Westjet Black Friday Sales

I object to Black Friday sales starting on Monday night, but that's pretty hypocritical of me since that's exactly what I'm going to write about tonight.

You see, the horse has already left the gate and two travel operators and a  are already showcasing their sales.

Selloffvacations.com has sent out their Black Friday sales notice. It's basically Cuba, Mexico and Vegas being offered on sale.  Their sales pitch is 'five star vacations at three star prices.'

Westjet.com is suggesting they have 500,000 seats on sale and you could save up to $1000 on a vacation. I followed their link and found a sweet Florida deal in January.

If you travel January 12th to 19th with your family of 2 adults and 2 minor children you can go for $2100. That includes return tickets, taxes and hotel for 7 nights. However, the hotel included doesn't meet with my holiday standards. So, rather I would suggest a hotel like the Nikolodian Suites which would be about $2700 for the same package.

The Disney hotels are also on sale. In fact it's cheaper to stay at a Disney "moderate" that a "budget level" hotel this week.  So while it would be $3200 for your family, I feel you are getting excellent value. The Disney transportation system (which is free to use if you are staying at one of their hotels) is such a huge perk.  This package price does NOT include park passes, which are extra.

If you spy any other great travel deals, please share them in the comments. It's an exciting week if you are hoping to nab a travel bargain. 

15% off Florida w/Westjet

Very short window to book.

Westjet unveiled a new Disney Frozen theme plane today. So there's the connection. May as well save a few dollars.

Fast Five Travel Notes: The memorable meals of 2014

When I travel, I love trying regional cuisine. I stay away from chain restaurants and look for the gems. I look for recommendations from hotel staff, other guests and on-line blogs too.

Here are a few of the great treats I enjoyed on the road this year:

1. Fish Chowder from the Fairmont Southampton, in Bermuda. It was a thin, spicy fish soup, topped with a float of sherry. It had lots of flavour and with a cocktail and a slice of crusty bread, it was perfect.

2.  Lobster roll, a spicy lobster caesar and chilled lobster tails were fabulous at Rock Lobster restaurant on Queen Street West in Toronto, Ontario. They had several locations and have been featured on the TV show "You Gotta Eat Here"

3. Absolutely everything at Giada's at the Cromwell in Las Vegas, was fabulous. I can't wait to go back!










4.  Hemingways Restaurant in Orlando Florida delivered a memorable and gorgeous meal.  It was fresh, flavourful and easy on the calorie count. I loved every bite.

5. Cheeseburger from Tastee's. They are just so damn good. I probably ate 50 this year!












Honourable Mention:  Best $12 hot dog ever, was at the Toronto Blue Jay's game. We were having fun and geez, when you're at the ball park, you NEED to have ball park food. And seriously, where else are you getting a $12 hot dog?

Discount Disney! This January!

If you've ever wanted to take your little one to Walt Disney World in Florida, but have been intimidated by the price, or the crowds, this is your moment.

Now, this is as budget friendly as Disney gets... their value hotel, All Star Movies. But, a budget Disney hotel, is still a Disney hotel.  You get all the Disney magic you can handle in the parks, exactly the same as anyone else, staying at the Ritz or The Grand Floridian.

Shown here with one adult, and one child under 10.

Shown here with 2 adults.

Shown here in this Westjet package, you get direct flights from Winnipeg to Orlando, plus Disney transfers to the hotel, plus 7 nights accommodation, all taxes included. Plus you get full use of the free Disney shuttle/transportation onsite, between parks and downtown Disney.

Now, if you want to do their package, thinking it's a good deal, you can get 5 days basic park passes, and their free value (think cafeteria) dining for $2380. 

Now, if you think you can buy flights alone at the current 20% discount and then add hotel separately it will cost $1055. Getting 7 nights hotel, under $200 anywhere is nearly impossible, never mind the included value of Disney transportation. 

That's why this package is such a great deal! If you really need to keep the budget low, then I highly recommend cashing in your Air Miles to purchase your park tickets, and pack your own snacks. I've done it, and would do it again in a heartbeat. 

At this time of year, the Disney waterparks are both closed, so don't waste your money on  the deluxe park passes which include the waterparks. 

The last 2 times we were at Disney World we stayed at the Port Orleans (moderate) hotels. They were fabulous and I would recommend them. HOWEVER, on these dates, they add over $400 to the bill. For me, they are not worth an additional $400. That amount of money could pay for all our food and souvenirs for the week. 

Prices current as of 7:20pm December 30th. Other dates available, at other (higher) prices. 

If you have any Disney questions, don't hesitate to ask. We've done 2 cruises (Alaska & Caribbean), Disneyland, and Disney World.  All of it done on a budget, and thoroughly enjoyed!

Fast 5: Reasons to take the kids to the Hyatt Grand Cypress

My boys are pre-teen and are always running from activity to activity. They are bundles of energy and can be a handful on vacation. This time, I outsmarted them. I found a resort that had all they could handle, and a hammock for me. The best part about this.... The Hyatt Grand Cypress (in Orlando Florida) INCLUDES all recreational activities on the property, in their resort fee. There is no $5 here and $2 there from the parents for mini golf and boating fees etc. Everything is included. You really don't ever have to say no to your kids here, on account of activity fees. Want to try the rock wall for the 16th time today? Go for it!

5 Reasons to choose the Hyatt Grand Cypress for your busy kids:

1. All activities from kayaking to rock climbing, to golf and bike rentals are available.

2. There are activity directors to invite your kids to join the fun. And lounge chairs from every vantage point so you can keep an eye on your kids AND have your feet up.

3. The games room has Ms. PacMan.

4. Ice cream sandwiches are just $2.00 in the gift shop.

5. Tired kids sleep better. And say "thanks mom, that vacation was awesome!"

Probably Ry's favourite activity! The rock wall. 

9 hole golf course and NO charge for club rentals.

This old-school Ms. PacMan game kept me entertained! 

Absolutely spectacular fitness room. This isn't even the half of it!

Water slides and lounge chairs galore!

Merlot, the parrot, resides in the lobby. His handler, Tim, is happy to introduce you.

Strange little bikes were harder to pedal than you might imagine! Tons of laughs.

St. Petersburg, Fl - January, $1034

I know we're still enjoying August heat, but you know the winter will come. You know January will leave you asking "why? Why do we live on the prairies?"

You may wish to book now, save yourself some money and ensure you have something to look forward to this winter. If you're just starting to explore the globe, or looking for a safe, sunny, domestic destination, Florida is an excellent choice.

I spied this bargain on redtag.ca but you can book through Sunwing Vacations, www.selloffvacations.com or ANY local travel agent.  St. Petersburg is on the gulf side of Florida. It has a laid back feel and has shops and beaches and boardwalks to explore.

Start your reading on St. Petersburg Florida, here.

This particular Sunwing Vacation includes a direct, charter flight, and 7 nights accommodations at a 4.5 star hotel. It's not an all-inclusive package, but that's never stopped me. Why pay for mass-produced buffet food and alcohol of questionable quality?

Any package that includes air, taxes and deluxe accommodation for 7 nights, about $1000 is a good deal. While I personally prefer to fly Westjet, Delta, or Air Canada (in that order) thousands of satisfied Canadians get on & off Sunwing planes each day.

The Grand Plaza Hotel is directly on the beach. A short stroll from many activities and restaurants. Be sure to read the latest Trip Advisor reviews before you book. Always see what real travellers are saying.

Yes, there are always going to be bargains in Florida. It's a tourist mecca. It is MORE common to find deals in the child-friendly Orlando area. Less common to see Tampa/St. Pete bargains or destinations on the Gulf side.

Another Florida destination, now served by Westjet Airlines is the Fort Myers area. It's an gorgeous and highly recommended area which I hope to visit myself soon.

Trip Advisor comments from August 2014

2 Weeks in Florida for $1000! Seriously.

What a great bargain if you can go this time of year!

Westjet is offering a variety of packages ranging from 5 days, to 14. Some are Disney, some are just off site. This particular bargain sure caught my eye.

Both of these packages, as pictured, include roundtrip Westjet flights, from Winnipeg, plus hotel accommodations and all taxes.

See why it's a bargain?

Both hotels are rated well on Trip Advisor and are convenient to many attractions. The Holiday Inn is a deluxe hotel, while the Carib Cove is more of a resort area and is closer to golfing.

The Holiday Inn has some great Kids' Suites that include a queen sized bed for Mom and Dad, and bunk beds for the kids. Doesn't this room look great?  If you choose the package on May 21st, you can purchase the package with the Kids' suite for 14 nights at $799 plus taxes.

Bargains found at redtag.ca or can be purchased through westjetvacations.com

Win a little Florida sunshine?

I stumbled upon this contest, open to residents of both the USA and Canada. After reading through their site, and suffering through this polar vortex we know as winter, I think it would be the most wonderful place to visit! Even if I don't win, Clearwater - St. Petersburg, Florida is definitely on my list of places to go now! 

You can enter now through April 15th, 2014. Good luck! 

photo credit: Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater

Madeira Beach Boardwalk (photo credit: Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater)

How about a Westjet Week in Florida $619?

Of course you're not on a Caribbean Island, and you'll have to pay for your own food and activities, BUT $619 for a week's hotel and Westjet.ca flights.... well, that's pretty darn good. (Taxes included and per person.)

And with this package,  there are easy, direct flights included. As I always say, it sure beats the alternative! Not that I don't enjoy a drive to Grand Forks and GFK airport, I just enjoy it less in the winter.

The weather is not tropical in Florida in January, but it is about 40 degrees warmer than Winnipeg, perhaps 50 degrees on a sunny day.

Definitely worth looking into. Spend your Westjet dollars and save your sanity with a break from winter!  Log on to westjetvacations.com or contact your favourite travel agent for assistance.

Sample from redtag.ca on December 18th, 2013 For an extra $23 take the kids' suite! 

Aye Karumba!!! A week in Florida under $500.

Holy! Here's another super bargain.

This includes Westjet direct flights to Orlando (MCO) from Winnipeg (YWG), plus hotel and taxes for 7 nights.  It's current as of October 23rd at midnight.  The bargain was found at Expedia.ca

It can also be purchased through westjetvacations.com
You can choose from nearly 100 hotels with this package through expedia. The same can not be said through Westjet. However, if you have Westjet Dollars (earned through your credit card) you will have to book directly through Westjet.

In the 3rd photo you will see "Top Package Deals" and "Top Flight Deals." Note that the flight alone is $388 (an excellent price) but when purchased as a package, you can get 7 nights hotel (taxes/fees) for just an additional $100. OBVIOUSLY the package is the way to go here.

I pulled out the Westgate Town Center hotel as another example. It's 1 mile from Disney, is situated on the lake AND offers you a full kitchen. There are excellent savings to be realized here by cooking your (even a few) own meals.  The price quoted is for a 2br villa. And for me, the more space the better, always! Lastly, in choosing a hotel, I ALWAYS read the recent reviews. What are people like you saying..... this week, not 4 years ago. Current information is as valuable as gold.

This is an awesome deal. Really impressed with this. Typically, in packages this cheap, you get inconvenient flights or flights with multiple connections. This is Westjet and direct. Unbeatable!!

At Christmas you will pay 3-5 times this price. And Disney is celebrating Christmas in the parks already. Fake Christmas starts immediately after Remembrance Day. Been there... done that.... and LOVED IT!  I had "see the full size gingerbread house (as seen on Food Network) in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Hotel" on my bucket list. Checked it off in 2011.  You could too!


Here's the screen shot evidence of the deals:

Coconut anything for me

I'm big on coconuts. I love it. Put it in lotion, candles, cakes, beverages, anything... and I'm in. So, naturally when I saw this hotel/resort on-line, I thought.... "yep, that's going on the list."

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort, Naples Florida

Then, there is this one, the Coconut Bay Resort and Spa in St Lucia. Trip Advisor ranked it number one for families.  Travellers' Choice® 2012 Winner 
So, that's enough to put it on my list too.

It's a long list, and I'm always on the hunt for new destinations. I largely rely on the recommendations of Trip Advisor and travel bloggers with similar interests and family situations.  I think sharing info is a fabulous resource. That's why I write this.

Cheers! Somebody grab me a pina colada.... I'm starting to crave coconut again.