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 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.

Hotwire Surprise... but not really a surprise

Here's the thing... every time you start poking around the Internet and doing some shopping, travel or otherwise you are leaving a digital trail. That's why you suddenly see ads everywhere for Old Navy after you've browsed their site.

The other day I was checking out a few dates on Hotwire.com.  Imagine my surprise (Yes, sarcasm) when this popped up in my e-mail folder:

As a previous Hotwire user, they have my e-mail address. I'm cool with that. I'm also cool with them sending me deals, when they are legit deals. I strongly dislike "deals" that are exactly the same price as before, or a lower price PLUS additional fees that equal the original price.

This "surprise" offer, is another $15 if I book today. Basically it's a car dealer technique.... here's a little bonus to make you sign today. "Let's get this deal done!"

I checked it out, and it's still more than my original search. Which makes me believe what they say is true, every time you search travel hotels/flights the prices will go up, not down. They key to getting around that is clearing your cache or using the private browser setting.

Also good to know is that Hotwire and Expedia are the same company. They offer same hotels and similar rates etc. Think "Future Shop" and "Best Buy" when they were sibling companies.

Only you will know when you get the right price. It's about VALUE for your dollar. There is no best price or ultimate deal. You could drive yourself crazy pursuing this unicorn.

Fast Five Travel Tips: Black Friday Strategies

Are you getting twitchy thinking of the deals on the horizon? Will you shop in the malls, or buy on-line? And while you are planning your holiday purchases, you may wish to take a moment and consider your upcoming travel needs as well.

In the past, there have been deals on select flights or select hotels, rather than blanket discounts. You can expect deals to be available this weekend, as well as additional deals on "cyber monday."

Here are my tips to maximize your success buying travel and getting that deal this weekend.

1. Identify your needs. Make a list of the hotels and destinations you need to go to in the next 6 months. (Think hockey/volleyball/school/family obligations.)

2. Wish List. Make a list of your possible travel dates for "wish list" travel.  As in, if there was a remarkable deal to Arizona, WHEN would it be possible for you to go? If those dates and deals line up, you might just hit the jackpot.

3. Get in the loop! If you're not a member/social media follower of the hotels/airlines/travel companies you wish to buy from, add them now. Sign up for their e-mails, follow them on Twitter. You want to be among the first to know of the deals.

4. Grab your money. Will you be using a credit card? Pay Pal? Know your limits which card(s) offer additional benefits for travel purchases. (For example, travel insurance included, rental car benefits, etc.)

5. Know the norm. (Know the current and average prices of what you're after) Scout the websites and travel blogs now. Know the current prices so you are not fooled by misleading advertising or big bold statements. Just because it "looks" like a big deal, doesn't mean it is.

Lastly, when the deal comes, be prepared to act. Just like the shopper grabbing that last coveted Christmas toy from the shelf, someone can just as easily grab the last seat on a flight or hotel room that you were hoping for.

Companies that typically offer deals (or have in the past) on Black Friday/Cyber Monday.

www.allegiantair.com
www.expedia.ca
www.expedia.com
www.travelocity.ca
www.fairmont.com
www.marriott.com
www.hyatt.com
www.starwoodhotels.com

September Sizzles for Travel Bargains!

Retired? Free to travel in September? Then you have hit the travel bargain jackpot! When school returns to session, the crowd thins and the prices, and temperatures drop accordingly.  If you see something you like, book as soon as you are able. Prices constantly fluctuate. Though, in September, you typically can grab a deal as late as 5-7 days before departure.

Here are two gems that are NOT in hurricane alley that might get your travel toes a twitchin'!

I'd love to travel in September! Does it show?

www.westjetvacations.com

Cancun or Montego Bay

If you can set up your own hotel arrangements you might nab a bargain on this week's charter flight sell offs. Do you see Cancun at $219 round trip? That's taxes included!

These were spied on expedia.ca but you can choose them from your own favourite travel site too.

It's an off week

Today I was looking at flight prices for my typical quickie trips (Phoenix, Vegas, Orlando) and the ones I dream about, like California and The Bahamas. Brutal. All the prices have gone up. Last week you could have bagged a round trip (tax in) to Phoenix for under $300. Same date, time, etc is now $582.

The Grand Forks to Santa Ana that I had flagged went up from $329 to $824 in the period of 10 days. Denver which was at $200 is now up at $239, so that's not a big jump... however an equal number of dates are sitting in the $400 range. (Pays to fly on a Wednesday or Sunday if you want the bargain.)

Its just the typical ebb and flow of flight sales. There will be sales and there will be regular prices that are much higher. Holiday dates and Fridays will always be more expensive.

Flight prices typically change on the Monday night or Tuesday of a week. Sometimes there are discount codes to apply, sometimes the sale comes up for everybody with no special codes. The Canadian Airlines are much more likely to offer "codes" than the US ones.

Really, it's about supply and demand. But, if you can spy a bargain and pounce when you see it, that's success! If you don't see a price you like, wait a few days or a week, see if it changes. HOWEVER, if you are within a month of your desired flight... anticipate that the prices will only rise as you get closer to the date. (Supply & demand)  The best prices statistically are 6-8 weeks out when the airlines strategically maneuver prices to fill their planes.

Flying within Canada? I can't remember any return flights less than $350 to anywhere. I generally consider anything under $500 to be a decent price within Canada. (All taxes and fees in.)