Category: General

Hotel WiFi Test Lets You Check Hotel WiFi Speed

One of my must haves is free wifi when I am on the road (as a blogger and someone that is always connected).

Many hotels offer this but sometimes it could be slower than a Starbucks in Seattle!

The Wifi speeds are faster than my home connection!

Hotel WiFi Test is crowdsourcing its speed data by having you test the Wi-Fi in a hotel. It can pin down your location and run a speed test.

For many travellers, WiFi speed is a vital feature of a hotel room, and is a major selling point for everyone from businessmen to backpackers. However, most hotels don’t actually care much about the WiFi quality since they can always advertise “Free WiFi”, which doesn’t make any claims about the actual quality or speed. Free is always a good price, but travelers are often disappointed by the WiFi quality they find.

As its name suggest, Hotel WiFi test is a site that lets you find out the internet speed of hotels around the world. It relies on user generated content though: meaning users have to go to hotels and test the WiFi, simply by running the site and it will automatically pin down your location and run a speed test. After the website uses your internet location to check your approximate location, it shows you a list of hotels near you. You simply select the hotel you are in and the website will check your speed and figure the results into the rating.

Currently, the website lists a few hundred tested site from popular locations around the world, and in Singapore, over 34 hotels have been tested for their WiFi speed at the time of this writing. Some of the hotels include Marina Bay Sands, which has the highest internet speed of all the hotels tested in Singapore, Grand Copthorne Waterfront, Shangri-La, The Fullerton and many more. Other than Singapore, 33 hotels in Bangkok have also been tested for their internet speed.

Try it out today (when you are travelling).

July 31, 2014
How I earned Aeroplan Distinction without flying once!

I love the Aeroplan distinction program as it is not just a frequent flyer program (I no longer travel frequently for work).

It gives you many nice bonuses like bonus Aeroplan Miles for stays, reduced miles for Market Fare Flight Rewards, bid miles on dExclusives, one-of-a-kind experiences and items offered through an exclusive online auction site.

Distinction benefits

I don’t fly as much (2 little ones and I have been busy this year).

I wanted to show Canadians that even if you do not fly a lot that you can still earn many frequent flyer miles!

Look at my statement below, shopping at Thriftys, pump my gas at Esso, and I bought a vanity with a promotion at Shop.ca. These are activities where I just purchased at my favourite merchants but I planned to stack to earn the bonus miles. The way I looked at this is that I earned a free flight!

Earn frequent flyer miles without flying.

As a result of my careful spending, I became a Distinction Silver member this month – without flying with Air Canada or any other Star Alliance members once all year!

July 21, 2014
How to get the under 25 surcharge fee waived when renting a car
Thankfully I don’t have this problem anymore but for my readers under 25, when you rent a car, you usually need to pay a hefty surcharge (because you are an inexperienced driver).

What most companies think all young people drive!

I feel for you as I remember paying these for a trip but I have some tips and tricks that will help you out!

1. Get a AAA or CAA membership.

Young renters usually have to pay $15- $25 extra per day for a “Young Rental” fee. Did you know that owning a AAA card waives this fee?

2. Get a free USAA membership (US Only).

All you have to do is sign up for a free USAA account here. Click on “Our Products”, then “Retail Discounts”. Finally, click “Learn More” underneath Rental Cars. They have a table with each company listed with their discount code and a list of the benefits.

Each code knocks off underage driver fees and additional driver fees for Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz. You also get a discount beyond that (25% with Avis and Hertz).

Source

3. For all my Canadian and US friends, join Hertz Gold Rewards for free!

A Complimentary #1 Club Gold Membership For Young Renters:

Are you 21 or older? Start enjoying the benefits of a complimentary Hertz #1 Club Gold membership with your next rental with Hertz.

In addition to waiving the $60 membership fee, You’ll also enjoy: Automatic discounts on our Standard and Leisure Rates.
- No additional fees related to your age. This is a fee that is usually applied to each rental day for renters ages 21-24 years-old.
Sign up here and use CDP #1826991 (GOLD FAMILY DISCOUNT PROGRAM) and remember to select it when booking.

4. Book under a corporate code.

Do you belong to a college or university or does your employer have a corporate code?

Sometimes these codes will bypass the car rental standard pricing for the driver surcharge.
July 16, 2014
Guide to AIR MILES CANADA Onyx Benefits
How many of you are AIR MILES Collectors?

AIR MILES OYNX

How many of you are Oynx though?

This is achievable by earning 6,000 AIR MILES in one year! This to me seems impossibl

Onyx Benefits
- Greater access to airline seats
- Book select flights using up to 40% fewer reward miles
- Preferential pricing on cruises and vacation packages
- Merchandise for up to 50% fewer reward miles
- Priority service at the Call Centre
- team dedicated to finding and getting a variety of rewards outside of the online Catalogue
- Get requested items using reward miles from your Dream balance
- Unforgettable Events & Contests
- 20% fewer reward miles on seasonal activities and dining
- Invitations to Exclusive Onyx-inspired gatherings
- Free movie passes to select films
- Bonus offers into Meet & Greet Contests
- Special monthly Giveaways
Are there any die-hard AIR MILES collectors out there?

I have avoided AIR MILES after I tried to book a flight on-line and had to put up with too many fuel surcharges – they are more useful for Shell gas cards than actual travelling unless you find a redemption without a lot of taxes.
July 11, 2014
New 4G LTE Network for Canadian travellers to the USA – Roam Mobility

Roam Mobility today announced its new 4G LTE Network for Canadians travelling in the USA. This enhanced network offers several new features, including faster data speeds, multimedia messaging (MMS), improved coverage and more features.

As a previous user of Roam Mobility in New Orleans, we are excited and pleased to see that they can move forward.

4G LTE is a faster data network with greater capacity and significantly improved speeds. This allows for faster downloading, smoother streaming and a better overall experience. The new 4G LTE Network covers all major metro areas in the USA including New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Detroit, and more.

If you are new to Roam Mobility, check out how it works below (I promise a more detailed review in the future):

July 3, 2014
AC Opens Maple Leaf Lounge at New Heathrow Terminal 2
Air Canada has opened its latest International Maple Leaf Lounge at London Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 2, also known as The Queen’s Terminal, Departures Area 2B.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Terminal 2 Heathrow.

Located at Star Alliance’s largest airport hub and Air Canada’s largest international station, Air Canada’s London Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge is a “serene, stylish oasis where eligible Air Canada and Star Alliance customers can rest, refuel or refresh before their flight in an inspiring, contemporary environment that is a celebration of Canadian design, artistry and craftsmanship.”

Designed by Bennett Lo Toronto’s award-winning firm dialogue 38 who also designed Air Canada’s Frankfurt Maple Leaf Lounge, AC’s Heathrow 700-square-metre Maple Leaf Lounge is described as a home away from home prior to flight, featuring:
- A Quiet Zone comprising three reclining pods equipped with personal satellite-fed TV screens, USB ports and Sony noise-cancelling headsets;
- Spa-inspired shower area featuring showers with large rain-shower heads, ambient music;
- Business Centre equipped with individual flat-screen Dell PCs, colour laser printing and scanning;
- Complimentary wireless high speed Internet access throughout;
- A cooking station with chef to prepare meals upon request;
- Tended bar with Molson Canadian beer on tap along with a large selection of wines, beer and spirits;
- Bistro-style dining area offering a selection of hot and cold food items;
- Showcasing Canadian art and products from 2Loons a Toronto based design and production house, laminated glass art walls from Accura Glass, Concord, Ontario and Cloud lamp by Frank Gehry among others.
Hours of operation: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

(http://www.aircanada.com/lounge)

I can’t wait for our next trip to London!

Has anyone been in an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge overseas before?
June 25, 2014
Things You Need to Know about Towing a Recreational Trailer
Travel isn’t always exotic hotels or flights – in Canada camping and hauling a trailer is very popular and economical!

RV Trailer Advice

Here are some helpful points to keep in mind when you head out on the highway with your RV combination.
- Know how heavy your load is. Most recreational trailers weigh less than 4,600 kg. If your trailer weighs under 4,600 kg (fully loaded), your Class 5 or 7 licence is all you need. If your load is over 4,600 kg fully loaded and you hold a Class 4 or 5 licence, you need to get a house trailer endorsement or hold a different class licence.
- Understand your vehicle towing requirements. Your vehicle owner’s manual will tell you the maximum weight your vehicle can tow. Do not exceed this amount as it will put you, your trailer and others at risk. Most manufacturers have trailer towing packages including: type of engine, transmission (heavy duty), cooling systems, axles and suspension, power brakes, steering, tires, mirrors, electrical system and more. Make sure your truck is equipped for the trailer you intend to tow.
- Know the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer including its load, and how much of that weight is on the hitch, to calculate if the truck is capable of towing the trailer. There is usually a plate or a decal on the trailer indicating the GVWR. This is the manufacturer’s recommended maximum weight of the trailer and its load.
- Do a pre-trip inspection. You should conduct an inspection of your truck and trailer at least daily and, when travelling, every time you stop. The inspection includes: checking under the hood, checking gauges in the cab, walking around the truck and trailer to check lights, tire pressure and mechanical components, making sure boats and other items on travel trailers are securely buckled down. The final step is to pull ahead slowly and check for brake and steering response. ICBC has compiled a detailed list of things to check in their pre trip inspection document.
- Realize that speed and weight affect stopping power. Understand what is required of you and your vehicle combination to move and to stop. This includes giving yourself adequate stopping distance and stopping time (at least five seconds between you and vehicle in front of you). As always, inclement weather, construction zones, emergency work, and other unique situations on highways may require you to slow down or even stop with short notice. Be prepared and stay focussed.
- Keep safety in mind at all times. This is a given for all road trips you take but staying safe while travelling with your trailer ensures your journey will end well for everyone. A few things to remember:
  - Passengers are never allowed to travel in the trailer.
  - Propane appliances should be completely closed during travel and equipped with detectors to alert you of a leak.
  - Carry a fire extinguisher on board in case of fire.
  - Make sure water valves are closed, power lines are disconnected and all vents and awnings are completely closed before you take off.
  - Make sure ATVs and boats are properly secured to the trailer.
  - Regular vehicle maintenance is another important part of travelling with or without a recreational trailer; keeping your pride and joy road ready will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Refresh yourself on the rules of the road. It’s always a good time to refresh your knowledge of BC road signs. Take this practice test.
Any brave travellers out there that love to use an RV?
June 20, 2014
Cathay Pacific Enhance – Bid to upgrade your flight
I like new pricing models for airlines. Cathay is doing something interesting (announced today).

Cathay Enhance

Enhance – make an offer for an upgrade to the next higher cabin class.

During the trial period, they invite passengers booked on Economy Class and Premium Economy Class to place an offer for a chance to upgrade, with the following criteria:
- Passengers travelling on 1 of our 9 selected routes: Perth, Toronto, Newark, Moscow, Paris, London, Surabaya, Cebu or Seoul.
- Enhance is only available for selected flights and applicable fare classes on these routes where tickets are issued at specific countries/regions.
- Bookings made after 12 May 2014, for travel between 20 June and 12 November 2014, on cathaypacific.com or dragonair.com, or with our local reservations office and hotlines.
- Bookings must be confirmed.
- Bookings with infant fares, waitlisted, redemption and prize tickets are not eligible.
Please also refer to other terms and conditions that apply and read the Frequently Asked Questions for a list of all our guidelines.

After you book your Economy Class or Premium Economy Class ticket, you may be invited to participate in Enhance, based on various factors, including seat availability.

How to make an offer
1. Book your ticket.
  - Book on our official website, and if you’re eligible you’ll receive an instant invitation on the booking confirmation page.
  - Book with your local reservations office, and if you’re eligible you’ll receive an email invitation 7 days before departure of the first sector of your flight booking.
2. Follow the steps on the invitation, submit your personal information, and make an offer.
3. If your offer was accepted, we will contact you 2-3 days before your flight to confirm the upgrade.
Would you ever pay after using a bidding process to upgrade your flight?
June 18, 2014
Coolest looking passports from around the world?

I love having my Canadian passport – but I always wondered what other countries’ passports looked like.

Here are some of my favourites:

Maldives Passport

Portugal Passport

Qatar passport

East German Passport

Kiwi passport

Swiss Passport

United Nations Passport

Iran Passport

Barbados Passport

Australia Passport

European Union Passport

Am I missing any cool looking passports?

June 17, 2014

Porter Airlines To Start Charging For Baggage

Porter is going to start charging for baggage!

The first piece of luggage will cost $25, the second $35-40 and subsequent checked bags will be $100+. There are added fees if your checked baggage is overweight, this is the fee for checking the baggage only. These fees apply to flights leaving May 14th or later if you booked after April 21st. Previously, Canadians paid $20-23 for the second checked bag so this is a huge increase to the cost of your trip.

For travel to/from U.S. (all booking and travel dates)

The following policy applies if you are travelling within Canada from May 14, 2014, on a flight booked from April 21, 2014. This policy does not apply if you travel before May 14, 2014, or for flights booked before April 21, 2014.

	Firm	Flexible	Freedom
1st bag	$ 25 – $ 28.25	$ 25 – $ 28.25	$ 0
2nd bag	$ 35 – $ 40.25	$ 35 – $ 40.25	$ 0
3rd bag and subsequent	$ 100 – $ 115	$ 100 – $ 115	$ 100 – $ 115
Weight fee per bag of any one bag above 23kg	$ 75 – $ 86.25	$ 75 – $ 86.25	$ 75 – $ 86.25
Oversized fee per bag	$ 75 – $ 86.25	$ 75 – $ 86.25	$ 75 – $ 86.25

Notes:

Fees are per direction, and include local taxes, depending on origin of ticket.
Fees are indicated in CAD/USD, based on originating airport.
Each bag weighing between 23 kg (50 lb) and 32 kg (70 lb) is charged a fee of $75 CAD/USD.
No single piece can weigh more than 32 kg (70 lb).
Any single piece measuring more than 158 cm (62 in) total dimension (the sum of the length, width and height) is charged $75 CAD/USD per direction.
No single piece can exceed 203 cm (80 in) total dimension.
If a bag is both overweight and oversized, the $75 fee is charged only once.
For 3rd and subsequent bags, no overweight or oversized bag fee is charged.
Strollers and car seats may be carried free of charge for children.

The following applies if you travel within Canada before May 14, 2014 or for flights booked before April 21, 2014.

	Firm	Flexible	Freedom
1st bag	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
2nd bag	$ 20 – $ 23	$ 20 – $ 23	$ 0
3rd bag and subsequent	$ 100 – $ 115	$ 100 – $ 115	$ 100 – $ 115
Weight fee per bag of any one bag above 23kg	$ 75 – $ 86.25	$ 75 – $ 86.25	$ 75 – $ 86.25
Oversized fee per bag	$ 75 – $ 86.25	$ 75 – $ 86.25	$ 75 – $ 86.25

Notes:

Fees are per direction, and include local taxes, depending on origin of ticket.
Fees are indicated in CAD/USD, based on originating airport.
Each bag weighing between 23 kg (50 lb) and 32 kg (70 lb) is charged a fee of $75 CAD/USD.
No single piece can weigh more than 32 kg (70 lb).
Any single piece measuring more than 158 cm (62 in) total dimension (the sum of the length, width and height) is charged $75 CAD/USD per direction.
No single piece can exceed 203 cm (80 in) total dimension.
If a bag is both overweight and oversized, the $75 fee is charged only once.
For 3rd and subsequent bags, no overweight or oversized bag fee is charged.
Strollers and car seats may be carried free of charge for children.

Source

May 6, 2014