I received a great promotion from American Express for their Membership Rewards program (this is a flexible spending credit card). I personally own the American Express Gold Rewards Card (use this to book my travel to get reimbursed).
2,500 American Express Bonus Membership Rewards points offer
You can receive 2,500 Bonus Membership Rewards points when you purchase $250 or more (after taxes and fees) charged to an eligible card for eligible hotel and car rental bookings booked through americanexpress.ca/travel where American Express (not the hotel or car rental company) is the merchant. Purchase must be in a single transaction of at least $250 and cannot be cumulative purchases.
Basic Cardmembers enrolled in the American Express Membership Rewards Program that book travel through the American Express Travel website are eligible.
2,500 Bonus Membership Rewards points offer available on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made from August 1st, 2013 to September 30th, 2013. A one time bonus of 2,500 Membership Rewards points will be awarded per Membership Rewards account on
Use of Membership Rewards points and an eligible Card for payment qualifies for the bonus provided at least $250 is charged to an eligible Card.
The 2,500 bonus points is worth $25 in rewards redemption.
I am looking at purchasing a roadside assistance package and I am looking at the various options of roadside assistance packages for Canadians.
Costco Canada Elite Roadside Service Family-pack
I currently do not have any roadside assistance (we rarely take any long road trips and we do not have a cell phone so we are currently using self-insurance)!
You do not need to be a Costco member to purchase this from their website.
1. Unlimited Family Members (living at same address)
Each Costco Elite Roadside Services Family Membership includes additional member cards for an unlimited number of family members living at the same home address. This is a nice feature for large families.
2. Eight Roadside Assistance dispatches
Up to eight roadside assistance dispatches per year are included with your membership, with towing up to 250 kilometers per incident.
3. Fuel delivery – Out of fuel
A supply of fuel will be delivered to enable you to reach the nearest available service station.
4. Battery boosts or cold weather starting
When your battery is dead or vehicle won’t start a service provider will attempt to start the vehicle.
5. Tire changes
A service provider will install the inflated and usable spare tire, or tow the vehicle to the nearest appropriate repair facility.
6. Lockout services
A service provider will attempt to unlock the vehicle.
7. Mechanical breakdown coverage
A service provider will attempt minor adjustments or repairs to render the vehicle safely operational, or tow the vehicle to the nearest appropriate repair facility.
8. Winching/extraction – stuck
A service provider will attempt to extract the vehicle from mud, snow or ditch.
9. Towing
A vehicle, unfit to operate safely under its own power following a mechanical breakdown, will be towed under the membership, to the nearest appropriate repair facility within 250km.
10. Traffic accident benefits
Should your vehicle become disabled due to a traffic accident, DAA will reimburse your out-of-pocket expenses incurred for towing, emergency transportation, car rental, and emergency accommodations.Certain conditions and limitations apply.
11. Custom Trip routing
Members enjoy unlimited use of our trip routing services. Their custom travel plan packages provide both detailed maps and easy to-follow written directions for any journey through North America. Also included in each package are listings of local attractions and telephone numbers to call for construction updates, local tourism offices or nearby hotels.
Members may call anytime for free Canada & US city, provincial & state maps.
12. Rewards for Crime
Theft Protection Reward
They will pay a $500 reward to any member reporting information leading to the recovery of a member’s stolen vehicle and the arrest and conviction of the guilty party.
Hit and Run Reward
They will pay a reward of $500 to any member reporting information leading to the arrest and conviction of a hit-and-run perpetrator.
Luggage Theft Reward
If a member’s luggage is lost or stolen and the incident is duly reported to the police, they will post a reward of $200 for information leading to the recovery of the luggage and the arrest and conviction of the guilty party.
13. Legal Defense Benefits
They will pay the member up to $100 for his/her defense regarding traffic tickets. This benefit is paid directly to member upon presentation of an original paid receipt from member’s attorney.
If member sustains personal injuries in a traffic accident, they will pay the attorney of member’s choice a fee of up to $100 to prosecute a claim on their behalf. In addition, they will pay up to $100 to the attorney of member’s choice to prosecute a claim for damages to their vehicle sustained in a traffic accident.
They will assist in arranging a bail bond with a bonding company of member’s choice if they are charged in an accident in which someone is injured or killed. They will pay the bondman’s fees of up to 10% of the face of the bail bond set up to a maximum of $1,000.
14. Pedestrian Legal Benefit
Should the member, as a pedestrian, be involved in a traffic accident, they will reimburse up to $250 for legal fees, should the member be sued in a civil court for damages or should the member need to file suit in a civil court for damages or should the member need to file suit in a civil court to obtain compensation for injuries from the responsible party.
15. Hazardous Weather Benefits
Should a member experience delays and/or expenses due to snow, hail, ice, flood, tornado, hurricane, fog, avalanche or forest fire more than 80km from home, benefits will be reimbursed for:
Personal rescue
Emergency accommodation
Meals
Emergency communications
Personal necessities
Essential non-medical expenses
Benefits are paid at 75% of actual expenses incurred, to, a maximum combined total of $250.00 per membership, per year. Proof must be submitted that the roads were impassable, such as police report, government report or newspaper clipping describing the circumstances.
16. Fire, Theft and Vandalism Benefits
Should a member’s car be stolen or damaged to the point of being inoperable by fire or vandalism, DAA will reimburse up to $100 per category per membership, per year for:
Car rental
Transportation
Accommodations (including meals)
If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your membership, you are entitled to a full refund of your membership fees (minus any claims paid) within the first 30 days of your membership year. To receive a refund, you must apply in writing and return your membership card.
I personally think this is a great deal for Canadians that have a larger family and don’t need the hotel discounts that CAA provides. The extra insurances are just bonus.
Have any readers used Costco Canada Elite Roadside Services?
I had a great experience for my first ever hostel stay at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse in Nanaimo, BC this past weekend, but there were still ten things I hated about staying at a hostel.
Painted Turtle Guesthouse Nanaimo Dorm Room
I have a followup post on ten reasons you should stay at a hostel (to show both sides).
I stayed in a room with three other males in bunk beds and it was clean and comfortable for the price I paid ($26 / night). It was just me travelling (rest of family in Chicago).
1. No upgrades or private lounge.
Being a Hilton Gold and IHG Platinum member I have had access to some incredible lounges.
2. Constant noise from bunkmates.
I love to have peace and quiet, and I absolutely cannot fall asleep unless my room is absolutely quiet. My two night stay was marred by street noise, window opening, smartphones buzzing, and noise in our hostel room.
3. Having too many names to remember.
I had three roommates my first night and two new roommates the second night. It was challenging to keep remembering new names.
4. Interesting Strange characters.
I met one guy that was from Switzerland and was staying ten days in Nanaimo and three months on Quadra Island! Who stays ten days in Nanaimo?
5. No privacy.
If you love privacy, don’t bother staying at a hostel (the only privacy you will have is in the bathroom). You won’t be able to close a door and shut yourself away. However, many youth hostels now offer four-person, two-person and even single rooms; they cost more per person than dorm bed space. I find many of these single rooms to be on-par price wise with a hotel.
6. No pool or spa.
I love to take a dip in the pool or hot tub when I travel after walking a lot during the day.
7. Charged for small items.
You’ll also need to bring soap, shampoo, and even face cloths as these are not available. The front desk had a sign of all the small things that they sold to guests.
8. Security
I had my laptop with me so when I went to Tofino for my day trip I took my laptop (which was OK but I didn’t feel comfortable leaving it there and the in-room safe was for smaller objects.
9. Wake up calls.
I love to have a good wake up call when I stay at a hotel. It gives me a comfortable feeling when I have a flight or an appointment scheduled the next day. This amenity was not available during my stay.
10. Unexpected wake up calls.
One of my roommates had to get up and pack their bag at 5am (unexpected wake up alarm).
If you are not comfortable around strangers, a hostel is probably not the best place to stay. Most people I found were travellers that were very friendly and looking to stretch their travel dollars.
I am a big fan of airport lounges. You get to relax and enjoy the fast WIFI and snacks before your next flights.
On our trip back from Maui we had a stop in Seattle before flying to Victoria with Horizon Airlines for almost two hours.
My daughter enjoying the fruit and crackers at the Alaska Airlines Seattle lounge.
SEA (Sea-tac) is a wonderful airport but we wanted a chance to relax after our long flight from Maui with the connection in Sacramento!
[styled_box title=”Disclosure Statement” color=”blue”]My wife and I each paid $45 for a day pass to the Alaska Airlines lounge in Seattle.[/styled_box]
After we paid our $45 daily fee for the use of the lounge it was about 8:35 pm and we were hoping to enjoy a nice soup or some snacks.
My wife and I were both disappointed in the lack of snacks and no soup available (was already eaten).
Sparce salad bar Alaska Airlines Seattle lounge.Nacho Chips and Salsa Alaska Airlines Seattle lounge.
The Alaska Airlines Seattle lounge has a wonderful workspace to do work and is a quiet zone.
My overall impression is disappointing. The lounge had some nice features but the lack of snacks was a major problem for me.
Only one of the customer service agents went to get a yogurt for our daughter (couldn’t really give her croutons and nacho chips). The other agents I spoke with after alerting them about the lack of snacks could not seem bothered.
I expect a lot from a lounge when I am paying $45 for a day pass at that time of the evening. I understand the lack of food but contingency plans need to be in place to have extra sandwiches or wraps (not that hard to make).
I have Alaska MVP status at the moment and I have flown 64,699 actual miles as of today so I can reasonably expect a certain level of quality.
The wines (from Washington State and Oregon) were very nice and they had other spirits and beer available from a bartender.
After going to this lounge I am not sure I would spend the money to go to another Alaska Airlines lounge – I have heard they have a new one in LAX. The American Airlines lounges I have been to have had excellent snacks and better service.
Have you ever been to this lounge and what were your thoughts?
I had the most amazing weekend in beautiful Tofino, BC. This city has always had a special place in my travelling history. I cannot compare it to any other city in Canada that I have been to.
Source: tourismtofino.com
It has surf, sand, mountains, water, hiking, rainforests, local business, and friendliness.
Tofino has a year-round population of approximately 1,600 that increases to 22,000 people on some days during the summer months of July and August.
1. Hot Springs
Sure, other places in Canada have hot springs but this hot spring is so natural. Hot Springs Cove is a hot spring where the boiling spring water cascades down a small cliff into a series of layered rock pools, cooled by the incoming ocean surf.
Hot Springs Cove
It is open year-round and accessible only by sea or air (great idea for a sea kayaking trip).
2. Lighthouses galore
I did the Wild Pacific Trail (an easy 2.5 k trail around Ucluelet). a scenic and pleasant walk along the rocky shoreline off Barkley Sound and the tempestuous shipwreck-prone waters once known as The Graveyard of the Pacific.
Wild Pacific Trail
3. No Starbucks or McDonalds or Shoppers Drug Mart or Subway or Walmart (you get the idea) :}
The community has restrictions in place that prevent some of these national chains from setting up shop in their town. When you go around town you see only locally owned and operated independent businesses. It is incredible not to see any Golden Arches or the Starbucks mermaid but I loved it on this getaway. It makes you experience local business and keeps you shopping local.
4. It has a National Park.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada is located next to Tofino. We only have 44 national parks in Canada (at the moment).
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada
Backed by the Vancouver Island Range and facing the open Pacific Ocean, Pacific Rim presents the rich natural and cultural heritage of Canada’s west coast.
Its cool and wet maritime climate produces an abundance of life in the water and on land. Lush coastal temperate rainforest gives way to bountiful and diverse intertidal and subtidal areas.
5. First Nations Artwork.
Tofino is home to many artists and features traditional First Nations artwork including totem poles, sculptures, masks, paintings, basketry, and jewellery.
Roy Henry Vickers is a celebrated Canadian artist, storyteller and recognized leader in the First Nations community. Eagle Aerie Gallery is Roy Henry Vickers’ artist-owned gallery located in Tofino, British Columbia.
Chief’s Dream – Original Painting
This stunning traditional Northwest Coast longhouse with a carved and painted cedar plank exterior and doors of beaten copper, is a recognizable Tofino landmark.
6. An actual rainforest.
The Rain Forest Trail consists of two separate loops. Although both pass through the same type of forest, each trail has its own distinctive character. While the routes are not difficult the boardwalk may be slippery in sections. The rainforest trail will often have walks scheduled with an interpreter or naturalist (well worth looking into if you are visiting).
7. Incredible beach(s).
We are not well known for our beaches in Canada but Tofino has an incredible Wickaninnish Beach.
I like to just pack a nice lunch and enjoy the expansive beach and driftwood!
8. Surf
I am not a surfer but I have seen the incredible waves in Tofino. Tofino was listed in the world’s Top 50 surf destinations by CNN and Outdoor Magazine named Tofino the ‘best surf town’ in North America in 2010.
The surfing culture is alive with many businesses selling or renting surfboards and offering surf lessons.
The ocean water temperatures are consistent year-round (in the summer they might hit 12 C but in winter it will average 8C).
9. Fishing and seafood.
Tofino offers year-round saltwater fishing opportunities, with world-class salmon fishing and flyfishing in Clayoquot Sound, with April through September being the best time.
10. Official end of the road of the Trans-Canada Highway.
This small town is bordered on the south by its boundary with Pacific National Park Reserve and on its other three sides by the Pacific Ocean, Tofino is as far west in Canada as you can drive and is still the only paved road to the open Pacific Ocean in Canada.
[quote]This end of the road distinction has earned Tofino the official terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway.[/quote] What do you love about Tofino?
In the latest Loblaws grocery chain flyer, the Superstore (one of their stores) features a great deal to stretch your hotel budget with an instant 20% savings.
You can purchase a $100 Marriott gift card for just $80!
KLM had an interesting social media promotion on their Facebook page where fans could vote on where they wanted a seat sale to happen. The winner was Lisbon (I actually went to the castle pictured below on my trip to Lisbon this past January).
KLM Canada Seat Sale
One of the benefits of KLM is the free stopover (can stopover in Amsterdam at no extra cost or Paris).
Travel season is from Oct. 16 to Dec 14, 2013 or from Dec. 25, 2013 to May 6, 2014. Weekend surcharge apply
Checked baggage is getting to be so expensive when you fly that it is good to know the policies and prices before you get your ticket. It can make the difference if you fly with Air Canada vs Westjet or another carrier.
Here are five ways to help save money on baggage with Air Canada:
1. Calculate Air Canada baggage fees before flight
As of July 24, 2013, when you travel on an Air Canada or Air Canada rouge flight or on an Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian or Exploits Valley Air, your complimentary baggage allowance is determined by your fare, destination, date of travel and frequent flyer status.
They have a free tool where you enter your itinerary, elite status, and class of flight (economy, business, first class) and it tells you how much luggage you can bring and what the costs are for additional bags.
Checked baggage allowance calculator for Air Canada
2. Check your elite status.
If you’re a frequent flyer within the Star Alliance check your status. If you are Star Alliance Gold, Air Canada will waive the fee for up to three checked bags starting at Gold.
Martha shares some great tips including techniques on hanging, layering, and overlapping. She explains that to avoid leaks caused by pressure changes during air travel, fill travel-size plastic bottles partway, squeeze out excess air, and cap them, creating a vacuum.
I always stuff my shoes with socks or anything else that will fit. If clothes wrinkle, I just hang them during a hot shower.
I like to use plenty of Ziploc bags to pack items (good idea for packing underwear all together, socks all together).
4. Carry-on everything
The easiest way to avoid baggage fees is to not to check any bags.
Air Canada has decent carry on policy:
Here are examples of items you can bring on board in addition to your carry-on allowance:
Coat or other outer garment,
Small purse measuring no more than 25cm x 30cm x 14cm (10in x 12in x 5.5 in). Larger purses will be included in your carry-on allowance.
Infant care item (e.g. diaper bag),
Stroller – collapsed diameter not to exceed 25.5 cm (10 in) and length not to exceed 92 cm (36 in),
Air Canada does have a weight and size limits on carry-on items.
[styled_box title=”Standard article” color=”black”]Maximum size:
23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm
(9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in)
Wheels and handles included.
Maximum weight:
10 kg (22 lb)[/styled_box]
[styled_box title=”Personal article” color=”red”]Maximum size:
16 cm x 33 cm x 43 cm
(6 in x 13 in x 17 in)
Maximum weight:
10 kg (22 lb)[/styled_box]
5. Send your luggage with Greyhound
Shipping luggage on a Greyhound bus is a great way to transport luggage where you will be traveling to later and do not want to have to worry about carrying your own luggage. You will need to ship the luggage in advance so that it arrives at least one day before you are set to arrive.
I have personally used Greyhound to send luggage from Ontario to BC when we were travelling on parental leave last year. The cost for a very large suitcase was around $40. It worked out well as this was for our summer clothes that we used on our trip to Florida (that we did not need in Europe).
What are some tips you have to avoid paying high baggage fees on Air Canada flights?
