Canadian Travel Hacking

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  • 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.

  • Uber Free $20 ride credit (Even for existing accounts) by using Facebook Messenger (US only)

    Uber has partnered with Facebook Messenger to allow you to order rides from the Messenger app. When you order your first ride through Messenger, you will get a free $20 ride credit, even if you already have an Uber account.

    uber-canada-promo-code

    “For a limited time, you’ll get a free ride the first time you use this feature (up to $20 value) with Uber. All you have to do to claim your free ride is link your existing Uber account or set up a new account within Messenger and request a ride. Driver status updates and payment receipts will get delivered to a private conversation between you and Uber. With everything in one place, you can seamlessly keep track of your ride and payment history.”

    Sounds pretty simple and a nice way to get a free ride. Make sure you update your Messenger app to the latest version to make sure that you can do this.

    Here is a link to this promo.

  • 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

  • Tripdelta Finds Cheaper Flights Through “Secret” Airport Routes

    I love these new services that help you save money!

    I found out about this new site called TripDelta.

    trip-delta

    The site was built by a team of mathematicians who traveled to more than 100 countries to find the best airports to connect you to where you want to go. For example, if you’re flying from San Francisco to London, tripdelta finds the cheapest route will be from Oakland to Los Angeles and then from LAX to London (LGW). Kayak simply has you go from SFO, which costs $193 more.

    Here is a link to check it out.

  • Aeroplan eStore promotion – Black Friday Up to 7x Bonus Miles

    Yeah! Another eStore promotion for November – Black Friday (Canadian edition).

    estore-aeroplan

    The promotion started yesterday, November 24 until November 30th.

    The promotion will be open to all members.  All members who shop through Aeroplan’s eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore) from November 24 to November 30th will get 5X the miles on all their purchases.

    Moreover, as part of their benefits, Distinction members will get additional miles:

    dDiamond:                        2 Distinction bonus-miles per dollar spent (for a total of 7X the miles)

    dBlack & dSilver:              1 Distinction bonus-mile per dollar spent (for a total of 6X the miles)

  • WestJet Black Friday Sale

    The WestJet Black Friday sale is ON!

    west-jet

    You’ll have 7 days to save! Over 500,000 seats are on sale now from $99 – $399.

    You can enjoy savings of up to $1000 on vacation packages too.

    Book by: November 30, 2015 (11:59 p.m. MT)

    Travel from: Now – April 30, 2016 (no blackout dates!)

    See more here.

  • CIBC Aeroplan and Aventura Infinite No Annual Fee First Year + Bonus

    CIBC has introduced some nice promos until the end of the year to get some bonus miles or Aventura points.

    The first year for these cards is free so it is a nice way to get some miles that count towards Distinction!

    visa-infinite

    This is a nice card to get (I am getting just for the Distinction miles):

    • Get 15,000 Aeroplan® Mile Welcome Bonus
    • Earn 1 Aeroplan Mile for every $1 spent using your card
    • Earn 1.5 Aeroplan Miles for every $1 spent at gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores and on purchases at aircanada.com® (excluding Air Canada® Vacation packages)

    This card has no annual fee the first year.

    This promo will end at the end of December 2015.

    Here is a link to the promo.

  • Aeroplan 2015 Fall Convert Promo (Nov 16 ‑ Dec 21, 2015)

    Another Aeroplan transfer promo.Promo_PRJ01003165_en

    It expires December 21, 2015.

    If you are flush with points it may be a good idea but remember that they will be devalueing this soon!

    convert total 5000 Aeroplan get 1000 Bonus
    convert total 10000 Aeroplan get 2000 Bonus
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    convert total 50000 Aeroplan get 10000 Bonus
    convert total 100000 Aeroplan get 25000 Bonus
    convert total 150000 Aeroplan get 40000 Bonus