$3244 for a family trip to Hawaii

There are a few pretty sweet deals to Hawaii on right now.

First off there's a basic 15% off flights anytime this winter (blackout dates apply) with either Westjet or Air Canada. That takes your airfare down to about $500 per person, if you pick the right dates.

Secondly, Westjet is offering packages on sale right now which includes week in a beachside condo.  For 2 adults, the cost is $2030, air, tax and accommodations from Winnipeg. OR, with 2 minor children I see it priced at $3244 for the same date package. That's a mere $811 per person, for a week in a condo in Maui. SWEEEEEEET deal!

Lastly, with this package deal in mind, I looked up what you could get for $1220 per person, which I would still consider a very good price for a package to Maui. Look what I found! The Waldorf Astoria in the highly coveted Wailea area for under $5K. This would be AMAZING!!! You'd be in the playground of the rich and famous, on a modest budget.  

The only thing to keep in mind would be that in a condo, you would prepare your own meals and could realistically do so for a family at a cost of $500CDN total for a week. Whereas, staying at a hotel/resort and buying meals would be far more expensive. 

Prices are in Canadian funds and can be found at Westjet Vacations or through your favourite travel agent. Prices subject to change. 

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.

Disney Cruise: Part 1... The Sights

Disney Wonder

There are four Disney Cruise ships. The original two ships were the "Magic" and the "Wonder". They are both very similar in size and passenger capacity. (10 Decks/ 2400 passengers) The Magic was recently in dry dock and underwent numerous renovations. She's shining like a pretty penny! Photo Gallery of the new "Magic"

The two newest ships are the "Dream" and the "Fantasy." They are similar in size and are about 40% larger than the Magic and Wonder. The new ships have 16 decks and can carry about 4000 passengers plus crew.

All four ships have Disney characters, Disney decor, and outstanding Disney service. The ships' stacks are some of the most recognizable at sea, with their bright red colour and Mickey Mouse Ears. The ships's whistle is the same chords used to start the old Disney Sunday night television movie. (I remember those family dinners with much fondness!) "When you wish upon a star"

I have been on the Wonder and found it to be the perfect size for this Canadian girl. Anything bigger would have overwhelmed me. Though, I must say, that the Disney scheduling of 2 dinner times/2 show times it never really felt crowded onboard. Genius, really!

At holiday times, the ships are decorated and have an extra layer of magic, in my opinion. The Christmas tree and decorations (in November 2013) were magnificent. Characters are in holiday clothes too. It sure makes for great family photos.

Whether it's the deck chairs or the ice cream sundaes you will find all those Disney touches that make your cruise extra magical.  There is something to see at every corner. Adults and kids alike wander the ship wide-eyed! I know I did!

Port of Galveston in the background.

Outdoor movies by the pool