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.

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.

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. 

Air Miles special YWG to YYC

You know those Air Miles I urge you to pick up on Customer Appreciation Day at Sobeys & Safeway... well here's a great way to redeem them.

This week's discount flights include Winnipeg to Calgary. For a measly 1320 Air Miles (for Onyx Collectors) and $126 you've got yourself a direct flight to Calgary this September.  About 1550 Air Miles for Gold Collectors.

Of course, if you prefer Montreal, Vancouver or Edmonton, those are on sale too!

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.

This week's Air Miles flight deals

Choose to see New York (via Laguardia airport) now thru November 25th, for just 2000 air miles and $149.

Great flight times with Air Canada.

Westjet is featuring flights from Winnipeg to Phoenix at 20 or 30% off points.

You can choose to fly now until December 14th. The cost will be 2450 miles and $140

Big Changes at Westjet

Today Westjet.com is offering 3 ways to choose your seat on the plane. The formerly low cost, great service, one class airline has changed.

Today with Westjet, you can book an ECONO fare, a FLEX fare or a PLUS fare. The econo fare still includes one checked bag, and is the lowest price. You will have to pay for seat selection and any flight changes.

Plus fare includes two checked bags and "complimentary" flight changes at the airport. But both have fees to make changes outside your flight day. Flex fare is... as you guessed it, somewhere in between.

Here's an example for a flight to Calgary. The same seat, same flight, same day now ranges between $391 to $586. (Return flight, taxes included)

I expect that Westjet will stay true to its mission and roots. You'll find the same great service and reliability, just at more Air Canada-esque prices.

Tips for Newbies

Thinking about taking your first plane trip? I have a few tips...

1. Get yourself a travel app like "On The Fly" "Hipmunk" or "Kayak". Something that will effortlessly search all possible routes, airlines and prices for you. My preference is "On The Fly". It never ceases to amaze me with the price differences it can spy.

2. Once you choose your airline, sign up for their frequent flier program BEFORE you book. Even if you think it's just one flight, I can tell you with certainty... it's not. You'll book again. Collect points, tune in to their offers.

3. Sign up everyone in your family individually. Travellers can't collect points for family members. Even your 6 year-old can gather Aeroplan. This was a big mistake on my part. Each of the kids missed out on their Skymiles to Maui. They'd be at a free flight level already if I had know this ahead of time. For whatever reason, I thought if I booked and paid for all four flights I would get points for all four. I was wrong. I missed out. 75% loss.

4. Know your airport security rules... liquids, scissors etc. Don't delay the lines and frustrate other travellers with your naivety. Cdn TSA Guidelines  Don't wear bulky layers of zippered clothes thru security. Seriously... I will give you THE LOOK. Or if you do, please let us go ahead of you.

5. Most airlines only accept credit cards for inflight purchases of drinks or snacks. Don't assume pop or coffee is free anymore. Bring your own kid friendly granola bars etc, if you think your kids might need a snack on the plane.

6. If you think you might be delayed, research ahead of time and know what your alternate flights are. You'll be soooo much further ahead if you can re-book yourself at a kiosk or on your smartphone.

Delta's App and real-time options are far superior to anything else I've ever seen. We were in the air and I received Delta alerts that our flight delay would mean we would miss our connection. They have FREE in-flight wifi access to their site so I was able to follow their alert link instantly. They gave me all my no-charge options and we had a plan before we even landed the first flight. I was incredibly impressed with the technology.

7. Have your ground transportation thought out. Are you renting a car, looking for a taxi or taking a shuttle bus?  I know that after 7 hours in transit and making flight connections my family does not have the patience for a shuttle bus. Free or not, it does not work with our personalities. Best $100 I spend on a trip is having a town car waiting. Pre-arranging it you can generally have this service for $20 more than a regular taxi round trip.  I might pursue the bargain rabidly, but I am not willing to risk a meltdown over $20, a shuttle bus and tropical heat.  Of course, if it's just a direct flight and 3 hours of travel in a day, they can suck it up and wait in line with me for a taxi.