Moving Target

I've said it before. I'm saying it again. Airfare is a moving target. Yes, there are great deals. Yes there are overpriced tickets, but truly it's all supply and demand and you, the consumer, make the choices.

What is the perfect combination for you and your vacation plans? It's all about priorities. Does it have to be a direct flight? Are you loyal to one airline only or will you consider others? Can you travel on Tuesday rather than Wednesday to save $50? What if you were saving $200?

There are milk-run flights,  (flight with 2 or more stops) that can be really cheap. But what is your time worth? What if there is bad weather in Utah on that day? What if you are delayed hours and miss your connection... was it really worth saving $75?

All things considered, it's a mind boggling choice.  I was watching 2 particular routes this week and there were about 100 different ways to come and go, based on the 4 airlines I would consider. The prices varied as much as $100 per direction during this time, on individual airlines.  It caused my blood pressure to rise. But, ultimately, I'm very happy with the choice I made.  Flight times are important to me. For the right times, I'm willing to compromise on price a bit.

My favourite Apple Store APP is called "on the fly". You can download it to your iPhone or tablet. But be warned... it's highly addictive. In mere seconds it analyzes, sorts and reports all the available airlines, routes and prices.  It takes the leg work out of researching all the airlines yourself. But it is not a booking tool. For that, go directly to the source. I book on-line with the airline themselves.

It's like chinese food really. You have so many options. So many ways to fill your plate. You just have to pick and choose what is right for you.

My Kenny Rogers

I learnt to play blackjack many years ago, in a smokey casino in Las Vegas. It was about 3AM, and the blackjack dealer looked just like Kenny Rogers. Now, it wasn't the real Kenny Rogers, but seriously, he looked just like him. This was long before shows like "Punked" and long before washed up celebrities had to do shows like Celebrity Apprentice, so I AM sure he was only a look-a-like.

He had a warm, harmless kind of look about him. And a soft raspy voice, typical of someone working in a smokey casino,  when he said, "Come on girls, sit down, I'll teach you how to play this game." It wasn't a predatory suggestion in any way! And he surely didn't say "come with me little girls...". After all, Val and I were 21, we weren't little girls.  But young. Gosh, in today's measure, we were young and naive. However for some crazy reason, we had the nerve and chutzpa to head to Vegas unchaperoned.

So there I was in the casino of the Rio hotel and I decided to take the plunge. Up until this point I'd only tried slot machines. And in those days slot machines took coins and they dispensed coins in the most glorious "cling clang, clang... you're a winner!!!" kind of way. None of this dot matrix sounding printing onto paper crap like there is now. 'Sigh' Anyways, I took a deep breath and sat down. It was just me and my Kenny Rogers.

I placed a $20 on the table and he walked me through every step. Minimum bets were $3 so that's what we started with.  It was a calm and relaxed lesson. He showed me how to wave off a card with the subtle side to side (almost like cleaning a counter) of a hand, palm down. He taught me to tap with my index finger to signal I wanted a card.  See, blackjack, is a quiet, solitary, gentleman's game. There's no shouting "hit me" or "stay" or that kind of thing. It's all in the hand motions.

You can handle your chips, up until the point where the dealer waves off bets with a swooping motion across the table. You make small talk when they shuffle the deck and tip the dealer, by placing a bet (with yours) for them.

"Kenny" covered it all. I played till dawn. It was a blast. He taught me, "you gotta know when to hold 'em;  know when to fold 'em;  know when to walk away and know when to run."  (Yes. I know that was bad. I just COULD NOT resist.)

I can't imagine learning the game by tapping on a button on a VLT or clicking a mouse on the computer. It just wouldn't be the same. A machine would never coach you to split aces or how to read the table.

I definitely appreciate learning this lesson "old school." And since it took place long before the "what happens in Vegas...." slogan,  I'm sure no one will revoke my players' card based on sharing this story.

Vegas Update

Super quick update. I checked exactly the same trip as I wrote about here. But as of 6PM today here are the current prices.  Allegiant (from Minot)  $1007.42 per couple March 4-8. Westjet price, from Winnipeg,  per couple is $1450.88.

Above, Westjet from Winnipeg.

It's all about timing my travel friends. It's all about timing. 

Half Price Train Travel in Canada

Via Rail is having a sale. Right now many of their most popular routes are on sale 50% off. And it's a legitimate 50% off sale!  This makes train travel a very affordable option.  A person could take the train from Winnipeg to Edmonton, one way, for less than $150 including all taxes.  That is the economy seat, but the great news is their sleeper cars, berths etc are also half price. That puts them in the $300-$500 range, but includes meals, a bed and private washroom.

Short haul trips of around 2 hours I've seen as low as $16 per child (2-11 years) and $35 per adult. Now tell me that isn't worth it just to say you took your kids on a train!!

I, personally, have travelled the Winnipeg to Jasper run on the "Canadian." Fine dining and spectacular scenery are just some of the reasons that people romanticize train travel. I would do it again for certain!

Train travel does take a little longer than air travel, but is MUCH easier than driving it yourself in a car. And when Via Rail has such a great sale, you really should give it serious consideration. If it's on your Bucket List, don't wait. Doesn't everyone say "life's a journey" so why not enjoy the scenery along the way?

This sale ends January 26th, but may be booked for travel through May 31, 2012.  Spring break trip anyone?  Here's the link to book.  Via Rail Canada Sale.

The domed viewing cars make the ride spectacular.

Passenger train parked in Jasper, AB. 

Blue Monday 2012? Meh...

So there I was driving along and singing (ever so poorly) along with the radio. I had a smile on my face and feeling pretty good. The announcer jumps in a spouts off a little tidbit about it being Blue Monday... statistically the most depressing day of the year. Yeah, ok. I remember Blue Monday. I even wrote here about it last year. But you know what, I'm good. 

Today is just another day. Every one of us reading this woke up today. And we each have the power to make it a good day. Music, exercise, an outing, playing with our pets... they are all great ways to keep the mood light.  But here's what I'm going to suggest. Help someone else. ESPECIALLY if YOU are feeling good today. What can you do to make someone else's day a little brighter? 

You could send a cheery text. Pick up the phone. Stop by the office with a coffee. Reach out and say "hey."  Or what if there was something even better you could do? Like pay someone a compliment or share with them how important they are to you. What would happen if you encouraged someone else to "go for it?" Tell them they CAN look for a new job, find love again, travel to far away places. What would happen if you told someone else they can be happy. Wouldn't you be happy for them? Of course you would!! 

Music. Turn it up. Drown out the sad data of Blue Monday. Sing. Sing poorly... who cares. Make up your own words. It's just a day. You'll get through it and God willing, be here tomorrow to have another great day. 

Is he a boyfriend or a husband?

Imagine you are sitting poolside at a resort, or perhaps oceanside on the sand. You are surrounded by couples. People laughing, people reading, people frolicking in the water and people bickering. Obviously those frolicking are NOT MARRIED! Bickering.... married.  Some of it is so easy to tell. But, there are grey areas. So, let me help you identify the couples with this fun little guide.

So, lets say you are curious and scanning the crowd. Who's married and who isn't? Perhaps it's a game you might enjoy playing with your poolside companion. There are two sure fire indicators I'll let you in on.

Firstly, how does he apply suntan lotion to his woman? A married woman will say, "honey, can you please put some suntan lotion on my back?" A husband will reply with a bit of a grunt. Perhaps some muttering under his breath and a release of air ... like "uuugh" as he gets up off his chair to do it. Then he will grab the 60spf, waterproof, kids' lotion that you have and with a slap, glob on about 4 ounces all at once. He'll then smear it around as quickly as possible. You know... get in, get out before any single woman might suspect that he's WITH you.  He will leave noticeable blotches and gaps and perhaps even a distinct hand print on your back. Something you won't notice until later when you realize you have an abstract burn print on you.  So to recap;  If this process takes less than 60 seconds and there is eye rolling or grunting involved (like it is a chore) you are definitely dealing with a husband.

On the other hand, you can expect that the man is a "boyfriend" or someone married less than a year  (Honeymooners are still considered boyfriends for this exercise.) if he acts in the following manner. Firstly, HE does the ask. "Oh sweetie, you don't want to burn. Let me rub lotion on you."  She says "sure." He immediately shifts. (Wink wink).  Then said boyfriend will gently apply very small quantities of a low spf lotion. (So that he has to re-apply regularly.) This process will take at least 5 minutes, maybe 10. He will carefully lift and move bikini straps and work all areas multiple times for perfect, even application. He may even offer to do her front side. (Gasp!) Though he may draw little hearts and designs with his fingers, he is NOT screwing up the lotion application. He is simply lingering in the process and trying to be flirty.  So, to recap:  If he takes a long time and looks INTO it... boyfriend.

Secondly, the beverage service chosen by the couple will indicate married or not married.  So, if she gets one drink and a dirty look (for the poolside prices), she's married to the guy. A single guy is making an alcoholic investment. He will buy his companion at least two or three of those cute little tropical drinks with the umbrellas. The more the merrier... literally.

"But Cathie, it's winter. How will we know if they are married or not?" Don't worry dear reader, I have the answer for this too.

If a couple is out for an evening and she wears practical, sensible, flat boots... married.  Or, if she wears heels and struggles to tippy toe across the ice unescorted, while he criticizes her footwear choices and nags to hurry up, you know they are married.  If the couple is not married, she will be wearing at least 3 inch heels. They may not even be boots. He will have his arm around her and be cautiously escorting her to the vehicle and opening the door for her. He may or may not move in for a kiss at the car. Easy call... boyfriend!

There you have it. Any other burning questions just ask!

Most Read Column of 2011

I write because it's a part of me that I can't turn off. It's a significant part of who I am and who I have been almost all my life. Heck, I was even the high school newsletter editor back in the day!

Right now, I write just to express myself and maintain some brain function. Other parts of my life, I can run on autopilot at times. A lot of it, like laundry and dishes and packing lunches just doesn't challenge me. Ha Ha. Please Lord, don't let the washing machine break down just because I said laundry didn't challenge me! I value that machine more than you'll ever know.

I took a little look back at some of the columns I've blogged here. Some are worth re-reading. Some... at least the spelling and grammar are sound... for the most part.

Typically the blogs attract somewhere around 100 readers per column. And I rarely check this data. It's not a popularity contest and I'm not writing about politics or anything remotely controversial. But I do find it very interesting, and you might too, that the most well read piece I've written here is the one called Bacteria in your pillow . It was read about 5 times more and shared widely. It was also read by folks on pretty much every continent.  So, that was interesting.

This of course should be a reminder to all of us to change our pillows. It's a new year. Get a new pillow!!!!! And, while you're at Superstore pillow shopping, grab new toothbrushes for the whole family and some Cold-FX. And, if you haven't taken your "at work" coffee cup home and run it through the dishwasher lately... it's time. Or maybe just chuck that bacteria infested germ factory out and use a new one. After all, when we wish each other good health in 2012 we should take action ourselves too.

I Spy a Bargain

Las Vegas, NV  

We recently flew to Phoenix, AZ on Allegiant Airlines. Their package price was outstanding and we managed a quick 5 star vacation on a 2 star budget. What could be better than that?

In my latest round of searching for travel bargains I saw a Las Vegas gem. I won't be going, but YOU might like to.

It is four nights, leaving on a Sunday and returning on a Thursday near the first week of March. You would fly out of Minot, ND on a moderately sized plane (about 150 passengers.) It is a direct flight of less than 3 hours.  Included in this price is shuttle transportation to the hotel, from the Las Vegas airport. Typical shuttles are NOT my idea of a good time, but if you've ever seen the taxi line-up in Vegas, you would consider a shuttle.

The taxi stand line is a winding "cattle chute" and you typically wait 40 minutes or more in line. If it's hot and you're tired from the flight, anything other than the taxi line will look good.

Anyways, for these dates you can choose a cheaper hotel. The Flamingo Hilton (on The Strip) would be about $100 less per person. However, it's not a new or newer hotel. Since I prefer 5 star, at 2 star price, I would encourage you to look at places like PH (Planet Hollywood). It is dead centre on The Strip and absolutely the centre of the action. Lots of beautiful people at PH.

Lights of Planet Hollywood Hotel

The Tropicana is at the MGM/Luxor/New York corner. It's the last hotel I stayed at and LOVED. The Tropicana is Canadian owned (little known fact) and just had big money renovations. It is tropical themed, the rooms are very nice, the pool is very happening, and the restaurant Bacio (Italian food) was absolutely amazing. Seriously, chef Carla Pellegrino prepared one of the best meals of my life. It was so good. Hell, I'd go to Vegas just for another meal at Bacio.

The Tropicana is priced at $296 for March 4-8, per person, plus taxes and shuttle. So per couple it would be $706.10. AHHHHHHH. That is so cheap. I want to go now!

Pool at Tropicana 

But I am going to suggest VDARA Resort and Spa in this instance, because Vdara is also in the centre of The Strip. It is one of the very newest and most posh hotels ever. I can't actually say I've ever seen it so cheap. Vdara is different because it is all suites, plus it does NOT have a casino. It is also one of the only Vegas hotels that is non-smoking.  Lastly, if you book these particular dates (or several others this late winter) they are offering 2 free show tickets. There are several shows on the list to choose from, like Criss Angel (yes I spelled that correctly), Zumanity or Terry Fator.  Tickets to these shows are at least $100 value. 

If you want to gamble conveniently, Bellagio is right next door to Vdara. And, in my experience, gambling at Bellagio is worth it for the premium adult beverages. Nothing is watered down at Bellagio. Order a Baileys on the rocks and you get about 2 oz of name brand Baileys on the rocks. A lovely breakfast beverage if you are so inclined. 

So, if you are so in need of a get away, I would jump at the chance to nab this little bargain and enjoy a late winter Vegas vacation. 

For comparison sake, I also checked Westjetvacations.com for identical dates and hotels, but leaving from Winnipeg airport. To stay at the Tropicana would be $1133.32 (taxes in) per couple. They have Vdara listed at $1264.66. So, to fly Allegiant from Minot would save you $366.36 on a vacation to Vdara. That seems to be a good chunk of change which you might prefer to spend on meals or in the casino. 

If you choose to go to Las Vegas, enjoy! I'd love to hear about it, but.... what happens in Vegas - stays in Vegas!!!

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