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.

Anyone for Antigua?

Antigua is definitely on my to-do list!

Any time I get the chance to casually chat with flight crew, or other travel bloggers, I ask about their favourite beach vacations.

Antigua comes up over and over again. The British Airways flight attendants I met in Bermuda couldn't stop singing the praises of this Caribbean island. If I could have hopped aboard their flight to Antigua instead of mine, back to Toronto, I definitely would have.

Here, Air Canada is offering a week in Antigua for about $1500-$2000 per person in January. Of course the dates and resort you choose will affect the rate you pay. If I could choose any one of them, it would be Sugar Ridge!

Pre Christmas Curacao?

Do the snowflakes and icy roads have you yearning for a beach? No chance for Christmas vacation?

Well, could you go now?

Air Canada Vacations has some nice bargains to the Caribbean. This one in particular is to Curacao. Various dates carry various prices, starting at about $1100 taxes included, per person.

To start your research on the islands and what they have to offer, go directly to the source.

Curacao Tourist Board. 

Last year's coffee run was $920

Last year I wrote about a Westjet sale to Kona Hawaii. It was, in my opinion, a heck of a deal.

Since I'm not travelling right now, and more than a little bored, I thought I would look and see what that same trip would cost today.

That same trip, December 2nd to 9th, would cost $1020 per person, or about $100 more. That's not bad. I feel it is a reasonable measure of the current cost of a vacation.... about 10% more than last year.  Most of that rise in cost can be attributed to the change in value of the Canadian dollar (as compared to the USA dollar.

If you are just looking for a flight, there are numerous return flights, to each of the 3 most popular islands, for about $560. This is true for both Westjet and Air Canada, from Winnipeg. Depends on dates, of course. But I could find you 25 examples, of $600 of less right now.

This one to Maui is just $527 taxes included!

Just look at these beautiful flight times!!

Going back in time.

It never occurred to me that I was doing anything that wasn't completely ordinary until my dear friend Christina shouted at me. "You're doing WHAT? OMG that's amazing! Cathie, you HAVE TO write about this!"

So, I'll just tell you now, what I told her....

I'm going to take these photos, get on a plane and go visit the house where I lived when I was 3 years old.

That house happens to be in Nova Scotia.

I happen to love the ocean, and lobster. I'm not really sure which I love more, lobster, or being by the ocean, but I'm pretty sure that the house in this picture is where it all started. I should note that I haven't seen this house, or Nova Scotia at all, in more than 3 decades. For the last three decades, I have been living on the prairies.

So, the plan is as simple and straightforward as it sounds.... photos, plus seat sale, equals adventure! Thank you Air Canada for a great price on the flight, by the way.

I'll report back.

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

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.

Denver: The Airport

If you're new to travel, you might find Denver Airport (airport code: DEN)  a little intimidating, but rest assured, you CAN do this.

Denver is the main domestic hub for United Airlines. It is also the main airport for regional airlines, Frontier and Great Lake Airlines.

Denver Airport is the largest international airport, in landmass, in the USA. It is the 6th busiest in the USA and handled 53 million passengers last year.

The casual traveller needs to know just a few things:

• there are moving sidewalks and a tram that will take you to/from the baggage claim areas. This is good. It's quite a distance.
• taxi fare from the airport to downtown is a flat rate of $55 and will take 30-40 minutes 
• shuttles (like SuperShuttle.com) will cost about $20-$25 per person and will add about 10 minutes to your trip downtown 
• there are numerous tornado shelters in this airport. A tornado did touchdown on the runway in June 2013.  There are typically a few tornado alerts in Denver each summer.
• a new Westin hotel will open at the airport late 2015.
• give yourself a minimum 90 minutes to arrive and get through security before your flight. 2 hours would be better. 
• do consider your travel times and potential delays when you travel to or thru Denver airport. It's not uncommon for winter weather to throw a wrench in the plans at this mountain airport.
• $500(Cdn) is an average price for a direct, return Denver flight. Anything less is a deal. I've seen it as low as $360Cdn.

There are direct flights to/from Winnipeg-Denver daily, operated by United Airlines (or Air Canada as their code share partner). You can check both sites, sometimes there will be a price difference though, it's actually the same flight/plane. You can choose to collect your Aeroplan points or United Mileage on these flights. 

If you are looking for a bargain, and are willing to drive over the border, United also flies from Devils Lake (DVL) or Minot (MOT) North Dakota.  Of those 2 airports, DVL is typically cheaper ($260US) and does not charge for parking. They have 2 flights daily. I have flown DVL to DEN before. It was fantastic when the Canadian dollar was worth more. 

The YWG arrival gate in DEN is Gate B89. It's a ways from the main airport halls. You will want at least an hour to connect to another flight. The great thing about this B89 area, is that it has a brand new Starbucks kiosk. It's awesome, but expect lines as long as security after 9am. The washroom in this area is 2star. Wait until you get upstairs to the main hall for the 4star washrooms. 

View of the airport from the highway. The glass "W" is the new Westin Hotel

Down in the lower annex, by gate B89 where the YWG flight typically arrives

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.

Finland Super-Bargain only from YWG

I've analyzed this incredible deal a number of ways:

Is it from all Canadian cities? No.
Is it to all major European destinations? No
Is it just one airline? No (All the big players are in on this price war.)
Is it just a few select dates? No.  (Bargains can be found right thru May 2016)
Is it just from Delta cities? No  (Prices are higher in the USA)

Here are the screenshots, take August 7th.  Please keep in mind that "C" in front of a price means Canadian Funds. US cities are shown is US dollars. (Thus converted to Canadian funds would be 25% higher still)  Everything is shown round-trip all taxes and fees included, except for the second photo which is a one-way fare, used for comparison.  Charts and analysis at shown below from the "On The Fly" app, which I absolutely love.

Even Manitoba Spring Break has a super price. (Departing March 27) But you have to fly back April 4th to get the best bargain. In some school divisions this would mean missing the first day back.

To read my original post on Finland, and why you should consider it for a future travel adventure, click here. 

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Half price of the typical fare. It's like a 2 for 1 deal. 

One way is more expensive than a return trip!

Base fare is just $130 to/from YWG to HEL. That's crazy! You'd pay more for dinner at The Keg.

Paris, $300 more as a destination. BUT, if you plan your Delta flights right, you can have a stopover in Paris for free. 

Helsinki? Adventure Awaits

There is a remarkable flight sale on right now. If you have ever dreamt of visiting Finland, you need to jump on this deal.

From Winnipeg, Manitoba (YWG) to Helsinki, Finland (HEL) for about $600, but as low as $558, depending on dates. There are lots of great dates in November, early December and late January for around $600.  (This is about half price!)  Many airlines participating in this sale, including Delta, KLM, Air Canada, Air France.

Paired with hotel for 5 or 6 nights, it can be had for under $1000. (shown below) Yes, that's return flights, hotel and taxes all included.

In November, the temperature is near 2C. It is the beginning of the winter season, similar in climate to Manitoba, except that it will be more of a damp cold due to it proximity to the Baltic Sea.

Visit your favourite agent to jump on this deal before it disappears.  There's even an opportunity for a stop over in Paris at no extra charge, if you book your flight times right!

Helsinki tourism link will whet your appetite for this adventure.

Finland is also the site of this year's World Juniors Hockey. However, during this event, prices will be much higher.

Win a trip to London

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

Link to the Contest details

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.

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.

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!

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.

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