Thursday, November 27, 2008

Weekly Roundup - Nov 26

Free -- Breakfast Buffet at the Pan Pacific
In return for your donation of a new, unwrapped toy for a disadvantaged child, enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast on Dec 3 at one of Vancouver's classiest hotels. Even a really great toy will cost less than what you would normally pay, plus parking is free.

$99 & up -- Fly to the US, Bring a Friend at 50% OFF
Fly Sunwing to Las Vegas for just $99 R/T and bring a friend for only $49.50! Depart: Jan. 4, 11, 18 & 25.

$99 -- Vancouver Boutique Hotel, 3 Weeks Only at 50% OFF
Need extra space for visitors around the holidays? Need a place to stay after your company's party or to recuperate after the crazy season? Take advantage of this discount downtown.

$99 -- Brand-New Portland Hotel w/Breakfast & Parking
Or, if you want to skip town, head to Portland to shop sans-tax with this discounted rate. This one's good for all your holiday shopping, but must be booked by Dec 5.

$99-$284 -- Last Minute: Cruise the Caribbean for 3-7 Nights
Various cruise lines in different parts of the Caribbean.

SAVE -- 1 nt Free at Pan Pacific Hotels w/ AMEX
Book 3 nts at one of several Pan Pacific hotels and get the 3rd nt free. A few hotels require 5 nts, with the 5th nt free. Valid thru January. Stay at the Pan Pacific Vancouver from only $139/nt!

$189 -- NYC: Hip Times Square Hotel w/Pool in Lobby
New hotel in the middle of shopping and all the action. Valid for all stays Dec. 14 - Feb. 15, except the last 3 days of Dec. Book by Dec 8.

US$229 & up -- Royal Caribbean Cruise Sale w/FREE Gratuities
This sale, that ends on Dec 3, offers significant deals on the most entertaining ships at sea for departures all the way thru May!

US$529 -- 12-Nt Mediterranean Cruise w/$75 Credit
Cheapest dates sail from Barcelona in Jan. on Norwegian and visit Greece, Turkey, Italy, Egypt, and Malta.

$580 -- Cuba this January: All-Inclusive Week w/Air
Depart for Varadero on Saturdays, Jan 3-24. Two weeks for $930.

$848 -- Vancouver to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, R/T
If you're spontaneous, head to Australia through Dec. 16 with this great deal. Book no later than Friday.

US$999 -- Stress-Free Getaway Across the Border
Here's a neat one at a great discount, although it still doesn't come cheap. A 4-nt stay at Willows Lodge in Washington, including a suite, breakfast each morning, a gourmet picnic lunch, and a $100 dining credit. This is an auction with no bidders right now, and a similar package on the hotel's website is US$1699. It's valid for almost a whole year!

US$1999 -- Australia & New Zealand Cruise w/Air; Save $1200
Given that airfare still costs almost $1000 even from the US, this is a really good deal on a 14-nt cruise w/ air from Seattle. This one sails in January, which is the height of summer down under.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Toronto Fare Flash

$139 O/W -- Toronto from YVR
Air Canada special offer for dates in early Dec. Works out to $387 RT with taxes. Seats at this price will likely sell quickly even though there's no specified end date for this sale.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Monday Cruise Madness

US$209 -- 7 night Caribbean Cruise
Departing Dec 6 on Norwegian from Charleston, SC.

US$399 -- 7 night Caribbean Cruise, New Ship
The newest of Royal Caribbean's extremely large ships, with the surf simulator, waterpark, skating rink, and rock-climbing wall. Departs Miami on Dec 13.

US$695 -- 12 night South America Cruise
Departs Santiago, Chile Jan 5 on Princess.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

One-Day Fare Sale: 50-80% Off

WestJet Sale to Canadian Destinations
Travel thru Feb 28, except Christmas. Check both the 50-80% Sale and the 50% Sale to view all the destinations that are on sale today.

$98 RT -- Calgary from YVR

$98 RT -- Edmonton from YVR

$298 RT -- Waterloo from YVR
~$100 in taxes.

$318 RT -- Hamilton from YVR
~$100 in taxes.

$238 RT -- Saskatoon from YVR

$478 RT -- Halifax from YVR

Weekly Roundup - Nov 19 #2

$387 RT -- Toronto from YVR, incl tax!
Sale ends Thursday at Air Canada, valid for travel thru Feb 11. Other Canadian cities also on sale.

$599 -- Kids Fly Free to Anaheim from YVR
Jan thru June, except holiday travel. Adult price starts at $599 for air & 4 nts, kids 2-11 pay $99.

$137 -- Las Vegas, Air + 3 Nts from YVR
Cheapest departures are Dec 11 and 18. Expect taxes in the range of $200 or $300.

US$116 RT -- San Francisco from SEA
No dates specified, but taxes should be less than $50.

US$279 -- 1-Week Caribbean Cruise from Miami
Departs Dec 6 on Carnival.

US$249 -- 1-Week Southern Caribbean Cruise
Departs Miami Nov 28 on Royal Caribbean.

US$419 -- Cruise the Mediterranean 9 Nights at $500 OFF
Sails on Norwegian Jan. 16; +US$60 Feb. 6. $217 for taxes and fuel surcharge.

US$529 -- Mediterranean 12-Night Cruise plus $300 Credit
Book by Nov 21 to get the extra onboard credit. Departs Jan-April on Norwegian.

US$34 & up -- Motorhome Rentals at Half OFF (per day)
Available in many North American locations in December, including the holidays, and in 2009.

US$836+ -- Taste of Ireland (Dublin Roundtrip)
7 day guided tour of Ireland. Best prices in Feb and Nov. Other Ireland tours are also discounted.

$1100 -- Cruise & Get Luxury Stay in Mexico w/ AMEX
Use your AMEX card with online booking for any sailing totaling over $1100 per person. You'll receive a complimentary 7-night stay at a luxury resort in Mexico to use at a later date! Book by Dec 31. During American Express's Winter Cruise sale you can save on the cruise as well, but it ends on Friday.

US$1299 -- 1-Week Self-drive Adventure in Costa Rica
Includes hotels, car rental, numerous activities, some meals, all taxes. Airfare extra.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Weekly Roundup - Nov 19

Early-Bird Deals

FREE -- Grandparents Stay Free w/ Free Upgrade in Jamaica
Rates for Jan-Mar regularly start at $300 per adult per night for this family-focused resort. But if you book by Nov 30 you can save $500/adult on a 7-nt stay PLUS bring the grandparents for FREE and get a room upgrade to make room for them! The upgrade itself is worth $100+. Kids 6-15 cost $50/nt and they get a dedicated Vacation Nanny.

US$40 -- Crazy Low Rates for Cabo
Newly-renovated hotel in central Los Cabos. Valid thru Feb 18. Upgrade for as little as $8!

US$89 -- Super Inclusive Breezes Resorts
Travel now-Dec 22 in Bahamas & Jamaica.

US$89 -- Nickelodeon Water Park Resort in Orlando
Now-Dec 25 for a family suite.

40% Off -- Waikiki Condo, for a Whole Year
US$89/nt for a studio condo a mere half block from Waikiki Beach.

US$313 RT -- Hawaii Sale Extended
Kona or Mauii from SEA thru Dec 17. Book by Nov 20.

$250 OFF -- Hawaii Packages of 5+ Nights
Book by Nov 20; travel by Feb 15.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tuesday Teasers

US$169 -- Los Angeles from SEA, incl taxes
Thru Mar 11. Use the low fare calendar on Alaska's site to find the cheapest dates.

FREE -- Kids Fly Free to The Disneyland® Resort
And Everyone Plays For The Kids' Price! Sample price of $799/adult (plus tax) gets airfare for an adult and child from SEA, 4 nts hotel w/ free kids meals, 5-day Disneyland Park Hopper tickets for everyone, and bonus Mileage Plan miles for everyone. Vancouver departures are also available. Book by Mar 18 for travel from Jan 7 to June 17.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Monday Madness

$288 RT -- Toronto from YVR, daily sale
I priced this out at $387 including tax! Purchase TODAY ONLY for travel by December 18.

$348 RT -- Cabo San Lucas from YVR, incl tax
Limited availability.

$546 RT -- Manila, Philippines from LAX
Select dates in Jan, Feb, Mar. Includes taxes.

$855 RT -- Manila, Philippines from SEA
Select dates in Jan, Feb, Mar. Includes taxes.

$999+ -- Princess Balcony Bonanza
Book an unobstructed outside cabin on virtually any summer cruise on Princess ships and get upgraded to a balcony cabin. Prices for these cabins start at $999 for Alaska cruises, $1270 for Europe, and $1675 for Alaska cruisetours. (Find this deal at the bottom of the linked page.)

$549 -- 12 nt. Mediterranean RT Barcelona
This is the first European cruise that I have seen for less than $50/day. Sails Jan 4 on Norwegian.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Fare Flash

$288 RT -- Honolulu from YVR
As part of Air Canada's webSaver Sale. Purchase by Nov 16 for travel thru January.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Friday Follow-Up

Wow, there are so many deals available now that I can hardly keep up! Here are the new ones from Friday.

$119+ -- Las Vegas, Air + 4 nts (midweek)
Nov 30 - Dec 14.

$159+ -- Las Vegas, Air + 3 nts (weekend)
Late Nov and first half of Dec.

$688+ -- Puerto Vallarta, Air + 7nts 4* All-Inclusive
Lowest prices on departures between Nov 28 & Dec 12.

$699 -- Anaheim, Air + 4 nts + Hockey
Mar 8-12. Includes tickets to see the Vancouver Canucks vs Anaheim Ducks.

$799 -- London, Air & 6 nights hotel
Departs May 3.

Cruises

$99+ -- 3 Night Bahamas on Norwegian
Departs from Miami. Cheapest dates are early December.

US$109+ -- 4 Night Bahamas on Norwegian
Departs from Miami.

US$119+ -- 4 Night Western Caribbean on Carnival
Departs from Miami. Up to 4-category upgrade available. Cheapest departure Dec 1.

US$119+ -- 3 Night Bahamas on Royal Caribbean
Departs from Miami. Oceanview for $129.

US$139+ -- 4 Night Bahamas on Royal Caribbean
Departs from Miami

US$179+ -- 5 Night Western Caribbean on Norwegian
Departs from Miami.

US$199+ -- 5 Night Western Caribbean on Celebrity
Departs from Miami. $50 OFF Oceanview and higher (oceanview starts at $299). Cheapest departure Dec 15.

US$229+ -- 7 Night Bahamas & Florida on Norwegian
Departs from Charleston.

$499 -- 7-Day Alaska Cruises
Great for families! Holland America is offering 3rd and 4th passengers for free or only $99 on several sailings! One-way between Vancouver and Seward starts at $499. Roundtrip Vancouver starts at $649.

US$943 -- 13 Night Inca Discovery Cruise
Departs Lima, Peru Jan 24 on Holland America.

Click here for all bonus offers on all cruise lines.

$200 Expedia Coupon

$200 Holiday Kickback Coupon
Another Expedia.com bonus: Book any flight or flight + hotel with them and travel by January 3rd, 2009 to receive a $200 "kick back" coupon. This coupon is good for any flight + hotel of 5 nights or more between January 3rd, 2009 and March 30, 2009.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Weekly Roundup - Oct 12

Airfares

US$155 RT -- Los Angeles from SEA
You could pay $430 to fly from Vancouver, or you can drive to Seattle and pay only 36% of that price. Available select days thru Jan 1.

S$178 RT -- Buffalo from SEA
An alternative to the $500+ fare to Toronto from YVR, Southwest Airlines will fly you from Seattle to Buffalo, and you can stop and admire Niagara Falls on your way to Toronto. Travel thru Feb 11.

US$137 RT -- Denver from SEA
Fancy an early season ski trip in Colorado? Grab this deal for Dec 1-16.

US$313 RT -- Kona, HI from SEA
Hawaii continues to be on sale with this fare for travel Jan 10 - Mar 13.

US$380 RT -- Belize City from SEA, incl tax
Belize is on sale for travel Dec thru April.

US$855 RT -- Manila, Philippines from SEA, incl tax
Feb and March travel.

US$830 RT -- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from SEA, incl tax
Available at least for January (summer in Brazil). Sao Paulo is offered at the same price.

FareCompare has developed a great resource for the best airfares from your city to every city in the world.

Cruises

US$199 -- 4-night Cruise from London to Amsterdam & Oslo
Set sail May 3, 2009 from London (Harwich), spend 2 days in Amsterdam and end in Oslo, Norway. Use this as an alternative to flying from London to Norway to embark on a small-ship, train, bus, or car adventure.

$349 -- Early-booking Scandinavia Cruise
Leaving from Stockholm, Sweden on August 7, 2009, this 4-day Scandinavian excursion will anchor in Visby, Oslo, and Copenhagen.

US$449 -- Disney 4-Night Cruise; Book 2nd Cruise for $99
Book a 4 or 7-night Disney cruise for early 2009. After your trip you'll get a voucher for a 3-nt Bahamas cruise for just US$99 per person. (At least one of the original passengers has to be on the second voyage.) Or, get a shipboard credit on select dates instead. Book by Nov 19.

$499 -- 4-night Northern European Cruise
Explore exotic Russia, Sweden, and Estonia on June 20.

US$599 - 12 night 4 * Mediterranean Cruise
Jan 4-16. From Barcelona to Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Malta, and Italy.

US$599 -- 14-nt Transatlantic Cruise on Azamara
Make several stops in Spain and the Canary Islands before crossing to Miami. Dec 3-18. This sailing might also qualify for reduced airfare.

US$999 -- European River Cruise on the Danube, $400 OFF
Includes many shore excursions and entrance fees. March 21, 28; +$100 & up other March-April dates. Gate 1 Travel is also offering discounted airfare from North America, which might be better than what you can find yourself. Taxes ~$125.

Packages

$587 - Vancouver to Holguin, Cuba, 1 week all-inclusive
Dec 11. $793 with taxes.

US$1034 -- Paris, Air and 6 Nights, incl tax
Includes air from SEA and 6nts in Paris. Customizable for an extended stay or just extending the return date, plus tours and transfers are available for booking at the same time. Select November-March departures.

US$1079 -- Budapest AND Prague - 6 Nights w/Air, incl tax
Price includes air add-on for Seattle, 6 nts at 3* hotels, train travel between the two cities, breakfasts, and all taxes and fees. Package is customizeable - add additional nights, tours, and transfers. Travel in Jan + Feb.

Hotels

$149 -- One-of-a-Kind Package at Quebec's Famous 'Ice Hotel'
Book by Nov. 21 for travel Jan. 4 – Mar. 29.

US$49 -- Las Vegas Hotel on The Strip, with extras
Weekends as low as $59 (Dec 19/20). Breakfast buffet and other extras included.

US$69 -- Oregon Hotel, Dinner, Breakfast, and Gardens for Two
For a quick getaway, drive down to Oregon and catch the "Grand Opening Package" at the Oregon Garden Resort south of Portland.

US$69 -- Orlando Hotel in Disney World plus Credit
Stay thru Dec 25. Get $50 credit with min. 2 nt stay.

US$119pp -- Grand Opening: Mexico All-Inclusive 'Dreams' Resort
Feature-laden upscale resort. Stay in January, or until April 11th for $20 more.

US$129 -- Colorado 'Gold List' Ski Resort, incl. Weekends
Pair this with the great airfare to Denver for an early season ski trip. The 'Gold List' designation means this resort is on par with the Fairmont Whistler. Book by Nov 21 for stays Nov. 23 - Dec. 18.

$50 Free -- Expedia Free Gas Promo
Book a 3 nt hotel or package vacation and get a $50 Petro-Canada gift card. Act fast - book between 12am EST on Nov 15 and Nov 16 at 11:59pm EST for travel by April 30, 2009.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Expiring Deals

$739 -- Cancun 1-week All-Inclusive, incl tax
Sunwing's Wednesday Free Flight package, only available today. Tomorrow will be a different flight for free. Deaprts Jan 28. Click thru the booking process to see the sale fare.

$79 O/W -- Las Vegas from YVR
Travel before or after the holidays.

$99 RT- Las Vegas from YVR
Dec. 14 - 18. $308 with taxes.

US$28 O/W -- San Francisco from Bellingham
Depart: Nov. 17, 28 or 29; Return: Nov. 28 or Dec. 5. Taxes ~$30.

US$28 O/W -- Las Vegas from Bellingham
Travel select dates thru Nov. 12.

$556 RT -- Fly to London from YVR
Valid for travel Jan 1 to Apr 1. Book by Thursday.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Tuesday Teasers

50-75% Off -- Via Rail Last-Minute Train Travel
Book by Nov 11 to get up to 75% off on select departures in November.

50% Off -- Hacky Sack Your Way to a Discounted Hotel Room
Seriously! Anyone who can hacky sack in the hotel lobby for 1 minute will receive 50% off the best available rate. This hotel also offers a hosted wine hour, a pet goldfish in your room upon request, Nintendo in all rooms, complimentary wi-fi, and “tall rooms” to accomodate taller guests. Best available rates start around $200, but at 50% off it's a great bargain!

FREE -- Kids Fly Free to Tahiti
Kids ages 11 and under fly free with Air Tahiti Nui's latest Tahiti offer. Adult tickets start at $1,428 from Los Angeles.

40% Off -- Kids Ride for Less on Greyhound
Kids up to 11 years old can travel for 40% less than adults, when travelling with an adult. Up to two discounted child fares per adult.

FREE -- Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free in Hawaii
Kids up to 17 years stay free at ResortQuest properties in Hawaii, and kids up to 12 years get free meals and admission at participating locations. The list of participating vendors is largest on Oahu, but the offerings on other islands may still be of interest.

USD387.41 -- Honolulu from SEA, incl tax
I priced out a trip in early December at this price.

US$786 -- Honolulu Vacation Package from Vancouver
Air, 6 nights hotel, and taxes. Better hotels also available, as well as other Hawaiian Islands.

$500 Off -- Hawaii Air Credit with 5-nt Stay
Stay at one of many participating hotels and get $350 or $500 off the airfare.

SAVE -- Hawaii Vacation Offers From Multiple Providers
All the deals on Hawaiian vacations in one place.

$500 Off - Europe Air Credit with 5-nt Stay
Stay at one of many participating hotels and get $350 or $500 off the airfare.

US$699 -- Winter Wellness Getaway in Iceland (from NY)
Air & 3nts, departing from NY or Boston between Nov 1, 2008 and Mar 31, 2009. Includes some meals, transfers, and a few entrance fees.

Free -- Buy 4, Get 3 Free at Disney
Purchase 4 nights w/ Disney tickets, and get 3 nights and tickets for free. Price for a family of 4 starts at US$1271 for 7 nights and 7-day theme park tickets. Stay between 1/4 - 4/4 and 4/19 - 6/27. Plus, when you travel between 1/4 - 3/29, you'll also get a $200 Disney Gift Card.

$100-$200 Off -- Luxury Link Gift Certificate with Purchase
Win an auction travel package or take the "Buy Now" discounted rate and get a Luxury Link gift certificate for a future purchase. Sale ends December 15, 2008.

50% Off -- Car Rental Weekend Special
Rent with Enterprise from Friday to Monday, and you’ll save 50% on most cars, most weekends, at most locations in Canada.

FREE -- Weekend Rental Days From Hertz
Get the first day free when you rent a car for three or more weekend days, including a Saturday overnight. The deal applies to economy- through premium-class cars rented through March 31 in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Hawaii.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Weekly Roundup - Nov 5

US$64-$74 -- Fly to California from Seattle, each way
Departures thru Dec 18. Taxes are ~$11 each way.

50% off -- San Francisco boutique hotel, $65
Now thru February 28, stay at the Hotel Carlton near Union Square.

$125 -- 4-Star San Francisco Hotel (Regularly $325)
Stay any day through Feb. 28 at the 4-diamond Le Meridien.

$149 - Vancouver to Punta Cana, return (last minute)
Nov 17-24. $464 w/ tax.

US$21+ -- 40 Cruises Under $40/day
Cruises from 4-19 nights, from $21 to $40 pp/day.

Free Air -- Free Seats Released Daily
A few vacation packages are released each day by Sunwing with the prices reduced to reflect free air travel. Different deals every day at 7am PST.

US$474 - 7 day Alaskan spring cruise, save 40%
The first sale price I've seen for next year's Alaska cruise season. Sails April 25.

$547 -- Mexico 7-Night All-Inclusive Escape at $200 OFF
Departs Dec. 5. $810 w/ tax.

US$1149 -- 12 Nt Northern Europe & Russia Cruise w/$400 Credit
Departs Apr 28, May 10, 22, June 3, 15, 27. Book by Nov 7 to get the full $400 credit, after Nov 7 get a $200 credit.

$1199 -- Escorted Tour of Turkey: 11 Nights & Air
This special price is valid for Nov. 13, 27; Feb. 12, 26; March 3, 5, 19. Includes air from New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Miami, Houston, Denver, San Francisco or Los Angeles, call for others.

$79 - Get a third night FREE at select Vancouver hotels
Do you know anyone who needs a discounted hotel stay in Vancouver? If they're staying 3 nights before Dec 15, this is a good one.

2-for-1 -- Vancouver Attractions Passport
Valid thru May 2009. $19.95. The Victoria book is also 2-for-1 at $20. Or get the EXPLORE CANADA Western Guide for $30, which covers locations in BC and Alberta.

WestJet 50% Off Sale

50% Off -- Most WestJet Routes, Today Only
Toronto $378
Calgary $190
Honolulu $398
Los Cabos $290
Puerto Vallarta $390
Prices do not include tax. Available for travel until Feb 11.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Monday Cruise Madness

$299 -- 7-nt Western Caribbean Cruise
Departs Miami on Nov 16.

$299 -- 7-nt Western Caribbean Cruise
Departs Miami on Dec 7.

$269 -- 7-nt Bahamas Cruise
Departs Charleston on Nov 15.

$499 -- 14-nt South America Cruise!
Departs Fort Lauderdale on Dec 7. Passes thru the Panama Canal en route to Santiago, Chile.