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!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
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.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Volatility of air fare prices
It's up. It's down. It's all about supply and demand. Buying air fare is like buying shares in the stock market. It is so difficult (and scary) to know when to jump in and buy. Everything is timing. And like the stock market, you don't want to buy (when the price is) high.
For lack of a better hobby, I've been studying air fare prices to popular destinations over the last couple of years. It's interesting. Ok, interesting in a patterning and nerdy kind of way.
The pattern I have seen is that each airline has a baseline, a standard, fair price to each route. Then, depending on when you buy, it can be more or less expensive than the baseline.
Let's say, for example that a one way fare price is $200 (plus taxes and fees). You might see that price available 5 months in advance of the route. But the closer you get to the travel date, you will see the fare go up and down. Whether it's called a "seat sale" or a price adjustment or whatever, it doesn't matter. So suddenly you might be looking at the airfare price 3 months out and it's $169. It's now up to you knowing it could go lower, and for certain it will go back up. What you need to determine is what price you will be happy at. Are you a gambler? How low will it go? Will you kick yourself if it goes up to $240?
One thing you can be sure of , is that if there is a national/calendar holiday, demand for air fares around that date will be higher than average. (ie. Thanksgiving) So, if you wish to find a bargain, you need to book early, or be prepared to book an alternate date for your flight. Sometimes it's as easy as looking at the day before or the day after your first choice.
I record the lowest price I've ever seen on a particular route and keep that in mind if I plan to buy. For example, a one way flight from Winnipeg to Vancouver is generally around $200, but sometimes it is offered at $149. The best I've ever seen is $124. So, with that knowledge in mind, I would be able to make better bargain-hunting decisions.
Air Canada is the only airline, that I use that offers to send you automated fare alerts for prices that you can set yourself. For example, if you receive their monthly newsletters and sales, you can pre-set your preferences. You may choose 4 or 5 different routes to watch. You set your price and it e-mails you every time your specified price is met on a route! It's much easier than checking prices yourself daily. I have an alert for Winnipeg to Maui. If the one way fare price falls to $249 I receive an e-mail. Getting that cheery e-mail is a nice pick me up on an average ho-hum day even if I can't go to Maui.
I have always found the best air fare prices are purchases directly from the airline. And when you use their website, there are no ticketing fees (except for Allegiant who charges about $17 each to book on-line) with the big airlines like Delta, Air Canada and West Jet.
The best prices, in general, are for average, boring days like Tuesdays or Saturdays, NOT around national holidays and are purchased between 6 and 8 weeks in advance of the flight. But it's all ultimately up to the individual buying the air fare. What blend of date, time and price is right for you?
For lack of a better hobby, I've been studying air fare prices to popular destinations over the last couple of years. It's interesting. Ok, interesting in a patterning and nerdy kind of way.
The pattern I have seen is that each airline has a baseline, a standard, fair price to each route. Then, depending on when you buy, it can be more or less expensive than the baseline.
Let's say, for example that a one way fare price is $200 (plus taxes and fees). You might see that price available 5 months in advance of the route. But the closer you get to the travel date, you will see the fare go up and down. Whether it's called a "seat sale" or a price adjustment or whatever, it doesn't matter. So suddenly you might be looking at the airfare price 3 months out and it's $169. It's now up to you knowing it could go lower, and for certain it will go back up. What you need to determine is what price you will be happy at. Are you a gambler? How low will it go? Will you kick yourself if it goes up to $240?
One thing you can be sure of , is that if there is a national/calendar holiday, demand for air fares around that date will be higher than average. (ie. Thanksgiving) So, if you wish to find a bargain, you need to book early, or be prepared to book an alternate date for your flight. Sometimes it's as easy as looking at the day before or the day after your first choice.
I record the lowest price I've ever seen on a particular route and keep that in mind if I plan to buy. For example, a one way flight from Winnipeg to Vancouver is generally around $200, but sometimes it is offered at $149. The best I've ever seen is $124. So, with that knowledge in mind, I would be able to make better bargain-hunting decisions.
Air Canada is the only airline, that I use that offers to send you automated fare alerts for prices that you can set yourself. For example, if you receive their monthly newsletters and sales, you can pre-set your preferences. You may choose 4 or 5 different routes to watch. You set your price and it e-mails you every time your specified price is met on a route! It's much easier than checking prices yourself daily. I have an alert for Winnipeg to Maui. If the one way fare price falls to $249 I receive an e-mail. Getting that cheery e-mail is a nice pick me up on an average ho-hum day even if I can't go to Maui.
I have always found the best air fare prices are purchases directly from the airline. And when you use their website, there are no ticketing fees (except for Allegiant who charges about $17 each to book on-line) with the big airlines like Delta, Air Canada and West Jet.
The best prices, in general, are for average, boring days like Tuesdays or Saturdays, NOT around national holidays and are purchased between 6 and 8 weeks in advance of the flight. But it's all ultimately up to the individual buying the air fare. What blend of date, time and price is right for you?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
You know it's time for a break when....
I've been burning the candle at both ends for a while now. I'm pretty durable and can take quite a bit. But the last week, I've had a couple of clear indicators that I need to slow it down a bit.
You know you're tired when... finally get home, sit down at the end of your work day and pour a cup of tea and open a chocolate bar and the next thing you know you wake up (still sitting upright on the couch) because the dog is licking the uneaten chocolate bar in your hand. And you're first thought is... "what time is it? 4AM? Oh good, I can still get a few things done before I go back to work."
You know you're tired when.... your son asks you to lie down in his bed and read him a book and the next thing you know you're awake, it's pitch black, you've just cranked your head on the top bunk and you have no idea what the hell just happened. But... there's a book on the floor and a sleeping child and you piece it together.
You know you're tired when.... you look forward to using the bathroom because at least it's a break.
You know you're tired when... your truck's fuel indicator light flashes "low gas" warning and urges you to refuel and you reply out loud, "yeah well I'm running on empty too. Shut up. You're going to have to wait."
But for me the most laughable indicator was last night. I was home in the evening, during daylight (rare!) and I looked outside the kitchen window and let out a gasp and a little scream. My husband "what's the matter? " And before I could even think I said "I thought I saw a lion." Yes. I am an idiot. For a split second there I thought I saw a small male lion stalking my pasture. I am exhausted. I am an idiot. It was my miniature horse, Sunny, who has lived here "forever" and walked past my window "a million times." I laugh even writing this. Yeah, but he LOOKED like a lion... oh, nevermind.
Now if only I could get some rest, a new chocolate bar and a day off, I'm sure I'd be good as new.
You know you're tired when... finally get home, sit down at the end of your work day and pour a cup of tea and open a chocolate bar and the next thing you know you wake up (still sitting upright on the couch) because the dog is licking the uneaten chocolate bar in your hand. And you're first thought is... "what time is it? 4AM? Oh good, I can still get a few things done before I go back to work."
You know you're tired when.... your son asks you to lie down in his bed and read him a book and the next thing you know you're awake, it's pitch black, you've just cranked your head on the top bunk and you have no idea what the hell just happened. But... there's a book on the floor and a sleeping child and you piece it together.
You know you're tired when.... you look forward to using the bathroom because at least it's a break.
You know you're tired when... your truck's fuel indicator light flashes "low gas" warning and urges you to refuel and you reply out loud, "yeah well I'm running on empty too. Shut up. You're going to have to wait."
But for me the most laughable indicator was last night. I was home in the evening, during daylight (rare!) and I looked outside the kitchen window and let out a gasp and a little scream. My husband "what's the matter? " And before I could even think I said "I thought I saw a lion." Yes. I am an idiot. For a split second there I thought I saw a small male lion stalking my pasture. I am exhausted. I am an idiot. It was my miniature horse, Sunny, who has lived here "forever" and walked past my window "a million times." I laugh even writing this. Yeah, but he LOOKED like a lion... oh, nevermind.
Now if only I could get some rest, a new chocolate bar and a day off, I'm sure I'd be good as new.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The boy & his mansion
My son has a clear and focused vision for his future. In fact his daydreaming is so clear that he's asked me to write down details and shopping lists for his future home.
The way he sees it, he's going to be a rich, professional hockey player with a beach house. He calls it "the mansion." As in, "Mom, get my book. We're going to write about my mansion." Or, "If you make me eat that (corned beef) sandwich, I'm not going to let you live in the mansion!"
Funny how kids get ideas and some are fleeting thoughts, and others - like this one - last for weeks and weeks. We've discussed it at bedtime. We've discussed it first thing in the morning. He's discussed it with his grandparents and at the grocery store. He's even got me talking about it, at work and here too.
The mansion sounds like a pretty great place. We're going to have a 9 car garage; 8 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. There will be a breakfast room, a disco room, a quiet room for reading, an indoor pool, a games room and.... well, you get the picture.
Somedays CJ plans to have lots of staff. A maid, a cook, a driver, a bartender and several security guards. Though other days he's in a mood and starts cutting staff. If I'm current on his mood swing, I think it's just the bartender we're keeping. I lobbied for the maid, but for whatever reason, CJ wants to keep the bartender. Or do I say "bartender/driver/lunch cook/pool boy." It seems this person better be a jack of all trades and want to work very hard.
That's another interesting point of note, CJ doesn't want me to work. He says in the future his mom will just sleep, read, hang out on the beach and go to his hockey games. Someday I intend to ask why he doesn't want me to work in the future. But for right now I'll choose to believe that he is acknowledging the fact that I am working so many hours right now and perhaps he even misses me. It's also very rewarding to be included in his daydreams. I'm so very lucky that he wants me in his life and in his future. What a great kid!
The way he sees it, he's going to be a rich, professional hockey player with a beach house. He calls it "the mansion." As in, "Mom, get my book. We're going to write about my mansion." Or, "If you make me eat that (corned beef) sandwich, I'm not going to let you live in the mansion!"
Funny how kids get ideas and some are fleeting thoughts, and others - like this one - last for weeks and weeks. We've discussed it at bedtime. We've discussed it first thing in the morning. He's discussed it with his grandparents and at the grocery store. He's even got me talking about it, at work and here too.
The mansion sounds like a pretty great place. We're going to have a 9 car garage; 8 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. There will be a breakfast room, a disco room, a quiet room for reading, an indoor pool, a games room and.... well, you get the picture.
Somedays CJ plans to have lots of staff. A maid, a cook, a driver, a bartender and several security guards. Though other days he's in a mood and starts cutting staff. If I'm current on his mood swing, I think it's just the bartender we're keeping. I lobbied for the maid, but for whatever reason, CJ wants to keep the bartender. Or do I say "bartender/driver/lunch cook/pool boy." It seems this person better be a jack of all trades and want to work very hard.
That's another interesting point of note, CJ doesn't want me to work. He says in the future his mom will just sleep, read, hang out on the beach and go to his hockey games. Someday I intend to ask why he doesn't want me to work in the future. But for right now I'll choose to believe that he is acknowledging the fact that I am working so many hours right now and perhaps he even misses me. It's also very rewarding to be included in his daydreams. I'm so very lucky that he wants me in his life and in his future. What a great kid!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Hello Hawaii
Air Canada, one of the world's best airlines, has very recently settled their union contract with CUPE. As a way of thanking customers for their patience & continued patronage, they are currently offering a 15% off deal anywhere they fly. Offer must be booked by Sept 25.
Check out this little gem of a deal: December 5-12 Maui for $598 tax in; return! Now I won't be going... but you might want to!! Check out anywhere and everywhere they fly this fall at 15% off by typing FLYDEC15 into the promo box.
I do expect that Westjet will match the offer tomorrow. Tee hee! I love this kind of stuff.
Check out this little gem of a deal: December 5-12 Maui for $598 tax in; return! Now I won't be going... but you might want to!! Check out anywhere and everywhere they fly this fall at 15% off by typing FLYDEC15 into the promo box.
I do expect that Westjet will match the offer tomorrow. Tee hee! I love this kind of stuff.
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