The most romantic Canadian getaway

In my humble opinion, the most romantic Canadian getaway weekend would be to Quebec City, and the Fairmont Hotel, le Chateau Frontenac.

The most romantic weekend of the year, Valentine's Day.

So when I saw Air Canada's latest getaway sale, with booking dates through to April, I took a look. Sure enough, flights are at an amazing price too.

Book the hotel early (like now) and use your CAA discount and a room is yours for about $200 per night. (To stay in a castle!!!)

This is one of those situations where it pays to book ahead. To book this getaway in January or February will cost you double. 

Like Cinderella's carriage....

At midnight, the bargain London fares turned into pumpkins.

Both Air Canada and Westjet adjusted their fares after midnight on September 16th/17th.

Will you book London at this regular fare price?

Or will you look at it again only if another seat sale drops the price below $700?

Westjet screenshot 1:15am

Seat sizes and other airplane stuff

I wanted to find a specific answer to a question: which airline offers more legroom on these Winnipeg to London flights?  And what I found out was a real eye opener.

Let's start with the answer. I had help from the site, Seatguru.com. They have everything an aviation nerd might want to know.

From the Air Canada Rouge web site.

From seatguru.com

Then, searched Seatguru.com for Westjet's planes, but the 767 was not listed. Ok, right, they are brand new to the fleet and probably not on this comparison site yet. 

So I looked up a Boeing 767 on Delta Airlines. They noted 262 seats, which sounds like the Westjet plane. So I took a screenshot. I remember Westjet saying that there would be 38" in the Plus seats, so I feel like I probably have the right plane. 

So, according to these charts, the Westjet plane should have the space advantage by 1 inch, in both economy and plus seating. 

But to make sure I had the right plane, I Googled "Westjet new 767 plane." And that's when I learnt that while it is a new route, and the plane is a new acquisition to the fleet, the actual planes (4) are NOT new. 

Westjet has purchased the planes from Qantas Airlines which has retired them after decades of service. 

Here, is a news article celebrating the plane's retirement. Yes. Qantas made a pretty big deal out of it. 

An excerpt from the article.

Here's a link to the Westjet blog and their announcing of the plane acquisitions.

Aside, during this little research stint, I found that there is an airline called "Vanilla Air." And another airline called SpiceJet. Perhaps airlines founded in the 1990s?

That cake.

When I am planning a trip I love to read and learn about my future destination. I'll search and read Trip Advisor and when I start to read the same thing over and over I start to believe it.

Like this time I read about coconut cake at Waikiki Beach. This cake reference and these cake pictures kept popping up. It wasn't long before "find that coconut cake" was short-listed on my must-do list at Waikiki Beach.

Truth be told, that when travel plans shortened our trip, I scratched "hike Diamond Head" off the list and kept "find coconut cake."  (Feel like you know me a bit better now? Hahaha.)

So... this cake. It is from Halekulani Resort. It's a stunning, exclusive, 5 star kind of place. But if you're not wearing sandy flip flops and you mind your manners, you can get the cake... to go. Which is what I did.

I seem to remember the slice of cake being about $15 and thinking, "this better be good cake."

It came in its own clear display box, with a fresh orchid as garnish, and was handed to me in a signature Halekulani cloth shopping bag.  So, that was impressive.

When I got back to my hotel room, I first took pictures of the cake. (Isn't that what all bloggers do when they get their food and it looks amazing?)

I was almost nervous to take a bite.

Sure enough..... AMAZING. The best way to describe it would be to say I think this is what
I think clouds taste like. Heavenly clouds!

The cake is so light, and nearly flavourless, but in a good way. You reach for another bite just to let your tastebuds at it again. There is a gentle, fresh coconut flavour that starts to emerge, but overall you just taste 'cloud.' It's pretty freaking amazing.

They are kind enough to publish the signature recipe on-line. Someday I will tackle this recipe in hopes I can come close to recreating it.

The cake is so popular, Google has it right atop their links when you start typing "coconut cake H..."

Have you ever gone out of your way to track down a meal, or a particular treat that you'd read about or seen on Food Network?
Do post your finds in the comments. I'd love to hear about them.

Air Canada says: Any day of the week!

When Westjet announced their new Canadian route to London's Gatwick airport, I expected Air Canada to answer back with matching fares.

Right on schedule, Air Canada did just that, but without any marketing fan fare or even a suggestion of it on their home page.

BUT, if you look at their prices in May and June 2016, you will see they jumped all in on this little London blitz. Infact, Air Canada's answer to this announcements was.... 'any day of the week.'

While my comments are simply an observation, and the words are my own, it seems crystal clear that Air Canada is sending a message.

You want to go to London? We'll take you there (and back) for $623, any day of the week!

Prices subject to change.  Routes and flight times will vary. Book early for best selection.

Booking London? Or thinking of it?

If you'd like to jump at the chance to get in on Westjet's introductory flights and the great deals to London, you have until September 16th at midnight.

This is a great time to talk to an expert! A local travel agent can answer all your questions in a timely manner and help you make the best choices for hotels. They can also tentatively book your seat, securing the best price and give you 24 hours to confirm and pay for your booking.

24 hours to give it a good look, and gather your thoughts and funds is a real asset to booking with an agent, rather than hoping to get the right price yourself, especially on short notice.

If you don't have a favourite local agent, I'd encourage you to call mine, Sheri Kines. Sheri has helped me navigate these deals and get exactly the kind of trip I want, at the budget I can afford. She's the one who helped me book Finland recently!

Sheri was one of the industry experts invited to Westjet's High Tea Reception to launch this route. She knows the ins and outs of this deal. She heard it straight from the executives at Westjet.

While I can find the deals, she's the one who can help you book it!

There are still a few flight dates/times available in March and April if you are still thinking about Florence/Tuscany this spring.



Sheri Kines (204) 596-8483
skines@selloffvacations.com

To London, from Brandon $730

If you read travel blogs and love to travel, I bet you've already heard that Westjet announced today that they are offering service to London's Gatwick (code LGW) airport from Canada.

The introductory prices (of about $300 to get there and about $400 to get back) are being offered until midnight on September 16th.

To get there from Brandon,  you will go through Calgary. Alternately, you can drive to Winnipeg and fly direct.

Westjet is causing a buzz with this new route and the cheapest flights will sell out quickly. Prices are subject to change constantly. Sometimes, even when you are in the booking process.

I expect the prices to settle out in that $800 - $850 range, which is quite normal per Air Canada sales and other partner airlines.

A new route for a Canadian airline is always good news. Flights commence in May 2016.

Using your Westjet dollars for even greater savings.... that's excellent news!

To start your planning,  visitlondon.com

Sun, Surf and Savings in California

Doesn't this look like fun?A 70s motel taken over by the Coast Hotel (They're Canadian) chain.

This price includes flights, taxes and hotel for 4 nights.  The flight is by Air Canada from Winnipeg to Los Angeles. (YWG to LAX.) WIFI and a FREE airport shuttle transfer is included with your price.

The dates from this sample are October 6th to 10th, 2015. Looks like there are several dates in October, but back to normal prices (over $500) in November.

Seriously!! What? YWG to LAX $314 includes tax.

Ok, I had to look at this three times and from three different sites, but it's true. A round trip ticket from Winnipeg, to Los Angeles for about the price of a night at the Jets' game.

$314

I'll say it again.... $314 Canadian dollars, including tax.

October 14-21, but many other great dates available through Air Canada.

You could take this flight from Vancouver for $256. So, Air Canada is willing to give you the round trip connection YWG to YVR for $60. Amazing.

I'm so excited by this find I think I smell burnt toast. Or perhaps I burnt my toast because I was so distracted by this deal.

I'll shut up now, so you can book this before it disappears.

Tacos for Thanksgiving in the Mayan Riviera?

If Turkey and pumpkin pie just isn't your thing, you might want to jump on this 5 star deal to Mexico. Leaving October 11th and returning on the 15th, you will enjoy 4 nights on the beach and be pampered at any one of the luxury resorts that Westjet is offering.

These 5 star packages are starting at $ 797 taxes included. All inclusive. Pretty great eh? Cheap enough to invite your mother-in-law to tag along?!!

The screenshot here, from Selloffvacations.com (Sept 14th, 11pm) clearly shows you how the picking the right departure date can save you hundreds of dollars on the exact same trip.

You'll have to watch carefully though, some of the flights have an overnight connection. While it might be fun to have a night in Vancouver, it's adding to your cost and taking away from your beach time.

If you'd rather wait two weeks, you can go for a whole week for $1002 taxes included at a very well rated, 4 star hotel. October 26th to November 2nd.

As always, do your research and read the current reviews from Trip Advisor before you book. Do look for the details, like how long you will have to sit on a shuttle to get to your destination, and whether or not airport transfers are included in your package.

Air Miles Weekly Sell Offs

This week, if you have Air Miles to burn, Westjet flights are up to 40% off (for Onyx collectors) to many USA destinations, and International destinations too. Book now and travel until mid November.

From Brandon YBR or Winnipeg YWG.

Weekly rewards link 

Your Air Canada deals are domestic flights this week.

New discounts pop up weekly, on Mondays.

Disney Park Passes

Did you know that you can purchase Disney World, and Disneyland park tickets through Airmiles.ca?

You simply go into the Dream Rewards section and choose your desired passes. They will cost you around 3000 Air Miles per pass.  The current retail price is over $300 US or about $400 Canadian funds.

There are a few other amusement parks who also offer tickets through Air Miles. Just make sure you give yourself 3-4 weeks to receive the passes in the mail, prior to your trip. Though, the last time I purchased Disney passes this way, they were delivered in 9 days so I had plenty of time.

When the Canadian dollar is weak, and you still want to make your dream trip a reality, I encourage you to think creatively and use rewards credits like this. I would book my flights and hotel and pre-pay in Canadian funds, use Air Miles for the park passes and limit my souvenir purchases. Eat bigger lunches and small dinners and your dream trip can still come together at an affordable price.

If you have any other tips on saving money in the USA without skimping on the family fun, please add them in the comments. Thank you!

More Florence samples

Looks like news of this deal is spreading quickly. Dates that were available cheaply yesterday are already on the rise. Some that were $679 are now $709.

Searches from Expedia.ca

This Hilton Garden would be a mainstream alternative to many of the Italian Boutique hotels that are offered. The Hilton also has an area shuttle.

Air & Hotel in Florence, Italy $1200 this spring

DEAL ALERT:


$1200 typically buys just your air fare to Florence Italy, from western canada. So think of this deal, as getting your hotel stay for FREE. Right now flights can be found for LESS than $700. Pairing it with any number of well rated hotels and you can have the whole package for $1200 per person.

Select dates from now through to the end of April 2016. I have searched, and verified multiple air fare dates for under $700 (All taxes, fees included, return flight & Canadian funds) from Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

The flights are with KLM, and Alitalia.

To find your own best dates, and preferred trip length you can use APPS like "On The Fly" or "skyscanner."

These screenshots are from Expedia.ca, September 12th, and include hotel accommodations.
Always do your research before booking a hotel. Talk to friends or your travel agent. AND read Tripadvisor.ca for recent reviews.

If you like this deal, or this blog, please share it.

ONLY properties with amazing verified reviews listed here.

I saw this hotel and loved the luxury apt idea. Would be very affordable & suited to families.

Deal to Halifax: $711 Hotel Included

I'm thoroughly excited about this sale. It's a bargain. A sweet sweet bargain.

It's a 4 night Canadian holiday that's Vegas cheap!

Here's a sample of how you can take a flight deal and make it even better by pairing with a hotel through a travel discounter like Expedia or similar.

Here's just a sample of a top rated hotel with a great Air Canada flight.

I"ve chosen the Cambridge to explore further. I like the location, free wifi and breakfast. Excellent review.  With the AC flight times that I like, it is $711 per person (2 people travelling) as shown below.

Hot Hot Maritime Prices!

Very briefly.... I've spotted a heck of a deal to the Canadian Maritimes.

Both Westjet and Air Canada as low as $455 from Winnipeg to Moncton, or Halifax!

I can't think of when it has been that cheap to fly to the coast. I think this is your answer to our weak American dollar. See the east coast of Canada this year.

I will investigate and write more, after work tonight!  But my first, quick glance shows lots of dates available for both airlines.

What's a bargain?

I have a few basic guidelines for my travel purchases.

I am really focused on receiving great value without comprimsing safety, or quality.

I like a 4 star hotel at a 2 star price. If it means staying at that hotel on a Sunday instead of a Friday, to get the bargain, I will stay on a Sunday. That's the kind of compromise I'm willing to make.

I am NOT willing to stay at a poorly rated, rat hole of a hotel in Hawaii, just to be in Hawaii. Sometimes it means travelling in the off season, or less popular times, but that is worth it to me to get the experience I want at the budget I can afford.

To repeat... It's not about being cheap. I will save or change or forgo completely if the trip is not within budget. But if I'm going to spend my hard earned money, I want to be sure that it is WORTH IT.  A $800 flight to Florida would never be 'worth it' to me.


Flights Only:

Very briefly, I consider the following to be my 'good deal' prices: (From YWG airport)
Non-stop flight, where possible, return and includes taxes

1) Domestic flight (within Canada - BC to Ontario)                      $400


2) Domestic flight (within Canada - Maritime Provinces)             $550

3) Popular route USA (like Vegas, Phoenix, LA, Orlando, NY, Dallas, Chicago, Denver)       $500

4) Less popular USA, Alaska & Hawaii (routes with connections)           $600

5) Caribbean, Mexico & Costa Rica         $600

6) International, Including Europe, Scandinavia & Asia       $700

7) Australia        $900


Hotels: 

I consider most 4 star hotels a good price at $150 plus taxes
I consider most 5 star hotels a good price at $220 plus taxes

I consider most 4 star Vegas hotels a good price at $90 plus taxes/resort fees
I consider the 5 star Vegas hotels a good price at $129 plus taxes/resort fees


Packages: 

4 star, 7 night packages $1250 taxes included

5 star, 7 night packages $2400 taxes included

I expect to pay about 50% more for everything at Christmas and Spring Break time. Therefore, a good price for a flight in Canada at Christmas would be $600. I would consider that a decent Christmas bargain.

I won't call something  bargain, or draw attention to it, unless it fits my criteria of a bargain, or is exceptional in some other way.

Video Clips: Yay or nay?

Not sure if I just like blogging and it's the writing that satisfies me, or if I should jump on the trend and try 'vlogging" a bit.

What do you think? Little video clips good or not quite so interesting?

Does it give you a new perspective? A better perspective?

Also, if it doesn't play on your mobile device please let me know in the comments. I want to make this blog more interesting and user-friendly if possible.

Thanks!

Denver: A city with a pulse

We were walking home from Coors Field, after a baseball game and happened upon a huge gathering of bikes. Pedal bikes! It was a large group of 20-somethings out riding, playing music and socializing on the downtown streets.

It was definitely a crowd that caught your attention. At one of the stoplights, I asked a nearby rider what was going on. She told me they were the Denver Cruisers and it was just what they did on Wednesday nights. She told me that they even had their own web site where they announced their meet up locations and times.

It was cool! A city with a pulse... and personality! Definitely gave me the impression that Denver was a cool city. It looked like they were having a lot of fun.

Denver: Hotwire hotel jackpot!

Our favourite perk, the rooftop pool!

The trip was too fast to get hung up on details and I was plum out of loyalty credits. So, I used Hotwire.com to book my hotel for this Denver getaway.

I needed location and security because I was travelling with my young son. I knew exactly where I needed to be to get to Coors Field and Mile High Stadium conveniently, since I had been to Denver before. Being familiar with the city and specifically downtown was a real asset in this situation.

I picked the best rated hotel within my budget and booked. (With Hotwire, you 'blind buy'... meaning you don't learn which hotel until after you have booked and paid.)

My 4.5 star hotel booking was confirmed as the Westin Downtown. Jackpot!! I knew this hotel had the perfect location and was a brand I respected and valued. I was thrilled even before I arrived.

When I checked in, the front desk clerk made me feel very welcome. He even extended us the generous courtesy of a complimentary breakfast at the hotel.

The hotel met our every need. It even had a Starbuck's kiosk in the lobby, and one on the street corner on either side.

The breakfast was excellent and the service was even better. The breakfast servers were sweeter than pumpkin pie and so attentive to my son. Not all 4 star hotels are so welcoming of kids. Their hospitality, once again, made me feel like a valued guest.

The rooftop pool was my favourite perk. We had a great view, a cooling swim and a real chance to relax and just chill, in the heart of the city. Perfect for this mom and son bonding sports trip.

Just 10 steps outside the south side of the hotel was a FREE games area run by a downtown enrichment organization. We played mini golf, ping pong and foosball. Did I mention it was FREE? Such a great little fun zone and probably the first thing my son would mention if you asked him about the trip.

I feel like I hit the jackpot. I got the perfect hotel, and on budget, for my two day sports getaway. Thank you Hotwire!

FREE 9 hole mini golf in the city centre

A panoramic view of the city from the rooftop pool on the Westin's 4th floor.

The previous trip to Denver, we had booked a 4 star, downtown boutique hotel and were treated to The Magnolia. It also absolutely met our needs. In that case, it was an adult trip, and the hotel was indeed more suited to adult travellers. The hotel hosted a happy hour with complimentary wine and beer. The rooms were smaller and it did not have a pool area. However, I can definitely recommend The Magnolia as well when in Denver.