Allegiant Air has made an impact on the Canadian and Northern USA travel market with its border town getaways. All along the US/Canadian border Allegiant Air has been popping up and establishing themselves at secondary or small market airports. For example, the Grand Forks airport in North Dakota, or the Bellingham Airport in Washington state.
Allegiant has very select routes, but does them well. They have negotiated excellent package rates with hotels at their destinations. I'll use the Phoenix/Mesa Arizona example. Allegiant flies into the Mesa Williams Gateway Airport, rather than the area's major PHX (Phoenix Sky Harbour). It is a super easy airport to navigate and is an ideal jumping off point for a relaxing desert vacation.
Depending on the season, Allegiant will fly between 2 and 4 times a week between Grand Forks, and Phoenix/Mesa. I've seen one way flights as low as $39.99, but they do go up in price to around the $300 mark. It just depends on supply and demand. Remember, around school and traditional calendar holidays, flights will always be more expensive.
One current example (Oct 27th) is for a mini vacation in early December. Two adults can travel from Grand Forks, to Phoenix/Mesa for $775. That's all taxes included, airfare and hotel for 4 nights at the Arizona Resort & Conference Centre. It's not a 4 star hotel, but Allegiant does recommend it and it certainly does have a good location and pool. However, if you would prefer to go high end. The iconic Arizona Biltmore (A Waldorf Astoria Hotel) is just $500 per person or $1037 per couple, all in.
Yup, $500 for a quick trip or sanity saver as I call them.
Allegiant flies to Orlando FL, Phoenix/Mesa AZ and Las Vegas NV pir of Grand Forks. I should note that in Florida they use the secondary airport at Sanford which is over an hour from Disneyworld, but still a substantial savings over flying into MCO (Orlando International) with a bigger airline.
In Las Vegas Allegiant has space on the tarmac at THE Las Vegas airport. (LAS - McCarran International.) So with this destination and Allegiant, you're already a winner because you will save money over the bigger airlines and arrive in exactly the same spot.
As a matter of fact, you could take your sweetheart to Vegas February 11-16th, 2012 for $950 a couple (all in) and stay at the fabulous Monte Carlo. For just a few more dollars you could stay at Paris, Planet Hollywood or TI (Treasure Island).
Allegiant flies modern, first class planes. Depending on the model, they hold between 80 & 120 passengers, so popular dates/flights tend to fill up quick.
Florida is the newest destination for flights originating in Grand Forks. Minot does not yet offer Florida as a destination. However, as Allegiant has so far committed to fly the GF to Sanford/Orlando route from November 17th 2011 to May 15, 2012 with the possibility of becoming a permanent route. This is AMAZING news for area residents who may wish to take the family to Disneyworld. It could save you 20 percent or more over the current cost of a Disney vacation. I will follow up and write a column on this soon.
One quick example. Grand Forks to Sanford/Orlando November 24th to December 1st 2011, for 2 adults $984 all in. That's a whole week in Florida for less than $500 per person, including air, hotel and taxes. That would be to stay at the Wyndham Lake Buena Visa Resort in the Downtown Disney area. This hotel is a Disney partner hotel (but not on-site) and does indeed offer Disney character breakfasts, and shuttles to the park. It is also newly renovated. To stay the aforementioned dates, as a family of 4 with 2 children under 10 would cost $1425 all in. Now, of course park passes, food etc would be an extra charge, but this is an EXCELLENT start to an inexpensive family vacation in sunny Florida.
I personally have flown Allegiant and would do it again. (Allegiant.com) I just wouldn't check any bags. They have big time add on costs at Allegiant for checked bags, priority seating etc. But a savvy traveller can save money with Allegiant and get to the popular destination quicker than originally thought possible.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Save 25% at Old Navy
If you're inclined to do a little on-line shopping at Old Navy Canada in the next 2 days, use this code "ONHARVEST" on the checkout page for 25% off most everything you buy.
I like their long sleeve boys' shirts and some of the fleece. Shipping is free over $50. Old Navy often offers deals if you are on their e-mailing list.
I like their long sleeve boys' shirts and some of the fleece. Shipping is free over $50. Old Navy often offers deals if you are on their e-mailing list.
6 Reasons I like Delta Airlines
I have flown with West Jet, Air Canada, Delta and Allegiant in the last 2 years. None of these fine airlines has ever left me stranded. None have disappointed me. I would recommend any of them. But today I feel inspired to write about Delta.
I like Delta because:
1. They fly regional commuter planes from several cities in my area. All the commuter planes in this area lead to Minneapolis/St Paul airport. (MSP). This one one of Delta's major hubs. From MSP you can go anywhere in the world. Commuter planes are smaller and seat anywhere from 50-100 people. (see photo) Flights to MSP from this area take about an hour. Approx 6 flights a day go from Minot North Dakota to MSP. Talk about convenient! They also fly out of Devil's Lake, Grand Forks & Winnipeg.
2. They know how to have a seat sale! Last summer I stumbled upon a seat sale of approx 70% off the normal holiday price to Maui. That was the best airfare bargain I'd ever seen. I pounced on it and we had a fabulous Hawaiian holiday last Christmas. Thank you Delta!
3. I find their fashions amusing. Their flight attendants wear at least a dozen different forms of the uniform. It is my guess that they wear the uniform from the decade they were hired. I've seen everything from pill box hats and stilettos, to Wal-mart-ish smocks, turtlenecks and crisp button-down shirts.
4. The food in first class rocks! Airline food has a bad reputation. However, on our Maui flight we had breakfast served on china plates. There were warm croissants, toasted bagels, fancy omelettes, fruit cups and really good coffee. Score points for Delta!
5. Skymiles reward program. Delta rewards passengers with "airmiles", free trips and upgrades. They are even offering new credit cards to earn miles with. These are indeed available to both US & Canadian citizens. I don't have one, but it looks like a pretty good deal.
6. FREE FLIGHTS!! Delta still overbooks their flights. Typically, they will overbook up to 6 seats. At the check in kiosk, or staff desk you might be asked to consider waiting for their next flight. Should you volunteer to take the next flight, they typically offer a $400 travel voucher per person. $400!!! That could pay for your next entire round trip flight in the US. Sometimes they ask for volunteers to take the next flight.... but it's just a bluff.... in these cases you'll get the upgrade to First Class. I've heard them use this one and say "thank you for volunteering, we just wanted to reward the nicest folks on this flight." It pays to be flexible... literally!
In summary, thought there are no direct Delta flights from my regional airport, the commute to MSP is worth it. Delta can take you anywhere you want to go. The planes, the staff and the service has been excellent. The prices have been very competitive, and flight times convenient. I would not hesitate to fly Delta again.
I like Delta because:
1. They fly regional commuter planes from several cities in my area. All the commuter planes in this area lead to Minneapolis/St Paul airport. (MSP). This one one of Delta's major hubs. From MSP you can go anywhere in the world. Commuter planes are smaller and seat anywhere from 50-100 people. (see photo) Flights to MSP from this area take about an hour. Approx 6 flights a day go from Minot North Dakota to MSP. Talk about convenient! They also fly out of Devil's Lake, Grand Forks & Winnipeg.
2. They know how to have a seat sale! Last summer I stumbled upon a seat sale of approx 70% off the normal holiday price to Maui. That was the best airfare bargain I'd ever seen. I pounced on it and we had a fabulous Hawaiian holiday last Christmas. Thank you Delta!
3. I find their fashions amusing. Their flight attendants wear at least a dozen different forms of the uniform. It is my guess that they wear the uniform from the decade they were hired. I've seen everything from pill box hats and stilettos, to Wal-mart-ish smocks, turtlenecks and crisp button-down shirts.
4. The food in first class rocks! Airline food has a bad reputation. However, on our Maui flight we had breakfast served on china plates. There were warm croissants, toasted bagels, fancy omelettes, fruit cups and really good coffee. Score points for Delta!
5. Skymiles reward program. Delta rewards passengers with "airmiles", free trips and upgrades. They are even offering new credit cards to earn miles with. These are indeed available to both US & Canadian citizens. I don't have one, but it looks like a pretty good deal.
6. FREE FLIGHTS!! Delta still overbooks their flights. Typically, they will overbook up to 6 seats. At the check in kiosk, or staff desk you might be asked to consider waiting for their next flight. Should you volunteer to take the next flight, they typically offer a $400 travel voucher per person. $400!!! That could pay for your next entire round trip flight in the US. Sometimes they ask for volunteers to take the next flight.... but it's just a bluff.... in these cases you'll get the upgrade to First Class. I've heard them use this one and say "thank you for volunteering, we just wanted to reward the nicest folks on this flight." It pays to be flexible... literally!
In summary, thought there are no direct Delta flights from my regional airport, the commute to MSP is worth it. Delta can take you anywhere you want to go. The planes, the staff and the service has been excellent. The prices have been very competitive, and flight times convenient. I would not hesitate to fly Delta again.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Why can't I take a compliment?
"Why can't you just take a compliment?" was recently uttered in my direction, out of frustration. A valid point really. What IS my problem?
Someone might say, "Cathie, you look healthy." And I hear "Cathie, you look fat, what happened?" Someone might say, "You look great in those jeans." And I think "why are you looking at my ass?"
Someone might say, "You have beautiful eyes." And I instantly retort "no I don't, I'm tired, look at the crow's feet. I should really invest in better wrinkle cream."
So there's truly no winning with me. I have a sarcastic remark or thought for every innocent or well-meaning compliment.
"That's a pretty ring." And I reveal "Not really, I got it at the discount counter at JCPenny. It was too much of a bargain to resist." And yet, in reality the ring is a sparkly and attractive 3/4 ct and has beautiful and trendy champagne diamonds as accents. So, really, by all accounts a pretty ring, but I have to open up my negative attitude and let it all spill out.
Is this a girl thing? Am I that suspicious in nature that I think that each person who offers me a compliment is trying to mock me or bargain something from me? Do I have such a negative self-image that I can't accept a compliment from people who are my friends, or even my own husband?
Young girls, I believe, are taught to refuse compliments in a coy and flirtatious way, in hopes of receive more delicious compliments. However, there comes a point where everyone needs to grow up, shut up and say "thank you." Apparently I'm not there.
Young girls are constantly measured against perfection in magazines, on television and yes, (gasp) even amongst their peers.
And yet, all this being said, I am NOT critical of others in the same way. I can genuinely give compliments "I love your hair. It looks amazing!" Or, "I love that top on you." I genuinely mean these things. Though if I hear them directed at me, I go completely in the other direction.
What's the solution? I have no idea. Maybe I should shut up, smile and nod. Though, I'd probably somehow nod sarcastically... if that's possible.
What if this teflon coating keeps reflecting my bad attitude and the compliments cease? Where would my self image be then? Why is it so fragile? Damn. I should do something about this.
Someone might say, "Cathie, you look healthy." And I hear "Cathie, you look fat, what happened?" Someone might say, "You look great in those jeans." And I think "why are you looking at my ass?"
Someone might say, "You have beautiful eyes." And I instantly retort "no I don't, I'm tired, look at the crow's feet. I should really invest in better wrinkle cream."
So there's truly no winning with me. I have a sarcastic remark or thought for every innocent or well-meaning compliment.
"That's a pretty ring." And I reveal "Not really, I got it at the discount counter at JCPenny. It was too much of a bargain to resist." And yet, in reality the ring is a sparkly and attractive 3/4 ct and has beautiful and trendy champagne diamonds as accents. So, really, by all accounts a pretty ring, but I have to open up my negative attitude and let it all spill out.
Is this a girl thing? Am I that suspicious in nature that I think that each person who offers me a compliment is trying to mock me or bargain something from me? Do I have such a negative self-image that I can't accept a compliment from people who are my friends, or even my own husband?
Young girls, I believe, are taught to refuse compliments in a coy and flirtatious way, in hopes of receive more delicious compliments. However, there comes a point where everyone needs to grow up, shut up and say "thank you." Apparently I'm not there.
Young girls are constantly measured against perfection in magazines, on television and yes, (gasp) even amongst their peers.
And yet, all this being said, I am NOT critical of others in the same way. I can genuinely give compliments "I love your hair. It looks amazing!" Or, "I love that top on you." I genuinely mean these things. Though if I hear them directed at me, I go completely in the other direction.
What's the solution? I have no idea. Maybe I should shut up, smile and nod. Though, I'd probably somehow nod sarcastically... if that's possible.
What if this teflon coating keeps reflecting my bad attitude and the compliments cease? Where would my self image be then? Why is it so fragile? Damn. I should do something about this.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
First step to a travel bargain
If you're going to nab the travel bargain, first you have to get on the list.
The old shotgun approach to advertising and marketing is dead. The shotgun approach was to blanket the audience with advertising (like putting an ad in 2 million newspaper copies) and hope to "hit" 2-4% that would actually respond/buy. But now, in this Internet era, big businesses are really targeting their audience and often saving their very best deals for the folks who are already regular customers or subscribers.
So if I were to offer a very specific plan, it would be this:
Open up a generic hotmail/or similar e-mail account for your junk mail/subscriptions. Then grab a notebook and write down all your usernames, passwords or details for these specific subscriptions. Subscribing to Safeway's newsletter, Beaches Resorts etc etc all have different password formulas - like must be 8 characters, or must contain numbers and letters. Way too confusing. And don't ever use the same password as your online banking or other secure info. Minimize your risk of getting hacked.
Then specifically choose the resorts, hotel chains, airlines and car rental agencies that you are most likely to use. Subscribing to their newsletters will show benefits right away.... some offer airmiles or similar points just for signing up. Also "like" their facebook pages if you are on FB. This will ensure that you are up to date on the offers.
Some offers are as good as 40% off regular rack rates at hotels, just for belonging to their President's Club or Preferred Guest Program. In addition to discounts, you can also learn a little about the products, services and activities that are offered.
It's best, truly, to have the separate e-mail set up for offers (as noted above) because if you subscribe to even 10 different sites, and you receive one e-mail a week, they can sure add up fast. Chances are you'll become frustrated with the clutter of all the e-mails amongst your important mail, so best to separate from the beginning.
Atlantis resort (Atlantis.com) and West Jet (westjet.com) have good newsletters and offers. I enjoy receiving theirs. Though sometimes it's so tempting I find myself constantly dreaming of the Bahamas!
The old shotgun approach to advertising and marketing is dead. The shotgun approach was to blanket the audience with advertising (like putting an ad in 2 million newspaper copies) and hope to "hit" 2-4% that would actually respond/buy. But now, in this Internet era, big businesses are really targeting their audience and often saving their very best deals for the folks who are already regular customers or subscribers.
So if I were to offer a very specific plan, it would be this:
Open up a generic hotmail/or similar e-mail account for your junk mail/subscriptions. Then grab a notebook and write down all your usernames, passwords or details for these specific subscriptions. Subscribing to Safeway's newsletter, Beaches Resorts etc etc all have different password formulas - like must be 8 characters, or must contain numbers and letters. Way too confusing. And don't ever use the same password as your online banking or other secure info. Minimize your risk of getting hacked.
Then specifically choose the resorts, hotel chains, airlines and car rental agencies that you are most likely to use. Subscribing to their newsletters will show benefits right away.... some offer airmiles or similar points just for signing up. Also "like" their facebook pages if you are on FB. This will ensure that you are up to date on the offers.
Some offers are as good as 40% off regular rack rates at hotels, just for belonging to their President's Club or Preferred Guest Program. In addition to discounts, you can also learn a little about the products, services and activities that are offered.
It's best, truly, to have the separate e-mail set up for offers (as noted above) because if you subscribe to even 10 different sites, and you receive one e-mail a week, they can sure add up fast. Chances are you'll become frustrated with the clutter of all the e-mails amongst your important mail, so best to separate from the beginning.
Atlantis resort (Atlantis.com) and West Jet (westjet.com) have good newsletters and offers. I enjoy receiving theirs. Though sometimes it's so tempting I find myself constantly dreaming of the Bahamas!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
California Christmas?
Christmas travel can be expensive and stressful. But it can also be an amazing get away from tradition.
Typically, we have spent our Christmases doing the same thing... bouncing from house to house, doing the divorced family Christmas thing. Sharing time, splitting up days and trying to make sure everyone gets equal, or at least a satisfactory amount of time with the grandkids. It can be very hard. Hard on everyone. Bouncing the kids from place to place, trying to squeeze fun into a tight time frame. Everyone is watching the clock, and celebrating on a schedule just so you can make your next scheduled appointment.
Then there's the gifts. Too many gifts. Too much pressure. Too much stuff you really don't need. All you really need is the company of your loved ones. That's truly all you really crave. Cookies are nice, but they don't replace the hugs and giggles with Grandpa or Uncle Earl or whomever you adore. Those visits can be any time. Any time of year at all. Equally wonderful on the 12th of the month, 24th or 29th.
So last year we tried things a little differently. We made sure to get our special visits in. Just on different days and in a different fashion. We had a gift ban with all friends and relatives. It was actually very liberating. Families that we typically exchange gifts with all agreed NO GIFTS, just casual evening visits in the "holiday season." It was like an invisible burden was lifted. We all shared the same sentiment.
We decorated the house very minimally. We saved our gift money etc and put it towards a family vacation. We happened to snag a bargain. (Are you surprised? LOL) We had 8 days in Maui. It was a gift to ourselves. We opted for surfing lessons on the 27th of Dec. and watched the sunset on the beach the same night. Instead of turkey, we had tacos. Instead of candy canes, we had macadamia nuts. And on New Year's eve, we went to a Luau. It was amazing. What an experience!
Did anyone miss Christmas? Nope. Did anyone miss the stress? Nope. But it's also not something you can do every year. It's a treat.
It can even work on a budget. West Jet looks like they still have some decent priced flights to California. Bypass LAX and use the SNA (Anaheim airport). And unless you are into crowds, I probably wouldn't make it my first or only visit to Disneyland. But what about Christmas in San Diego? Or Palm Springs? California is a new destination for West Jet. There are still some bargains out there, more so than Florida at this time of the year.
West Jet package prices for a week at Christmas 2011 start around $1000 per person. However, airfare & hotel booked separately leads to increased opportunity to save money and tailor your hotel choice. Maybe the family wants to glide down a lazy river at a resort, rather than toboggan down a snow hill this Christmas? You never know unless you try it.
Christmas travel gets 4 thumbs up from my crew.
Typically, we have spent our Christmases doing the same thing... bouncing from house to house, doing the divorced family Christmas thing. Sharing time, splitting up days and trying to make sure everyone gets equal, or at least a satisfactory amount of time with the grandkids. It can be very hard. Hard on everyone. Bouncing the kids from place to place, trying to squeeze fun into a tight time frame. Everyone is watching the clock, and celebrating on a schedule just so you can make your next scheduled appointment.
Then there's the gifts. Too many gifts. Too much pressure. Too much stuff you really don't need. All you really need is the company of your loved ones. That's truly all you really crave. Cookies are nice, but they don't replace the hugs and giggles with Grandpa or Uncle Earl or whomever you adore. Those visits can be any time. Any time of year at all. Equally wonderful on the 12th of the month, 24th or 29th.
So last year we tried things a little differently. We made sure to get our special visits in. Just on different days and in a different fashion. We had a gift ban with all friends and relatives. It was actually very liberating. Families that we typically exchange gifts with all agreed NO GIFTS, just casual evening visits in the "holiday season." It was like an invisible burden was lifted. We all shared the same sentiment.
We decorated the house very minimally. We saved our gift money etc and put it towards a family vacation. We happened to snag a bargain. (Are you surprised? LOL) We had 8 days in Maui. It was a gift to ourselves. We opted for surfing lessons on the 27th of Dec. and watched the sunset on the beach the same night. Instead of turkey, we had tacos. Instead of candy canes, we had macadamia nuts. And on New Year's eve, we went to a Luau. It was amazing. What an experience!
Did anyone miss Christmas? Nope. Did anyone miss the stress? Nope. But it's also not something you can do every year. It's a treat.
It can even work on a budget. West Jet looks like they still have some decent priced flights to California. Bypass LAX and use the SNA (Anaheim airport). And unless you are into crowds, I probably wouldn't make it my first or only visit to Disneyland. But what about Christmas in San Diego? Or Palm Springs? California is a new destination for West Jet. There are still some bargains out there, more so than Florida at this time of the year.
West Jet package prices for a week at Christmas 2011 start around $1000 per person. However, airfare & hotel booked separately leads to increased opportunity to save money and tailor your hotel choice. Maybe the family wants to glide down a lazy river at a resort, rather than toboggan down a snow hill this Christmas? You never know unless you try it.
Christmas travel gets 4 thumbs up from my crew.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Good Day, eh?
Today was a good day at the restaurant. I needed a good day. I was starting to let exhaustion overcome me and take the love out of the job.
And then... the troops came marching in. One by one and two by two, the friendly faces were all around. Regular customers who are more than just that. They're not customers, clients or guests, they're friends. People I love seeing. I love cooking for them. I love serving their desserts. They came in droves today. (Ok. they came in Toyotas and Fords and Chevrolets, but they came in. ) And their visits gave me a lift. They gave me energy and the necessary reminder that my restaurant is valued, and I am valued.
Restaurant life isn't easy. It's 80 hours a week of cooking and prepping. It's hot and tiring being on your feet all day. It's always trying to please someone else. But I love it. And I believe I do it well. And the reason I keep doing it and trying my best is for the people who genuinely care and make me smile in return.
Just the other day, a regular customer took a moment to pass on a compliment before he left. He got my attention and said, "Thanks Cathie, those chicken fingers were perfect. It's just what I needed."
Now really, chicken fingers aren't a big deal. We serve 1000's of them. They're pretty hard to screw up. But, I believe he was genuinely appreciative of the effort and the hot lunch and maybe it really was just what he needed that day. But the compliment, well timed and so appreciated made MY day.
Sometimes all you need is a pat on the back, and the day becomes a little easier to bear. So a sincere thanks to all those who lifted me up today and gave me the pep talk I needed.
And then... the troops came marching in. One by one and two by two, the friendly faces were all around. Regular customers who are more than just that. They're not customers, clients or guests, they're friends. People I love seeing. I love cooking for them. I love serving their desserts. They came in droves today. (Ok. they came in Toyotas and Fords and Chevrolets, but they came in. ) And their visits gave me a lift. They gave me energy and the necessary reminder that my restaurant is valued, and I am valued.
Restaurant life isn't easy. It's 80 hours a week of cooking and prepping. It's hot and tiring being on your feet all day. It's always trying to please someone else. But I love it. And I believe I do it well. And the reason I keep doing it and trying my best is for the people who genuinely care and make me smile in return.
Just the other day, a regular customer took a moment to pass on a compliment before he left. He got my attention and said, "Thanks Cathie, those chicken fingers were perfect. It's just what I needed."
Now really, chicken fingers aren't a big deal. We serve 1000's of them. They're pretty hard to screw up. But, I believe he was genuinely appreciative of the effort and the hot lunch and maybe it really was just what he needed that day. But the compliment, well timed and so appreciated made MY day.
Sometimes all you need is a pat on the back, and the day becomes a little easier to bear. So a sincere thanks to all those who lifted me up today and gave me the pep talk I needed.
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