Never enough money for travel, is there? What if you could save more, with very little effort?
Here are 5 tested and true tips to save. They key is to designate the money for your travel fund.
1. Those coins at the bottom of your purse, on your dresser, in the car.... grab them and put them in your travel account. Every time you find yourself at a teller, hand over all the loose change in your purse. Even if it's just $6, I promise, it will add up. (Let's say you get to the teller twice a month, that's $12. 12 months would be $144)
2. Use a coupon app like Checkout 51 which gives you rebates for uploading your grocery bills. Once you accumulate $20 in credits, you can cash out and they will send you a cheque. Real money. No clipping coupons. ($20 quarterly, would be $80 for the year.)
3. Pay yourself for a chore. Laundry isn't a lot of fun, is it? What if you pay yourself a loonie for every load? Just stash a piggy bank in the laundry room. ($2 a week, would be $104 for the year.)
4. Sell something on the free classifieds. Doesn't have to be a car. Could be an extra purse or a book series you've finished. Painless but worthwhile. ($25 four times a year is $100)
5. Switch to a travel miles credit card. Like the Westjet MasterCard, or the TD Aeroplan card. Something that gives you tangible travel money for your regular credit card purchases. (At $250 average earning per year, you have a free savings subsidy already designated to travel.)
How does this add up? $144, $80, $104, $100 ($428 actual cash) $250 credit card perk.
Not bad for very little effort and/or change in lifestyle. $678!
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For bonus savings, if you really want to kick butt and try for $1378: The 52 week challenge
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Monday, December 28, 2015
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Our Amazing Adventure: Part 5 The Hotwire Hotel
I have used Hotwire/Expedia travel services several times for short hotel stays and I can always say that I am satisfied and receive good value for my dollar. This time was the same, but with just a few minor hiccups.
Hotels in Old Quebec/Downtown Quebec City in the peak tourist season run between $200 and $425 per night. That, was out of my budget. If you've been following along, you know that this was a whirlwind-backpack and sneakers kind of trip. I cashed in my Air Miles for the flights and found a rock-bottom fare on the train. I was NOT going to be spending $350 per night, no matter how badly I wanted to stay at the Chateau Frontenac. (And yes, I really really really REALLY wanted to stay there. But alas was simply impossible.)
This made Hotwire.ca the perfect solution. You choose the budget, and general location and Hotwire chooses the hotel. You don't know where you will stay, until it is 100% paid and booked. This works for me (and millions of others) because the rate is approximately 40-50% less.
In this case, I paid $95 per night for a 3star hotel. I got the Best Western City Centre. Reviews were good and the general consensus of previous users was that the hotel was good value, but a less convenient location (but still acceptable) to the main tourist areas.
I agree completely. The Trip Advisor reviews were right on. (I have ALWAYS found this an excellent source for relevant and timely hotel information.)
The hiccups at this hotel occurred with their service. When we checked in, I very cheerfully and politely presented my ID, my confirmation number and my credit card (for incidentals). I then politely asked if we indeed had a room with 2 double beds. The answer was no. The clerk then spoke with his supervisor who went off on an angry tirade in french about "those Hotwire people."
I guess I forgot to mention I might not speak fluently in french, but my comprehension is pretty darn good. "C'est la vie.... that's life." I wasn't going to worry about anyone's attitude as long as I had a clean and safe place to stay with my son. Which I did.
We were assigned a room with a king size bed and a view of the back alley. The room, and everything about the hotel was very modern and well kept, as you can see by the photos. The cafe was fabulous. The service there was outstanding. The barista made my coffee with love, smiled at my son's broken french and treated us very nicely. Their coffee selection was excellent and delicious.
The hotel pool was dark and small. The restaurant was not open for lunch. There was no free continental breakfast either. I thought most Best Westerns included some sort of breakfast, but that was not the case here. The maid service was non-existent. And though we asked the bell man twice for a cab, a cab never did come for us. We had to walk about 3/4 of a kilometre before we hit the tourist areas, and it was uphill (Don't laugh, not a joke. It was!) but it was all fine by us.
In summary, I think we did alright in this category. We received half the service, but also paid half the regular rate. The hotel was a good home base for our sneakers and backpack vacation. We were out exploring the city from sun up to sun down anyway. AND, best of all, it was in budget.
Overall I would rate it a 7 out of 10. My son would give it an 8. He liked the free WiFi. He says it would have been better with a bigger pool and/or a waterslide, and a free breakfast. I of course agree with him. Smart kid!
Hotels in Old Quebec/Downtown Quebec City in the peak tourist season run between $200 and $425 per night. That, was out of my budget. If you've been following along, you know that this was a whirlwind-backpack and sneakers kind of trip. I cashed in my Air Miles for the flights and found a rock-bottom fare on the train. I was NOT going to be spending $350 per night, no matter how badly I wanted to stay at the Chateau Frontenac. (And yes, I really really really REALLY wanted to stay there. But alas was simply impossible.)
In this case, I paid $95 per night for a 3star hotel. I got the Best Western City Centre. Reviews were good and the general consensus of previous users was that the hotel was good value, but a less convenient location (but still acceptable) to the main tourist areas.
I agree completely. The Trip Advisor reviews were right on. (I have ALWAYS found this an excellent source for relevant and timely hotel information.)
The hiccups at this hotel occurred with their service. When we checked in, I very cheerfully and politely presented my ID, my confirmation number and my credit card (for incidentals). I then politely asked if we indeed had a room with 2 double beds. The answer was no. The clerk then spoke with his supervisor who went off on an angry tirade in french about "those Hotwire people."
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| The view from our room. |
The hotel pool was dark and small. The restaurant was not open for lunch. There was no free continental breakfast either. I thought most Best Westerns included some sort of breakfast, but that was not the case here. The maid service was non-existent. And though we asked the bell man twice for a cab, a cab never did come for us. We had to walk about 3/4 of a kilometre before we hit the tourist areas, and it was uphill (Don't laugh, not a joke. It was!) but it was all fine by us.
Overall I would rate it a 7 out of 10. My son would give it an 8. He liked the free WiFi. He says it would have been better with a bigger pool and/or a waterslide, and a free breakfast. I of course agree with him. Smart kid!
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| The hotel cafe was open to 11pm and also served light snacks. |
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| Cappuccino, made with love. |
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Bermuda: The Money
The Bermudian dollar is at par with the American dollar. You may pay with either. Most places will return your change in the currency you used, though it is perfectly acceptable to receive a mixture of both.
Like Canadian currency, their bills are very colourful and interesting. Bermuda uses coins, including a dollar coin, very similar to the Canadian loonie.
Unlike Canada, taxes of 12 or 13% were NOT added to goods purchased. So, if you wanted to buy a $15 t-shirt, you paid $15, NOT $15 plus tax.
Many people have said that it is expensive in Bermuda. As a Canadian, I found their prices to be "normal" or in the range of what we pay here at home. There are a few things to note when making comparisons. For example, if you have a $16 lunch in Manitoba, you will pay $16 plus taxes or $18.10. So, if the same lunch at a cafe in Bermuda is $20 but there are no taxes added, and you pay $20 isn't it pretty much the same as in Canada?
I could see, from an American perspective, that things could seem expensive. If you are used to fast food, an intensely competitive market with many choices, Chinese made goods in every store, and Wal-mart prices then YES, I could see a fair difference in cost. That isn't at all meant to sound disrespectful. The Canadian economy is different from the US and we too travel to the USA to acquire less expensive products and find our deals. But as Canadians who are "used to" paying more for things, and accepting high taxes, then prices in Bermuda (or any destination in the first world Caribbean) don't seem that different for us.
The economy is about supply and demand. In large countries like Canada and the United States that have vast agricultural land we are able to grow many of our own foods. Islands like Bermuda, Bahamas, Turks n' Caicos have to IMPORT a lot of the things that tourists expect. So steaks and sodas will be quite expensive as they are not grown or manufactured locally. Really quite logical.
If you are looking to appreciate the local culture, and save a bit of money, always look for the local specialties. Think "fish and rice" in the islands. Enjoy the local flavours and appreciate what is unique to the area. If you want the same steak and Pepsi you have at home, you are missing out on one of the very best aspects of travelling.
A hotel stay will cost you around $200 a night, very similar to the cities and resort areas of Canada. In the case of the Fairmont Southampton, many luxuries, like an area shuttle, private beach and private ferry service were included in the hotel fee. Very nice! This added so much value in my opinion.
As in all destinations, there are a variety of accommodations to choose from including home-stays, rental suites, chain hotels, private inns and more. Where you choose to stay is as personal as your travel style. Do you want luxury, or cultural experience? Do you expect beachfront or do you want a city loft? And there are always bargains, specials, sales and packages offered. You CAN find something in your price range.
If you wanted a souvenir t-shirt, there were plenty to be had. $15 would buy you a "Bermuda" emblazoned t-shirt, $20 a hat, or $5 for a handful of sea shells. $15 for a bottle of rum and $40 for their duty free perfume.
The chance to experience another culture, in a safe and welcoming environment.... priceless. But I bet you already knew I would say that!
Unlike Canada, taxes of 12 or 13% were NOT added to goods purchased. So, if you wanted to buy a $15 t-shirt, you paid $15, NOT $15 plus tax.
Many people have said that it is expensive in Bermuda. As a Canadian, I found their prices to be "normal" or in the range of what we pay here at home. There are a few things to note when making comparisons. For example, if you have a $16 lunch in Manitoba, you will pay $16 plus taxes or $18.10. So, if the same lunch at a cafe in Bermuda is $20 but there are no taxes added, and you pay $20 isn't it pretty much the same as in Canada?
I could see, from an American perspective, that things could seem expensive. If you are used to fast food, an intensely competitive market with many choices, Chinese made goods in every store, and Wal-mart prices then YES, I could see a fair difference in cost. That isn't at all meant to sound disrespectful. The Canadian economy is different from the US and we too travel to the USA to acquire less expensive products and find our deals. But as Canadians who are "used to" paying more for things, and accepting high taxes, then prices in Bermuda (or any destination in the first world Caribbean) don't seem that different for us.
The economy is about supply and demand. In large countries like Canada and the United States that have vast agricultural land we are able to grow many of our own foods. Islands like Bermuda, Bahamas, Turks n' Caicos have to IMPORT a lot of the things that tourists expect. So steaks and sodas will be quite expensive as they are not grown or manufactured locally. Really quite logical.
If you are looking to appreciate the local culture, and save a bit of money, always look for the local specialties. Think "fish and rice" in the islands. Enjoy the local flavours and appreciate what is unique to the area. If you want the same steak and Pepsi you have at home, you are missing out on one of the very best aspects of travelling.
A hotel stay will cost you around $200 a night, very similar to the cities and resort areas of Canada. In the case of the Fairmont Southampton, many luxuries, like an area shuttle, private beach and private ferry service were included in the hotel fee. Very nice! This added so much value in my opinion.
As in all destinations, there are a variety of accommodations to choose from including home-stays, rental suites, chain hotels, private inns and more. Where you choose to stay is as personal as your travel style. Do you want luxury, or cultural experience? Do you expect beachfront or do you want a city loft? And there are always bargains, specials, sales and packages offered. You CAN find something in your price range.
If you wanted a souvenir t-shirt, there were plenty to be had. $15 would buy you a "Bermuda" emblazoned t-shirt, $20 a hat, or $5 for a handful of sea shells. $15 for a bottle of rum and $40 for their duty free perfume.
The chance to experience another culture, in a safe and welcoming environment.... priceless. But I bet you already knew I would say that!
Monday, December 2, 2013
Disney Cruise: Part 7... The Finances
Your prices will vary based on a few things:
1) time of year
2) age of children
3) on board activities
4) port adventures
5) discounts being offered by Disney
6) your spending habits
While I am all about researching trips on-line, I generally choose to book the package with the operator. Meaning.... if I want to fly Westjet, I'll book through Westjet, regardless of where I spied the price. When it comes to booking a Disney package, I have always done it through the specialists at CAA Travel. They do more Disney than anyone!
Each agency, or booking method can and will offer you an incentive. (Think of it a perk in exchange for their commission.) When I booked the Wonder cruise, which we took in November 2013, I booked it in June. There was an incredible bargain that I spied on-line, and my regular agent was able to secure that for me. I paid $689 per person for the 7 night cruise.
We chose the balcony room, knowing that I would want to be in the room at all times with my son, but wanted a little freedom to have coffee and fresh air on the balcony while he slept. If I was travelling with younger children, or a second adult, I would definitely choose a less expensive, port-hole outside room (no balcony). A second adult to supervise would enable you to leave the stateroom and enjoy fresh air and deck chairs in numerous other public areas on the ship. Though as safe as possible with a plexiglass base on your deck railing, I wouldn't want a toddler anywhere near a balcony on a ship.
Because there were only 2 of us, the "child" had to pay an "adult" fare. However, if we had travelled as a family of 4, there would have been 2 adult fares and 2 reduced child fares (Approx $450 per child) as we would have been staying in the same stateroom.
The CAA Travel service provided us with a $200 on board credit, PLUS a package of 7 professional ship-board portraits of our choosing. So, in practical terms, there was a $300 incentive which made my budget stretch even further.
The on board credit can be used for anything, but it is non-refundable. I used mine to cover the costs of our 2 port adventures, plus a couple treats at the gift shop.
The mandatory gratuities charged to your ship account are $12 per person, per day. Yes, even toddlers and babies pay the mandatory gratuity.
Typical prices on board are $20 for a photo, stuffed animal, or drink in a souvenir glass. $40 for a bottle of wine, a t-shirt or bingo hour. $60 for a port activity, princess dress or arcade pass.
There is a spa on the ship. The services start at $100 and a mandatory 18% gratuity is in addition.
Be advised that any specialty beverage you purchase, even a child's smoothie will have a 15% auto gratuity added. You will have to sign for the charge, and the slip will ask for an ADDITIONAL gratuity on top of the auto-grat.
You can see how things can add up quickly, if you aren't mindful of the expenses. It would be easy to run up a bill as the ships are CASHLESS. Everything is charged to your stateroom with the swipe of your Key to the World Card. Without fail, the night before the cruise ends, there is a very long line at Guest Services with people questioning their room charges.
That being said, our week cost us each just $110 in room charges and $84 of that was the mandatory gratuity. CJ and I were not big drinkers. LOL And all of our "spa" time was spent up on deck 10 playing soccer.
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| Another ship sailing by our balcony. |
Monday, May 20, 2013
Stretching the travel budget
Fast 5 Travel Budget Tips:
1) Travel after major holidays if possible. It will be less crowded and up to 30% less expensive. For example, don't travel over the Canada Day long weekend. If your dates are flexible, why not start out on the 6th or 7th and take that week instead?
2) Use your grocery budget creatively to save for travel. What if you used coupons for a few items each time you shopped, and put the cash-equivalent to your coupon savings in a travel jar at home? $5 here and there will sure add up.
3) Use your grocery budget to add Airmiles where ever possible. For example, you can redeem Airmiles for gift cards for hotel stays (like Best Western) and car rentals (Budget). Whether it's your next hockey road trip or a big family vacation, the savings are a tangible benefit and you need to buy groceries anyway.
4) Use your Shoppers Optimum points to buy your travel necessities like toothbrushes, snacks, travel packs, magazines etc.
5) Look for deals on travel sites like Expedia, Hotwire, Redtag etc. Travel is discounted just as regularly as groceries. Why pay full price if you don't have to?
1) Travel after major holidays if possible. It will be less crowded and up to 30% less expensive. For example, don't travel over the Canada Day long weekend. If your dates are flexible, why not start out on the 6th or 7th and take that week instead?2) Use your grocery budget creatively to save for travel. What if you used coupons for a few items each time you shopped, and put the cash-equivalent to your coupon savings in a travel jar at home? $5 here and there will sure add up.
3) Use your grocery budget to add Airmiles where ever possible. For example, you can redeem Airmiles for gift cards for hotel stays (like Best Western) and car rentals (Budget). Whether it's your next hockey road trip or a big family vacation, the savings are a tangible benefit and you need to buy groceries anyway.
4) Use your Shoppers Optimum points to buy your travel necessities like toothbrushes, snacks, travel packs, magazines etc.
5) Look for deals on travel sites like Expedia, Hotwire, Redtag etc. Travel is discounted just as regularly as groceries. Why pay full price if you don't have to?
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