Canadian Travel Hacking

Year: 2014

  • American Express Rewards Bonus of 2,014 Membership Points on purchases of $400 or more of travel

    Earn 2,014 Bonus Membership Rewards® points when you charge $400 or more in one single transaction to an eligible Card on eligible± hotels and car rentals from December 19th, 2013 to February 13th, 20141.

    Whether you plan to have a relaxing family holiday or a pampering weekend at a spa hotel, you’ll find a wide selection of flights, hotels, and car rentals.

    What’s more, the 2,014 Bonus points are on top of the 1 additional point you can earn for every $1 you charge to an eligible on eligible± travel bookings2.

    So why not get 2014 off to a perfect start and book your next adventure with American Express Travel?

    Basic Cardmembers enrolled in the American Express Membership Rewards Program that book travel through the American Express Travel website are eligible. 2,014 Bonus Membership Rewards points offer available on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made from December 19th, 2013 to February 13th, 2014. A one time Bonus of 2,014 Membership Rewards points will be awarded per Membership Rewards account on purchases of $400 or more (after taxes and fees) charged to an eligible Card for eligible hotel and car rental bookings booked through americanexpress.ca/travel where American Express (not the hotel or car rental company) is the merchant. Purchase must be in a single transaction of at least $400 and cannot be cumulative purchases.

    Use of Membership Rewards points and an eligible Card for payment qualifies for the Bonus provided at least $400 is charged to an eligible Card.

    Eligible Cards include: The American Express® Card, American Express® Gold Rewards Card, Platinum Card®, Centurion Card®, Choice Card from American ExpressTM, ChoicePlus Card from American ExpressTM, Business Platinum CardTM from American Express, American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card, American Express® Corporate Card, American Express® Corporate Gold Card, American Express® Corporate Platinum Card, and the Platinum Credit Card. Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards Program apply.

    ±Hotel bookings under the Fine Hotels and Resorts program are not eligible for this Bonus Membership Rewards points offer.

    In order to redeem points for any travel booking, the Membership Rewards Program account must be active and the Card must be in good standing.

    Please allow up to 10 weeks for Bonus points to be credited to your account.

  • Winter zips at Whistler by Superfly on offer

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    Superfly Ziplines of Whistler has just introduced new winter zipline tours.

    The Superfly ziplines operate on Rainbow Mountain, some 200 metres above the forest floor and over a kilometre in length.

    The Winter Zipline Tour includes a ride in a heated snowcat and hot drinks in a private yurt, followed by the three-hour zipline experience, priced at $129 for adults.

    The Crystal Lodge in Whistler Village is offering a Soar & Slumber package, which includes two night’s accommodation, a zipline day tour, free parking for one vehicle, a late check-out and free wireless Internet access. Prices start at $126 p.p., per night.

    (http://www.superflyziplines.com)

  • Benefits for Aeroplan Distinction members at Fairmont hotels

    Aeroplan Distinction members will receive special treatment, based on their Distinction level, when they book a stay directly with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts using their exclusive Fairmont Distinction Promotional Code.

    Enjoy a luxury hotel experience along with extra benefits according to each Distinction level.

    dSilver members receive:

    • Room upgrade at check-in (when available)
    • Daily complimentary breakfast

    dBlack members receive:

    • Room upgrade at check-in (when available)
    • Daily complimentary breakfast
    • $25 hotel credit

    dDiamond members receive:

    • Room upgrade at check-in (when available)
    • Daily complimentary breakfast
    • $25 hotel credit
    • Welcome amenity

      Terms and Conditions from the Aeroplan website:
      *A stay is defined as one or more consecutive nights at the same hotel, regardless of the number of check-ins and checkouts. The price for this offer is equal to Fairmont’s Best Available Rate for the room-type booked for that date. All bookings must include your Aeroplan Number for each stay or provided in your Fairmont President’s Club profile. Offer does not apply to existing bookings. Advance reservations are required. This offer is subject to availability of rooms. Cancellation policies vary by property. Valid on bookings made between January 1 and December 31, 2014 for stays completed by January 15, 2015. Offer cannot be combined with other Fairmont promotions or offers. Offer subject to change without notice, including possible extensions of expiry date. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is responsible for the fulfillment of this offer. This benefit is not applicable when members redeem Aeroplan Miles for a stay at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Black-out dates vary by property, for a complete list please seewww.fairmont.com/promotions/limited.
      1.To be eligible for this offer, you must be a dSilver member, use the exclusive Promotional Code provided at http://www.aeroplan.com/your_aeropla…nctionBenefits and make your reservation directly with Fairmont.
      2.Room Upgrade to next room category, is offered at time of check-in, and based on availability.
      3.Complimentary breakfast excludes In Room Dining. Daily breakfast for two (2) includes a full American breakfast in the Hotel’s main dining room.
      4.To be eligible for this offer, you must be a dBlack member, use the exclusive Promotional Code provided at http://www.aeroplan.com/your_aeropla…nctionBenefits and make your reservation directly with Fairmont.
      5.$25 hotel credit, per stay: dBlack and dDiamond members will receive (1) $25 hotel credit ($25 CDN at Canadian properties and $25 USD value at all other participating locations). Hotel credit has no cash value and cannot be applied toward the daily room rate, or for Third-party activities billed to the suite. Hotel credit cannot be applied to Fairmont Store or other retail outlet purchases within the property. Credit will be applied to applicable charges at check-out. No refunds will be issued if the dollar value of the promotion is not used. The credit will expire by checkout time the morning of the guest’s scheduled departure date. Guests are responsible for paying any remaining balance due at checkout time for charges applied to the room that exceed the total credit during their stay.
      6.To be eligible for this offer, you must be a dDiamond member, use the exclusive Promotional Code provided at http://www.aeroplan.com/your_aeropla…nctionBenefits and make your reservation directly with Fairmont.
      7.Welcome Amenity varies by hotel.

  • ‎Vancouver‬ to to Bali, Indonesia – $849 roundtrip including taxes

    Uses Malaysia Airlines from YVR:

    – They seem to have long stopovers in Tokyo (NRT), starting at 9 hours.
    – They also stopover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)
    – The Vancouver to Tokyo and Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur flights are actually operated by Japan Airlines, a very nice airline.
    – It looks to be possible to get extended layovers in Tokyo and/or Kuala Lumpur for approximately $50 more. In theory you could visit Japan, Bali, and Malaysia on one ticket for under $900!
    – Flights to Jakarta, Indonesia (CGK) may also have been affected
    – These fare looks to be available on spring and summer 2014 flights.

    Vancouver to Tokyo to Bali to Vancouver – February 26 to March 9 – $911 including taxes
    http://www.hipmunk.com/flights/YVR-to-BKK#!dates=Aug04,Aug28&group=1&selected_flights=de0956c48f,ae2765765e;kind=multi&locations=YVR::MH9769%2B,NRT,NRT,DPS,DPS,YVR&dates=Feb26,Mar02,Mar09&group=2&selected_flights=3ba052e6b5,4e00b1fd7b,57ea4c231c~tab=1

    Vancouver to Tokyo to Bali to Malaysia, back to Vancouver – spending a week in each place – August 06 to August 27 – $931 including taxes for all flights
    http://www.hipmunk.com/flights/YVR::MH9769%2B-to-NRT-and-NRT-to-DPS-and-DPS-to-KUL-and-KUL-to-YVR#!dates=Aug06,Aug13,Aug20,Aug27&pax=1

    Source: https://www.facebook.com/YVRdeals

  • Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi Review

    We started by parking our rental car at the Galleria Mall (one of 10 stops on the water taxi – hop on and hop off tour).\

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    We saw mega wealthy houses, heard interesting stories about the houses, heard some jokes, and were entertained with a comfortable ride. I enjoyed seeing the back stories about the mansions and how much the houses are for sale. We saw how Wayne Huizinga (previous owner of BlockBuster Video) bought his neighbour’s homes when they complained when he took his helicopter to his office. It was impressive to see the canals and various homes and opulence.

    The Water Taxi routes run between Oakland Park Boulevard and Southeast 17th Street along the Intracoastal waterway, and west along the New River into downtown Fort Lauderdale as far as the Las Olas Riverfront complex.

    We ended up at the Las Olas Riverfront complex after about a 45 minute water taxi ride and stopped for a lunch break and baby break. We did a small walk and checked out some interesting art and shops on Las Olas.

    We took the 1:55 PM water taxi back to the Galleria stop.

    Make sure that you save your ticket because the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi provides a variety of Cruise & Save partners providing small discounts with display of ticket.

    The Water Taxi ticket lets you on and off its stops all day while taking in the sights along Fort Lauderdale’s world famous waterways, which have earned the city the nickname, “The Venice of America”.

    I recommend this to all visitors to Fort Lauderdale and the staff is really nice and friendly. Our daughter was getting restless (too long a trip for her), but the captain recommended a stop at Hollywood beach and the stops are well planned with restaurants nearby.

    Make sure you check the schedule prior to planning your day though.

  • 5 day Air France promotion for Canadian Flights

    Air France would like to start 2014 by offering you, for 5 days only, an exclusive promotion to great destinations for travel in March and April.
    With this promotion, you can also benefit from a free Stop over in Paris.
    Hurry, this promotion ends January 7th, 2014.
    From Montreal, Toronto or Ottawa.
    R/T, all taxes included.

    Departure from March 10th to April 7th, 2014.

    Paris
    from $ 799

    Barcelona
    from $ 849

    Venice
    from $ 849

    Dakar
    from $ 999

    Kuala Lumpur
    from $ 1299

    Athens
    from $ 849

    Madrid
    from $ 849

    Tel Aviv
    from $ 899

    Mauritius
    from $ 1199

    Singapore
    from $ 1299

    www.airfrance.ca
    1-800-667-2747
    Fare conditions:
    (1) These fares are valid on Air France flights only and for departure from Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa.
    (2) Taxes and surcharges are included in the fares.
    (3) These fares are subject to availability and subject to change without notice.
    (4) Fare applies to new online reservations only and must be purchased before January 7, 2014.
    (5) Changes/Refund before or after departure may be subject to fees. Other conditions may apply and seats are limited.
    (6) For all tickets issued by an Air France Agency, a service fee applies. No fee applies for reservations made online.
    (7) Fares are valid for new bookings made from January 3 to January 7, 2014.

  • $50 Gift Card for staying at Delta Hotels & paying with American Express

    You can receive a $50 Delta Gift Card when you book and stay for 2 consecutive nights between January 1 and March 31, 2014 at a participating Delta Hotels and Resorts property and pay using your American Express® Card.
    Plus, for each additional consecutive night you stay you can receive an additional $25 Delta Gift Card.

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    Gift Cards only to be used on your next purchase. Offer is only valid on qualifying rates.
    TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION, CALL 1-800-268-1133 AND MENTION THE PROMOTIONAL CODE SNOW OR VISIT DELTAHOTELS.COM/SNOW AND PAY WITH YOUR AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD.

    To be eligible for the $50 (CAD) Delta Hotels and Resorts Gift Card, Cardmember must meet the minimum stay frequency by booking a minimum of 2 consecutive nights at a participating Delta Hotels and Resorts property, between January 1 and March 31, 2014, and stay between January 1 and March 31, 2014.

    Cardmember can receive an additional $25 (CAD) Delta Gift Card for each additional nights stay (stays must be completed by March 31, 2014).

    Offer is valid on qualifying rates only; the following room rates do not qualify for this offer: Friends and Family rates, Air Crew rates, Group rate codes, and OTA rates. Offer is only valid if Cardmember meets the minimum stay frequency stated above at the following Delta Hotels and Resorts properties: Delta Whistler Village Suites, Delta Sun Peaks Resort, Delta Vancouver Suites, Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge, Delta Lodge at Kananaskis, Delta Vancouver Airport, Delta Calgary South Hotel, Delta Bow Valley.
    To receive this offer, purchase must be charged in full to any American Express Card and Cardmember must mention promotional code SNOW at time of booking. Offer is valid on new bookings only. Offer is based on double occupancy accommodation. All sales are final and cannot be exchanged, refunded or transferred. Offer subject to change without notice, including possible extensions of expiry date. Booking is subject to room availability. Cancellation policies and charges vary by property and should be confirmed at time of reservation. Advance reservations required.
    Bookings or transactions made through travel-related web sites and any other channels that are not made directly with Delta Hotels and Resorts do not qualify. Gift Card is only valid for your next purchase at all Delta Hotels and Resorts properties. Gift card has no expiry date and is transferable.
    Gift Card is not valid for parking fees that may be incurred during your stay. Cardmember will receive the Gift Card after point of purchase after Cardmember’s stay. Delta Hotels and Resorts is responsible for the fulfillment of this offer.

    Here is a link to the source

  • Hotels.com – Save up to 30% in the New Year PLUS 10% off Code Extended through 1/12/2014

    To ring in the New Year, Hotels.com will be offering you up to 30% off on select destinations when you book by 1/27/2013!

    Whether your customers are looking for the perfect getaway for New Year’s Eve or want to start 2014 off with a trip to their favorite destination, Hotels is helping your customers find the best deal in 2014!

  • TD Aeroplan VISA Review – 1st Year Free + 15,000 Free Miles

    It is a new year and it is time for the new credit cards to be displayed!

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    There are four TD Aeroplan Credit Cards to choose from and each comes with Welcome Bonus of Aeroplan Miles:
    • TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card – a Welcome Bonus of 15,000 miles
    • TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card – a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 miles
    • TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege™ Card – a Welcome Bonus of 25,000 miles
    • TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card – a Welcome Bonus of 20,000 miles
    Plus, your Welcome Bonus will help qualify towards your 2015 Distinction status
    TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege, and TD Aeroplan Visa Business Cardholders also enjoy:
    • A limited time 2-for-1 short‑haul flight reward offer
    • Air Canada benefits like annual Maple Leaf™ Lounge access, Priority Check-in and Priority Boarding, and much more—experience a world of comfort Get ready to earn faster and travel sooner with TD Aeroplan Credit Cards

    Be careful about this offer as the lounge access is a one-time guest pass (not that useful if you have a family).

    Another problem is that the complimentary first checked bag benefit, up to 23kg (50 lbs), applies whenever the Primary Cardholder travels on any flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express or Air Canada rouge. Flights operated by other airlines are not eligible. The benefit is only given with the Aeroplan reward so it is not useful if you are a regular Air Canada flyer.

    If you are flying with United to the US, you are still paying the fee (not that useful a benefit).

    The final benefit is only good for flights booked with Aeroplan miles.

    You and your companions travelling on the same reservation can enjoy the convenience of Priority Check-In and Priority Boarding, whenever you travel on an Aeroplan Flight Reward operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express or Air Canada rouge.

    This is an OK credit card (no annual fee the first year), but I would stick with the American Express Gold Rewards card with the 25,000 bonus points that you get with no annual fee (at the moment).

    Here is the link to the TD Aeroplan VISA card.

    This card will have no annual fee (promoted at the branches starting tomorrow).

    It is really no competition with the American Express Gold Reward card.

  • Request a free Ontario Travel 2014 Calendar

    I grew up in Northwestern Ontario – very fortunate, and Ontario has some beauty (not as much as BC though)!

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    Request your free Ontario Outdoor Adventures Calendar for 2014.

    Available only to Canadian and U.S. addresses.

    Request your calendar today