Canadian Travel Hacking

Category: General

  • Air Canada Introduces New Business Class Check-in at Pearson (YYZ)

    Air Canada is enhancing the experience of Premium travellers with the creation of a new Business Class Check-in area at Toronto Pearson.

    AC_business_check-in-Jan22-e1453389716296

    The dedicated concourse is now available to customers travelling in Business Class or customers holding select Premium status.

    “Air Canada is pleased to offer select Premium customers an enhanced level of care, including expedited check-in and concierge services, delivered in a lounge setting through our new Business Class Check-in at our Toronto Pearson global hub. Competition for Premium traffic is intense and we are responding to the expectations of this market segment for a comfortable and convenient airport experience,” said Benjamin Smith, president, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada.

    Air Canada also plans to enhance Priority check-in for customers in Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary. In addition to Business Class Check-in, Air Canada has recently introduced a series of innovations for Premium customers. This includes refurbished Maple Leaf Lounges, a partnership with renowned Canadian chef David Hawksworth to style meals for International Business Class and the Maple Leaf Lounges, enhanced check-in and boarding procedures, new cabin interiors on our wide-body fleet, including next generation lie-flat suites in International Business Class and a designated Premium Economy cabin, and a refined Altitude frequent flyer program.

    Business Class Check-in is located in the former Aisle 1 on the departure level at Toronto Pearson.

  • A new app allows you to pay to swap SEATS with other passengers

    This is a very interesting idea.

    An app launching in January 2016 is promising to help flyers find better seats on a plane using a digital marketplace.

    seataroo

    The app will allow the ‘seller’ to be compensated for the swap while the ‘buyer’ could get an upgrade on their current position.

    The goal of Seateroo is to improve your in-flight experience. Seateroo cannot serve you a drink, but Seateroo can help you find a better seat.

    The minimum price for a swap is $5 and both the buyer and the seller must be travelling on the same flight. 

    Their swap is only completed after they’ve already boarded the plane using their own tickets.

    Although the app is free to download, sellers are charged a 15% commission for each swap that they complete.

    This means that for the lowest $5 swap, the seller will make just $4.25.

    Here is a link to the app.

  • Canadian ‘Staycations’ to Continue to Trend in 2016

    It seems the weak loonie and lower gas prices convinced Canadians to vacation closer to home this year – a trend that is expected to continue in 2016, according to the latest numbers from The Conference Board of Canada.

    Following an increase of 2.8% this year, overnight travel within Canada is expected to grow by another 2.4% in 2016, according to the latest Travel Markets Outlook for both national and metropolitan cities.

    Highlights include:

    • Overnight visits to and within Canada are expected to increase by 2.4% in 2016, thanks largely to lower gas prices and a weaker Canadian dollar.
    • The strengthening US economy and a more favourable exchange rate are expected to contribute to a 3.3% growth in overnight travel from the US next year.
    • However, the pace of Canada’s tourism growth in 2016 will be dampened by higher travel prices and financial concerns among consumers and businesses.
    • Halifax, Québec City, Montreal, Ottawa-Gatineau, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver will all attract more visitors in 2016.

    “The weaker Canadian dollar has helped make Canadian travel destinations more price competitive for both Canadians and those travellers from abroad, particularly Americans. At the same time, lower gas prices are reducing the costs of road trips,” says Greg Hermus, associate director for The Conference Board of Canada’s Canadian Tourism Research Institute. “Canada will see more overnight visits from domestic and international travellers, but the pace of growth in Canada’s tourism will be slowed by economic and financial concerns among consumers and businesses.”

    Overnight travel from the US is estimated to have increased by 7% this year – the strongest growth since 1998. The outlook will continue to be favourable, as a stronger US economy and an advantageous exchange rate are expected to boost overnight visits in 2016 year by 3.3%. Similarly, overseas arrivals to Canada are projected to increase by an additional 4.8% next year, following growth of 5.3% this year.

    Travel prices in Canada are forecasted to increase going forward. Overall, travel prices are anticipated to rise by 2.4% next year. In particular, travellers will pay 2.8% more for accommodations, 2.6% more for transportation and 2.5% more for food and beverage services.

    Of the nine Canadian cities covered in the Travel Markets Outlook’s Metropolitan Focus, most can count on tourism growth of between 2% and 3% next year. Vancouver will be the standout with overnight visits expected to increase by 3.4% in 2016.

  • 2015 Canadian Travel Hacking Holiday Gift Guide

    Not sure what to get the frequent traveler on your holiday shopping list?

    I have wanted to provide some cool ideas that are practical and very useful for travellers!

    NomadPlus

    This is an awesome mobile battery.

    nomadplus-product-intro_grande

    NomadPlus fits perfectly with your existing Apple® wall plug, allowing you to charge up your phone with a cable as normal.

    While it’s plugged in, it also charges up the internal 1800mAh backup battery. Just unplug it and take it with you for a battery boost on the go.

    I loved using this with all our Apple devices (iPad and iPhone 6s). Provides up to 4 charges of your Apple Watch™ and partial charges for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and other phone models.

    Here is a link to their website.

    VIM & VIGR Stylish Compression Socks

    • Helps prevent swelling, achiness and aids in muscle recovery
    • Reduces chances of spider and varicose veins
    • Graduated compression that starts at the ankle for increased circulation in the leg
    • Compression level: 15-20 mmHg (Appropriate for all-day, everyday wear)

    4668_ThinStripes_DarkCharcoal&Yellow_VIM & VIGR

    All of their socks are designed with a Gradient Knitting Technology to help increase circulation in the legs. All of their socks come in a moderate compression level of 15-20 mmHg which is perfect for all day, everyday wear. These are perfect for when travelling!

    Here is a link to their website.

    Tyvek Paper Wallet

    Tyvek® is paper-thin and all Paperwallet accessories are carefully designed and folded  to create fully functional modern accessories.
    Tyvek® is also elastic, waterproof, and long-lasting, and is built to keep up with your busy life.
    paper-wallet
    They have so many cool designs on their website – since it is not leather, they are really thin and easy to use!
    Here is a link to their website.

    Lifefactory Flip Cap Glass Bottle

    The Flip Cap provides a narrow-mouth spout for on-the-go drinking. The medical-grade silicone flip top seals with the polypropylene (PP#5) cap. The pivoting handle provides a great way to carry the bottle and stows out of the way while drinking. Wide-mouth access makes it easy to add ice cubes or fresh fruit. Always BPA-free and dishwasher safe, all components are made in the U.S. or Europe.

    Personalized Destination Blind Print

    Being nostalgic is the sign of not just a lovely holiday but a great one. Get that feeling anytime you want when you look at this beautiful print in the styles such as the London Underground. It could be sipping cocktails in New York or watching the sun set over Sydney Harbour. This personalised print is a lovely gift for the well aged traveller.

  • The 20 most Instagrammed locations of 2015 revealed

    I love Instagram (the way it connects people and the geotagging is nice to see where these gorgeous photos are taken)!

    In fact, according to Beautiful Destinations founder, Jeremy Jauncey, there are around 353 million travel related posts on Instagram – with many users tagging their locations on their uploads.

    Instagram has revealed its top geotagged locations of 2015, and one thing was for certain – tourists love Disney, with four of the five parks featuring in the top 20 results.

    It is cool to see that I had a chance to go to some of these this year! I was surprised that the Sydney Opera House was not on the list!

    Which ones did you go to?

    Here are the 20 most popular locations photographed on Instagram this year:

    1. Disneyland — Anaheim, California

    2. Times Square — New York, New York

    3. Central Park — New York, New York

    A staggering 42 million visitors annually flock to New York's Central Park to see the area in all seasons
    Visitors enjoy famous tree tunnels of New York’s Central Park

    4. The Eiffel Tower — Paris, France

    The Eiffel Tower welcomes almost seven million visitors a year (around 75 per cent of whom are foreigners)

    The Eiffel Tower welcomes almost seven million visitors a year (around 75 per cent of whom are foreigners)

    5. Walt Disney World — Bay Lake, Florida

    6. Musée du Louvre — Paris, France

    In 2014, the Louvre was the most visited museum in the world, welcoming 9.3 million tourists

    +8

    In 2014, the Louvre was the most visited museum in the world, welcoming 9.3 million tourists

    7. Dodgers Stadium — Los Angeles, California

    8. Santa Monica Pier — Santa Monica, California

    The original Santa Monica Pier was built in 1909, and a second, connected, pier was later built in 1916, which now is considered the Santa Monica Pier that we know today

    +8

    The original Santa Monica Pier was built in 1909, and a second, connected, pier was later built in 1916, which now is considered the Santa Monica Pier that we know today

    9. Madison Square Garden — New York, New York

    10. Red Square — Moscow, Russia

    11. Universal Studios — Los Angeles, California

    12. Siam Paragon — Bangkok, Thailand

    13. Ibirapuera Park — São Paulo, Brazil

    14. Yankee Stadium — New York, New York

    It is no surprise that Yankee Stadium is one of the most visited attractions, as it cost around $1.5 billion to build making it one of the most expensive stadiums in the world 

    15. Metropolitan Museum of Art — New York, New York

    16. Golden Gate Bridge — San Francisco, California

    17. Brooklyn Bridge — New York, New York

    18. Empire State Building — New York, New York

    The Empire State Building is highly popular and this could be due to the fact it was the world's tallest free-standing structure until 1967 and the world's tallest skyscraper for over 40 years

    The Empire State Building is highly popular and this could be due to the fact it was the world’s tallest free-standing structure until 1967 and the world’s tallest skyscraper for over 40 years

    19. Tokyo Disneyland — Tokyo, Japan

    20. Disneyland Paris — Paris, France 

    In 2013 Disneyland Paris hosted approximately 16.2 million guests, making it the third most visited park in the world that calendar year, and it is also one of the most represented on social media

  • Easy Exercises You Can Do In Your Hotel Room Without Any Equipment

    I love to exercise but when I travel it is hard as I don’t find the time or I don’t know the city well enough to look for a new gym.

    exercise-hotel-room

    Swissôtel has created a nice graphic that covers nine different exercises that cover flexibility, core strength training, and even some cardio.

    No weights, steps, or other equipment is necessary, so now you have no excuse for skipping out on your workout.

    They are perfect for a hotel room!

    Here is a link to their website.

  • WestJet Announces Changes To Charges For Bags, Exit Row Seat Selection

    WestJet has increased fees on checked baggage and advance seat selection in exit rows.

    The new rates apply to bookings made from Nov. 3 onward for travel on or after Jan. 6, 2016. Bookings made prior to Nov. 3 are not affected.

    westjet-boeing-767-300-March5

    First bag fees of $25 now apply ($35 for a second piece of baggage, and $100 for third and fourth pieces) to guests travelling to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe, as well as guests travelling on domestic and transborder routes. Guests who purchase a WestJet Vacations package or make a group booking to Mexico, Caribbean, Central America or Europe will continue to be able to check a first bag at no charge.

    Guests that are travelling on a Flex or Plus fare get one free checked bag for Flex, and two for Plus. Guests that are either a Silver or Gold Rewards member and WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard holders can check a bag for free.

    Fees for advance booking of an exit row are now $10, $30, $40 or $50, depending on the distance travelled.

  • Air France Passengers will get to see the new Star Wars movie two days BEFORE its release

    Wow – what a nice promotion for Episode 7!

    StarWars996x286

    The French airline company will let customers watch Stars Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens on December 16, 2015.

    The long-awaited blockbuster, which picks up 30 years after episode six, will be released on December 18.

    Air France said it was teaming up with EuropaCorp CINEMAS to offer advance screenings of the film for passengers on four of its Paris-bound flights on December 15.

    They are: AF083 from San Francisco to Paris, AF065 from Los Angeles, AF011 from New York and AF009 from New York.

    Registered travellers will be given free tickets and a free ride in a ‘dedicated Star Wars shuttle’ to a cinema to watch the film the day after landing in Paris.

    To benefit from their offer, simply:

    • Book your trip on www.airfrance.us before December 10th
      • All travel must be on December 15th
      • Flight number must be either of the following: AF083, AF065, AF011 or AF009.
    • Complete the online form.
    • You will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours after you’ve completed the form.

     

  • Aeroplan welcomes Eurowings as its 34th airline partner

    As of October 25, 2015, Eurowings has joined the Aeroplan Program and is Aeroplan’s newest airline partner.

    eurowings

    Eurowings is a low-cost airline based in Düsseldorf, Germany wholly owned by the Lufthansa Group. Eurowings offers service to several domestic and European destinations from its main hubs Düsseldorf and Hamburg.

    Aeroplan Miles earned on all eligible Eurowings flights are also Air Canada Altitude™ Qualifying Miles, and each eligible Eurowings flight will also earn one Altitude Qualifying Segment. Altitude Qualifying Miles and Altitude Qualifying Segments count towards Air Canada Altitude status.

    Star Alliance™ Gold and Silver Benefits are not extended by Eurowings.

    Redemption on Eurowings is currently not offered

  • CRTC Warning – Beware of vacation offers from callers claiming to represent well-known companies

    Have you been offered a discounted vacation for a week’s stay at a resort over the phone? Some individuals and agencies are calling Canadians and claiming to be affiliated with a well-known company, such as Air Miles, WestJet, Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels or Air Canada.

    Be aware that these calls are misleading. The callers in question have not been authorized by these companies to make these calls on their behalf.

    What’s happening: A recorded message will inform you that your telephone number was selected by one of the companies listed above. You are then asked to “press 1” in order to speak with a representative who will offer you a vacation. The callers also display a false callback number (a practice known as caller identification spoofing).

    What you can do: File a complaint with the National Do Not Call List (DNCL) or call 1-866-580-DNCL (3625). You can help investigate these calls by providing as much information as possible, such as:

    • The telephone number at which you received the call;
    • The purpose of the call;
    • The telephone number and name of the telemarketer that appeared on the call display or that the person gave you over the phone;
    • The exact time and date of the call as it appeared on the call display;
    • The callback number that may have been provided to you by the caller;
    • Whether the complaint relates to a fax, residential or business number; and
    • Any other information that you have about the call.

    If you are not on the National Do Not Call List and want to reduce the amount of unwanted telemarketing calls you receive, we also encourage you to register your number.

    If you received a call and are not sure of the caller’s true identity, you should not provide any personal information, including your telephone number. Finally, if you receive a call that you think may be fraudulent, contact your local police or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501), a national service jointly operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau.

    Penalties for violating the Rules

    The CRTC takes violations of the National DNCL and the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules seriously. If found in violation, individuals can be issued penalties of up to $1,500 per violation; corporations can be issued penalties of up to $15,000 per violation.