Check in to one of 37 participating downtown hotels through Sept. 15 and get a Visa gift card loaded with up to $125 per night for your first and second night’s stay.
Book up to three more nights for an additional $50 card per night. And the best part is that you can use the gift cards toward anything, including the room itself.
Book through StayVancouverHotels.com using promo code “VISA” to get this offer. If you change your mind, this deal is cancellable until 48 hours before arrival.
The Details: • Book through StayVancouverHotels.com using promo code “Visa”. • Booking subsequent nights as separate reservations will be treated the same as a single reservation for multiple nights. • The first night and second nights qualify for the full reward amount plus a $50 Visa Reward card per up to 3 subsequent nights. • Three bookings maximum per person. • Stay must be between now and September 15, 2020. • Bookings are cancellable up to 48 hours before check-in date. • Visa Reward card(s) will be delivered at check-in. • Bookings can be made using VISA, MasterCard, or American Express. • This offer is limited and may end at any time. • Please note that hotel amenities & services may be limited. Please check with the hotel directly. • StayVancouverHotels.com Terms & Conditions Apply.
Aeroplan is launching a new partnership with Uber Eats, where our members can now earn Aeroplan Miles this summer when ordering food with Uber Eats.
As you know, we’re doing our best to create relevance and engagement for our Aeroplan members while they’re staying at home. With our new Uber Eats partnership, our members will earn Aeroplan Miles on every Uber Eats food order purchase in Canada and the U.S. via the Aeroplan eStore.
To celebrate this launch, today, (June 9) through June 15, we’ll be offering an unprecedented 10 Aeroplan Miles for every dollar spent at Uber Eats via the Aeroplan eStore for orders placed in Canada and the U.S. After that, members will earn at least 1 Aeroplan Mile per dollar spent.
Aeroplan status members will earn even more miles when ordering with Uber Eats, and members who pay with any Aeroplan credit card will earn additional miles.
How it works:
Visit aeroplan.com/ubereats
Click on the ‘Shop Now’ button and enter an Aeroplan Number and last name to be automatically redirected to Uber Eats.
Complete you purchase as normal through the Uber Eats app or website using a new or existing Uber account.
Food delivery and food security are especially relevant topics in today’s context. As part of their new partnership, Air Canada and Uber Eats will make a donation of 500,000 Aeroplan Miles to the Breakfast Club of Canada COVID Emergency Fund. So far this year, Air Canada and its Aeroplan members have donated over 100 million miles to support important causes supporting the recovery from COVID-19 throughout Canada and around the world.
The alluring adventure in the rugged trails and the view of the mountain slopes serve as the ultimate adventurist’s dream. For bikepacking enthusiasts, it is all worth it. Beyond just your backpack and few valuables, there is more to the adventure. If perhaps you are a beginner and wish to go on a backpacking holiday in the woods, here is important stuff you’ll need to know.
Let us start with understanding what backpacking is to beginners. Bikepacking can be a lot of things to a different set of people. While some will stash a bedroll somewhere under their handlebars, others will pack panniers in their bikes and hit the road. Ideally, bikepacking can be classified as minimalist holiday camping on a bicycle.
Best Bikepacking Holiday Destinations
There are several breathtaking bikepacking destinations around the world, and here are a few selections for you.
Great Divide Mountain Biking Route – The Great Divide Route is a 2,100-mile pavement route stretching from Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, all the way to Antelope Wells, NM, USA. It is the world’s longest off-pavement route.
The North Sea Cycle Route – Running through Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Britain, and Scotland, the North Sea Cycle trail covers close to 3,750 miles. It is a favorite European bikepacking route that is liked mostly for what it offers beyond cruising along the coast of Norway and riding across the Shetland Islands in Scotland.
Dolomiti Trail – For hill climbers, the Dolomite Mountains of Italy offer the perfect route for bikepacking. You’ll need to cover approximately 160 miles, and 31,000 feet of climbing. It offers a combination of paved and non-paved segments that take you past the craggy landscape of this stunning Italian mountain.
Adriatic Crest Trail – Bring yourself to the spectacular Croatian coast through the dense forests and hills, cycling via a 380-mile trail. You will pedal in adventure-filled unpaved single and double tracks before meeting the ultimate hill challenge. If you can do with some climbing, there is a 35,000-feet to take you to new sights in this beautiful side of Croatia.
Eje Cafetero – Step outside Europe and enjoy the beauty of Bogota, Colombia, through exclusive bikepacking trails through Colombia’s coffee hub of Eje Cafetero. Pass the magical mountains like the Alto de Letras, one of the world’s longest climbs, and Alto de la Linea.
Tips and tricks for Bikepacking
Ensure you can dismantle your bike and reassemble it with ease, which makes you understand your machine better for emergencies.
Carry with you the necessary tools for fixing minor emergencies along the way, and make sure you know how to use every tool appropriately.
Pack enough water to last you through the entire trail. Strap it tightly to your frame, but keep it light enough to facilitate natural balancing as you ride.
Carry packed food, preferably light snacks or foods that are easy to prepare. Pack everything in a compact bag to be carried comfortably behind your back or fixed at the rear of the bike alongside other essentials.
As an exhilarating form of travel, bikepacking is meant to be enjoyed through every step. By putting into consideration the essential tips and making early preparations, your holiday should be as enjoyable as possible.
These days, online casinos and online sportsbooks are becoming more popular than land-based gambling establishments. However, the glamour and glitz of brick-and-mortar casinos added to the serene atmosphere offers you an experience that 10 deposit casinos will definitely match. Here are the top 10 gambling destination you’d want to try and enjoy the ultimate betting experience.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City remains the best choice whether you live around here or you are visiting, and you find Las Vegas unreachable. The city boasts sandy beaches, and casinos while still monopolizing board games. The city offers about eight casinos. The likes of Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino, Caesars Atlantic City, among others, make the city worth visiting despite the fading of its glamour.
Reno seats near Lake Tahoe. Just like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, Reno has casinos as well as resorts. Casinos, like Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Eldorado Casino Resort, Peppermill, Silver Legacy, Harrah’s Reno, and Grand Sierra, are the biggest here.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monaco boasts of some of the most successful gaming destinations in the world. Ask any gambler in Europe or anyone who has visited Monte Carlo. The resort faces the Mediterranean, so you can fraction your time between gaming in the casino and enjoying the scenery.
Macau, China
Macau is an administrative region found in China. It is famously known as “Monte Carlo of the Orient.” About half of its economy is controlled by the 33 casinos in it. A large number of these casinos are located in its Peninsula while the rest sits on Taipa Island. They are among the 20 largest casinos globally.
Las Vegas, Nevada
15 of the 25 largest hotels in the world are located in Las Vegas, Nevada. It houses around 75 casinos. Located almost in the middle of a desert, this oasis of gaming is a ground for real gamblers. The Bellagio, MGM Grand Las Vegas, and the Venetian are some of the most iconic in this region.
London, United Kingdom
The city boasts over 20 casinos for both the dwellers and visitors. The casinos contribute a large portion of the economy here as well as giving gamers a gambling experience like no other. Some of the most famous in this town are Aspers Casino, The Ritz Club, and the Hippodrome Casino, among others.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan has several casinos that always leave visitors with a casino experience like no other. Some of the casinos here operate on a 24-hour basis. Therefore, every minute of your vacation or gaming will never go to waste. Some of the popular resorts here are San Juan Casino and Spa, Stellaris Casino, San Juan Marriot Resort, and many more.
Aruba, Caribbean
Imagine sandy beaches alongside casinos. What else do you need on your holiday? Some of the casinos at Aruba are open 24 hours. Glitz Casino, Copacabana Casino, Casablanca Casino, and Crystal Casino are just but a few.
Singapore is an Island country that hosts worldclass casinos and gaming establishments. Even better, it boasts of botanical gardens, zoo, magnificent skyline, and urban parks that serve as a chaser for your gambling experience. You can start with two major casinos, Marina Bay Sands and Resort World Sentosa.
San Jose, Costa Rica
The city has more than 30 casinos. Its exchange rate for both dollars and Euros is very generous. It makes gambling in San Jose even more attractive. The tropical paradise in Costa Rica is not something to leave the earth without tasting.
Aeroplan launched a new promotion today that will help members reach Altitude status without leaving the ground.
Between today (Apr 20) and May 31st, when a member earns 50,000 Aeroplan Miles through everyday Travel at home activities (including miles earned via an Aeroplan-affiliated credit card), the member will receive Altitude Prestige 25K status valid through 2021. Members will need to register for this promotion.
Altitude members can earn towards their next status level – Between April 20 and May 31st, members earn more when they earn Aeroplan Miles, including Bonus Altitude Qualifying Miles (AQM) and the potential for a one-time Altitude status tier upgrade up to a maximum award of Elite 75K.
How can members achieve this?
As announced earlier, members can earn miles for every five Aeroplan Miles they donate to a charity fighting the COVID-19 crisis, they’ll receive one Altitude Qualifying Mile (AQM).
Convert points from hotels and credit cards – an easy way to earn towards an Altitude status would be to convert points like your Marriott Bonvoy or AMEX Membership Rewards.
Use an Aeroplan affiliated credit card or apply for one and the initial welcome bonus will count!
Shop online via the 170+ brands on the Aeroplan eStore. There will be weekly bonuses released, specifically for everyday purchases from favourite brands like Gap, Sephora, Well.ca, Indigo and more.
Each week, they’ll have new offers for members to be able to earn at home. Visit: www.aeroplan.com/travelathome to learn more about this promotion.
Individually submit the form on this page between January 9 – 31, 2020 with the following information:
Your first and last name
Your 9-digit WestJet Rewards ID (provided to you upon joining WestJet Rewards)
Email and phone number on your WestJet Rewards account
A scanned copy or photo of your top-tier membership card from Altitude and VIPorter, showing your name, current status valid through to a minimum February 29, 2020. (The submission can include a screenshot of the digital card in Apple wallet, your desktop dashboard or boarding pass with all the info specified)
To get Gold WestJet Rewards status, you must have status in the following programs:
To get Silver WestJet Rewards status, you must have status in the following programs:
Altitude: 35K, 50K, 75K and 100K, VIPorter Priority
Altitude: 25K, VIPorter Passport
Challenge 1 will get you WestJet Rewards Gold or Silver benefits until March 31, 2020. If you want to keep extending those benefits, continue to Challenge 2.
Challenge 2
Got your new WestJet Rewards status? Take minimum one flight between January 9 – March 31, 2020:
AC Altitude and Porter members must take minimum one WestJet flight anywhere
Challenge 2 will extend your upgraded Rewards top-tier status another 90 days till June 30, 2020.+ Complete Challenge 3 to take advantage of the full length of the Offer.
Challenge 3
Gold members with a minimum qualifying spend of $2,500 between the date of upgrade in Challenge 1 and June 30, 2020 will retain Gold status for another year, until June 30, 2021. Silver members that have a minimum qualifying spend of $1,500 between the date of upgrade in Challenge 1 and June 30, 2020 will retain Silver status for another year until June 30, 2021.^
With the new year upon us, I found a great offer from Scotiabank for their first year free cash back Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card.
Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Plus, no annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards. A welcome offer value of $350 (annual fee is usually $150).
Grocery store purchases Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases.
Includes: grocery stores and supermarkets.
Bill payments Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on recurring bill payments.
Includes: pre-authorized payments setup to occur on a regular schedule (daily, monthly or annually).
Examples: insurance premiums, utilities, gym memberships and more.
Subscription payments Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on recurring subscription purchases.
Includes: pre-authorized payments setup to occur on a regular schedule (daily, monthly or annually).
Examples: popular video or music streaming, meal kit delivery, lifestyle boxes and more.
2% Gas and daily transit Includes: gas stations, paying at the pump, buses, taxis, trains, rideshare, and more.
Another great reason to get this card is for the free premium insurance that comes with it:
New Mobile Device Insurance
Protect your new cell phones, smartphones, or tablets purchased using your Card on or after August 1, 2019. This is one of the few Cash Back Visa Infinite credit cards with this insurance benefit.
Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance
Charge at least 75% of your trip costs to your Card and get trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance at no extra cost.
Travel Emergency Medical Insurance
Coverage is provided for eligible persons under age 65 for up to 15 consecutive days.
Flight Delay Insurance
Charge at least 75% of the full ticket cost to your Card and you’ll be eligible for reimbursement of necessary expenses, such as hotel accommodations, meals, and other emergency items.
Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance
Charge the full cost of your airplane, train, bus, or cruise ship tickets to your Card. If your checked luggage is delayed or lost, you’re covered.
Travel Accident Insurance
Charge at least 75% of your ticket cost to your Card and you’re insured against accidental loss of life or dismemberment.
Rental Car Collision Loss/Damage Insurance
Charge the full cost of your eligible rental car to your Card and you’re automatically insured if your rental is damaged or stolen.
Purchase Security & Extended Warranty Protection
Most items purchased with your Card are insured against theft, loss, or damage for 90 days from the purchase date. The manufacturer’s warranty is also doubled for up to one year.
You must have a minimum annual income of $60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000 or a minimum assets under management of $250,000.
I know gift cards are probably the worst redemption with Aeroplan but sometimes we all need cash! This is the highest return I have seen on gift cards for a while on the Aeroplan website.
I value my Aeroplan at 1.5 cents per mile (meaning I try to get a return at a minimum of 1.5 cents).
Here is an example of some cards:
Air Canada gift cards: $1000 gift card – 88000 miles (usually 100,000) $500 gift card – 44250 miles (usually 50,000) $250 gift card – 22250 miles (usually 25,000)
I love sharing these great status opportunities for our readers. You do not know how lucrative it is to have elite status until you use it or need to redeem it at a long line for a car rental!
After enrolling, pay for your first rental with any American Express® Card and earn five Emerald Club Credits toward a future rental day. Rental day offer is valid at participating worldwide locations. You can get the free status even without having an AMEX card.
Your automatic upgrade to Executive Elite status means access to the following benefits: • Reserve a mid-size to get access to Emerald Aisle. • Guaranteed upgrades: reserve and pay for a mid-size, drive away in a vehicle in a higher class • To maintain Executive Elite status, member must meet the standard qualifications of 25 or more rentals or 85 or more rental days during the full calendar year 2020.
You also get: • Faster rentals by bypassing the counter. • To choose your own car. Don’t waste time looking for your assigned car. • Faster returns with Drop & Go. With e-receipts, there is no need to wait for an agent to give you a receipt. • No second-driver fees • Reward choices. Select from Free Rental Days**, frequent-flyer miles or hotel rewards. • Special offers. Receive members-only discounts and offers through our periodic emails.
Remember one important thing about having status, that other will woo you! Once you get your status, you can match to other companies like Hertz, Enterprise, etc.
Here is a great post from fellow Canadian blogger, Prince of Travel.
