the word, it will be snapped up by others.

4. Planning to travel at Christmas? Book in July.  It's not going to get any cheaper. Hunting for last minute Christmas deals..... is enough to give you nightmares. And, the 'leftover deals' at Christmas can be worse than buying your gifts at 7-11 on Christmas Eve.

5. If your budget and your travel dreams align.... book. You will regret the things in life that you didn't do, more that the mistake you made.

Fast 5 Travel Tips: All time best bargains

My personal list of travel bargain jackpots. All from the last 7 years.

5.  We added 4 nights in Florida to a hockey trip to Minneapolis for $275 per person. So we drove to MSP, watched my son play hockey, left the car at the hotel, then got on a plane to Florida for 4 days/nights at at amazing Hyatt resort.  Flew back to MSP and drove home. Would have been over $1000 per person if we'd flown from home.

4. Kids fly & stay free. A bargain found post-strike with Air Canada back in 2012. We took the kids to the Turks n Caicos Islands. Was under $$900 per person for a family of 4. Amazing value considering the regular price is about $6000 per family of 4 at a modest resort there.

3. Air Canada had Olympic specials in 2010 when Canada hosted the winter Olympics in Vancouver/Whistler. One such special landed me a $99 flight (& taxes)  to the Bahamas. So I went for a 3 day weekend. That was awesome.

2. Found a First Class Delta flight to Maui at Christmas, for $495 tax included, roundtrip. Yes, First Class at Christmas. Amazing! So, even with hotel and food we spent about $3000 for 8 days in Maui over the busiest holiday time of the year for a family of 4.  I think that was 2009.

1. $283 round trip flight from Minot to Nassau, on Delta. In transit, the airline offered us $600 per person (family of 4)  in future travel credits to bump & catch the next flight out. Yes! Hell yes, we took that deal.  So we then had 1 year to use the travel credits. We had 6 free flights to California out of those $2400 in credits in 2013/14.  Unbeatable travel bargain luck!

Fewer miles than a snazzy toaster

This week's Air Miles travel deals include 40% off flights to Montreal, Vancouver or Calgary for Onyx status collectors. (30% off for Gold level collectors)

That means, you could cash in 1980 Air Miles and just pay the taxes ($126) to have a round trip flight (direct flight that is!) to Montreal or Vancouver.

Or, you could go to Calgary from Winnipeg for 1320 Air Miles.  Flights from now until September 6th, 2015 and subject to availability.

Pretty great deal eh?  Or you could cash in 2500 of your Air Miles for this snazzy red toaster. Toast for 2? Or a flight for 2? Your choice.

Well that's a nice selection of rooms, Caesar

You like choices, do you?  Well check out this list of room options from Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas.

However, my tip to you is this.... book the cheapest room offered. At the hotel check in desk, be your best self. Be best dressed, best mannered and the new best friend of the desk clerk. Charm him or her in the first minute of arrival and then when you present your credit card and ID for authorization, also include a nice crisp $20.

What's the $20 for? So your new best friend can use their talents and favour to choose a nice room for you.

But does this work? Yes. Yes it does. The desk clerk or their supervisor has the authorization to put you in a room of their choosing, equal or greater to what you have selected and paid for with the reservation. And believe me, you are not the first person to do this, nor will you ever be the last.

What do I say?  Clearly express your preferences or reason for 'being extra special.'  For example, you might say, "this is my first time at Caesar's Palace. This is a dream come true for me! My wife booked this trip for our anniversary. We're heading out for dinner and then to the Rod Stewart concert tomorrow night. It would be fantastic if we could have a room with a view or nearby the concert forum."

What you've told the desk clerk here is that you are celebrating and (the most important part) spending additional money on their property (concert & dinner) so they should look favourably upon your request.

When doesn't this upfront gratuity work?  1) When the hotel is full or near capacity.  2) You booked the room off Hotwire, Trivago or another cut rate site. 3) You are pushy or have a black mark on your hotel record with the chain. (Tell off a Hilton employee and be sure that note is on your account for all future Hilton reservations) 4) At the Best Western in Saskatoon. This is a Vegas thing.

And if it does not work in your favour, it was still one of the better bets you'll make in Las Vegas. C'est la vie! You're there to gamble and leave a little money behind anyway. Be sure $20 (or $10 per person - as shown in the booking chart below)  is FAR less than you would have paid through your travel agent for a room upgrade.

Yes. I do speak from experience. I've been placed in a suite at both Caesar's & Bellagio at check in. Also at the MGM and Tropicana, but really, it's the Bellagio Suite (3 bathrooms & a dining room) that is the real jackpot upgrade. Though I'll likely never hit that jackpot again, I sure intend to give it a shot.

Wow yourself in Europe

There's a new budget airline on the market and they are out to WOW you, literally.

Wowair.com is a new airline from Iceland that is connecting Europe to the United States, through 2 east  coast cities. They are flying direct to several European destinations from BOS (Boston) & BWI (Baltimore) airports.

Their introductory prices are burning up the Internet. $99 from Boston to Amsterdam?  Wow!
They are also showcasing their fares in really nice visual graphs to show you at a glance when the best deals are. I definitely like the ease of finding the bargain fare. It's like they want you to find it.... which is, of course, quite contrary to the big airlines and how they present their deals.

There are low cost add ons for insurance and extra baggage.

But Cathie... I don't live in Boston!  These deals aren't relevant to me. 

Well, did you know it only takes 2500 Airmiles & $150 to get a roundtrip ticket from Winnipeg to Boston? Maybe you'd like to add an NFL football game to your itinerary while you're in Boston?  Now you're thinking like an adventurist!

Where do you want to go now?