Aug. 23, 2022 "5 savvy ways to save on your winter vacation": Today I found this article by Barry Choi on the National Post. I like this picture of a snowman lying on a lawn chair with dollar bills around in a snow globe.
It may seem odd to talk about winter vacations when summer hasn’t even ended, but traditionally, the best time to book is three to four months before you plan to travel. That means if you’re thinking about getting away to a sunny destination in December, you need to start researching now.
Sure, you could wait until the last minute and hope that you find a bargain, but that’s never a guarantee. Booking early allows you to take advantage of promotions and it gives you time to research your dream holiday.
1. Look for early deals
Most vacation operators already have sales going on for winter travel to sunny destinations. For example, with Air Canada Vacations, families of four can save up to $600 ($150 per person) when booking at least four months in advance.
When looking at deals, pay attention to the dates. With the Air Canada Vacations promotion, you must book by Sept. 5 for travel between Nov. 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023. If you’re thinking about travelling during spring break — which is traditionally an expensive time — this is a good deal. Other promotions that come up may have a much shorter travel window that may not include the dates you’re looking for.
Keep in mind that sales come and go, so it’s always worth checking travel websites regularly to see what the current offers are. Some of the best places to check for deals include:
2. Be flexible
Where and when you travel can significantly affect how much you’ll pay. Generally speaking, December and January are the most popular months of travel.
March break, Spring break, and Easter are also busy.
Since these dates have more demand, flights, hotels, and resorts typically charge more.
February is a sweet spot for travellers since you can still get a break from the cold without paying peak prices.
Even tweaking your departure days could make a difference. There’s a good chance that a Wednesday to Wednesday all-inclusive trip will cost less than Sunday to Sunday, even though it’s at the same resort.
As for destinations, Cuba consistently offers excellent value and quality hotels. The country has some of the best beaches in Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria.
Mexico’s Cuzumel or the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana also have a variety of resorts that are suitable for any budget.
Don’t be afraid to look at major chains such as Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Hard Rock Hotels, and AMR Collection.
They often have budget and family-friendly options, as well as promotions that can be found on their websites.
3. Ask friends and family
If you’re thinking about heading to a resort for the first time, you’ll likely get overwhelmed once you start researching. There are dozens of countries and hundreds of properties to choose from. Narrowing down your choices can be tricky, so the first thing you want to do is ask friends and family for recommendations. Nothing beats first-hand experience. Ask about things they liked and disliked. Get into specifics, such as
room size,
the food served,
amenities,
service,
off-site activities,
etc.
While recommendations are always great, every experience is different. For example, a family with young children likely has different wants and needs than a couple looking for a romantic getaway.
Most vacation package websites will likely have filters to help you find the best resort. Some options you have available include:
- All-inclusive
- Country
- Price
- Kids stay free
- Adult only
- LGBTQ+-friendly
- Green hotels
Once you’re presented with resort options, research them individually by checking out the websites and reading user reviews on Google and Tripadvisor.
4. Use your loyalty points
If you’ve been collecting loyalty points over the years, now is a good time to cash them in. Some people don’t realize that their loyalty points can be quite flexible. For example, you’re not restricted to using your Aeroplan points just for flights. You can also use them on Air Canada Vacations — including any current promotions.
Other general loyalty programs, such as American Express Membership Rewards, BMO Rewards, and Scene+ allow you to book your travel on any website.
You can then redeem your points to get a statement credit back. This is handy since it will enable you to find the lowest price possible instead of being forced to use a specific travel portal to redeem your points.
Accumulating a lot of loyalty points is easier than you think. Many travel rewards credit cards come with a generous welcome bonus that can be worth a few hundred dollars.
However, you typically need to charge a minimum amount — usually between $1,000 to $3,000 — within three months of opening your account to get the bonus.
5. Look for local deals
While it’s natural to look for deals via the most popular sites, it can pay to look for deals directly through tourism boards, tour operators or hotels, especially if you’re thinking about a specific destination.
Belize is a great example of a trending destination that offers local deals. It is an ideal place for travellers looking for a sunny spot that combines both adventure and relaxation.
The country has a low population density, so you won’t see many tourists. This is especially true when you’re out on eco-adventures — such as ziplining or exploring Mayan Ruins.
Also, many people don’t realize that English is Belize’s national language, so there won’t be any communication barriers. The country doesn’t really offer all-inclusive properties, but you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to accommodations.
Regardless of where you’re thinking about heading, take a few minutes to look at local websites to see if there are any additional discounts. These offers don’t typically get advertised widely, so you may come across some additional ways to save.
Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who makes frequent media appearances and can be found at his website, Moneywehave.com. When he’s not educating people on how to be smarter with their money, he’s earning and burning miles and points for luxury travel.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
5 savvy ways to save on your winter | National Post
Jan. 12, 2023 "4 travel deals to help you beat Blue Monday, plus how to protect your trip": Today I found this article by Barry Choi on the Financial Post:
As we get further into 2023, some people might still be coming down from the high of the holidays. The third weekend of January is often called Blue Monday: The combo of cold weather, shorter days and post-holiday lull can all combine to affect your mental state negatively.
There’s no doubt that your mind might wander to thoughts of warmer weather and more sunshine. Fortunately, there are a lot of deals available right now, so you can turn those dream destinations into reality.
Here’s a list of some of the best travel deals available right now, plus travel tips to protecting your vacation if your flight or baggage is delayed.
Say goodbye to winter
Anyone looking for a change in temperature can get up to 40 per cent off select vacation packages to Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America with Air Canada Vacations.
Alternatively, you can save up to 25 per cent on select flight and hotel packages to Hawaii, Orlando and California. You must book by Feb. 5, 2023 and complete your travel by April 30, 2023.
If you are worried about travel right now, you could purchase an optional CareFlex travel protection plan from Air Canada Vacations. For $69 to $99, your plan allows you to cancel with a full refund up to 21 days before departure or a travel credit when cancelling up to three days prior to departure.
Save up to $400 on ticket packages at select Disney resort hotels
Disney World is still celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and you can take part in the magic while saving up to $537 on four-night, four-day park tickets and hotel packages. This offer includes some of Disney’s most popular properties, including, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Port Orleans Resort.
Available dates include most Sunday through Thursday nights until Feb. 28, and most nights throughout March 2023. If you want to maximize your time while at Disney World, purchasing Disney’s Genie+ service is well worth it since it will allow you to reserve your spot in line at multiple rides.
Beautiful Belize
Belize was recently named one of CNN’s best destinations to visit and it’s not hard to see why. The country has Mayan ruins, lush rainforests, and the Belize Barrier Reef. It’s also the only country in Central America where English is the national language.
For those headed to Ambergris Caye Island — the largest island in Belize — be sure to check out the Victoria House Resort & Spa. Their petite escape package is designed for stays of three to seven nights and includes daily breakfast for two, a bottle of Prosecco, and a one-day golf cart rental. Depending on availability, you can choose between palmetto rooms — which face the beach — or a Casita, a traditional type of home. Rates start at $1,838 per couple, taxes & service charges included, and last until Dec. 20, 2023.
Victoria House is located just minutes from the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, so it’s ideal for those who want to dive or snorkel. Alternatively, the staff can arrange in-land adventures such as cave tubing.
Coast-to-coast Canadian deals
Those looking to stay within Canada won’t be disappointed, as there are many affordable getaways to be found across the country.
The Yellow House on the Hill is a quaint bed and breakfast in downtown Kentville, N.S., smack dab in the middle of the Annapolis Valley. Close to shops, wineries and the Bay of Fundy, you won’t find a better place to stay. Rooms start at just $100 and include amenities such as a fire pit and hot tub.
Visit Calgary has curated a list of packages available at some of the most popular hotels in the city. Some participating properties include The Dorian, Delta Hotels by Marriott South, and Fairfield by Marriott Downtown. There are many dates available, some as late as June 30, 2023.
Those headed to Whistler can save up to 20 per cent at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Hotel. You’ll save 10 per cent on stays of two to three nights, 15 per cent when staying four to six nights, and 20 per cent if you stay at least seven nights. You must book by April 13, with travel until April 16, 2023.
Protect your vacation
While Air Passenger Rights are meant to compensate travellers, they don’t apply when flights are delayed due to safety reasons, such as weather. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to protect yourself, and it might not cost you anything.
Many premium travel credit cards include extended travel insurance, including trip cancellation or delay, trip interruption, baggage delay, and auto rental car collision/loss damage. Your travel insurance policy will clearly outline what you’re entitled to, how much you’ll get, and when the insurance policy applies.
For example, some policies state that if you’re delayed for four hours or more, you’re entitled to up to $1,500 in compensation per eligible person. This could easily cover the cost of accommodations, meals, and incidentals. That sure beats sleeping on the floor of an airport.
Note that a certain percentage of your trip costs (flights and accommodations) need to be charged to your credit card for the insurance to apply.
Check your certificate of insurance for details.
If you’re paying with points, you’d have to pay with a credit card that earns the same points for your insurance to be valid.
Also, if you cancel your credit card before you depart, your insurance policy would be void.
Even if you don’t have a credit card with travel insurance, purchasing a yearly travel insurance policy is inexpensive and could cover you for multiple trips, saving you and your vacation.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Travel deals to beat Blue Monday, and tips for getting travel | Financial Post
No comments:
Post a Comment