Go ahead, scream it from the rooftops!

I got a kick out of these buildings when I spotted them in Downtown Los Angeles.

They are side by side, and quite obviously from the same era and builder. What I get a kick out of, is the giant neon sign that states "New Million Dollar Hotel Rosslyn." Just had to add that "million dollar" status eh?  Nothing like making the original Rosslyn feel cheap!

Where would you rather stay? The old Rosslyn, or the New Million Dollar Rosslyn? Makes me imagine that they were built by siblings still trying to one-up each other in adulthood.

I enjoyed this. It adds character to Downtown Los Angeles, and made me smile and chuckle. It was a nice change from the other areas of Downtown LA that made me turn and run for the hills. (Stories to come!)

Vegas in December

Here's another gem that meets my criteria:

• 5 star hotel, on the Strip
• Direct, Westjet flights
• $500 Cdn

Fast 5 Travel Tips: How to completely waste your vacation time

We all agree, vacation time is precious. Here are a few ways travellers waste their vacation time. Feel free to comment and add to this list:


Nod your head if you're guilty of any of these;  then vow to change your ways!

1.  Staying in your hotel room to use the WIFI to check Facebook, replying to messages and/or anything that lures you into work or makes you lose track of time.  If you're going to spend all your vacation time in the virtual world, you may as well have just vacationed in your parents' basement.

2.  Running around trying to find the perfect souvenirs for everyone. Trinkets without memories are practically worthless. The solution is easy... don't buy souvenirs.

3.  Trying to see everything and racing through the attractions so much so that you really don't SEE or EXPERIENCE anything.

4.  Trying to replicate a travel experience from a guidebook or travel blog. Have your own authentic experience. Enjoy YOUR own moment! No one sees things or experiences it quite like you do.

5. Giving a social media play-by-play. Getting 'likes' shouldn't affect the way you enjoy or remember your vacation.  What... my selfie at Mount Rushmore only got 3 likes? How uncool. Stupid Mount Rushmore! Better up my selfie game. What if I just pet this bear cub...

Your next bargain Vegas hit

I love Vegas. It's a cheap, quick getaway to somewhere warm and exciting. And one of the very least expensive times of the year to go is between American Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I've been to Vegas so many times that I know what I like and don't like to compromise. What I want is:

• direct flights with a trusted airline
• 4 or 5 star hotel on the Strip
• about $500 (or less) per person

So, matching my criteria, I present to you, Vegas December 8th to 11th. 

If you are less choosy about hotel, you can go even lower in price, without compromising your direct, Westjet flights from Winnipeg.

Book online at www.westjet.com or call a local agent at selloffvacations.com (204) 571-4570

5 days, 5 star Mexico $823 or less

If you only have a week's holidays, pushing to cram 7 days of travel into it can leave you exhausted. You go back to work wondering if you even HAD a break?

That's why the '5 day vacay', is a good thing.  If you time it right, you can have a relaxing day at home, unpack, print your photos and THEN go back to work feeling rested and settled.

The '5 day vacay' is also another way to get more travel in, when you have a limited budget.

Each of these examples, available now, from Selloffvacation.com is priced at $832 or less, for a 5 star, all-inclusive vacation.  Hotel, air, taxes included!  The Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya is only $713 per person!  It's very well rated on Trip Advisor.

Variety of dates and bargains available. Prices subject to change.


To speak with a local Selloffvacations.com agent, phone Sheri Kines at 204-571-4570 or skines@selloffvacations.com

Screenshot October 2nd. 8pm

Bet on World Series Baseball?

A few weeks ago I wrote of an amazing price to Los Angeles, California this fall.

Well, some of those bargain prices are still hanging around.  Currently, $337 includes taxes, return flight from Winnipeg airport. (Screenshot from October 2nd)

This is an amazing week to go if you are a baseball fan. If the LA Dodgers win the National League, their World Series home games would take place October 30-November 1st.  (click to see the whole post season schedule.)

Now, if you're a Blue Jay's fan, wouldn't it be AMAZING to see a Dodgers/Jays World Series?

But you also like hockey too? Well, the Staples Center is just down the road from Dodger's stadium. Perhaps you'd like to take in a Kings' game as well?  They host the Nashville Predators on Saturday Night, Oct 31st.

You can pair the flight with a hotel through Expedia.ca and save a few dollars there, booking together. Or, you might like to use Hotwire and book a hotel in the area using their blind purchase system.

Tickets to the baseball games will be pricy. But wouldn't this once-in-a-lifetime California trip be one to remember?

The most romantic Canadian getaway

In my humble opinion, the most romantic Canadian getaway weekend would be to Quebec City, and the Fairmont Hotel, le Chateau Frontenac.

The most romantic weekend of the year, Valentine's Day.

So when I saw Air Canada's latest getaway sale, with booking dates through to April, I took a look. Sure enough, flights are at an amazing price too.

Book the hotel early (like now) and use your CAA discount and a room is yours for about $200 per night. (To stay in a castle!!!)

This is one of those situations where it pays to book ahead. To book this getaway in January or February will cost you double.