Hotwire coupon for this weekend!

If you are planning a hotel stay anytime soon, you may wish to check this out. Of course it's too late for me... I booked my deal last week. 'sigh'

www.hotwire.com

Get it on the grid

Do you like seeing your options?  Let's check out the possibilities for a reggae Christmas with the help of Trip Central. It's a Canadian site with one of the very best searchable realtime databases, IMHO.

Since we all agree, we like 4 star (or better) vacations, I used that as a criteria.

The first screenshot shows all their holiday package destinations.

Then I chose Jamaica. The only city option with All Inclusive offerings was Montego Bay. This second screenshot gives you a basic overview of what it would cost to go in any month of the year. Keep in mind that it's the same hotel, the same flight, the same everything, just the cost is different based on the time of year. (Supply & demand)  

Next choice I made was for December, to plan a reggae Christmas. This screenshot shows the dates available and the lowest cost. 

This final screenshot shows you all the different hotel options and their specific prices. My recommendation would be to look at your budget and the price you are comfortable with, then go to Trip Advisor and read recent reviews for that particular hotel. You may read that it is perfect and meets your expectations, or you may read that it's not your kind of place at all.  

Vacations are very personal. Each person will have their own set of expectations, interests, and family circumstances. And, at least, I have found that at different times in my life, and depending on who I am travelling with, I want very different things. 

My golden rule, is never let price be your ONLY deciding factor.

**Note, I have actually been to Jamaica this year. So if you have detailed questions definitely ask!

Palm Springs this Fall

I LOVE fall travel. Seriously. Great bargains, no crowds and great weather.

Even with the weak (my polite way of saying really brutal, crappy, miserable) Canadian dollar, you can still afford to take a trip to the USA.  Simply mind your meals and on-site purchases.

Pre-paying the whole package at home, in Canadian funds, will net you excellent value for your money.

Here's one example, of a great little fall getaway, at a bargain price.  This is from Westjet Vacations and is bookable on-line or with your favourite travel agent.

I have personally stayed at the Riviera in 2015 and have wonderful things to say about it.

I can also say that the Palm Mountain Resort has a stellar location. It is about 25 steps from the Palm Springs Starbucks location, and their main shopping strip. Downtown Palm Springs is about the size of Downtown Brandon and is filled with shops and cafes. It's definitely a ladies' lunch destination.

So whether you're thinking 'girls getaway' or 'casual couples trip' you might want to look into Palm Springs. It's easy, breezy, beautiful. And.... if you choose the right dates, very affordable even in our current economy.

**As always, prices subject to change without notice.

Air Canada gift cards

I will admit, I'm a little disappointed.

I thought that I could buy Air Canada gift cards whenever I had a little spare money, and hoard them in a drawer. I had the idea that then, one fine day, I could treat myself to a "free trip" based on the stack of $50 and $100 gift cards in my possession. I was wrong. (Though it originally seemed like a brilliant idea!)

Now I know, at least when you book on-line, you are only permitted to use two methods of payment per transaction. Meaning..... $100 gift card, plus balance on credit card. You could use two gift cards, but ONLY if combined, they cover the total amount owing. (See redemption notes from the AC site, below)

So, as it stands I can only use one gift card, which makes them no better than a $50 coupon or discount code. But, I purchased these "coupons." See how I'm disappointed?  And originally, I thought these would be a BRILLIANT wedding shower gift, where guests could each purchase gift cards for the happy couple and help them fund a honeymoon.

I will research further and find out if you call and speak with an agent if you can "stack" your gift cards. It seems logical that there WOULD be someway around this payment challenge. But as for right now, I can't recommend buying these gift cards in small denominations.

Gift cards are available at Canada Post locations, in values of $25 and over. You can also redeem Aeroplan miles to receive Air Canada gift cards. And lastly, they are available from the Air Canada site, 24 hours a day.

Let's dream a little....

Have you noticed that I hardly every write on the weekends? It's because I own a restaurant and am completely consumed by it Thursday thru Sunday. Monday is my catch-up day and if I get an evening off it's typically a Tuesday. So since I have a little free time to pursue my travel hobby tonight, I thought we might dream a little.

I always write about bargain travel. It's "my thing."( I can go when the price low.... meaning I am very budget conscious and just want to get the best value I can for my money. If I can find 5 star travel experiences and pay 2 star price, just by being flexible with dates and/or using points then I feel like a winner.) But, just for the sake of a little amusement on my night off, let's pretend money is no object.

I've spun the calendar and landed on Sunday, December 6th. It's not a holiday or anything, so the prices should be pretty average.  Let's see what it would cost to stay a Sunday night in a variety of fancy hotels around the world.

1. Plaza Hotel (Fairmont Chain) New York City.

2. The Langham Hotel in Chicago, Illinois  

(Only USA Hotel on Trip Advisor's Top 25 Luxury Hotel List) 

3. Trump Hotel, Toronto Canada

4. Four Seasons Hotel, Paris France

5. Bellagio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Nevada

Shown in US dollars

6. Park Hyatt, Sydney Harbour Australia

Blue Jays Trip Contest

Great contest! Open to Canadians. Just 3 days left to enter, today and Tuesdays September 1st & 8th. 

Here's the link to all the rules & how to enter. 

Lunch at 59th & Lex

Did you know that Bloomingdales Department Store has a cafe?

We stumbled upon the cafe and outdoor patio at the Fashion Island Mall in Newport Beach, California. They had lunch and happy hour specials that were priced to rival any cookie-cutter chain restaurant, but their meals were out-of-this-world elegant and delicious.  I was completely delighted with our decision to stop and have raved about it since.

My lunch included a glass of wine, entree and dessert slice for under $20.

It was one of those delicious and memorable travel moments that happened because we were open to try new things and be spontaneous rather than sticking to a rigid schedule and pre-planned events.

Kids' meal chicken strips with fruit salad

Salmon Nicoise

Raspberry frozen yogurt and pink lemonade included with the kids' meal.

Home of the Braves

Some of my best travel stories have come from detours and wrong turns. Like the night we ended up in Atlanta, at the Braves game.

We were on a flight from Minot, North Dakota thru to Nassau, Bahamas, via Atlanta airport. That's when and where we were delayed and bumped overnight to the next flight. Delta Airlines set us up with a nearby hotel and meals (plus future flight credits) for the inconvenience.

With a free evening in Atlanta, I looked up and found a Major League Baseball (MLB) game starting in 2 hours. We rushed to the stadium only to find out it was a sold out game. Turns out this October night was the one-game playoff to determine which team got the wildcard into the playoffs.  It was the Atlanta Braves vs the St. Louis Cardinals.

The automated ticket kiosks only offered standing room tickets to this big game. I passed. Next up, the scalpers. "C'mon kids, mom's going to make some new friends." But all they had to offer were single seats.

As a last resort, I went to the on site Box Office.  "Don't suppose you have 4 tickets for the game? We're Canadian and my kids have never seen a live MLB game...."  I didn't even have to finish the sentence before the clerk said she had great seats right behind home plate. The visitors (Cardinals) just released their team seats. We could sit right behind the Anthem Singer and special guests. Tickets were $40 each and we were in!

A quick stop at the souvenir booth for a couple of Braves' shirts and hats, and we were cheering for the home team!

It was a heck of a game! But better than that it was an EXPERIENCE. Since then, each of my kids has gone to 2 other stadiums to see 2 more games. Our spontaneous detour in Atlanta helped to ignite a passion for the live game.  A MLB game, with a cold lemonade and an Oscar Mayer hot dog... well, it's hard to beat. One of those must-do events when you travel through America with your kids.

5 little luxuries for the road.

Space is a commodity and with airlines charging for checked bags, taking up too much space can be costly.

I almost exclusively travel with just a carry on bag. I roll my clothes, coordinate my outfits and preach about staying organized on the road with Ziploc bags. But given a little extra space, these are the 5 little luxuries I will definitely squeeze in.

1. Slippers. Just tiny, soft little ballet slippers. After a full day of walking, there's nothing more comforting on my feet than a cozy little pair of slippers.

2. Noise cancelling headphones. Tiny ear buds will do, but good headphones can really help tune out the travel chaos.

3. LBD. Just a sheath dress. Black and classic, in case your business lunch turns formal.

4. A hat. Could be a knit toque or a fun straw hat based on your destination. Could also be a lifesaver if you have a really bad hair day or an unexpected delay.

5. A book. I know you can read on your iPad or Kindle but, a real book still feels like "vacation" to me. A little luxury, easily tucked into the front pocket of your suitcase. It's a conversation starter, a de-stresser and a gift you can exchange with another reader.

Why I said yes to this souvenir

Normally, I skip the souvenirs. 'Collect memories, not things', I say.  But this last time, in Jamaica, I said yes and whipped open my wallet.

My son CJ is 9 years old. We were heading up to our hotel room to call it a night, in this fancy all-inclusive resort in Jamaica when he stopped me at the door. We were just past the local crafters who were packing up their wares and getting ready to head home.

CJ squeezed my hand and pulled me to a halt. "Buy something!" he whispered.

I whispered back. "I don't need anything."

He insisted, "Mom, buy something."

I leaned in and asked him, "why, honey? Is there something you want?'

"Mom, that (elderly) man has been sitting in the hot sun all day and I don't think ANYBODY has bought ANYTHING from him. Mom, can you PLEASE give him something."

Enough said.

The man asked $7 for the puppy carving. I gave him $10. He said, 'bless you." I choked back tears. I already know I'm blessed. And in that moment, I knew that I must be doing something right with my kids. Such good kids. And now we have this little carved puppy to remind me.

Air Miles Discount Flights This Week

Each week there are new flights being sold off at discounts for gold and onyx collectors. This week, you can snag a flight to Phoenix or Palm Springs for about 2600 (gold) or 2100 (onyx) if you pick the right dates.  (plus the taxes) Brandon is included in this week's sale.

Do note that prices already drop after September 16th, from high season to low. So there's savings for everyone there.

Also, I find Monday and Tuesdays are the best days to book these free flights. Seems new inventory comes on line each week. And, even if the flight you want isn't there one week, do check back often. I know it is ever changing.

Air Miles is a rewards program available to anyone 16 or older. Even if you don't believe your miles will ever add up, they will. It's worth collecting. It is one of the best tools Canadians have to subsidize travel.

If you are wanting to book with Air Miles for Feb 2016 travel, you will see that the NEW Westjet flights are already on-line for YBR, our Brandon airport.

Blue Jays vs Yankees?

If your idea of an epic sports trip is watching the Blue Jays vs the Boston Red Sox, you're in luck.

If your idea of an epic sports trip is watching the Blue Jays vs the NY Yankees, you're in luck.

If you're idea of EPIC is seeing all this in one weekend, you better sit down, take a deep breath and then find your credit card.

Will there be another year when the rivalries are this heated? Will the Jays be contenders next year?

Check out this schedule:

Now, since you're going to need some money for tickets and souvenirs, you might want to save $300 on flights, and instead of paying retail, cash in your Air Miles for the flight. (If you pay retail for the flights it's $420 if you book asap) 

Cashing in your Air Miles will be at a very affordable rate of 1600 Air Miles and just $123 in taxes. You can put the savings towards tickets or the hotel. 

A quick glance at Stub Hub says you can have game tickets for about $30 each. They won't be great seats, but you're in the building. (Also check Ticketmaster.ca for seats)  So 3 games for about $100, plus flight tax, and hotel (split with a buddy) $300. Plus hot dogs ($11 each) and a few beers ($12 each) I'll estimate $650 for your epic weekend per person. 

Worthy of the EPIC WEEKEND title, if you're a baseball fan.  

Don't wait on any of this. as the pennant race heats up, so will ticket prices, hotels etc. 

I've actually done this Blue Jays trip before and watched them play the Boston Red Sox, so if you have any questions, I have the personal experience to answer them. (We stayed at the Doubletree Hotel, a place we picked up off of Hotwire.)   We had a great time, of course, there's something special about an MLB game that you just have to experience for yourself. 

Vegas - Next Monday. Crazy Cheap!

Sometimes the last minute bargains are amazing!  Here's one from Westjet, just in case you need one more quick getaway before back to school.

These deals have direct flights to/from Winnipeg. (I checked the Brandon prices and they are 3x as much in this case). It's definitely worth the drive to Winnipeg for this one.

$209 & taxes ($360 total per person) Gets you round trip flights and 3 nights hotel, tax etc.  The Linq is centre strip, while the Tropicana is at the MGM/New York corner.  Both are decent hotels. But if you want to splurge a bit on an amazing hotel, stay at the Cosmopolitan ($448 tax in) or the Aria ($505 tax in). Cromwell, Vdara and the Venetian are all similarly priced.

These are Canadian prices, and considering our low dollar vs the US, I would definitely recommend buying the package rather than booking a flight and paying at the hotel in US dollars. You would have to book a US package (like from Allegiant) for $275 or less to beat this deal. See why I called it amazing! The real value is in the superior Westjet service and reliability.

Prices are subject to change. Book on-line or give Selloffvacations.com a call ((204) 571-4570) and tell them you saw the deal on my blog.

Vegas pictures, just for fun

A dear friend of mine is planning a trip to Vegas soon, so I thought I'd share a few of my own pics to help show her around and fuel the excitement.

Street view of the M&M store

Inside the colourful M&M store. Sure to make you smile.

Gardens at Bellagio in springtime. 

Located in the Aria Hotel

Salmon Vegas-style.

Bellagio 

Indoor canals at the Venetian Hotel

Candy stores all around

Showgirl crosswalk 

Burgers from BURGR in Planet Hollywood Hotel

Sunrise in Vegas... in case you miss it. 

Caesar's Palace sports book. Where you can go to bet on football etc.

Concert venue at Caesar's Palace

Rod Stewart on his walk about thru the crowd

Rod Stewart on stage in 2013

Art installation at the shops at the Crystals Mall, at Aria

The Chandelier  lounge at the Cosmopolitan Hotel

Pool at the Tropicana Hotel 

Room service Bellagio style

View of the pools at Bellagio

Me, Vegas-style