Montreal vs Manitoba

There are very clear differences between the City of Montreal and the Province of Manitoba. On  our recent trip to Montreal, my son remarked of the differences from home.

His top 5 teenage observations: 

1. In Montreal, they have cool transportation. Subways, trains, tunnels, all underground, efficient and cool. Manitoba...not so much.

2. Everyone in Montreal is bilingual. You don't have to speak French to get around as a tourist. In Manitoba, we have French in schools but it's rare to encounter anyone in public who is fluent in both. A tourist who only understood/spoke French in Manitoba wouldn't have an easy or as pleasant an experience.

3. Clothing and styles are different. In Manitoba women shuffle around in UGGs everywhere. In Montreal we didn't see anyone in UGGs, everyone wears fancy boots and shoes. Men everywhere wear scarves. Women are wearing patterned nylons (like fishnets, colours, and bold patterns), and tights.

4. It is less expensive to see a Montreal Canadiens game than a Jets' game. But each audience is equal in passion for their team. A lot of people in Montreal were late in getting to the game. (Lots of seats empty at the Anthems.) Whereas Jets' fans tend to be very early and wouldn't dare miss shouting "TRUE NORTH" during the Canadian Anthem.

5. Montreal has a lot of smokers. Outside every office building, restaurant and hotel there were smokers on the sidewalk. You often smelled smoke in the air. In Manitoba, it seems really quite rare to see a crowd of smokers.

$3.25 a ride ticket. This rapid transit was efficient & easy to use.

Metro map showcases the detailed transportation system. 

Underground plaza and shopping centres. You go UP to street level.

The uncomfortable topic of terror and travel

It's not a pleasing topic. But this is the new reality.

Since November 13th, 2015 and the terrorist attacks in Paris France, the world has been on high alert.

The US Government Twitter account is sending out tweets regularly, these cautioning citizens who might be in Belgium.

This isn't to say that you can't travel. But  it does mean that you need to be alert and be aware of the risks. A worldwide alert is not to be taken lightly.

On American soil they are preparing for the busiest Thanksgiving travel weekend since 2007. An estimated 48 million people will be travelling around the November 28th to 30th. Heightened airport security will result in delays and headaches for anyone who isn't prepared.

It's important to remember to give yourself plenty of time and make sure you have proper documentation with you. Have a printed travel itinerary. (Don't just rely on the info on your phone.) Keep any necessary medication with you in your carry-on luggage and make sure it is properly labelled and in its original packaging to avoid unnecessary delays.

If you are travelling by car, make sure you have an emergency road hazard kit, plus a personal first aid kit and blankets.

Stay alert and stay safe. Tune into your own government travel warnings, and be aware globally.

And even in this technology-centred world where news is an up to the minute thing,  you should still  listen to your mother's advice too.... let your family know where you're going, and call when you arrive.

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!

7 Days of Sunshine $534

This deal is pretty typical. Vegas offers some great prices in the "shoulder season" every year. This bargain is November 24th to December 1st.

It's nice to know that the prices are pretty similar to last year, if you buy a package and pay in Canadian funds when you book. However, you will feel the pain of the weak Canadian dollar when it comes to eating, shopping and gambling south of the border.

But, if you'd like to postpone winter a little longer, you can enjoy the Vegas sun at a bargain price.

When you are choosing a hotel, make sure to do your research and know which hotels have year round pools. Though I like the Tropicana Hotel, and love their pool, I know it's closing November 16th for winter. So based on that, I'd pick a different hotel. HOWEVER, if you are using Vegas as a home base and are just looking for budget friendly accommodations so you can day trip and explore The Grand Canyon or California, then you might want to choose The Tropicana.

At the budget price, with an excellent pool and location on The Strip, Monte Carlo is a good choice. If you want to vacation more stylishly, the Cosmopolitan Hotel has a great vibe, is next door to the mall and has a rooftop (3rd floor) pool. It's priced about $780 pp with this package as shown.

Screenshots are from Selloffvacations.com on October 12. Prices subject to change.

Packages, as shown INCLUDE all taxes, hotel and have direct Westjet flights from Winnipeg. Direct flights, for me, make this a better bargain. Yes, you can find deals about 10% less money, but the extra flight and connection do not make a $60 savings worth it for me.

So if you want sun and fun, this is a nice deal.

Your next bargain Vegas hit

I love Vegas. It's a cheap, quick getaway to somewhere warm and exciting. And one of the very least expensive times of the year to go is between American Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I've been to Vegas so many times that I know what I like and don't like to compromise. What I want is:

• direct flights with a trusted airline
• 4 or 5 star hotel on the Strip
• about $500 (or less) per person

So, matching my criteria, I present to you, Vegas December 8th to 11th. 

If you are less choosy about hotel, you can go even lower in price, without compromising your direct, Westjet flights from Winnipeg.

Book online at www.westjet.com or call a local agent at selloffvacations.com (204) 571-4570

Get it on the grid

Do you like seeing your options?  Let's check out the possibilities for a reggae Christmas with the help of Trip Central. It's a Canadian site with one of the very best searchable realtime databases, IMHO.

Since we all agree, we like 4 star (or better) vacations, I used that as a criteria.

The first screenshot shows all their holiday package destinations.

Then I chose Jamaica. The only city option with All Inclusive offerings was Montego Bay. This second screenshot gives you a basic overview of what it would cost to go in any month of the year. Keep in mind that it's the same hotel, the same flight, the same everything, just the cost is different based on the time of year. (Supply & demand)  

Next choice I made was for December, to plan a reggae Christmas. This screenshot shows the dates available and the lowest cost. 

This final screenshot shows you all the different hotel options and their specific prices. My recommendation would be to look at your budget and the price you are comfortable with, then go to Trip Advisor and read recent reviews for that particular hotel. You may read that it is perfect and meets your expectations, or you may read that it's not your kind of place at all.  

Vacations are very personal. Each person will have their own set of expectations, interests, and family circumstances. And, at least, I have found that at different times in my life, and depending on who I am travelling with, I want very different things. 

My golden rule, is never let price be your ONLY deciding factor.

**Note, I have actually been to Jamaica this year. So if you have detailed questions definitely ask!

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.

Jamaica me crazy with these deals

Air Canada with direct flights from Winnipeg to Montego Bay....

These screen grabs were taken February 26th in the evening. They are from the Aircanadavacations.com website.

As always, I urge you to read the most recent Trip Advisor reviews so you have a well rounded base of information to use in your decision making. Don't let price be your only deciding factor.

Fast Five: Things I've learnt recently

Every time you travel you learn something about your destination, and also yourself.

1. Art and beauty is everywhere. You just have to open your eyes and slow down. Oh yeah, and put your damn phone away.

2. There is no substitute for a good quality pair of shoes. Shoes can start a conversation. Shoes can put a bounce in your step and take you on adventures. Uncomfortable shoes can ruin your day and change the way you feel.

3. I'm not an Asian size 5. It's a funny story from a street market in Hawaii that was selling sundresses. The vendor, who spoke broken english, asked me what size I wear. I said 'size 5'. From that point forward she was screeching at me "you NO size 5! You maybe size 7. You NO size 5!"  Just imagine my shock as I stood in the street. She whipped out a measuring tape and lassoed my waist. Shaking her head, she muttered about a size 7 or a size 10.  I forced a smile and walked away. She hollered after me, for all to hear.... "why you No buy from me, big hips?"  In my defence, the shorts I was wearing that day were a size 5. But she's probably right, not a made-in-china size 5 or a size 5 from any of the mismatched seconds that were for sale on the cart.  My big hips saved me a few dollars that day. LOL

4. I like a weekend in the big city. (Like Denver) But, a weekend is probably enough. I'm really more a vacation-on-the-beach kind of person.

5. I can't assume everyone wants a bargain holiday or wants to travel as much as I do. Some people want to indulge and live life fully and are quite willing and able to pay handsomely. I respect that. I'm just not there.

Need some sunshine? Beach?

If Winnipeg isn't hot enough for you right now, and you still have a few days off to burn, maybe you'll like these 5 star, budget- friendly trips advertised at www.redtag.ca

They are Westjet packages and prices are per 2 adults, all fees and taxes included.

Travel tips to get some REST!

My vacation checklist always includes REST.  Literally, but also as an acronym.

Recharge: Have a nap. Get some fresh air. Locate the nearest hammock! Relax. You deserve a break.

Explore: Time to put on those walking shoes and see the sights.

Savour: Eat local food. Try the house specialty. Ask the locals for recommendations and try something new.

Treat: Splurge on a better brand of wine. Have dessert or treat yourself to a cognac. Get the suite instead of just a room. Indulge just a little. Whatever it is that makes you feel special and the vacation affordably more memorable.

November: Hawaii under $1000

Aloha & Mahalo! Those two words will always bring a smile to your face once you've experienced Hawaii!

Whether you choose to fly Air Canada, or Westjet. And whether you choose Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG) or Lihue (LIH) islands you have plenty of bargains to choose from, if you act now. You'll sure see the difference between flight prices in November and those same flights at Christmas time!

The first place on your on-line research should be Go Hawaii! It's their official state tourism site and can lead you to your ideal vacation. This link will help you plan your first Hawaiian Vacation. 

Want to surf? See whales? Shop? November is a fabulous month to do all of these things, and at a bargain price. While the busy tourism season is just winding up, you can capitalize on a bargain vacation and enjoy the beaches without the big crowds. December is the beginning of the rainy season, so you just might have better weather if you do choose November.

First, let's take a look at flight examples, current as of September 30th, 8pm.  (Prices are subject to chance in the blink of an eye.)

Next, let's look at the package prices, from Air Canada and Westjet. These packages include flights, taxes and transfers.

If you would rather buy your flight and hotel separately, you can find bargains through your favourite hotel sites and loyalty programs. Here's the Hotwire.com screenshot of a hotel bargain you could pair with your bargain flights. Remember to read the fine print and trip advisor reviews every time.  It's only a bargain if travellers, like yourself, enjoy the stay.