Jets in Vancouver: Bargain!

This Westjet - New Leaf price war is opening up some fun opportunities, at a discount.

The Winnipeg Jets play in Vancouver on March 14th. If you'd like to go, Westjet will fly you there for $232. That's about half of the normal price.

To add a downtown hotel to this, I've turned to Expedia.ca (Prices shown are flight and hotel included, per person.)

I've stayed at the Westin Grand (not pictured)  About $475 in this package scenario. It's a great hotel which I can certainly recommend and about 2 blocks from the arena.
The Rosdale is within 2 blocks as well. There are any number of convenient hotels including the Sandman.

Lonesdale Quay is not as conveniently located to the arena, but is in a shopping market like The Forks in Winnipeg and is also near the Ferry.

The game is on the 14th. If you prefer to travel on the 13th, to be safe, add about another $100 to your package.

The Jets will be in a playoff race at this point. Could be a heck of a game!


These prices won't last. Price wars can last a few days, or mere hours. Limited seats available.

10% off Fall Flights Everywhere

Both Air Canada & Westjet are offering 10% off all fares, anywhere they fly. They key is that you need to book and pay by June 9th, and it's valid for travel Sept - Dec 10th.

You will need a promo code for each airline.  (See below.)

A Royal Bargain to Turks n' Caicos

The perfect couple's destination!  And the Royal West Indies is hardly ever discounted by Westjet Vacations.  A very nice deal if you can jump on it. This hotel boasts excellent reviews and a prime location on the beach.

Through Westjet Vacations

Though the dates are 12 days apart, you can see the bargain with Westjet on this one.

Brandon is included in Air Miles sale

The weekly Air Miles discounts are up. Brandon is included in the 40% off for Onyx collectors. This is great news if your plans include these US destinations in the next 8 weeks. 

Weekly flight discounts

If you need to get some more Air Miles, visit www.airmilesshops.ca right now for some big time earning bonuses.

YBR to PSP for $725

How about a week in Palm Springs California before the Christmas chaos takes hold?
This is a week at a 4 start resort, flights and taxes included. And the best thing about it, is you get to fly from home. (If your home is in Brandon, MB)

This example is December 4th to 11th, flying Westjet.

Book the vacation package thru www.westjet.com or your favourite agency like Selloffvacations. They are located on 8th street, across from Superstore.

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."

Vegas Package from Brandon $259 & tax

Here's a last minute bargain to jump up and down about! Seriously.  (prices current as of Oct 7, 1AM)
www.westjetvacations.com to book or call your favourite travel agent in the morning.  To book on-line yourself, go to the Westjet page and type in your home airport (YBR) for Brandon, and LAS for Las Vegas. Dates on sale are Oct 28-31st, as shown below. The Flamingo is located in the centre of all the action, on the strip, but so are all the other 3 hotels shown below.

I have stayed at Caesar's Palace this year, and of course, recommend it. The Cromwell is also of the Caesar's chain and is a gorgeous boutique hotel with a fabulous signature restaurant, Giada's.

Ooooh, if I didn't have to work this week, well, I'd be in Vegas.

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. 

Fast Five Travel Tips: Avoid baggage fees

1. Pack like a pro.  Roll your clothes. Pack in jumbo ziploc bags. Only take what you need. You CAN do this with a carry-on.

2. Go to the Caribbean (See, no Westjet bag fees to the Caribbean)

3. Carry the airline credit card.

4. Skip the souvenirs. Why check a bag just to bring back souvenirs? Why not bring back memories and photos instead? Alternatively, you could have your purchases shipped home. You would be surprised how many places offer this service.

5. Do your research... what does the hotel provide, so you don't have to pack it?  Did you know that Fairmont hotels, and many Westins and Marriotts too can offer fitness gear to their guests?

Does your hotel/resort have a guest laundry room? More do than don't. Would you rather do a quick load of laundry for $5 for your family during the holiday, or pay 3 checked bags at $25 each to have more clothes?

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!