Short Stay Holidays Under $1000

The best bargains on this page are to Orlando, and to Palm Springs. Under $700 each is a pretty nice package price for 5 nights.

That being noted, there is nothing wrong with the prices to Anaheim (sadly, just 3 days) and to Maui. Maui is one of the nicest destinations you'll ever experience. It should be on everyone's to do list. But at a 5 night stay, you might feel a little rushed and have trouble adjusting to the time change. I'd recommend at least 7 nights in Maui.

With the US dollar rising and our Canadian dollar falling, package prices this good, will soon be a memory. Enjoy the deals while they are here.

Deals are current as of today's date and were found at www. westjet.com.

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Going Solo

I recently completed, and thoroughly enjoyed, my first solo vacation to another country. I certainly picked a great destination for this first foray into the unknown. Bermuda was ideal in that it is very much a British colony, with first world living conditions, is safe and maintains laws and standards very similar to Canada.

Five things I learnt going solo: 

1. I did more research. Before I ever left Canada, I felt like I KNEW Bermuda and what to expect, thanks to the hours of research on Trip Advisor and similar sights.

2. I was more aware of my surroundings. In doing this, I also feel I saw more and experienced more of the little things that otherwise might go unnoticed.

3. I was more open to having conversations with staff and strangers. Whether it was at the pool, or walking along the beach, or sitting in the airport, people felt more inclined to say hello or engage in small talk. This is fairly logical in that when you are travelling with your own family or friends you are your own little "clique" and are more likely to stay within your group. People who spoke up and introduced themselves were other women. This was really refreshing. I had many interesting conversations and also learnt from their experiences in Bermuda.

4. Being alone, I could choose what, when and where I ate. There were no negotiations, no compromising. No surveying the group to see who wanted Chinese and who wanted tacos etc etc.

5. I took more pictures of the scenery than anything. It was hard to take a "selfie" that I liked. Setting the camera up on a ledge and using the timer was also a poor way to take a photo.

Would I travel by myself again? Absolutely. Bermuda was a great place to sit on the beach and just observe the ocean. It was therapeutic and everything I wanted from this trip.

Finding YOUR travel bargain.

Just a few quick tips on how to start planning your next trip.

1. Use the technology in your hand.  There are several apps designed to help you find the best price on airfare, hotels and car rentals.  Seek them out. I like Kayak, OnTheFly and Hotwire to name just a few. But there are literally dozens and dozens of helpful apps to choose from.

2. Use social media. Follow people on Twitter with similar travel interests/styles.  "Like" the Facebook pages of places you would like to go. This way you will be very likely to see their sales and special offers.

3. Collect points. Whether it is Aeroplan, Airmiles. Skymiles etc these points programs will subsidize your travel and quite frequently offer additional discounts to members.

St. Kitts for Easter?

Air Canada Vacations has some super deals on St. Kitts right now. For just over $1000 you can explore this Caribbean island for 7 days and nights this April.

St. Kitts is near Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The island is 69 square miles and has a population of just over 31,000. There are many beaches to explore and activities to keep you busy. You'll find there's just about something for everyone in St. Kitts.

Their official tourism site can be found here. Definitely check out the picture gallery! You'll be dreaming of the island and planning your next getaway before you know it.

The 7 night vacation shown here includes the Easter Weekend (April 18th-22) and might just save you a little holiday time. It's certainly a great price for a holiday date.  There are many hotels offered at similar prices. The Marriott is one of the most popular and highly rated offered by Air Canada.  But you should check out Trip Advisor for yourself.

St. Kitts.... definitely not a cookie cutter holiday!

Bermuda: Must See Jewelry

I was out shopping in the city district of Hamilton, Bermuda when the rain started. I detoured into the Washington Mall, but at the time I didn't exactly know where I was. I wandered a bit and was starting to feel lost when I was absolutely captivated by a window display and thus drawn into a boutique store selling jewelry.

At first glance, the soft pinks of the designs reminded me of the Bermuda beaches. Upon opening my eyes, that's EXACTLY what I was seeing! Hand made jewelry and designs inspired by the beauty of the island's landscape.  I took the time to examine the pieces and found myself quickly in a crowd of shoppers who had stopped in to meet the designer herself. People were here on recommendations, others had read on FB that she would be in the store that day and had made the trip specifically to talk with her and purchase their pieces from the designer herself.

It wasn't long before I had the pleasure of speaking with Alexandra Mosher and learnt of a Canadian connection. I was so impressed with her designs and her story that I HAD to break my own rule of "no souvenirs" and purchase a necklace for myself. Actually, truth be told, I would have bought 6 or 7 pieces if the budget had allowed. The "melt" collection and the "caviar" collection are stunning.

I was absolutely thrilled to make a friend that day and learn of her entrepreneurial path. Alexandra is living her dream and there's nothing more inspiring.

I'll return to my own entrepreneurial endeavours later this month, feeling re-charged and inspired to create again and further pursue success. That's exactly what I needed. There are no wrong turns. There are simply NO wrong turns!

This was the gem that is Bermuda to me.

Last Minute Flights from Aeroplan

This week's Aeroplan flight offerings are as follows:

With just a few clicks of a mouse you can cash in your points and be on your way to somewhere warm, somewhere cosmopolitan, somewhere culturally rich or somewhere sporting! The choice is yours.

No points? You can change that too. To sign up and start collecting Aeroplan points is free. Just visit their web site. To get a free flight, sign up for one of the Aeroplan branded credit cards. Then start earning mega miles on grocery and gas purchases. It won't be long before you're in the air!

Bermuda: The Fish Chowder

There are two dishes that stand out in the authentic Bermudian culinary experience. One is their fish chowder, the other is Sunday cod and boiled potatoes.

This photo is of the fish chowder served in The Jasmine Lounge of the Fairmont Southampton. The fish chowder is NOT a creamy potato and clam blend like that of New England. It's not a clam chowder at all. Nothing like that!

It is dark brown, is thin, tomato based, spicy and not particularly "fishy" tasting. If you look closely in the photo the soup looks as if it has separated, but that's not the case at all. In Bermuda your soup is served, and then it is drizzled with sherry pepper sauce and dark rum at the table.

I eagerly dug into this gorgeous soup and was anything but disappointed. It was such a rich blend of spices and flavours, I can say that no two spoonfuls were the same. At times, I really couldn't tell if it was the temperature, or the delicious spice that was setting my tongue on fire.

The soup was just $11 and was served with a sweet Johnny Cake and butter.  I found it quite filling and positively satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I did not get a chance to experience traditional Sunday brunch, though I do understand it is as much about faith, family and community as it is the food. It has brought people together in churches and homes as a way to feed and nourish all, especially the needy. The tradition has continued and Sunday is known as the day to gather and enjoy cod, boiled potatoes, onion, avocado and bananas. It sound interesting, if not appealing. Logically, it is the food most plentiful in the region and has been for generations.

The history of the land, the people and their faith are often told through cuisine. You can learn a great deal about a culture from experiencing the food and respecting the manners in which it is prepared and served.

If you are interested in trying these dishes at home, recipes are plentiful on the Internet.

Bermuda: The Gosling's Story

I really like this photo. Let me set the scene. It's the last photo I took in Bermuda and it was at the airport.

Once you check in, there is an indoor/outdoor cafe that you can enjoy before you go through security and are on your way home. It was raining outside, but it wasn't a big deal. I chose to sit on the patio and just take in the warm humid air and listen to the sound of rain. A couple just down from where I was sitting were enjoying a  Heineken and toasting the end of their vacation.  Though alone, I thought this was a good idea.

I really didn't want another fruity "girl drink" or an island-type punch, but I DID want something that was regional. So I ordered a Gosling's Black Seal® (rum) on ice.

In the background you see the peach coloured building that is the L.F. Wade International Airport terminal building. The condensation on the glass shows the weather and the way the warmth of Bermuda was so appealing to me. The fresh print of lip gloss on the glass represents my first sip of this dark and spirited drink.

Gosling's rum is the only spirit that is still blended and bottled in Bermuda and is the largest Bermuda-made export.  The history and stature of the product were unbeknownst to me as I sat enjoying the last minutes of my vacation. But as I was very taken with this photo, I "googled" Gosling's after returning home. Isn't that what we all do these days? That's when I got the full picture and the rest of the 1000 words to my story.

If you're interested in the history, it's a short but worthwhile read. If you're interested in a genuine taste of Bermuda, you should pick up a bottle.  The family still operates a store on Front Street in Hamilton (Bermuda). They've been at that location 127 years now. And while you can pick up a bottle of Gosling's rum in most liquor retailers at home, you might just want to book a trip to Bermuda... just to get the whole whole experience right.

Bermuda: The Money

The Bermudian dollar is at par with the American dollar. You may pay with either. Most places will return your change in the currency you used, though it is perfectly acceptable to receive a mixture of both.

Like Canadian currency, their bills are very colourful and interesting. Bermuda uses coins, including a dollar coin, very similar to the Canadian loonie.

Unlike Canada, taxes of 12 or 13% were NOT added to goods purchased. So, if you wanted to buy a $15 t-shirt, you paid $15, NOT $15 plus tax.

Many people have said that it is expensive in Bermuda. As a Canadian, I found their prices to be "normal" or in the range of what we pay here at home. There are a few things to note when making comparisons. For example, if you have a $16 lunch in Manitoba, you will pay $16 plus taxes or $18.10. So, if the same lunch at a cafe in Bermuda is $20 but there are no taxes added, and you pay $20 isn't it pretty much the same as in Canada?

I could see, from an American perspective, that things could seem expensive. If you are used to fast food, an intensely competitive market with many choices, Chinese made goods in every store, and Wal-mart prices then YES, I could see a fair difference in cost. That isn't at all meant to sound disrespectful. The Canadian economy is different from the US and we too travel to the USA to acquire less expensive products and find our deals. But as Canadians who are "used to" paying more for things, and accepting high taxes, then prices in Bermuda (or any destination in the first world Caribbean) don't seem that different for us.

The economy is about supply and demand. In large countries like Canada and the United States that have vast agricultural land we are able to grow many of our own foods. Islands like Bermuda, Bahamas, Turks n' Caicos have to IMPORT a lot of the things that tourists expect. So steaks and sodas will be quite expensive as they are not grown or manufactured locally. Really quite logical.

If you are looking to appreciate the local culture, and save a bit of money, always look for the local specialties. Think "fish and rice" in the islands. Enjoy the local flavours and appreciate what is unique to the area. If you want the same steak and Pepsi you have at home, you are missing out on one of the very best aspects of travelling.

A hotel stay will cost you around $200 a night, very similar to the cities and resort areas of Canada. In the case of the Fairmont Southampton, many luxuries, like an area shuttle, private beach and private ferry service were included in the hotel fee. Very nice! This added so much value in my opinion.

As in all destinations, there are a variety of accommodations to choose from including home-stays, rental suites, chain hotels, private inns and more. Where you choose to stay is as personal as your travel style. Do you want luxury, or cultural experience? Do you expect beachfront or do you want a city loft? And there are always bargains, specials, sales and packages offered. You CAN find something in your price range.

If you wanted a souvenir t-shirt, there were plenty to be had. $15 would buy you a "Bermuda" emblazoned t-shirt, $20 a hat, or $5 for a handful of sea shells.  $15 for a bottle of rum and $40 for their duty free perfume.

The chance to experience another culture, in a safe and welcoming environment.... priceless. But I bet you already knew I would say that!

Bermuda: The Sand

All I really wanted was to walk barefoot on a beach. As a winter-beaten Canadian who hasn't felt warm inside or outdoors in months, I really NEEDED it. I needed to be able to walk outside without hunching over and bracing for the cold. I needed to go outside without having four layers of clothes, plus a parka.

In Bermuda, I got exactly what I needed. As I was travelling alone, I also needed to feel safe. The hotel's secure, private beach was where I thought I might dip my toes in the ocean. However, what I learned was that just beyond the gate was incredible beauty and incredible safety as well.

You know how locals hassle tourists, in other countries, to buy this, rent that or get your hair braided? Not in Bermuda. It's not their style. Not once did I encounter anyone wanting something from me. Honestly, all I got was smiles and "good mornings" from passers by.

I had read that Horseshoe Bay was THE best thing to visit in Southampton Parish, by the people of Trip Advisor. (And is a 2013 Travellers' Choice Award Winner.)  The Travel Channel also listed it as a must-see destination and great example of a pink sand beach.

The two mornings I spent on Horseshoe Bay, I encountered about 50 people in total. A few were joggers, there was one young family, but the rest were adults and seniors just out for a walk on the beach. I chatted with a few tourists and exchanged photo-taking services. And from a distance, I saw two artists perched on a hilltop, painting the beach scene.

Horseshoe Bay must be a "public park" or similar to what we have in Canada in the sense that there were State workers and vehicles there grooming the beach area, painting, trimming trees and maintaining the facilities. There were very clean and modern washrooms. There was also a cafe which would be open in the spring and summertime.

There was a surprising variety of vegetation, flora and changes in rock in just a few miles of walking. There was lots to look at and admire. I especially liked some of the rock and sandstone formations.

I didn't go swimming, but the water was quite comfortable to dip my toes in. I LOVED the warm breeze, the feel of the sunshine and the roar of the ocean. The ocean was quite different between my two days. I saw it calm on Wednesday, and it had risen about two feet and was mildly raging on Friday. I LOVED the difference and the power of the ocean in action. I could honestly sit and watch it for hours. And, on Horseshoe Bay, a person could do exactly that in total comfort.

Bermuda: What did I pack?

I always pack light. I don't want to be burdened with the trappings of home, quite literally, when I travel.

It's also more economical not to check a bag with the airline as most now charge at least $25 per bag. Secondly, I want to be free to switch flights or accept a "bump" from a flight if the chance presents itself; checking a bag only complicates that process. Not to mention I breeze through Customs and am out of the airport and onto "vacation" while most other travellers are still stuck at the baggage claim by NOT checking a bag. Oh, there are so many reasons to pack light!

So, when I pack for a trip, I check the forecast first. Knowing that Bermuda would have a mix of sun, cloud and a good chance of rain, I packed the "usual" plus a raincoat. Knowing that it would be about 20-23C and somewhat tropical/humid I focused on clothes I could layer and also dry on a hanger if they got wet. I also picked bright colours that are versatile, and go together. I choose bright colours because I'm on vacation and should look happy/cheerful. Plus bright colours are way better than black or navy in photos.  So, in addition to socks and underwear, I packed: (for 3 nights/4days)

A glimpse of my favourite travel scarf/wrap

1 - bathing suit
1 - pool cover-up
1 - long sleeve shirt
1 - linen beach pants
1 - dressy poncho/sweater
1 - Bermuda shorts
2 - T-shirts
2 - tank tops
1 - nightshirt
1 - skirt
1- sandals
1- canvas shoes
1 - raincoat

On the plane, I almost always wear sneakers, yoga pants, a t-shirt, a zip up fleece and a scarf/wrap. (A versatile scarf is the BEST travel accessory. It can serve as an in-flight blanket, a beach cover-up, or it can glam up a plain outfit.)  In the suitcase, I roll most of my clothes and place all small items (bathing suit, socks, tank tops etc) in a large Ziploc bag. Shoes are also packed in a plastic bag so as not to spread dirt/sand in the suitcase.

Hairbrush, toothbrush, straightener and hair clips go in the suitcase, but most of my makeup goes in the government Ziploc bag for liquids. I keep that pouch in my purse so it's easy for security screening. Makeup items, like mascara and lip gloss ARE considered liquids for screening purposes.

Closet which included spare blankets and a small safe. 

I don't generally buy souvenirs and when I do, I certainly don't buy anything large or bulky that I can't pack in my carry-on suitcase. This ensures that I think critically before I waste money on things I don't need. My favourite souvenirs are the photos and memories.

On the Bermuda trip, I was very pleasantly surprised by the walk-in closet in my room at the Fairmont Southampton. It was absolutely fantastic! This was one of the best stocked rooms I've ever been in. From the coffeemaker and sparkling water, to the body lotion and cotton balls, this hotel had all the guest conveniences you could ask for. When a hotel is well stocked, it makes it even easier to pack smartly and travel lightly.

Well equipped armoire. 

Bermuda: The Beverages

The Rum Swizzle

Since I left the driving to the professionals, and I was on holidays, I did indulge in a couple of cocktails. The island has several signature drinks, all rum-based and complete with kitschy names.

There is the Bermuda Triangle, the Rum Swizzle, the Dark n' Stormy, the Pink Sand and many more.

A pool side Bermuda Triangle

The same, or very similar drinks are offered in most restaurants, lounges and pubs. You'll find Bacardi and Gosling rums offered quite prominently.  There are also a couple local craft beers available, including the Black Anchor Porter which has a bit of a coffee and malt flavour.

Offerings at Newport Gastropub

Cocktail list of the Jasmine Lounge

The Dark n' Stormy captured in Hipstamatic style

Bermuda: The Land

As a prairie dweller, I'm used to flat land and plenty of it. Roads are wide and forgiving, and you have to cover a fair distance to get from one town to the next. Bermuda... is the opposite. It's a small island where you will see more scooters/mopeds (though the locals call them bikes) than anything.

Mopeds lined up along Front Street in the shopping district

Buses and boats are the next most popular methods of transportation. Passenger cars are small, like the Mini Cooper and vans are really only used as taxis.  You can not rent a car in Bermuda, only a moped or hire a taxi.

In Bermuda, roads are narrow with many curves and blind corners. You drive on the left side of the road and the vehicles are a right hand drive - just like in Europe. There are many round-abouts and confusing rules, different than in North America. For example, you can't turn right on a red light. And some lanes always have a green arrow and others a red arrow, not indicating stop and go, but instead indicating the driving lanes.  Confused? I was. And that's precisely why I left the driving to the professionals. I walked, took the hotel shuttle, the ferry and a professional taxi.

Hotel shuttle 

Taxis lined up at the airport

The Fairmont Southampton recommended CEO Transport Ltd to get to/from the airport. I was thoroughly impressed! The driver was very professional, courteous and quite eager to share his knowledge of Bermuda with us. I used the "shared shuttle" service and it was perfect. I felt very comfortable the whole time. We went to/from the hotel directly, without any other stops or pick ups at other hotels which is often the case (in other cities) with shared shuttles. The cost was very reasonable at $15 per direction, plus gratuity.  The service was very easy to set up and can be done through the hotel, or the www.limobermuda.com web site.

Next time in Bermuda, I would also hire the same company to do a private daytime tour of the island. Even though I did cover a fair bit of ground myself, sightseeing, I know there is lots of the island I missed. In the summer, when the horse and carriage tours are offered, I might consider that as another way of experiencing Bermuda.

Seadoo rentals at the waterlot/ferry dock

One of the greatest assets to the Fairmont Southampton, beyond their friendly staff, were the shuttle and ferry services offered free to guests. This was absolutely fantastic! The shuttles ran constantly through the expansive property which includes a golf course, a private beach and a dock. The ferry ran several times a day to the sister property, the Fairmont Princess. I used each of these services and honestly can say they added significant value to the cost of the stay. The dock itself is a sight to see. It's picturesque, well kept, well lit and boasts one of the islands landmark restaurants, The Waterlot Inn.

Why Bermuda?

I titled this blog "Escape from the 204" because every now and then, I get this incredible and spontaneous urge to travel...to escape!  Last week was the golden example of this. The weather forecast for the week ahead looked unbearable.  It was returning to those horrible frigid Arctic temperatures that make us all question why we live in Manitoba.  And that's when I kind of snapped. I didn't want to stick around to see parka weather again, I wanted to walk on the SAND and I wanted to do it as soon as possible!

So, I looked at my travel reward balances and I had enough for a domestic bargain trip. I just had to find one. Finding the trip to save my sanity was actually very easy. A few clicks on the on-line rewards sites (like Aeroplan and Air Miles) revealed my potential last minute destinations.

My options were:  Fort Myers, Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Sarasota in Florida. I could also choose Belize or Bermuda for the same amount of points.

While I did take a minute to consider the Florida destinations, Bermuda was easily the most appealing choice. After consulting various travel sites and the official tourism site of Bermuda, I realized how little I knew about this mysterious island in the Atlantic Ocean and just how badly I wanted to go.

Bermuda is often lumped into the collection of islands known as the Caribbean, but it's really not part of the Caribbean. In fact, it's most accurately described as mid-Atlantic. The weather is temperate, but not hot year round, like the Caribbean.  In February and March you can expect temperatures from about 18C to 25C. That's very comfortable, and indeed about 40 degrees warmer than any February day in Manitoba.

I booked my trip, chose a hotel (The Fairmont Southampton) and instantly my mood lightened. I was starting to feel better already. The anticipation of a trip always gets my blood flowing. Within a day I'd immersed myself in reading and planning for my three nights/4 days in Bermuda.

I vowed to make the most of the trip with early mornings and days filled with exploring and I did just that! I learned so many things about the island and I can't wait to share them with you through this blog! I took over 300 photos and talked to locals and other tourists every chance I got.

Stick with the series and I will tell you why Bermuda is very "Canadian" and also why I think Bermuda is the perfect destination for solo travellers, and also retirees. I'll also let you in on a few budget saving tips that just might bring Bermuda into your price range and onto your "must see" list too.

Bermuda was exactly the escape I needed! I feel re-charged, refreshed ready to contribute again to my family and community with new energy and ideas. It's a good feeling. And that's why I travel.

Springtime in New York

There are a quite a few Air Miles specials this week flying Air Canada out of Winnipeg. The best bargains I see are on the list are for destinations in the USA.  For example, Chicago and New York, discounted are under 2000 Air Miles round trip.

The "high season" ends March 31st and then miles needed drop from 2950 to 2200 per flight. Then, with the 25% discount (for Gold Collectors) on flights still available until April 15th you have a 2 week window to grab a real bargain.

Therefore, flights from Winnipeg to La Guardia in New York are just 1650 Air Miles. Bargain!!!
Here's are two examples of possible flights. You will pay the taxes, plus your hotel in addition, but it's a heck of a start on a discounted trip to New York City.  As a Gold Collector you can also pick up a companion flight at 10% off if you don't have enough Air Miles to cover two tickets.

18 Again!

Westjet is celebrating 18 years of serving Canadian travellers with a sale of 18% off travel to sunny destinations. Travel is basically the month of May, includes destinations in the USA, Mexico and Caribbean. Promo codes are required and travel must be booked by the end of tomorrow, March 2nd.

Air Canada has matched the offer.

Most fares fall between $400 and $600 for these dates, return and taxes in. You will have to do a little digging and searching to find the best prices and flight combinations.

Here'a one example of a bargain. Winnipeg to Honolulu for $510, April 29th to May 7th.

While the airfare is similarly priced out of Brandon, there is at least 1 overnight stay in Calgary and/or Vancouver on the way home.