When your child isn't a 'child' anymore

"Kids Stay & Play FREE!"  Isn't that a slogan than catches your eye nearly every time you're planning a trip? Yes indeed.... you think there will be a deal at the end of the next link, but sadly there's often disappointment.

Take for example, I've been trying to book an interesting beach vacation package for a family of 4.  9 times out of 10, I pursue a trip and an advertised "Kids FREE" deal and there are catches. Something that sours the deal completely. Like when the fine print reveals just the "first kid free" with 2 paying adults. Or one adult, with one child and that child has to pay "adult" rates because there is otherwise NOT double occupancy.

Take this example here. This is taken from an Air Canada Vacations last minute deal. In this case, only the adult fares are discounted. Look at the way it adds up. It's actually no deal. Even if all 4 passengers were given the adult discounted price, it would only be about $4800.

In other cases, such as Disney, children play the adult ticket price after 10 years of age.  So, you pay full adult rate from 10 and up. 

Other resorts I found wouldn't accept a booking of 2 parents, a 12 year old and a 9 year old. Because the 12 year old is considered an "adult" and you couldn't have 3 adults or more in a room.  What the heck is the point or solution to that? Book two rooms or adjoining rooms? No thank you. 

About the only place I found success with this type of booking was at resorts in Mexico or Jamaica, or at certain hotels in Grand Cayman. 

Here's an example, from Westjet, in Montego Bay Jamaica, where they still consider a 12 year old a child, AND they let 2 paying adults, have a discounted rated for 2 children. And since this resort is all inclusive they offer a scaled rated based on the child's age. 

Lastly, the other way to avoid this frustrating situation is to book your hotel and flights separately. In this case, you will pay equally for your flights as there is no 'child discount'. A seat, is a seat, is a seat, and should be charged accordingly. (Unless they are an infant in an adult lap.) And then you will pay your hotel rate, based on their occupancy polices. Most hotels still consider a 'child' to be anyone 17 or under that is accompanying adults and using existing bedding. Again, this is no guarantee of a deal but you should at least avoid paying extra for a child as in the example from the top of the page. 

I can only imagine the difficulty of trying to plan a trip for a family of 5 or more. 

Panic setting in

School's out in a week, and I don't have a summer vacation plan. Nothing. Nada.

It's hard to choose something. I have pretty specific requirements including a white sand beach, waterslides, golf and close to an airport. Nothing my family hates more than spending hours in a shuttle or taxi after spending all day in planes.

Last minute bargains are designed for 2 adults, not families of 4, as I have learned.

Halifax is on sale with both Canadian airlines. Boston looks nice too. But I really have my heart set on Caribbean. I guess I could be talked into Hawaii, but I am reluctant to agree to a condo or any sort of arrangement where I will have to cook. (Hardly a vacation for me.)

Stay tuned. I'm spending late nights scavenging for deals. I'll share the deals.  Maybe we both can enjoy some nice, juicy, last minute leftovers this year.

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.)

Aruba, next weekend?

You won't likely find a better deal to Aruba than this one! Air Canada Vacations will take you from Winnipeg to Aruba on May 23rd and return you rested and relaxed after a week. The cost.... $1000 per person for a 3 star hotel on the beach (air, hotel & tax included) or $2000 for an all inclusive week at a 5 star resort.

Bargain as of May 16th, 11:30pm

Tickets to Countryfest

You don't have to hop on a plane to catch some great entertainment. A short drive away, in Dauphin Manitoba, is an annual country music festival that boasts some of the biggest names in the industry.  Tickets are sold, and sold out 6 months in advance.  BUT, you can still grab a day pass (or even a VIP meet and greet) by cashing in your Air Miles.  A day pass is just 1400 Air Miles!

Need a few more Air Miles? You can always stop by the MLCC and pick up a few as you grab your favourite beverage.

San Francisco $340

Both Air Canada and Westjet have a few select dates in May and June where return fares are a ridiculous $340 taxes & fees included. Nice flight times too!

This price won't last long, for sure. If you take the flights on the example dates shown, you can also enjoy a San Francisco Giants baseball game on the 2nd or the 3rd. They play the Pirates.

There are a number of different ways to pick a hotel. Hotel is NOT included in this price. It's flight only.

However, if you do wish to pair it up, with a hotel. Expedia offers these 2 examples. If you want to do this, act today. Those flight prices are once in a lifetime.

Perfection in Palm Springs

I can personally recommend this vacation. In fact, I was there at this very hotel just a few months ago.  (See the link for my detailed review.)

These flights have ideal times and I think you'll find this vacation both relaxing and refreshing.

Book with www.westjetvacations.com or call your favourite agent.

This is a hell of a deal, and if I wasn't working that week, I'd be in Palm Springs sipping a margarita by the pool at the Riviera.