Bet on World Series Baseball?

A few weeks ago I wrote of an amazing price to Los Angeles, California this fall.

Well, some of those bargain prices are still hanging around.  Currently, $337 includes taxes, return flight from Winnipeg airport. (Screenshot from October 2nd)

This is an amazing week to go if you are a baseball fan. If the LA Dodgers win the National League, their World Series home games would take place October 30-November 1st.  (click to see the whole post season schedule.)

Now, if you're a Blue Jay's fan, wouldn't it be AMAZING to see a Dodgers/Jays World Series?

But you also like hockey too? Well, the Staples Center is just down the road from Dodger's stadium. Perhaps you'd like to take in a Kings' game as well?  They host the Nashville Predators on Saturday Night, Oct 31st.

You can pair the flight with a hotel through Expedia.ca and save a few dollars there, booking together. Or, you might like to use Hotwire and book a hotel in the area using their blind purchase system.

Tickets to the baseball games will be pricy. But wouldn't this once-in-a-lifetime California trip be one to remember?

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.

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.

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.

Fast 5 Travel Tips: When to travel

I had a friend pose this question earlier today. "When is the best time to travel?"

I'll answer this a few ways:

1. When you need to escape! When you need a new perspective and a breath of fresh air, you should travel.

2. When others aren't! If the questions infers "when are the best deals?" then the answer is definitely in September and early January. When the rest of the world goes back to work, you should travel if at all possible. If you travel immediately FOLLOWING a major holiday, (summer break etc) then you can travel for about 40% less money.

3. When you really need to celebrate! Milestone anniversaries and graduations should be savoured. A trip can help you do that.

4. When something new comes on-line.  A new airline? A new hotel? A new shopping district? They are eager for business and want to please you. You'll get great value if you're an early adopter.

5.When your children are young.  Time is precious and you've heard it a million times, but they grow too fast. Kids are considered Disney adults (price) at 10. And by the time they're 16 and can drive, they won't go anywhere willingly with you. The years that follow are boldly independent and often centred on friends and girlfriends/boyfriends.  By the time your kids want to reconnect and travel with you again, they could be 30 or 40 and it might just be too damn late for you.  So travel while you're both young and able.



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I love this picture. Ok, I was somewhat nervous about handing my iPhone to a camel attendant, but he insisted.  (Ok, I was kinda freaking) But the point of the story is.... my son and I were on a camel!  In my entire childhood and adulthood, no one had ever offered me a camel ride. And here I was, on holidays with my son, in the middle of California and there was an opportunity to ride a tame camel. And it was $5.  FIVE BUCKS?!! I pay more than that for a coffee!  And my son said, "no thanks. We can do it another time."  That's when I went into my "live in the moment" speech and carefully explained that this was likely the one time in our lives when we would be together and actually have the chance to do something as cool and unique as ride a camel. And to shut me up, he agreed to get on a camel. And it was awesome!

My point is this.... if there is an opportunity to travel with your kids, do it. Leap! And with enthusiasm. Travel anywhere and everywhere and leap at the corny opportunities to laugh together and take 1000 photos, because time is precious. And time with your kids is the most precious of all.

So, when is the best time to travel? Now. Do it now! Your trip can be to the next town over, and cost nothing more than a tank of gas, or the trip can take you halfway around the world. Cost is really irrelevant. Your enthusiasm and your time together is THE most important thing.

Raving about the Riviera, Palm Springs!

As often occurs, I needed a quick getaway to see the sun. If you've ever experienced a prairie winter, I need not explain further. For those who don't know, sometimes the cold just bites you in the face and the only relief is to get out of dodge.

I had some travel credits to cash in and I chose the desert heat of Palm Springs. A simple Westjet flight out of Brandon at 1:15pm and I was sipping a cocktail in Palm Springs at sunset.

Looking for a hotel on this jaunt, I wanted old-school California. Some place with history, and hollywood lore. It also had to be budget and family friendly since I was vacationing with my favourite travel buddy, my 9 year old son. He wanted to make sure it had a great pool, good food, and 'something else fun for kids'.

We chose the Riviera Palm Springs. (Not to be confused with the 'Desert Riviera of Palm Springs') It had everything on our wish list and more! We did our due diligence and read the Trip Advisor reviews. Then, I even took it one step further and e-mailed the hotel itself. They responded with all the answers I needed in a gracious and welcoming manner. So that was a good first impression!

Once we arrived, I was blown away with the STYLE! Wowzas! Does the Riviera have old-school style! The lobby is gorgeous.... 5 star gorgeous!  I stood there with my mouth gaping open and took a moment just to take it all in.

At the front desk we met Richard, who would become our new best friend! He had answers to everything we asked. Can we sign out tennis racquets? Which way to the outlet malls? What should we try at breakfast? Are kids allowed in the piano lounge? Can kids play on the billiards table? Where's the fitness room? He was fabulous, a real asset to the resort and the best ambassador to the area. If I was starting my own hotel, he'd be the first person I would hire.



The hotel itself has been around for decades, but has recently undergone millions of dollars in renovations. It is clear to me that the Noble House hotel and resort chain values and maintains their properties. Every day we saw at least a dozen people working in building maintenance and grounds keeping. Even though the buildings themselves are older, they are very well kept.

The furnishings and the decor are outstanding! I have never taken more photographs of chairs and chandeliers than on this vacation. My son even remarked on the chandeliers. You simply can't miss them.

As far as value, I can say with certainty that I got great value for my money. Rates will vary by date and occupancy rates, but you will do well to get this resort in the range of $130 a night. They also offer packages which include spa or dining credits. I didn't use the spa, but did take a quick tour and it also looked first class.

The layout of the resort reminded me of that 60's style family camp as shown in the movie Dirty Dancing. It has several stand-alone buildings that all centered around recreation facilities, a main house and tennis courts. I've included a graphic of the resort layout.

I can imagine that in the heat of the summer the pool is party-central. It's very spacious, and surrounded by a healthy number of loungers, chairs and cabanas. The beverage service pool-side is excellent. I had one of the best, if not THE best margaritas I've ever tasted.

I'll have to start a new page for the restaurant and lounge as they are certainly noteworthy in their own right. In the meantime, I'll let the building and grounds photos speak for themselves.

All photos are my own, and taken on an iPhone.

Why California, again?

The answer to 'Why California' is pretty simple:

1) California is child-friendly.

2) California is not cold in the winter.

3) California is suited to any budget.

Those are pretty broad statements about a pretty big state, but you can see for yourself that it is an extremely diverse region, with something for every type of tourist.

Why did I pick California for my latest Mom & son get-away?

Sample flight times to Phoenix

1) Flying Westjet airlines out of YBR (Brandon's teeny tiny, one-flight-a-day, airport) means that you can get to west coast destinations fairly easily. My travel buddy was under 10 years old and therefore we needed to get to our destination with as little delay and fuss as possible. That gave us 4 options outside of Canada that we could reach in 1 day of travel with no layover on the way there. You simply can't avoid a layover on the return flight. Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Palm Springs are your options. Yes, you can get to other destinations such as San Diego, Anaheim and Texas BUT only with a 1 night layover in Calgary or Vancouver. You CAN (technically) get to Hawaii in one day of travel BUT I tried and that didn't work. NOT worth the gamble to exhaust a child and fly through that many time zones.

Since the Superbowl was taking place in Phoenix, that was out. I'm not dragging a child through LAX   so that instantly eliminated Los Angeles. Las Vegas isn't for children, so that was definitely a 'NO'. So that left Palm Springs as our only viable option.

2) California has family-friendly activities in every city.  (Tune in to future blog posts for some of the amazing things we did in Palm Springs, including riding a camel!)

3) Southern California temperatures in January bounce around that 20C mark. Since Manitoba bounces around -20C in January, this seemed hot enough for our winter escape. Since Palm Springs is centred in a desert area which boasts 350 days of sunshine a year, we thought the odds were good for warm weather.

4) I could travel confidently to California as I had done it a few times in the past already.

5) California has budget friendly hotel options. It is a big enough tourist region that you can also use Hotwire or Air Miles/Aeroplan to grab an even better deal.

Planning Palm Springs

If you are looking for a quick getaway with your sweetie, that isn't Vegas, you might want to check out Palm Springs, California.  It's a city that boast as many as 350 sunny days a year!

If you are looking for an adult weekend, you may wish to check out resorts and inns such as:

The Sparrows Lodge (adult only, western theme)

The Triada of the Marriott chain's Autograph Collection. (Renovated in 2014) Said to be one of the Top 10 Luxury Hotels to watch this year.

The Riviera Resort, home of the Starlight Lounge. Renovated, iconic hotel.

The Palm Springs Hotel, a boutique property where you can reserve The Sinatra Suite or rent out the whole 23 room hotel for your private party.



There are a number of LGBT friendly hotels as well. There are even clothing optional hotels in Palm Springs.

As always, check out Trip Advisor for recent reviews and traveller's photos. Finding the hotel that suits your tastes and your budget, is always the best plan.

Cheap California - Got a 4 year old?

It's like, Vegas cheap, but family friendly!! Take a look at these flight times even?  Fantastic!! This is the prefect quick vacation for a family with kids not yet in school.

The room alone is worth more than the whole package... so it's like getting a free flight. $525 per person, tax included.  Or, it's like getting a free 4 night hotel stay, with the cost of your Westjet flight.

And since school is just started up for the year, you would have the Disney Parks pretty much to yourself. The time to jump is now, this price won't last.  Book at www.westjetvacations.com

Westin Mission Hill, California

I haven't written since the first weekend the ice cream store was open this year. Coincidence? No, I'm afraid not. I've been run off my feet and with no chance of a personal holiday in sight, I haven't done much looking.

Then, tonight I found a fabulous deal on a week in California at a 5 star Westin Resort. The bargain was found at www.redtag.ca

At under $1000 for a week, at a California resort, is a bargain. If you have never been to California, you should put it on your To Do List.

Wine tours, surfing, sun & glamour await. Not to mention fine dining and great golf.

Palm Springs, California has a tourist site which would be a great place to start your research.

$800 to see the Jets do that again!

Pretty amazing to see the Jets beat the Anaheim Ducks tonight, wasn't it? I bet you wish you were at that game!  Well, a quick check of flight prices & ticket prices and it's an easy Spring Break trip for you and/or the kids. And it will cost you about $800 per person, plus food and souvenirs.

Jets play the LA Kings on March 29th. Incidentally, that's the first day of school's Spring Break. The they play the Ducks on the 31st. Good tickets to the LA game will cost you about $100 off Stub Hub, while there are Club Seats for the Ducks available about $60. (AMAZING!!!) Or $8 for the cheap seats. Yes, $8 to see the Jets play!

Both Delta Airlines and United have flights to LAX & SNA on sale right now. SNA (John Wayne Airport) is smaller and really easy to manage. It's also the closest to the Anaheim Ducks home, the Honda Center.  Flying out of MOT (Minot ND) will cost you about $350 return taxes in. Flying out of YWG will run you about $450. Both are really manageable.

So, with 3 night's hotel and some taxi/shuttle charges you are looking at $800. Add another night and a full day at Disney for about $250.

This would be an awesome Spring Break!!

I have personally flown into SNA and been in the Club Seats at the Honda Center for a Ducks' game. I can and do highly recommend it.

The sooner you book, you grab a Spring Break bargain and have something amazing to look forward to. Go Jets Go!

Honda Center, Home of the Anaheim Ducks

Palm Springs Break

A quick search of a bargain 5 star vacation in January leads to two destinations:  Las Vegas & Palm Springs.  Each of these mini-vacations gets you a 3 or 4 night stay in a desert location. One with bright lights and action.... the other, Palm Springs.

Palm Springs California is known for its retirement living, its sunshine and golf. It's also home to a wide range of rental accommodations. From trailers and condos, to 5 star resorts and time-shares.

Each of these hotels shown will satisfy your need for 5 star luxury, access to golf and relaxation. The Westin is located 8 kms from the airport and the Hyatt 24kms. The Hyatt is home to the Golf Channel's reality show the Big Break. Tune up your golf game at one of their clinics, or just enjoy the scenery on your own terms.

Palm Trees & Me

My favourite vacations have one thing in common:  Palm Trees

As a Canadian girl, I'm far more familiar with pine trees, spruce trees and those kind of hardy plants that can survive harsh conditions. But, for as long as I can remember I've had an affection for palm trees.  Anytime I am in their presence, I find my happy self. 

So, this is why I love tropical vacations and desert vacations. Offer me a trip to Florida, California, Arizona, Hawaii, or the Caribbean and I'm in.  Las Vegas has palm trees too. Yes, and slot machines with palm tree icons too!

My screensaver is a palm tree. If I could live in a beach hut surrounded by palm trees, the ocean and soft white sand, I'd jump at that chance. 

This blissful moment, brought to you by a California palm tree, and the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. 

The take-out food, the beer and the magazine are the perfect accompaniments. The palm tree and the patio are the stars. 

A week later

What a difference a week makes! Last week I was lounging on designer furniture under a patio umbrella wondering if the drizzle (not even heavy enough to be called rain) was going to stop so we could go for a walk or golf again. That was California.

This week it's literally -32C in Manitoba, and that's before the windchill. I'm worried the dogs will freeze solid as they try to pee outside.

My truck was reluctant to start, as am I.

A week ago I had a fancy breakfast with fresh strawberries brought to me on a tray. Later I tidied up the hotel room to make it easier for the maid.

Today I'm scrubbing toilets, bleaching stains from boy clothes and soon, I need to wash the floors at my own house. The maid won't be arriving later. There is no maid.

Real life 101.

But, if the truck won't start and I don't go out today, that saves gas money. Hmmm, a few dollars I can put towards the next trip? Lol.... now that's Manitoba trip logic 101.

January Bargains on Balboa Island

Balboa Island, California is a compact area designed for pedestrians and tourists to enjoy. Homes and rental homes line the streets and the harbour.

The main street is packed with restaurants and boutique stores. Since my visit was in January, a slow season for them, there were bargains in every window. Many stores had their giftwares on sale 25% or greater. We also stopped to browse two ladies' clothing boutiques which were offering every item on sale for $15. Seriously. Nothing was more than $15! There were gorgeous dresses and work wear, regular priced at $100 or more, but on sale for $15. The store owner noted that they were just overstocked and wanted to clear everything out before the new season started. She had had much success with the same clearance last year.

Shopping with a 7 year-old boy has its limits. Like 5 minutes maximum per store. And any trip into the change room shall be immediately followed by an instant acquisition of ice cream or candy as a means of payment for his pain and suffering. Thus, I bought only one pair of jeans and a cardigan (that I didn't even try on.) But hey, at $15 can you really go wrong?

You can walk all of Main Street comfortably in an hour or so. Definitely save time for a walk on the boardwalk and photos on the harbour.

You can also take a ferry over to Balboa Peninsula for just $1, where there are more shops, an amusement park, a museum, tour operators (like Whale Watching tours) and more gorgeous homes.

Balboa Island also claims to be the home of the original frozen banana. Have it dipped in chocolate, nuts, sprinkles and more. Hmmm. Sounds like a good idea to me!