One week and counting until Fototrips hit the highway to indulge in the finest the Okanagan has to offer. October 1 -11, 2009. More details on line at http://www.owfs.com/
Check in for the pictures and stories. A full gallery of wine fest will appear soon at http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Iona Beach Regional Park - A Hidden Gem on the West Coast
Have you ever heard of Iona Beach Regional Park?
Delta Vancouver Suites and Delta Vancouver Airport have chosen Iona Beach Regional Park as one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets according to a release this morning from CNW Group.
This report is just a small part of a recently integrated program by Delta Vancouver Employees where they have been compiling their personal recommendations on the best places to eat, browse, work out and much more. Much like this blog.
Delta Recommends is employee driven, and not associated, apparently, with any organizations or watch-dog groups. They say it is a great way to welcome guests into the community by providing them with a chance to experience the best of Vancouver through the eyes of people that live there.
Employees at all 44 Delta Hotels and Resorts submitted their favourite local destinations as the must see hidden-gems in the community. This information is made available during your stay. You can also view more details at www.delatahotels.com/recommends.
So, where exactly is Iona Beach Regional Park? You can find it in west Richmond adjacent to the Vancouver International Airport and the Iona Island sewage treatment ponds.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Delta Vancouver Suites and Delta Vancouver Airport have chosen Iona Beach Regional Park as one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets according to a release this morning from CNW Group.
This report is just a small part of a recently integrated program by Delta Vancouver Employees where they have been compiling their personal recommendations on the best places to eat, browse, work out and much more. Much like this blog.
Delta Recommends is employee driven, and not associated, apparently, with any organizations or watch-dog groups. They say it is a great way to welcome guests into the community by providing them with a chance to experience the best of Vancouver through the eyes of people that live there.
Employees at all 44 Delta Hotels and Resorts submitted their favourite local destinations as the must see hidden-gems in the community. This information is made available during your stay. You can also view more details at www.delatahotels.com/recommends.
So, where exactly is Iona Beach Regional Park? You can find it in west Richmond adjacent to the Vancouver International Airport and the Iona Island sewage treatment ponds.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
RV sales see an upswing
RV sales on the rise as we start planning ahead for next season. Ran across this article today that hopefully is a sign of the times. great news anyways.
To view the story, click the link or paste it into your browser.
Copyright 2009, USATODAY.com
Sent from my iPhone
Living it up - Downtown Victoria
It's ironic isn't it. I have been busy writing these past weeks about our fabulous city and found this link in the local paper. It's a 30 second promotional piece commissioned by the Downtown Victoria Business Association, which is currently running in some local theatres before the main feature. I wasn't aware of this, but I am glad to see the investment, whatever the cost, which delivers a positive message of what the city has to offer. What do you say in 30 seconds if you had to sell your city? Here's what Victoria's DVBA came up. Way to go Dale Baglo for the music and production. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssxEWU3uyzU
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
Victoria Pubs - The Penny Farthing Oak Bay
Spent the weekend tooling around Victoria trying to soak in the last little bit of sunshine when we found ourselves driving up Oak Bay Avenue west bound from the Oak Bay Marina. Wait, what was going on. Bumper to bumper traffic, people strolling up and down the sidewalks window shopping and sipping on latte’s and tea. Is this the same Oak Bay? (it had been quite a few months since I last paid a visit)
One of the things I love about Victoria that keeps me coming back is the ability to be a tourist in your own town. A short drive in any direction will take you places you’ve never been. Yet again, a reminder, there is more to Victoria than the Inner Harbor. This past couple of weeks, I have been writing about a few of the pubs and bars that I like to visit when I get a chance. Once thing about Victoria, is it has some of the most interesting places for lunch, meet a friend, catch a game or just read a paper. It was my recent drive through Oak Bay that I thought it was time to step into the Penny Farthing Pub for a re-visit. I used to live in the area, and quite enjoyed the atmosphere and food and I was curious as to whether or not they were still delivering on what I thought then, was great food, fun atmosphere and super service.
The one thing that strikes you as you walk through the door is the very comfortable surroundings. Sure it’s a pub with all the usual pub type things you would expect like beer signs and pictures…but I guess it’s all a part of the charm. The Penny Farthing, I should mention, is owned by the same people who run two of the more popular pubs in the downtown core. The Bard and Banker and the Irish Times.
Once inside, we quickly found a place to sit. Close to the front and across from the beautiful antique fireplace. A great place to sit and people watch. It was warm that day and the main doors were open with a very pleasant breeze streaming through. The chalk board on the sidewalk that read “It’s a great day for a pint” was actually working. Hey, it got me through the doors.
With a larger dinner planned later in the day, I opted for an appetizer. I have to admit, the menu is very traditional. Lots of pub fare with daily specials and all the trimmings and classics that you would expect to see on a menu in an Irish Pub. Like potpie, bangers and mash etc. I opted for the Yam Fries with Mussels sautéed in a yellow curry broth. Large enough to split with a friend. I also had a pint of Harp (always when I visit an Irish Pub). However, if you’re looking for a little more, there are daily specials that are sure to delight. 2 for 1 burger Tuesday’s, Pizza and a pint Wednesdays and of course the three coarse roast dinner on Sundays. Just like the way Grandma used to make it.
I was happy with the service, the food was quick and tasty, and yes, consistent in every way from the last visit almost two years earlier. There are many cool places to go in the city. If you like to venture off the beaten path and eat where the locals are and share in the tales of days gone by, you can add the Penny Farthing to your list of many that I personally recommend. Who knows, maybe on your next visit to Victoria, we’ll see you there. I give The Penny Farthing a very generous 4 out of 5.
2228 Oak Bay Avenue
Victoria, BC
PH. 250.370.9008
EMAIL: info@pennyfarthingpub.com You can also catch them on line at http://www.pennyfarthingpub.com/
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Victoria Pubs - Swans Hotel Downtown.
I started writing last week about different places to go while visiting Victoria that I personally give high marks to. Having spent some time in the travel industry in varying capacities, I think as a traveller you need to know that there is more to your travel destination than what they are telling you. THEY, meaning tour directors and operators. I find this true in all my travels, regardless of where I go. Do you ever get the sense that some operators are maybe getting a comission on referals? Go here, go there, tell them (tour company) sent you. Okay, I get it! This is how some people make there money. In reality, some places rely on this traffic and really don't have to work at the old fashioned custom of 'customer service'. Why bother if you are already getting the traffic anyways? And I tell you, Victoria needs some work in this area.
Last week, I suggested the Carriage House on Fort Street. Another must see on your stop over in Victoria is Swans. This sort of contridicts what I said in my last blog where you have to venture outside of the downtown area for a real taste of local food and funtimes, but this is one exception. Voted "National Brew Pub of the Year" in 2006.
Situated on Front Street, just steps away from the legendary Blue Bridge crossing the Victoria Harbor, and housed in an old railroad shelter you will find a rare treat within the city of Vicotia. Award winning, hand crafted beer brewed right on site. Swans has been a fixture downtown for many years as has the hotel and beer and wine store. Considered by many locals THE place to meet your friends after work, have a pint or two and even catch some of the most popular local musicians playing live almost every night. If you are in the mood for rock, jazz, blues and everything in between, make your visit to Swans a little later to catch the evening electricity.
The service is attentive, although on some nights when the band is playing it's alot easier to go up to the bar and order your own, the food is good and the prices are average. It's about what I expect to pay for hand crafted beer. I mean, check out these 2006 Brewing awards: 7 in total and placing second overall in Canada. 4 Gold Medals, one of which I recall was for their IPA, one of my personal favorites at Swans, 2 Solver Medals, and 1 Bronze. Trust me, this isn't Budweiser were talking about.
The only unfortunate thing is, and they can't help it, is some of the street element in the neighborhood. Yes, there are some rough looking people, most of which are just a little down on their luck, but don't let that throw you off or give you the wrong impression. It is still a very safe part of town. Once you walk through the doors and find your table and dive into your first beer, that will all go away.
If your looking for a great pint, reasonalble service, and a place where all the locals are, Check out Swans. Out of Five stars, I give Swans a 4.
Swans Suite Hotel ~ Victoria's Art Hotel
506 Pandora Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V8W 1N6
You can find them on-line at: http://www.swanshotel.com/pub.php
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Last week, I suggested the Carriage House on Fort Street. Another must see on your stop over in Victoria is Swans. This sort of contridicts what I said in my last blog where you have to venture outside of the downtown area for a real taste of local food and funtimes, but this is one exception. Voted "National Brew Pub of the Year" in 2006.
Situated on Front Street, just steps away from the legendary Blue Bridge crossing the Victoria Harbor, and housed in an old railroad shelter you will find a rare treat within the city of Vicotia. Award winning, hand crafted beer brewed right on site. Swans has been a fixture downtown for many years as has the hotel and beer and wine store. Considered by many locals THE place to meet your friends after work, have a pint or two and even catch some of the most popular local musicians playing live almost every night. If you are in the mood for rock, jazz, blues and everything in between, make your visit to Swans a little later to catch the evening electricity.
The service is attentive, although on some nights when the band is playing it's alot easier to go up to the bar and order your own, the food is good and the prices are average. It's about what I expect to pay for hand crafted beer. I mean, check out these 2006 Brewing awards: 7 in total and placing second overall in Canada. 4 Gold Medals, one of which I recall was for their IPA, one of my personal favorites at Swans, 2 Solver Medals, and 1 Bronze. Trust me, this isn't Budweiser were talking about.
The only unfortunate thing is, and they can't help it, is some of the street element in the neighborhood. Yes, there are some rough looking people, most of which are just a little down on their luck, but don't let that throw you off or give you the wrong impression. It is still a very safe part of town. Once you walk through the doors and find your table and dive into your first beer, that will all go away.
If your looking for a great pint, reasonalble service, and a place where all the locals are, Check out Swans. Out of Five stars, I give Swans a 4.
Swans Suite Hotel ~ Victoria's Art Hotel
506 Pandora Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V8W 1N6
You can find them on-line at: http://www.swanshotel.com/pub.php
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Monday, September 21, 2009
Airport Check-in: New Orleans can go private - USATODAY.com
USATODAY.com:
Airport Check-in: New Orleans can go private
http://usat.me/?36314106
To view the story, click the link or paste it into your browser.
Copyright 2009, USATODAY.com
Sent from my iPhone
Friday, September 18, 2009
Victoria Tourism – BC Ferries travel incentives
An interesting article in the paper this morning suggesting that Victoria’s Tourism Board is back to the drawing board to find ways of enticing more traffic to the Capital city. And I actually like this latest effort. It’s no secret the recent economic downturn has forced more than a few families to exercise what they call “Staycations”. This is where people decide to stay home, visit a local restaurant, camp locally or just sit around on the patio deck and enjoy a cold beer. Nowhere is this more evident than the downturn of traffic from the US. However, I tend to think it has more to do with Passport restrictions between the two countries, but what do I know.
The new concept would see various partners chip in to pay for a return trip on BC Ferries to the lower mainland providing your trip to Victoria is booked through Tourism Victoria and your stay is at least two nights. This would include car, driver and all the passengers. Personally, they should just pick up the tab for the whole trip if they really want to stimulate local tourism. I wrote about this a few weeks ago in an earlier blog about the costs and frustrations with BC Ferries so I won’t get into it again here. I had always long thought that to develop a stimulus package to ensure long term integrity of travel between the lower mainland and Vancouver Island, they should take this a step further and offer up a “Frequent Floaters Program.” flash your card and travel between the cities FREE. You want our business? Make it more cost efficient for families to travel.
This is a great step forward for Tourism Victoria. I applaud them, but as the article stated, it does little to bring the US north. Victoria is a great place to visit, and I think if the rest of the industry stepped up and offered incentives like this, perhaps the whining and bitching of empty hotel rooms will be a thing of the past.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
The new concept would see various partners chip in to pay for a return trip on BC Ferries to the lower mainland providing your trip to Victoria is booked through Tourism Victoria and your stay is at least two nights. This would include car, driver and all the passengers. Personally, they should just pick up the tab for the whole trip if they really want to stimulate local tourism. I wrote about this a few weeks ago in an earlier blog about the costs and frustrations with BC Ferries so I won’t get into it again here. I had always long thought that to develop a stimulus package to ensure long term integrity of travel between the lower mainland and Vancouver Island, they should take this a step further and offer up a “Frequent Floaters Program.” flash your card and travel between the cities FREE. You want our business? Make it more cost efficient for families to travel.
This is a great step forward for Tourism Victoria. I applaud them, but as the article stated, it does little to bring the US north. Victoria is a great place to visit, and I think if the rest of the industry stepped up and offered incentives like this, perhaps the whining and bitching of empty hotel rooms will be a thing of the past.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
The 10 best bargains in adventure travel - USATODAY.com
The 10 best bargains in adventure travel
http://usat.me/?36273554
To view the story, click the link or paste it into your browser.
Copyright 2009, USATODAY.com
Sent from my iPhone
http://usat.me/?36273554
To view the story, click the link or paste it into your browser.
Copyright 2009, USATODAY.com
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Christies Pub - Victoria BC
Since we are between trips and have way too much time on our hands, I thought I would focus a bit on my neighborhood, which so happens to be in the middle of the "Tourism Hotzone" and vacation destination known as Victoria, British Columbia.
In my travels over the years, the one question I get more than any other in Victoria was, and quite frankly still is, "where are the good pubs in town?" Gee, go figure, a Brit looking for a good old fashioned pub. I will start this series off with one of my all time favorites. A must for anyone looking for a little fun, new friends or just a taste of local Victorian life, is Christies Carriage House. An old Edwardian Home built in the late 1800's by Eldrige Christie, a renowned local carriage manufacturer. Like any town or city I've travelled to, you have to go off the beaten trail to find the action. You can find their reletively new website at http://members.shaw.ca/christiespub/ Don't let the lack of hi-tech attributes put you off. Beleive me, the effort is put into the atmosphere, the service, the food and of course the beer. Hey, where else in town are you going to find a million beers on tap. What ever your flavor, you will definately find it at Christies.
I think the one thing I like about Christies is the familiar faces. Always greeted with a smile from the owner, to the servers and the bar tenders. There are not many places I am aware of, with the exception of O'Hare's Pub in Richmond, BC, where the staff has a ZERO turnover. You have to admit, that's got to say something. Right? What a concept, treat people right, give them a great place to work, and you have friendships for ever. Wow!
I have been going to Christies for years now. I think that even through the minor changes over the years, you still walk away having had a great experience. From Monday Night NFL Football, The PGA with Tiger Woods or the Tournament of Hearts, you will find all the armchair quarterbacks in their usual places at the bar critiquing each play, team and trade. Don't get me wrong, it's not all about the sports, but sometimes even an office away from the office for some. The menu is very traditional, the beer is always cold and it's always busy. Don't be afraid of waiting in line for 10 minutes to get a seat. It's worth it. Some of my personal favorites include the Greek salad, the steak sandwhich, Fish and Chips or the very large and juicy Christies Burger with all the trimmings. Another attraction for me is it's one of the few places to get a perfectly poured Phillips IPA. It doesn't get any better than that. A dinner for two here including drinks can run you 35-45 dollars Canadian. The fun and excitement is always free.
You can find Christies Carriage House approximately a 5-10 minute cab ride from down town. 1739 Fort Street Victoria. Don't fall into the trap that everything Victoria has to offer is located 5 minutes from the Inner Harbour. I give this place 4 and a half stars out of 5 for consistancy, fun, taste and good times. On your next trip to Victoria, treat yourself to Christies Carriage House.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
In my travels over the years, the one question I get more than any other in Victoria was, and quite frankly still is, "where are the good pubs in town?" Gee, go figure, a Brit looking for a good old fashioned pub. I will start this series off with one of my all time favorites. A must for anyone looking for a little fun, new friends or just a taste of local Victorian life, is Christies Carriage House. An old Edwardian Home built in the late 1800's by Eldrige Christie, a renowned local carriage manufacturer. Like any town or city I've travelled to, you have to go off the beaten trail to find the action. You can find their reletively new website at http://members.shaw.ca/christiespub/ Don't let the lack of hi-tech attributes put you off. Beleive me, the effort is put into the atmosphere, the service, the food and of course the beer. Hey, where else in town are you going to find a million beers on tap. What ever your flavor, you will definately find it at Christies.
I think the one thing I like about Christies is the familiar faces. Always greeted with a smile from the owner, to the servers and the bar tenders. There are not many places I am aware of, with the exception of O'Hare's Pub in Richmond, BC, where the staff has a ZERO turnover. You have to admit, that's got to say something. Right? What a concept, treat people right, give them a great place to work, and you have friendships for ever. Wow!
I have been going to Christies for years now. I think that even through the minor changes over the years, you still walk away having had a great experience. From Monday Night NFL Football, The PGA with Tiger Woods or the Tournament of Hearts, you will find all the armchair quarterbacks in their usual places at the bar critiquing each play, team and trade. Don't get me wrong, it's not all about the sports, but sometimes even an office away from the office for some. The menu is very traditional, the beer is always cold and it's always busy. Don't be afraid of waiting in line for 10 minutes to get a seat. It's worth it. Some of my personal favorites include the Greek salad, the steak sandwhich, Fish and Chips or the very large and juicy Christies Burger with all the trimmings. Another attraction for me is it's one of the few places to get a perfectly poured Phillips IPA. It doesn't get any better than that. A dinner for two here including drinks can run you 35-45 dollars Canadian. The fun and excitement is always free.
You can find Christies Carriage House approximately a 5-10 minute cab ride from down town. 1739 Fort Street Victoria. Don't fall into the trap that everything Victoria has to offer is located 5 minutes from the Inner Harbour. I give this place 4 and a half stars out of 5 for consistancy, fun, taste and good times. On your next trip to Victoria, treat yourself to Christies Carriage House.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The summer garden harvest
the crop. Here it is. That's it! One green pepper.
See the sites with Go-West RV. The Canadian Rockies at your doorstep.
It's the only way to travel through the Canadian Rockies to see all the sigts first hand. At your convenience, your speed, your schedule. Contact Go-West RV for more information on your next summer vacation in Western Canada. Contact Go-West RV http://www.go-west.com/ to book your vacation now!
New Images Posted of Canadian Rockies
Check out West Shore Galleries for the latest updates and images from Western Canada including the Columbia Icefields, Banff, Jasper and more. www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com.
My Chosen Cafe
Looking for a great stop for home made cooking and superb service. While your out on your Sunday drive through the western communities (Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Metchosen), leave room for a quick lunch at one of my favorite stops.
Metchosen is worth the drive from Victoria. On the weekend, it will probably take roughly 30 minutes from downtown. Taking Exit 10 into Colwood, you drive along past the Casino, Colwoods auto row until you get to turnoff to the Metchosen. Turning left, you follow the road for about six miles. The drive offers up an incredible view of the Olympic Mountains, and the Victoria skyline. Driving into this quaint little town, that seems to be unaffected by the growth explosion around it, you feel like you've driven in the countryside miles away from everyone. Situated on the corner in Metchosen is the My Chosen Cafe. I stopped in for a quick appy on Saturday September 12, 2009. This was my third visit. As I am becoming to acknowledge, the service was speedy, friendly and efficient. We did have a bit of a wait, but realize, because its popularity, this is a norm. It took about 10 minutes to be seated. I like the tables out on the patio next to the fireplace. I can only imagine the ambience at night with the fireplaces glowing next to your table. I will be returning again, this time to sample the dinner menu. The portions look huge. Just like the way mama used to pile up the plates.
The website is http://www.mychosencafe.com/. You will read many stories like this on their page devoted to testimonials. Very tasty, average priced, but truly, as they say, a hidden gem. In the neighborhood, stop by for a visit, you won't be dissapointed. Oh, apparently, the take out pizza is to die for. Yum.
Metchosen is worth the drive from Victoria. On the weekend, it will probably take roughly 30 minutes from downtown. Taking Exit 10 into Colwood, you drive along past the Casino, Colwoods auto row until you get to turnoff to the Metchosen. Turning left, you follow the road for about six miles. The drive offers up an incredible view of the Olympic Mountains, and the Victoria skyline. Driving into this quaint little town, that seems to be unaffected by the growth explosion around it, you feel like you've driven in the countryside miles away from everyone. Situated on the corner in Metchosen is the My Chosen Cafe. I stopped in for a quick appy on Saturday September 12, 2009. This was my third visit. As I am becoming to acknowledge, the service was speedy, friendly and efficient. We did have a bit of a wait, but realize, because its popularity, this is a norm. It took about 10 minutes to be seated. I like the tables out on the patio next to the fireplace. I can only imagine the ambience at night with the fireplaces glowing next to your table. I will be returning again, this time to sample the dinner menu. The portions look huge. Just like the way mama used to pile up the plates.
The website is http://www.mychosencafe.com/. You will read many stories like this on their page devoted to testimonials. Very tasty, average priced, but truly, as they say, a hidden gem. In the neighborhood, stop by for a visit, you won't be dissapointed. Oh, apparently, the take out pizza is to die for. Yum.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Holiday Travel Deals
BURNABY, BC, Sept. 3 /CNW/ - Good news for holidaymakers who can afford to take a long-haul break within the next few months: falling demand for travel means there are plenty of bargains around. Overseas costs have tumbled, with hundreds of airline seats, apartments and hotel rooms yet to be booked.
The rock-bottom deals come after a slump in foreign holiday bookings this summer as families hit by the credit crunch decided to take "staycations" at home. Statistics Canada says the number of Canadian trips abroad decreased 7.4 per cent from May to August with just over 3.6 million trips.
Now travel operators hope to claw back business by tempting vacation-starved Canadians with cheap offers.
BCAA Travel Director, Dale Urquhart says customers are booking much later due to low consumer confidence and a need to ensure they have cash available to take a holiday.
"This has resulted in a lot more holidays left in the late-deals market than this time last year," she says. But travellers beware: holding out for the best deals may not be the best plan. The deals that are out there may be fleeting, Urquhart warns. "Airlines with significant losses may need to further reduce capacity in the Fall. That means fares could head north again. Translation: if you see a great deal, snag it or it might disappear."
Countries to see in a recession
More than ever, the holiday destination you choose will make a big difference to your pocket book. Below are BCAA's best-value destination picks that will currently provide more bang for your buck:
1. Australia - Down Under continues to shake up the market with the
introduction of super cheap flights between Los Angeles - Sydney and
Brisbane with V Australia, offering one-way tickets from just $359
U.S., approximately 76 per cent lower than the lowest one-way fare
currently offered by competitor airlines.
2. Turkey - Some of Europe's best-value beaches can be found on Turkey's
beautiful Lycian Coast, which is revving up in the popularity stakes.
To get the best deals across the Atlantic, try to book your land and
flights together. Also cater for yourself, or book an all-inclusive
holiday. While food and groceries are comparatively cheap, the cost
of eating out is becoming more expensive and the price of alcoholic
drinks has also risen over the past year.
3. South America - Yes it's a long haul and as yet there are no budget
airlines offering flights. But once there, you can live like a lord
for a fraction of what it costs in Canada.
4. Thailand - There's no need to chase the myth of a deserted paradise
like Leonardo di Caprio in "The Beach"; Thailand's stuffed full of
awesome and affordable stretches of sand. From 15-cent train rides to
excellent $1 meals, Bangkok is teeming with budget options for the
penny-pinching traveller.
5. Las Vegas - Las Vegas hoteliers are raking in $5.8 million per day
less than they were a year ago, according to the latest figures from
the Convention and Visitors Authority. To lift business, vacationers
stand to receive more incentives and freebies than ever before.
6. Mexico - While the outbreak of the H1N1 virus, also known as swine
flu, hurt early summer travel to Mexico, those fears seem to have
worn off. Visitor numbers are recovering and visitors are enjoying
the discounted rates on accommodation.
7. Egypt - While this destination has been welcoming travellers for
years, a trip here won't break the bank, and offers some great value
packages. How much you pay for a camel ride or felucca ride down the
Nile depends on your haggling skills. Aim to knock off half the price
and remember, bartering is half the fun.
8. South Africa - This is a destination that offers great value for what
you see. With world-class wildlife-watching, cosmopolitan cities,
stunning natural panoramas and vibrant cultures, South Africa appeals
to almost every taste and budget.
9. Orlando, Florida - The hotel price structure in and near Orlando at
non-Disney properties has virtually collapsed. Such rates enable a
cost-conscious family to enjoy a near-week in Orlando for
considerably less than ever before.
10. Iceland - Of all industrialized nations, Iceland has been perhaps the
hardest-hit by the global recession. That's bad news for Iceland, but
great news for Canadian travellers, whose dollars are worth
significantly more than a year ago. It's not exactly cheap, but the
dollar goes twice as far in Reykjavik as it does in Europe's
cosmopolitan capitals like London and Moscow.
For more BCAA travel advice and deals, sign up for weekly travel specials at bcaa.com/email or follow @BCAA Travel on twitter.
BCAA Travel is one of the largest travel agencies in B.C. and one of the first in Canada to introduce a fully-disclosed pricing policy. All advertised prices under BCAA's "What You See Is What You Pay" prices include all fees, surcharges and taxes. BCAA is there for its customers before, during, and after their vacations with its Travel Guarantee and 24-Hour Travellers' Helpline. BCAA also offers travel planning tools such as TripTik(R) routing maps & TourBook(R) guides.
The rock-bottom deals come after a slump in foreign holiday bookings this summer as families hit by the credit crunch decided to take "staycations" at home. Statistics Canada says the number of Canadian trips abroad decreased 7.4 per cent from May to August with just over 3.6 million trips.
Now travel operators hope to claw back business by tempting vacation-starved Canadians with cheap offers.
BCAA Travel Director, Dale Urquhart says customers are booking much later due to low consumer confidence and a need to ensure they have cash available to take a holiday.
"This has resulted in a lot more holidays left in the late-deals market than this time last year," she says. But travellers beware: holding out for the best deals may not be the best plan. The deals that are out there may be fleeting, Urquhart warns. "Airlines with significant losses may need to further reduce capacity in the Fall. That means fares could head north again. Translation: if you see a great deal, snag it or it might disappear."
Countries to see in a recession
More than ever, the holiday destination you choose will make a big difference to your pocket book. Below are BCAA's best-value destination picks that will currently provide more bang for your buck:
1. Australia - Down Under continues to shake up the market with the
introduction of super cheap flights between Los Angeles - Sydney and
Brisbane with V Australia, offering one-way tickets from just $359
U.S., approximately 76 per cent lower than the lowest one-way fare
currently offered by competitor airlines.
2. Turkey - Some of Europe's best-value beaches can be found on Turkey's
beautiful Lycian Coast, which is revving up in the popularity stakes.
To get the best deals across the Atlantic, try to book your land and
flights together. Also cater for yourself, or book an all-inclusive
holiday. While food and groceries are comparatively cheap, the cost
of eating out is becoming more expensive and the price of alcoholic
drinks has also risen over the past year.
3. South America - Yes it's a long haul and as yet there are no budget
airlines offering flights. But once there, you can live like a lord
for a fraction of what it costs in Canada.
4. Thailand - There's no need to chase the myth of a deserted paradise
like Leonardo di Caprio in "The Beach"; Thailand's stuffed full of
awesome and affordable stretches of sand. From 15-cent train rides to
excellent $1 meals, Bangkok is teeming with budget options for the
penny-pinching traveller.
5. Las Vegas - Las Vegas hoteliers are raking in $5.8 million per day
less than they were a year ago, according to the latest figures from
the Convention and Visitors Authority. To lift business, vacationers
stand to receive more incentives and freebies than ever before.
6. Mexico - While the outbreak of the H1N1 virus, also known as swine
flu, hurt early summer travel to Mexico, those fears seem to have
worn off. Visitor numbers are recovering and visitors are enjoying
the discounted rates on accommodation.
7. Egypt - While this destination has been welcoming travellers for
years, a trip here won't break the bank, and offers some great value
packages. How much you pay for a camel ride or felucca ride down the
Nile depends on your haggling skills. Aim to knock off half the price
and remember, bartering is half the fun.
8. South Africa - This is a destination that offers great value for what
you see. With world-class wildlife-watching, cosmopolitan cities,
stunning natural panoramas and vibrant cultures, South Africa appeals
to almost every taste and budget.
9. Orlando, Florida - The hotel price structure in and near Orlando at
non-Disney properties has virtually collapsed. Such rates enable a
cost-conscious family to enjoy a near-week in Orlando for
considerably less than ever before.
10. Iceland - Of all industrialized nations, Iceland has been perhaps the
hardest-hit by the global recession. That's bad news for Iceland, but
great news for Canadian travellers, whose dollars are worth
significantly more than a year ago. It's not exactly cheap, but the
dollar goes twice as far in Reykjavik as it does in Europe's
cosmopolitan capitals like London and Moscow.
For more BCAA travel advice and deals, sign up for weekly travel specials at bcaa.com/email or follow @BCAA Travel on twitter.
BCAA Travel is one of the largest travel agencies in B.C. and one of the first in Canada to introduce a fully-disclosed pricing policy. All advertised prices under BCAA's "What You See Is What You Pay" prices include all fees, surcharges and taxes. BCAA is there for its customers before, during, and after their vacations with its Travel Guarantee and 24-Hour Travellers' Helpline. BCAA also offers travel planning tools such as TripTik(R) routing maps & TourBook(R) guides.
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