Solo Travel IS and IS NOT

Solo travel is a blessing and a curse.

Solo travel is something you might have to do for work, and you might hate it. Or as a single person, not in a relationship, it might be something that you also dread. All the happy couples in travel ads and their great deals might drive you crazy, especially when you learn of the added ("single supplement") travel costs.

But as a traveller, I want to assure you, it's not something to fear. You could choose to embrace it, as I have. But, you might also have to explain yourself constantly, as I do.

So here's a helpful list that you can point to when your Mother/Husband/Boss/Neighbour asks you why you're going alone.


Solo Travel is NOT:

• about being unhappy
• about running away
• about hooking up
• about hating your family
• about baggage and compromise 
• about letting family hijack your itinerary
• paying for others to join you
• posed vacation photos 
• listening to others complain about your choice of museum 
• waiting for your group to decide
• exhausting, like trying to please and accommodate everyone is

Sol Travel IS: 

• about having your own goals
• about having your own dreams
• about exploring and learning 
• faster and further than with a group
• less expensive
• eating what and where you want to 
• fulfilling and healthy
• about meditation and spirituality 
• satisfying 
• energizing, not draining
• about being an adult
• selfies in cool locations
• not having to pack for 4, book a kennel or find a house sitter
• about me, not you 

For me, in addition to being all of the items on the preceding lists, is a chance to get the heck away from people and their demands. I often work 7 days a week, and 12 hours at a time. On a slow day I could cook and clean for 100 people, on a busy day 300. It's exhausting! When I get a chance for a break I want to head straight to the ocean and just sit, and be alone. I want to listen to the waves and be still. I want solitude. I want to get away from the cooking, cleaning and serving. I don't even want to cook for myself. I don't want to make small talk with anyone. And until I can permanently live by the ocean, I will have to travel to get my break.

When I'm near the ocean, it starts to work its magic and I start to feel refreshed and human again. I want to learn and explore. I want to do something! I want to feel like a living, breathing, functioning, intelligent adult, rather than a zombie servant.

Out of all my travels, I would say that 1 in 8 trips is a solo adventure. It's about balance. Sure, I love being with other people, I love showing my kids the world, attending sporting events and being a fun mom and taking "vacations" but I really do cherish the opportunity to work on myself. I believe that when I get the chance to get away and get refocused,  I can be a better mom, spouse, business owner etc, when I get back.

There is a proverb, that I will paraphrase, that resonates with me. "You can not pour for others, from your own empty cup."

Have you taken a solo trip recently? Love it or hate it?  Let's hear from you in the comments!

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Must pack items

Whether it's a weekend in the city or a week overseas, these are the 5 things I won't leave home without.

1. Documentation. This includes identification, itinerary and confirmation numbers for all my bookings. (Hotel, rental car, tours, etc)

2. First Aid Kit. Could be as simple as a few Band-aids, Tylenol and Benadryl or could be a full-on travel kit, depending on the destination and potential hazards.

3. A hat. Sun or snow, bad hair days or airport delays, can all be addressed  by a cute hat.

4. Ear phones. Watch movies on the airline television, or tune out a chatty seat mate without looking rude. Then listen to your favourite playlist on the beach or when you hit the workout room.

5. Credit cards (2)  Use one to secure your hotel, car rental etc. And have the other one stashed separately incase of theft or emergency situations.  Even if you have "lots of limit" on you booking card, you could run into trouble, like I did in Florida. The hotel (big brand name chain) put a hold on a fixed amount (as normal) when I checked in but a clerk stole the number and went wild charging items around town. By the time the credit card company caught on (I had set a travel notice as Florida, and all the charges were in Florida so it didn't red flag) the card was maxed. It took weeks to sort out and rendered my card completely useless that whole trip. Major headache.

Sports Trips

If you love seeing your favourite team live, like I do, it's a perfect time of year to plan a fall sports trip.  It's easy to do. I love NFL football, and NHL hockey so we'll look at those. But you can easily add baseball to the mix. And there's about 3 weeks a year that you could possibly get all three.

1. Grab the schedule.  Don't just look at the home games. If you are travelling anyway, keep an open mind as to location.  It might be out of your price range to see the 49ers at home, but what if you travel and see them in Phoenix?

2. Identify the cities with easy access airports. Where can you get a direct flight from your own city?
Phoenix, Denver, Chicago are easy to get to from Winnipeg and reasonably priced. (under $500 is good, a great deal would be $360)

3. Now grab the hockey schedule for your preferred city and see if any dates line up. Think Saturday night hockey and Sunday afternoon for an unforgettable weekend. If you're lucky enough to go to Phoenix, the arena and stadium are on the same property and there are several hotels in the immediate area. Too easy.

4. Check out the flight prices. Do you have Air Miles or other means to get the flights at a reduced price?

5. Hotels can be found by looking at google maps of the stadium area, or there are usually local hotels listed (and sometimes discounted) on your team's website.

6. Tickets. You can grab those of Ticket Master. They offer a guaranteed ticket resale service with their Ticket Exchange. You can pick up both NHL or NFL tickets this way.  I personally have used Stubhub.com and have always been very very happy with my tickets and have never had any problems. Any time I've picked up NFL tickets, they have come by courier in 3 days or less.

7. The last step is the countdown! How many days before the epic sports weekend? There's an app for that.

See how easy that was!  You might even see history made. (I was lucky enough to see Peyton Manning throw career touchdown #509 and break Brett Favre's record)

I can't wait to do another football trip. So much fun!

Hawaii..... book today!

Air Canada has been engaged in a little seat sale price war with Westjet for the last 5 days or so. I have been watching and the prices have been at record lows. They have bounced around a little while the airlines posture for position in this market. Looks to me like Air Canada wants your business more!

If you are thinking about flying to Hawaii in the next couple months, your airfare could not be cheaper. But you need to find your dates and book ASAP. It won't be long before you see fares sitting back at the $750-$800 range round trip.

If you are thinking of renting a condo and staying a week or two, this might be the bargain you're waiting for.

Flight prices are in Canadian dollars, though you will have to hedge your bets on accommodation prices and the US dollar at the time you book.  But before you hitch the cart to the horse, take a look at these prices, and then take a look at your date book.

These screenshots are from today. If you want Maui with Air Canada, rather than HNL, it's only about $20 more.

Hawaiian holidays anyone? And yes, please, share with anyone you think could use a little Aloha in their life.

***** Update:

If you want to pair it up with a hotel, through Expedia, you would do very well to choose the Hilton Hawaiian Village, at a total flight and hotel cost $1300 (Canadian, taxes etc included. There are NO resort fees which makes this an even better deal when $30 per night is becoming the norm at most American resorts.)

This resort is an ideal location, right on the beach, and is where Elvis Presley filmed the movie Blue Hawaii. It is, indeed, a large resort, but there is so much to do for the whole family. Fish and turtle ponds, shopping and water sports will keep everyone busy and happy in Hawaii.

If you choose to capitalize on this seat sale (United Airlines are at similar prices and are an Air Canada codeshare partner) in April, you will pay about half the price of doing this trip in July, and a third of the price at Christmas.

If you want to go with more of a bargain, many of the Aqua hotels, near the beach are offered with the flight at about $1000. If you'd rather go fancy... you can included the Trump Hotel, a Westin, Hyatt Regency or the Sheraton Waikiki for just under $2000 per person.

Prices are subject to change, and WILL change constantly. That's why it's valuable to be in the loop and follow travel sites and blog.

Price is off Expedia, for two people, total. At the Hilton on Waikiki

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.

Fast Five: Free or nearly free activities

It doesn't have to cost a fortune to be exactly what you need. I often get the most out of FREE or nearly free activities on vacation.

1. Hammock time.

2. Time at the hotel pool or a stroll along the beach.

3. Hiking or even city walking tours. (Don't forget your camera!)

4. City or hotel sponsored activities. The City might be hosting music in the park or a family fun fest just check local event listings. (Google before you go!)  Hotels and especially resorts are constantly offering activities to "add value" to your vacation. Hula lessons at 2PM? Guided yoga at 8AM? Kids club crafts at 4PM? Free movies by the pool?  Yes please!

5. Shopping shuttle? Sounds good! Hop aboard and take the free ride to the outlet malls.

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.

Fast Five Travel Tips: Travel More!

I think we can all agree, vacation feels good. And, in my opinion, the more vacations the better. For me, a vacation does not have to be a 5 star resort on the beach, it can be a weekend in the city, three days in the desert, two nights on a friends' couch in Calgary or even a night in a hotel in your own city. The thing that makes it a holiday from life, is the absence of dishes, chores, and the burdens of your own work routine.

So here they are, my tips for getting more of that vacation feeling in your life.

1. Don't wait for an occasion.  It doesn't have to be your anniversary to have a couples' getaway.

2. Don't wait for the whole gang to get their act together. You'd love to have a girls' getaway but two of your friends have a hard time committing or finding the money. Don't stress or start resenting them. If the timing isn't right for them, that's OKAY. Don't let it spoil your fun. Plan and go!

3. Let the budget pick the destination.  Rather than feeling blue that you don't have $5000 for your dream vacation, rejoice in the fact you have $800 and see where that will take you.  ($800 will take a couple to Vegas on Allegiant Air and still leave you with a little money for dinner and fun.) Actually, I could think of a dozen trips for $800 and I often list the bargains here on this site.

4. Use your points. You hear me say it all the time.... collect points. Something. Anything! Use Avion, Aeroplan, Air Miles, etc to subsidize your travel.

5. Travel solo. Or if going alone scares you, declare your interest in travelling and let your friends, co-workers and family members know you are up for travel with them should a business trip or other opportunity come up. You will be surprised how many invitations come your way when your social circle knows you are interested in travelling and can pay your own way or share expenses.

Psssst... Christmas in California?

Celebrate an early Christmas with your little one, at Disneyland California! They work their Disney Magic in the park each November and turn it into a glorious Christmas celebration. Young and old alike will be enchanted by the characters' Christmas parade! Nothing gets you in the spirit, like an early Christmas at Disney.

And the real bonus..... the park is quiet. Oh, so quiet. Early Christmas avoids all the crowds, and your flight and hotel are half the price too!

Your shuttle from the airport to the Disney area hotels is separate, but very easy to book and will cost about $60. 

If you have Air Miles, you can pick up your park passes this way. It's one of my best tips. Disney park passes are a pricy treat, and never really discounted by much. Trading Air Miles for passes is an excellent use of miles in my opinion.

Disneyland California is perfect for a 3 day adventure. The park(s) are much smaller than in Florida, and are located together, so to me, it's one large park, even though they are "technically" divided into the main theme park plus "California Adventure."

Comparing Apples to Apples (St. Lucia)

These are the current aircanadavacations.com prices for a trip to St. Lucia this weekend.

Now here are today's prices for the same trip in January 2015. Same hotels, same airline etc.

Our third comparison is for Westjet to St. Lucia, at the exact same hotel, exact same days as the Air Canada bargain. 

Literally, the half price for the same vacation, thanks to a little research. 

See why I get excited when I see a fabulous vacation, for a budget price? Same joy, same relaxation, half the price.... or as I think of it, twice the vacation potential for the same money. 

Sandals St. Lucia - Dreamy!

You've seen the ads on TV. The romantic Sandals Resorts.... couples having fun, big discounts - up to 65%. Doesn't it look amazing?

Regardless of the "deals" Sandals Resorts (which are throughout the Caribbean) typically charge around $3000 per person. Prices will fluctuate based on time of year, destination, resort amenities etc.

These are all-inclusive vacations in some incredible destinations. St. Lucia is a very popular honeymoon location. Very trendy in 2014.

Westjet currently has their package price at under $5000 taxes included per couple. This is an excellent price. If you want to treat your sweetheart to a pre-Christmas getaway, you may wish to jump on this deal. It's December 11th - 18th, flying out of Winnipeg. (YWG)

A bargain doesn't have to be cheap. A bargain is a great vacation, with greater VALUE than expense. But a bargain is never a destination you hate or accommodations where you don't feel comfortable and safe. Vacations are as personal as shoes. You NEED to find the right fit!

5 Reasons to get up early on vacation

Don't get me wrong, I love to sleep in. I simply don't think that you are making the most of your precious travel time by being curled up and in dreamland. You ought to be awake and LIVING those dreams.

Here are 5 reasons to get up early:

1. Sleeping isn't SEEING.

2. You will see a city (or wherever you might be) two totally different ways when you see it in the morning, and then the night life as well. Double your vacation value by seeing both sides of a city.

3. Ask others.... Over your morning coffee, ask your barista what you should do today.  "This is my first time in Seattle. I have the whole day free. What do you think I should see?" 

4. Nothing beats a sunrise walk on the beach. Or in the National Park. Or in the heart of the city. Wherever you are, seize the day.

5. Each morning the world starts fresh and has something to show you. Be open to the joy.

But Cathie, I'm on V A C A T I O N.....

Yes. I hear you ;) !  Have an afternoon nap. Have an extra cup of coffee. Do what it takes to make the most of your time away. Take photos and reflect later. Live in the moment.

And when you get home, take one more day to unpack, and reset yourself before you go back to work.  It's how I believe you can turn ANY vacation into the "Best. Vacation. Ever."

Fast Five: Tips for planning a family vacation

When planning a vacation for my kids, I make sure to include these 5 things.

1. Something familiar
2. Something from a book or TV or hobby that they can connect to
3. Something to learn
4. Something amazing to remember
5. Something they can share

Something familiar can be as easy as a chain restaurant. There are occasions when a taste of "normal" can be the thing that saves the day.

When we went to Disneyland California, it was like their favourite movie "Cars" came to life. But the connection here can be as easy as showing them a travel guide to Alberta and pointing out the dinosaur museum for them and then taking them there. Let them participate in the research and bring books to life. 

Something to learn can be a few minutes in an art gallery or speaking with a tour guide about the museum. Learn something about where you are, don't be a passive guest.

Something amazing, isn't always easy to plan. Sometimes it just spontaneously happens, like running into a movie star at the airport or having Mickey Mouse pull you up on stage to dance. But you CAN plan to put yourself in the right spot for amazing to happen. Get the good seats to the sporting event!

Something to share is the easiest on the list! Make sure you have a few dollars for postcards or a book for your class. We brought back a book from the NASA space centre that tied in beautifully with a class lesson on space.

And take pictures! Lots of candid pictures!  My favourite shots are not the ones that are posed at the museum, but the side profile pics of the kids grossly engaged in the subject.

Short Stay Holidays Under $1000

The best bargains on this page are to Orlando, and to Palm Springs. Under $700 each is a pretty nice package price for 5 nights.

That being noted, there is nothing wrong with the prices to Anaheim (sadly, just 3 days) and to Maui. Maui is one of the nicest destinations you'll ever experience. It should be on everyone's to do list. But at a 5 night stay, you might feel a little rushed and have trouble adjusting to the time change. I'd recommend at least 7 nights in Maui.

With the US dollar rising and our Canadian dollar falling, package prices this good, will soon be a memory. Enjoy the deals while they are here.

Deals are current as of today's date and were found at www. westjet.com.

St. Kitts for Easter?

Air Canada Vacations has some super deals on St. Kitts right now. For just over $1000 you can explore this Caribbean island for 7 days and nights this April.

St. Kitts is near Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The island is 69 square miles and has a population of just over 31,000. There are many beaches to explore and activities to keep you busy. You'll find there's just about something for everyone in St. Kitts.

Their official tourism site can be found here. Definitely check out the picture gallery! You'll be dreaming of the island and planning your next getaway before you know it.

The 7 night vacation shown here includes the Easter Weekend (April 18th-22) and might just save you a little holiday time. It's certainly a great price for a holiday date.  There are many hotels offered at similar prices. The Marriott is one of the most popular and highly rated offered by Air Canada.  But you should check out Trip Advisor for yourself.

St. Kitts.... definitely not a cookie cutter holiday!

Put this on the wish list!

I was in the Turks n Caicos in July of 2012. The beaches are the most incredible I've ever seen. I would love to go back someday. I keep an eye on the developments of the Turks n Caicos, and much of the Caribbean by drooling over Islands magazine each month.

A special offer for the Turks n Caicos caught my eye and it led me to this new resort, Blue Haven. Wow! It is stunning! If you need a diversion from your life at a desk, I suggest you click this link and start dreaming.

I took these photos on my vacation. None are retouched or enhanced in any way. We stayed at the Ocean Club Resort, which I would also recommend highly.

New York for Valentine's Day?

Bright lights are calling you! What about a couples' getaway to New York City?
Westjet will take you there.

Sunny Sample for January

If you've got about $1000 and some time off in January, you have a few destinations to choose from. This sample was take from redtag.ca on December 18th.

There's Cuba, Dominican Republic, Florida and Mexico. Just make sure you check tripadvisor.ca for recent hotel reviews and really consider what you want and expect out of YOUR vacation. Don't book something just because it's a bargain. It has little VALUE if it's not your idea of a wonderful vacation.

5 Things for your pre-trip to-do list

In the last days before any vacation you need to:

1. Check the weather and news at your destination. Know before you go!

2. Clean out your car. Whether it's a road trip or you are leaving your vehicle at an airport, clean it out. Don't tempt thieves and don't complicate your land border crossing with the junk you normally keep in your car.

3. Banking. Pay any bills due while you will be away. Set a travel notice with your credit/debit card company. Exchange currency and make sure you have enough pocket money on you for cabs, toll booths and emergencies.

4. Leave your itinerary with a family member or close friend. Someone who WILL follow up and check on you if you don't make your flight home etc.

5. Grab that passport, event tickets and your confirmation numbers. You're good to go!

Vegas DOs and DON'Ts

DO tip everyone! Everywhere! Your bell man, the maid, the blackjack dealer, the front desk clerk, your  restaurant hostess.  This is VEGAS, not Piedmont North Dakota. Money talks. (I can write a column on this one topic alone if you like. Yes??? )

DO bring the rockstar shoes! But also bring ballet flats or flip flops in your purse. Don't kid yourself, there is a TON of walking in Vegas. Your feet will hurt. ALOT!

DO make dining reservations. Especially with any restaurant named for a celebrity chef. Walk-in tables are rare. Use the iPhone app "Open Table" for last minute reservations in your area, and/or advance reservations without using the hotel concierge.

DO find a slot machine with an old fashioned pull arm. It's classic Vegas IMHO.  This is especially MUST DO if it is a crazy-oversized, cheesy, lobby machine. Just do it!

DO try things outside your comfort zone. Push boundaries even just a little. Bet $25 on one blackjack hand.... stay up to 2AM instead of rushing to bed at your normal time.  Push the steam button in the shower. Splurge on a piece of cheesecake for dessert. Book a seat at the Jay Leno show - see him live even though you've seen him on the Tonight Show for years. Try something new.

DO research your hotel before you book it. Don't expect to book your bachelor party at Paris, or bring your friends to a wine tasting at the Quad. LOL!  Just do the research and find the hotel suited to your tastes and desired activities and budget.

DON'T drag your toddlers around the Vegas strip at Midnight. What the hell is a matter with people who do this? Grrrrrrr..... Vegas is not for children, especially little children.  Little children need sleep, and routine and consistency. They do NOT need to see people screaming and drinking and stumbling about, half naked and unruly in the middle of the night.

DO NOT rock your child's stroller back and forth on the casino hall carpet with your outstretched foot as you pour money into a machine just inside the "over 21 only area." This is NOT keeping your child out of the casino games. This is a horrible act of borderline rule bending, bad parenting & insanity.

DON'T expect everyone at the pool to look like a movie star... even if they are. But that's ok. Perfectly, ok even. It's Vegas.

DON'T gamble more than you can afford to lose. If it's not fun, it's not appropriate.

DON'T expect to see everything in one visit. I could go back twice a year and never have enough time to see, do and dine everywhere on my list.

Restaurant in Planet Hollywood (PH HOTEL) and lined up out the door,  all day and night