If you haven’t booked your Spring Break getaway yet, you’re running out of time!
This morning on CHCH Morning Live, I shared some great ways to save once you land in your destination. Plus, I offered some insight into spots you may want to check out on Spring Break or in the future.
Tip #1: Use What You Already Have
Flights are going to be expensive as we approach the break but what you can do is make the most of your savings in destination! And to do that, start by using what you already have.
Your Aeroplan Miles are one example: People think of them first as a way to purchase flights but they can be of great use to you on the ground as well! Use your Aeroplan Miles to get savings on Hotels and car rentals or earn miles with your purchases that you can then use on a future trip.
You can also use your Aeroplan Miles for savings on activities/experiences on the ground. ( Some examples: A pass to the Vancouver Aquarium, Axe throwing in Montreal, a snowshoe tour in Whistler, an ATV experience in Collingwood or even an winter ice wine tour in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.)
Another way to save in destination: Visit your local Apple Store. Yup. Those same camps and classes we enjoy while at home are great ways to get a quck peek at a new-to-you destination. Photography and video classes and tours will help you get to know your iphone better and show you a little bit about where you’re visiting.
Tip #2: Don’t Go Where Everyone Else is Going!
CAA has released their top destinations for March Break and they are exactly as awesome as you were expecting:
Cancun, Mexico
Jamaica
Punta Cana, Dominica Republic
Florida (Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa)
Las Vegas
You may want to book travel to those spots now if they’re on your list but also keep in mind that they might be good spots to avoid. Think about sister cities or similar destinations, that won’t be as crowded but share the attributes of the destinations you’re dreaming of, so that you aren’t going where the crowds are.
Cancun too busy this March break? Maybe try Mazatlan instead.
Tip #3: Book at the Right Time
Skyscanner just released some great stats that will help you book your flights.
1. Best month to book: International flights – February – booking this month could save you over 20 per cent versus booking in June or October, which are the most expensive times to book.
2. Domestic flights are best booked in January, when fares are 25 per cent cheaper than the most expensive month for booking domestic travel: July.
3. For March Break : Fares are lowest three to four weeks before the day you want to travel – both domestically and internationally – so now is the ideal window to book your flight. Contrary to popular belief, booking too early can be just as expensive as booking too late.
Tip #4: Drop Everything and Get to Portugal
Ok, I’m biased. It’s my favourite country in the world. I just got back from Porto and Duoro Valley and had an incredible time. (Check my Instagram if you don’t believe me!) The great thing about being there now is that it was off-season. Weather was fantastic with no crowds to contend with.
I flew TAP Airlines out. They’ve got a great option for stopovers that would have allowed me up to 5 days in Lisbon as well! (They’ve also got new daily flights from Montreal launching soon.) In Porto, I stayed at The Yeatman hotel which had incredible views of the Porto coast and a fantastic wine cellar, and I toured the city (nibbling and sipping all the way) with Taste Porto Food Tours.
And in nearby Douro Valley, I almost didn’t leave the Six Senses Resort where the spa was insane and the relaxed ambience was intoxicating. Or maybe that was the port?
As a bonus TAP is also a Star Alliance partner which means you’re earning Aeroplan Miles. It’s a delicious circle of events which is like paying yourself to have a vacation.
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