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  • Aeroplan members can continue to earn miles at Rexall pharmacies in Alberta

    Big news today from Aeroplan!

    Following a request for a judicial review of the Alberta College of Pharmacists’ resolution to prohibit patients from collecting reward points on prescription purchases at pharmacies, Aeroplan Members can continue to earn Aeroplan Miles on prescription purchases at Rexall in Alberta until the Court’s hearing in January 2015.

    i-earned-it

    Aeroplan continues to be confident that the Court will not support the Alberta College of Pharmacists’ resolution. Aeroplan is in support of the Coalition for Consumer Choice that has been formed to provide consumers with a strong and united voice proclaiming that consumers have the right to earn rewards with their prescription purchases at pharmacies.

    The Coalition knows that Albertans want to continue to earn loyalty points. If you would like to support the right to earn miles and help the Coalition send this message to your Alberta MLAs, visit www.iearnedit.ca to sign the petition.

    Members can also continue to earn Aeroplan Miles on non-prescription products at any participating Rexall™ and Rexall™ Pharma Plus stores in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, North West Territories, Manitoba and the region of Thunder Bay, Ontario. This does not include any outpatient or specialty clinics.

  • WestJet 30% off flights within Canada, Ends June 29, 2014

    Save up to 30%* on flights within Canada.

    • Econo 30% off
    • Flex 10% off
    • Plus 10% off
    WestJet Plus
    WestJet Plus

    Promo code: WJP41
    Coupon code: QZB3EQ2
    Book by: June 29, 2014 (9:59 p.m. MT)
    Travel from: September 2 to November 5, 2014
    Blackout dates from: October 9 to October 14, 2014

    How to get this offer: To redeem this offer on westjet.com, enter the promo code in the booking widget, click ‘Get flights’, then enter the coupon code once prompted. Both the promo code and coupon code are required at time of booking. Percentage is applied to base fare excluding taxes, fees and charges. Discount can only be applied towards fares displayed in the Econo, Flex and Plus category.

     

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    *Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow.
    Book by June 29, 2014 (9:59 p.m. MT) for travel from September 2 to November 5, 2014. Blackout dates from October 9 to October 14, 2014. The 30% discount applies to fares displayed in the Econo category only, and 10% discount applies to fares displayed in the Flex or Plus categories, subject to availability. Percentage is applied to base fare excluding taxes, fees and charges. Taxes, fees and charges are extra. New bookings only. No cash value. Non-refundable. Discount cannot be used towards the purchase of a WestJet Vacations package. Discount cannot be applied towards multi-city bookings. This promo code cannot be combined with any other promo code or promotional offer. Discount only applies to flights marketed and operated wholly by WestJet, and is not applicable when travelling with our code-share, interline or other airline partners. Travel bank credits cannot be used as a form of payment when using this promo code. Any changes or cancellations to promo code bookings must be made by calling 1-888-937-8538. If booking is changed or cancelled, promo code discount will no longer apply.
    ®WestJet dollars is a registered trademark of WestJet Airlines Ltd.

  • 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.
    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?

  • Review of Delta Hotels and Resorts Loyalty Program

    Delta Hotels and Resorts is a completely Canadian hotel brand, with 40 different locations across the country. The hotel chain also have a loyalty program called Delta Privilege.

    Delta Loyalty Program
    Delta Loyalty Program

    Here is a nice graphic that shows the benefits in each group.

    Delta Benefits
    Privilege_Rates

    Delta Privilege members staying on a non qualifying rate are not entitled to receive tier level benefits, including stay credit for the duration of that stay.  Nor will members receive Aeroplan miles when staying on these rates.

    Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus+ members are not entitled to redeem for an upgrade, but can redeem their credits towards their stay (room charge or upgrade portion only) as well as for dining charges.

    The elite statuses have the following benefits:

    Gold Member

    • Earn this status after 5 stays or 10 room nights
    • Earn a $200 hotel credit to be used towards dining, guest rooms, meetings and events
    • Earn 2 room upgrades at time of check-in (based on availability)
    • Nightly turn-down service (upon request)
    • Enhanced partnership savings and rewards with Avis

    Platinum Member

    • Earn this status after 15 stays or 30 room nights
    • $300 hotel credit to be used towards dining, guest rooms, meetings and events
    • Unlimited upgrades at time of check-in (based on availability)
    • Nightly turn-down service (upon request)
    • Complimentary full American or continental breakfast
    • 48-hour guaranteed availability
    • Personalized choice of welcome snack (Fresh, Savoury and Inspired) or 250 Aeroplan miles
    • 500 frequent flyer miles (on qualifying rates).
    • Enhanced partnership savings and rewards with Avis

    Platinum Plus+ Member

    • Earn this status after 25 stays or 50 room nights at three or more Delta properties
    • $500 hotel credit to be used towards dining, guest rooms, meetings and events
    • Upgrades will be upgraded to the best available room type at time of check-in, including Signature Club and suites, based on availability
    • Nightly turn-down service (upon request)
    • Enhanced partnership savings and rewards with Avis, exclusively for Platinum Plus+ members
    • Complimentary full American or continental breakfast
    • Personalized choice of welcome snack (Fresh, Savoury and Inspired) or 250 Aeroplan miles
    • 2 one-time guest passes to any Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

    Here is where you can register for free.

    Have any readers status matched to Delta Hotels?

  • Richmond Play for Free Promotion (Discounts when travelling to Vancouver this summer)

    Richmond, BC (home of YVR), always has the best promotions to save money on your travel budget.

    If you are headed to Vancouver, BC this summer and looking to save money and hoping to do many tourist activities, take a look at this promotion:

    Richmond, BC promotion.
    Richmond, BC promotion.

    Book three consecutive nights or more in a participating Richmond hotel between June 15 to September 15, 2014 and you will receive a free* Vancouver Attractions Access Pass. Valued at over $800 for a party of four, these passes include free admission to 10 of Metro Vancouver best attractions. Book online now or call our visitor’s centre for rates and information at 604-271-8280/toll free at 1-877-247-0777.

    Home to the Vancouver International Airport, Richmond is only a 25 minute rapid transit ride away from downtown Vancouver. With two world famous summer night markets and the historic waterfront Village of Steveston to explore, you’ll experience the perfect summer getaway in Richmond BC!

    THE VANCOUVER ATTRACTION ACCESS PASS PROVIDES YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING:

    FREE admission to Science World at TELUS World of Science

    FREE admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

    FREE admission to The Vancouver Art Gallery

    FREE admission to Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours

    FREE Vancouver harbour tour with Harbour Cruises

    FREE admission to The Vancouver Lookout

    FREE admission to Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden

    FREE admission to Hell’s Gate Airtram

    FREE admission to The Gulf of Georgia Cannery

    Two FREE carousel rides & one free ice cream cone at Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel (admission is free)

    Plus receive these Richmond BONUS offers in your pass!

    • Enjoy 15% off one whale watch excursion with Vancouver Whale Watch.
    • Enjoy 20% off single adult admission with WaterMania.
    • Enjoy 15% off one whale watch excursion with Steveston Seabreeze Adventures.
    • Enjoy 50% off a full tea when you buy a second full tea at London Heritage Farm.
    • Buy one admission and get a 2nd admission FREE at 6Pack Beach.
    • Get a FREE kids’ gift pack when you visit Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site (Admission is free).

    Here is the link to the promo!

  • 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
    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.

    Pre trip inspection

    • 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?

  • Canadian Vanilla Re-loads equivalent

    We don’t have any Vanilla re-loads in Canada but we have some great tools to meet minimum spending for the great credit card bonuses.

    Currently the AMEX Gold Rewards card and the American Express Aeroplus Gold have bonuses of 25,000 Membership reward points and 30,000 Aeroplan Miles with minimum spending of $500 over the first 3 months of the card.

    Reloadable PIVOT Visa Prepaid Card
    Reloadable PIVOT Visa Prepaid Card

    For some people they would pre-pay some expenses like utilities or cable/Internet but another idea is the Vanilla Reload/Petro-Can Pivot VISA. If you don’t have high expenses each month it could be difficult to meet the requirements.

    To meet the minimum spending quickly for the bonuses for these cards, this is an idea you could use:

    Here are the fees associated with this account:

    PIVOT™ Visa® Prepaid Card Cost       $10
ATM Domestic Cash Withdrawal Fee    $3 x2 (Max. weekly ATM Withdrawal   $250)
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Total                               $16

    This is almost 3% of the balance in fees! I would rather pre-pay expenses but I wanted to share an alternative for Canadians.

    Another nice benefit of the card is the 5 cents off per liter you get at Petro Canada for every $1 you load on the card but at today’s gas prices it is not worth a lot (better to get a Target Red Card and get 5% cash on gift card purchases and buy a Petro Canada or Esso card).

    I don’t think it is worth it but here is our Canadian re-load equivalent!

  • Cathay Pacific Enhance – Bid to upgrade your flight

    I like new pricing models for airlines. Cathay is doing something interesting (announced today).

    cathay-enhance
    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?

  • 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
    Maldives Passport
    Portugal Passport
    Portugal Passport
    Qatar passport
    Qatar passport
    East German Passport
    East German Passport
    Kiwi passport
    Kiwi passport
    Swiss Passport
    Swiss Passport
    United Nations Passport
    United Nations Passport
    Iran Passport
    Iran Passport
    Barbados Passport
    Barbados Passport
    Australia Passport
    Australia Passport
    European Union Passport
    European Union Passport

    Am I missing any cool looking passports?

     

     

     

     

     

  • How to find Extreme Hotel Deals

    Hotel costs are a major cost for frequent flyers – I don’t like to redeem a lot of hotel points as I find they are not a good value for many places.

    I am a big Priceline fan but I have found a new website that uncovers price mistakes, low room rates and extreme hotel specials!

    I consider around $100 a fair price for a room but this site uncovers gems at under $50 a night!

    Extreme Hotel Deals
    Extreme Hotel Deals

    Some things about how the website works – they send email alerts but you can’t filter by region (so I get deals for Europe even though I live in Vancouver Island). Sometimes they even send one-day deals and that simply doesn’t work for me.

    My favourite deal is when they posted the Four Seasons Vancouver at a rate of $160 – they seem to find all the great consolidator rates as well.

    Here is a link to their website.