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.

Get the hotel upgrade AND save money.

Riley loved the automatic pancake maker at the Sheraton Montreal! 

You know those hotels that don't include continental breakfast and a waterslide? Well, truth is, they often have something better.

Let's take for example, the Sheraton Montreal Centre, and the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. But heck, it could even be the Fairmont Winnipeg, Westin Ottawa or the like. What they, and most downtown business hotels offer is a "Club Lounge" or similar.

Basically, there is an open lounge setting, with TVs, couches, tables chairs, workstations and more. It's on the top floor of the hotel, and is included with some room classes, or can be added (for a fee) to regular rooms.

There are three ways to gain access to the club level: 

1) Be a member of their rewards program. Certain levels will earn you complimentary access.

2) Use your membership rewards points for an upgrade. For example, you can book the least expensive room in the hotel and then call to upgrade your room to "club" using 1500 of your Sheraton (SPG.com) rewards points. So, without any additional cash paid, you have upgraded and get all the perks free.

3) You can pay a nominal fee, at check-in, for an upgrade. Typically it's about $20 per person, but you can always try to negotiate that, especially on weekends when there are very few business travellers.

Why upgrade to Club and why is it worth is even if you are travelling with your children?

1) Space. I love having lounge space to use outside the hotel room itself. You can set up a board game with your kids, or spread out and read a newspaper. Both are typically provided. When kids have activities and other adults present, I always find they are on their best hotel behaviour.

2) The breakfasts are fabulous! "Real eggs!!!" As my son would tell you, are always worth it. If you've ever had stale pastries, powdered eggs and orange drink included as your hotel breakfast you will appreciate this obvious upgrade. Club breakfast, is more like Easter Brunch.

3) Complimentary espresso, fresh squeezed juices, bottle water, tea and hot chocolate, plus grab and-go fruit like apples and bananas are available around the clock.  This alone can be worth the $20 a day, if you are used to paying $5 a coffee and a few dollars for snacks and tea while you are on the go.

4) Both Sheraton and Fairmont offer afternoon "happy hour" and hors d'oeuvres in addition to the morning breakfast.  The Sheraton offered warm brie, cold smoked salmon, cheeses, vegetables and even nachos and guacamole. The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac was all this and more, including gourmet spoons, fresh breads and bite sized desserts.  This is great for kids as they can try new things, in small taster sizes, in a supervised setting, without you having to commit to taking them to a fancy restaurant or spending $100 or more to have such choices.

5) Access to alcohol, soft drinks, milk and juices without having to find a corner store. Aren't there times when you are travelling where you just want to kick back and have a single glass of wine, without committing to or wasting a bottle? Or wouldn't you love to have a mixed cocktail without buying all the ingredients and garnishes? After all, you are on vacation! Well, the Club Lounge has your whole bar. And while there is a fee for alcohol, it is certainly reasonable and much more convenient than hauling the groceries back up to your room and trying to keep ice in a leaky bucket.

So, while your thrifty self might routinely choose the least expensive room at the hotel, do consider the Club Lounge next time you find yourself in a business hotel. I expect you will value the food, beverages and space much more than you realized. And at $20 a day, you will see actual tangible savings over your regular spending habits on the road.

I find the greatest value in this practice, when travelling with my teenage son. I also feel it serves as a learning experience in manners, travel and social skills that I can not replicate when at home. And when it comes time for him to host a business meeting, or attend a fancy restaurant he will already be comfortable and somewhat familiar with the environment.

Shrimp cocktail, and oysters included at the Fairmont that afternoon.

Small sample of the afternoon deli selection. 

My morning cafe latte

Club Lounge at The Sheraton Montreal.

January Disney: 2 adults, 1 child $2K

Westjet Vacations Cyber Monday Deal

Prices & availability subject to change with no notice.

Pre Christmas Curacao?

Do the snowflakes and icy roads have you yearning for a beach? No chance for Christmas vacation?

Well, could you go now?

Air Canada Vacations has some nice bargains to the Caribbean. This one in particular is to Curacao. Various dates carry various prices, starting at about $1100 taxes included, per person.

To start your research on the islands and what they have to offer, go directly to the source.

Curacao Tourist Board. 

Last year's coffee run was $920

Last year I wrote about a Westjet sale to Kona Hawaii. It was, in my opinion, a heck of a deal.

Since I'm not travelling right now, and more than a little bored, I thought I would look and see what that same trip would cost today.

That same trip, December 2nd to 9th, would cost $1020 per person, or about $100 more. That's not bad. I feel it is a reasonable measure of the current cost of a vacation.... about 10% more than last year.  Most of that rise in cost can be attributed to the change in value of the Canadian dollar (as compared to the USA dollar.

If you are just looking for a flight, there are numerous return flights, to each of the 3 most popular islands, for about $560. This is true for both Westjet and Air Canada, from Winnipeg. Depends on dates, of course. But I could find you 25 examples, of $600 of less right now.

This one to Maui is just $527 taxes included!

Just look at these beautiful flight times!!

Maui $483.

I'm just going to tell you that this is the kind of thing that causes the bags under my eyes.

It's 3AM as I write this, and for the past 5 consecutive days, I've worked open to close at the restaurant. I'm tired. And yet, I pick up the scent of a travel deal, and I turn into a tireless bloodhood. I won't stop until I find the big deal.

I won't give you the play-by-play on how I found this, except to say that I shouldn't check my e-mail when I'm in bed. You see, Westjet sent an email with an offer of 20% of econo flights, or 25% off plus.

Ho hum. I didn't think too much of it. I looked around at a couple destinations, and it seemed the prices were inflated so as to accommodate the discount. But, since I was awake, I poked around a little further.

Seems Delta has a nice sale on to Hawaii. (From Winnipeg.) $566 return and taxes in, that's a excellent price any time of the year. (I searched and dates are available through February, but not at Christmas break of course.)

So that's when my 'bloodhound sense' kicks into a higher gear. Hey, I wonder if Westjet has matched those prices yet.... 

I looked, and yes they have. Nice. Westjet has $566 too. Now I wonder if that discount code works on top of this price match deal....

This is the point I get out of bed and head to an actual keyboard. (tap, tap, tap on the keyboard) Yes, indeed, the promo code works! And voila $483, round trip, taxes included to Maui.  $600 to Aruba is pretty sweet too.  Now accommodations are extra in both these situations, but that's not hard to solve.

Victory! I found the prize. $483 to Hawaii is a GREAT DEAL!  Now I can go to sleep.

But first, take my promo code. I won't use it. (Just incase Westjet didn't send you a code this time.)

Promo Code: REW07   Coupon Code: F8Y7IGP  (Yes, you need both) 

They key to getting the best price is do a couple flight searches and find your best price combination, THEN go back and do the search WITH the codes.  If you use the codes right off the top, it will NOT show you the various dates and potential savings of date selection.

Goodnight!  :)

Air Canada says: Any day of the week!

When Westjet announced their new Canadian route to London's Gatwick airport, I expected Air Canada to answer back with matching fares.

Right on schedule, Air Canada did just that, but without any marketing fan fare or even a suggestion of it on their home page.

BUT, if you look at their prices in May and June 2016, you will see they jumped all in on this little London blitz. Infact, Air Canada's answer to this announcements was.... 'any day of the week.'

While my comments are simply an observation, and the words are my own, it seems crystal clear that Air Canada is sending a message.

You want to go to London? We'll take you there (and back) for $623, any day of the week!

Prices subject to change.  Routes and flight times will vary. Book early for best selection.

Seriously!! What? YWG to LAX $314 includes tax.

Ok, I had to look at this three times and from three different sites, but it's true. A round trip ticket from Winnipeg, to Los Angeles for about the price of a night at the Jets' game.

$314

I'll say it again.... $314 Canadian dollars, including tax.

October 14-21, but many other great dates available through Air Canada.

You could take this flight from Vancouver for $256. So, Air Canada is willing to give you the round trip connection YWG to YVR for $60. Amazing.

I'm so excited by this find I think I smell burnt toast. Or perhaps I burnt my toast because I was so distracted by this deal.

I'll shut up now, so you can book this before it disappears.

A Winnipeg Win at The Forks

I’m a mom. I multi-task. I can’t help but race from one thing to another, to another, and pack as much into a day as humanly possible. So spending a day at The Forks in Winnipeg, well, that was just a perfect fit!

I wanted to plan a special day for my son’s 13th birthday, and show him a great, stress free time. I didn’t want to be driving all over the city, so for our day together I checked us into the Inn At The Forks and planned to spend the evening at the Goldeyes game. 

Right away we put on our sneakers and took a lap of The Forks Market, checking out some of the vendors. It was hard for me to pass up the fudge, but I resisted. I knew I’d be eating perogies and cabbage rolls at the ballpark. (Yup, fabulous Ukrainian food at the ball game!) Could not spoil my appetite. 

It was nearing game time, so we walked across the parking lot, past the skate park (so cool! Did you know Tony Hawk even skated at this park and gave it the thumbs up?) and past the Canadian Human Rights Museum, and over to Shaw Park. Shaw Park is a fabulous facility. There isn’t a much better way to spend a summer night in the city. 

View from the third baseline. At Shaw Park, home of the Goldeyes.

The Goldeyes put on a great show! (And won that night too!) For $15 a ticket we had seats a few rows up on the third baseline. Between innings they had great on-field games and lots of giveaways. My son bought a ball at the gift shop and I was definitely tempted to grab a jersey. 

Then, for a single loonie, Riley had three pitches in front of a radar gun on the concourse. Who knew he could throw a ball 49mph? We both thought that was pretty cool. I would have tried it too, but I have this old elbow injury..... haha. 

After the game we went and had snacks down by the waterfront. Very few mosquitos and the campfire smell from Crab Shack’s fire pits, almost made you feel like you were camping. We felt very safe at The Forks even well after dark. 

At dawn the next day, we stumbled our sleepy walk over to the Johnson Terminal for a coconut latte from Espresso Junction. They’ve been making my favourite Winnipeg cup of coffee for over 20 years now! After grabbing a breakfast special from Danny’s and eating it on the benches down by the river, we decided to use the guest bikes from the hotel and take a bigger tour of the area. I left my camera back at the hotel so I could focus on keeping up with my teenager. We had a blast. There was way more to the river trails than I’d ever walked. The free loaner bikes (and helmets) were definitely a highlight. This was my favourite hotel perk of the year. 

Before I knew it, our time was up. It was time to check out and head back to work. But before I did, I rebooked for another family weekend. It was simply too good, to not do again! 

Danny's at The Forks, my fav breakfast spot.

So many great vantage points at The Forks. Pull up a chair and sit a spell!

Helsinki? Adventure Awaits

There is a remarkable flight sale on right now. If you have ever dreamt of visiting Finland, you need to jump on this deal.

From Winnipeg, Manitoba (YWG) to Helsinki, Finland (HEL) for about $600, but as low as $558, depending on dates. There are lots of great dates in November, early December and late January for around $600.  (This is about half price!)  Many airlines participating in this sale, including Delta, KLM, Air Canada, Air France.

Paired with hotel for 5 or 6 nights, it can be had for under $1000. (shown below) Yes, that's return flights, hotel and taxes all included.

In November, the temperature is near 2C. It is the beginning of the winter season, similar in climate to Manitoba, except that it will be more of a damp cold due to it proximity to the Baltic Sea.

Visit your favourite agent to jump on this deal before it disappears.  There's even an opportunity for a stop over in Paris at no extra charge, if you book your flight times right!

Helsinki tourism link will whet your appetite for this adventure.

Finland is also the site of this year's World Juniors Hockey. However, during this event, prices will be much higher.

Jets rematch in Nashville?

Our Winnipeg Jets lost a hard fought game to the Nashville Predators tonight. They played really well, but Rinne, the Preds' goaltender was amazing! He stole the game for them.

If you would like to take a little winter break from Manitoba and go catch a hockey game in Nashville, the Jets play there again on March 7th.

Right now there are good prices on flights from United Airlines from YWG to BNA.  You can pair it up with a hotel through Expedia and get a 5 night package, including flights and taxes for about $1000  (Canadian funds).

Tickets to the game (off Stubhub.com) start about $37. For $100 per ticket, you can sit in the Club Seats. Yes, those are the good seats!

While you're in Nashville, you should visit some of the other sights. Check here to start your research on Nashville.

Sample flight & hotel from Expedia

Hotels nearby the Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville

Why Canada to Vegas is the Best Bet

So, you're looking at going to Vegas again soon, and you're wondering if it's still worth heading down to Minot or Grand Forks to catch your flight.

My answer is no.

Considering the current exchange rate, you are better to book and pay in Canadian dollars. Save your (cheap) gas and just cruise over to the local airport rather than travel 3 hours to the North Dakota airport.

There is a Winnipeg package, with direct flights to and from Las Vegas. You can stay at a premium hotel, mid-strip for about $420. Converted to American funds, you would have to find a package at $350 or less US funds to be "equal."

If you prefer to go out of Brandon, you won't have a direct flight, and you will need to add an overnight in Calgary on the way home. But that might be fun.

Discount Disney! This January!

If you've ever wanted to take your little one to Walt Disney World in Florida, but have been intimidated by the price, or the crowds, this is your moment.

Now, this is as budget friendly as Disney gets... their value hotel, All Star Movies. But, a budget Disney hotel, is still a Disney hotel.  You get all the Disney magic you can handle in the parks, exactly the same as anyone else, staying at the Ritz or The Grand Floridian.

Shown here with one adult, and one child under 10.

Shown here with 2 adults.

Shown here in this Westjet package, you get direct flights from Winnipeg to Orlando, plus Disney transfers to the hotel, plus 7 nights accommodation, all taxes included. Plus you get full use of the free Disney shuttle/transportation onsite, between parks and downtown Disney.

Now, if you want to do their package, thinking it's a good deal, you can get 5 days basic park passes, and their free value (think cafeteria) dining for $2380. 

Now, if you think you can buy flights alone at the current 20% discount and then add hotel separately it will cost $1055. Getting 7 nights hotel, under $200 anywhere is nearly impossible, never mind the included value of Disney transportation. 

That's why this package is such a great deal! If you really need to keep the budget low, then I highly recommend cashing in your Air Miles to purchase your park tickets, and pack your own snacks. I've done it, and would do it again in a heartbeat. 

At this time of year, the Disney waterparks are both closed, so don't waste your money on  the deluxe park passes which include the waterparks. 

The last 2 times we were at Disney World we stayed at the Port Orleans (moderate) hotels. They were fabulous and I would recommend them. HOWEVER, on these dates, they add over $400 to the bill. For me, they are not worth an additional $400. That amount of money could pay for all our food and souvenirs for the week. 

Prices current as of 7:20pm December 30th. Other dates available, at other (higher) prices. 

If you have any Disney questions, don't hesitate to ask. We've done 2 cruises (Alaska & Caribbean), Disneyland, and Disney World.  All of it done on a budget, and thoroughly enjoyed!

Take the kids on the train $14.

Well, here's a deal you simply can't pass up!  Via Rail is offering $14 tickets on any route, economy class, to accompanied children (ages 2-11) for $14 plus gst this summer.

Would you like to take the kids Winnipeg to Jasper? How about Montreal to Moncton? $14!!!!

Deal is on all summer. You need 3 days (or more) notice to book at this fare. I'm wracking my brain to find a couple days that I can take the kids. I love adventure. We did the train trip in the winter when CJ was less than 2 years old. It was wonderful but of course, I'd love to do it again now that he's a little older.

Even if all you do is take the kids from Rivers to Winnipeg, and back, it would sure be worth the time and money in life experience.

No time to travel?

When you have no time to travel, but you really need a little break, a "stay-cation" might be just the answer for you.

A stay-cation is a modern term used to suggest that you are a tourist in your own back yard. You are staying home, but having a little vacation from the routine. (Who doesn't need a vacation from laundry & dishes? Even if it's just one day!)  By my definition a stay-cation includes any and all destinations you can drive to in 3 hours or less.

Recently, I took an overnight break from work and travelled to The Forks in Winnipeg. I stayed at the very stylish Inn at the Forks, which is right on The Forks Market property and is right in the centre of all the action.  The Inn at the Forks has a special rate for Sunday night stays ($129) meaning that if you can take Monday off and make it a long weekend, you can enjoy a bargain stay-cation.

The Forks Market property includes the Goldeyes Baseball Stadium, the MB Children's Museum, the Johnson Terminal Shops, the skateboard park and the (opening soon) Human Rights' Museum.

There is a number of dining options on site, including kiosks for crepes, greek food, hot dogs, and more. There are also a number of patios perfect for a leisurely drink on a hot day.

You may wish to bring your sneakers as there are miles of great trails and green spaces for your walking enjoyment. There are also river tours that can be arranged at the dock and go out several times a day.

While you are there, treat yourself to a coffee at the Espresso Junction. It's been a jewel at The Johnson Terminal for over 20 years now. I love their coconut cappuccinos!

Really, if you live in the "204" I can't think of a better stay-cation than a night at The Forks.

Cuba - this weekend!!

Aren't you just a little bit tempted to race to the airport and leave this winter wonderland? A blowy snowy blizzard makes me want to see a beach immediately if not sooner.

Take a look at these last minute deals from Redtag.ca  

These are reputable chain hotels too! You'll see great Trip Advisor reviews for each of them.