Joy McGinnis – Jun 29, 2024 / 6:00 pm | Story: 494632
Photo: The Canadian Press
There are a number of credit cards that offer their holders the benefit of an annual companion fare voucher.
The perk can definitely save you big bucks but only when used the right way.
First, let’s take a look at the restrictions. I’m going to base the majority of this column on the WestJet companion fare, but any companion fare affiliated with a specific airline will be similar. The companion fare is valid for flights on WestJet aircraft only. It does not allow for “co-share” flights to connecting cities, even though you can book those options on its website.
For example, if you search for flights from Kelowna to Lisbon with WestJet, you will see connections via Paris and/or London. However, if you try to use the companion fare, the pop up window will advise you that your voucher is not valid for that itinerary. You can only book as far as Paris or London with WestJet and then buy connecting tickets to Lisbon.
Buying connecting tickets is fine if you are able, or want, to build in the overnight cost. Never try “same day” travel with two separate tickets on one itinerary. If the initial flight is cancelled and/or delayed and you miss your connection, there is no required action by either airline to re-accommodate you as you are not on a “through fare”.
There are often date restrictions for using companion fares during high traffic seasons, such as Christmas and spring break.
Once you have purchased a companion fare ticket, you are committed to travelling with that person on the assigned itinerary. There can be no deviations in dates and/or routings. One person can’t decide to cut their trip short or come home from another city. You must travel on the exact same flights and dates. If there is a required deviation from each other, the trip is cancelled and you start from scratch at what will likely be a much higher fare. If you cancel the trip and don’t rebook another itinerary with the same person, you forfeit that year’s voucher.
WestJet companion fares cannot be used towards business class travel. Premium economy is the highest applicable standard.
So, how to best maximize the value of your companion fare?
As of June 30, WestJet charges $119 CAD for economy flights within Canada or to/from the continental U.S. and $219 CAD for premium flights. (*The continental U.S. does not include Hawaii.)
WestJet charges $399 CAD for economy flights within the rest of their network and $499 CAD for travel in premium economy. The price of the vouchers does not include taxes and fees
Ideally, use your companion fare when travelling in premium economy to truly maximize the value. It is also valuable in cases of last minute emergency travel to help minimize the cost of full-fare tickets.
One-way and round-trip routings can be booked on the airline’s website, however, if you want to do an “open jaw” itinerary, you have to phone them directly.
“Open jaw” is when you fly into one city and back out of another. This is not advertised but is allowed. Again, only on routes using WestJet aircraft.
One final note, if you haven’t had a chance to use your companion fare this year, don’t let it expire. WestJet is currently allowing cardmembers to exchange an unused voucher for up to four lounge passes.
The voucher is a valuable benefit. Feel free to chat with your travel advisor about how to best incorporate it into your plans.
It’s not always the best solution when compared to the fluidity of unlimited coverage and airline connections and your travel expert is best qualified to make that determination.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Joy McGinnis – Jun 22, 2024 / 6:00 pm | Story: 493546
Photo: Comisi?n Mexicana de Filmaciones
Mexico City is a perfect alternate to Las Vegas and/or New York City as a holiday destination. With wonderful culture, cuisine, architecture and unending entertainment venues, the cost is a fraction of that to an American urban getaway spot.
I know summer just arrived and you are likely wondering why I’m talking about winter but I’m a big fan of being prepared.
“Lift” is what we refer to as the seat capacity for outbound flights from Kelowna. Sadly, the days of three separate carriers competing for our travel dollars are over. This winter season, we are in a (virtual) monopoly. WestJet provides non-stop services to (all but one) points south.
With this information, understand last minute selloffs are a thing of the past.
Direct nonstop flights:
Cancun: Tuesdays, Nov 11-Apr 15; Fridays, Oct 11-Apr 18; Sundays, Oct 21-Apr20
Puerto Vallarta: Thursdays, Oct 10-Apr 24; Mondays, Nov 4-Apr 21
Cabo San Lucas: Saturdays, Oct 25-Apr 26
Mazatlan: Fridays, Dec 13-Apr 4 (operated by Sunwing)
Phoenix: Wednesdays, Oct 29-Apr 23
Las Vegas: Fridays, Nov 8-Apr 25; Mondays, Nov 11-Apr 21
Advance booking, especially during the peak travel seasons of Christmas and spring break, is highly recommended.
For those willing to consider connecting flights, there are many more options to consider. One caveat, however. I would never recommend a same-day connection during our winter season. Commuter flights (from Kelowna) to Calgary and Vancouver are notoriously affected by mechanical and weather-related issues. Depending on availability, it can be incredibly difficult to re-accommodate a passenger on another flight if they miss their connection.
Mexico City is a perfect choice as an alternate to Las Vegas and/or New York City. It has wonderful culture, cuisine, architecture and unending entertainment venues. All at a fraction of the cost of the American urban getaway. Air Canada has daily nonstop service from Vancouver to Mexico City.
Ixtapa provides guaranteed sunshine and endless unspoiled beaches. Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo is the favoured destination of the adult-oriented traveller. It’s not a kid-friendly destination.There is service to the area with Westjet and Air Canada from both Vancouver and Calgary.
For Tulum, there is a new international airport in Quintana Roo. For those wanting to avoid the long transit from Cancun to resorts south of Playacar, this new weekly service from Calgary will be welcomed.
Huatulco is a perfect destination for families. Quiet, laid-back ambiance, there is the opportunity to explore the unique little town of La Crucecita and take a day trip to the surfer vibe of Puerto Escondido. It’s the ultimate beach destination that will not disappoint. WestJet offers service from both Vancouver and Calgary.
Punta Cana, the Dominican Riviera offers deluxe five-star, all-inclusive resorts along a beach that extends more than 80 kilometres. There are all-encompassing adult-only options, as well as fully tricked out family resorts that rival Disneyland. There is service twice a week with WestJet out of Calgary.
Liberia, Costa Rica is a wonderful destination for the adventure enthusiast. Jungles, rivers, volcanoes, surfing and ziplines. I definitely recommend a stay of 10 nights or more to truly enjoy this incredibly versatile country. There are flights four times a week week with WestJet out of Calgary.
Montego Bay, Jamaica offers Caribbean rhythms and tropical vibes. A sun destination best approached with an open mind, as the “ganja”-infused Rastafarian culture can be a little intimidating and off-putting to some. The best beaches are in Negril.
Nassau, Bahamas provides turquoise waters, pink sand and swimming with pigs. Who could ask for more? A mixture of Spanish, West African and British influence, Nassau offers wonderful cultural and historical experiences, as well as pure powder sand beaches. The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island is the ultimate indulgence for families or adults-only alike. Offering extensive dining, entertainment and accommodation options, as well as a 140-acre waterpark, Atlantis appeals to the kid in all of us. There are weekly flights out of Calgary with WestJet.
Varadero, Cuba. Sadly this destination is still recuperating from the post-Covid-related restrictions and supply train issues. Hard pressed to get the resorts back to full capacity, there have been numerous complaints relating to cleanliness and food quality. It’s hard for me to recommend it at this time. There are twice weekly flights from Calgary with WestJet.
And there you have it. There is a plethora of options for you to choose from. A little research, proactive planning and seat-sale pricing will result in your perfect winter vacation.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Joy McGinnis – Jun 8, 2024 / 6:00 pm | Story: 491336
Photo: Contributed
Explora Journey cruise ship Explora.
Castanet welcomes our new travel columnist Joy McGinnis, whose 30-plus years of customizing personalized travel itineraries for her clients and her own love of travel give her a perfect insider take on travel trends and enables her to offer helpful hints to aid you with your travel aspirations.
It’s an undisputed fact the travel industry was hard hit during the pandemic years.
The cruise sector withstood harsh criticism and devastating losses that many believed would be insurmountable. I’m happy to report the cruise industry is once again the fastest growing sector with a burgeoning resurgence of demand from travellers old and new.
There have been significant changes to both the technology, design and marketing of many of the suppliers. Gone are the days of trying to appeal to all consumers. Nowadays, niche marketing is the way of the seas. There truly are ships to appeal to each sector of the travel community—mega “destination” ships, boasting vast arrays of activities, restaurants and entertainment right down to luxurious and intimate small ship experiences embodying the finest cuisine and unique itineraries.
New to the market and exquisitely designed with a specific consumer in mind, Explora Journeys is the shining star of the MSC Group.
An “ocean state of mind” is the mantra of this business module with a staff dedicated to allowing their guests to reconnect with what matters most while on vacation. It’s ship, Explora, has 461 staterooms, all with oceanfront terraces and ranging from 400 square feet to a mind-blowing 3,000 square feet “Owner’s Residence,” equipped with a private infinity whirlpool.
I had the opportunity to sail on Explora in February, from Panama City to Barbados. From the moment we boarded, the Explora difference was evident. The understated luxury and attention to detail permeated every aspect of ship design and layout. It felt more like a lovely boutique hotel than cruise ship. The cabin utilized every inch of space to offer both efficiency and luxury. I loved my Dyson hairdryer, plush bathrobe and slippers, as well as my fully stocked mini-bar.
Though the ship only carries a maximum 900 passengers, it is large enough to tempt its guests with four separate pool areas, a large outdoor fitness/games area, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, as well as an exceptional spa centre featuring an incredible array of services.
The food aboard Explora is outstanding. Your all-inclusive cruise fare includes five different dining options—Sakura, Marble & Co., Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge and the Emporium Market. All serve cuisine equivalent to upscale restaurants around the world. In-suite dining is also available (and included), as well as a gelateria, creperie and small bites café. Anthology is the only option which is at an extra charge. The ultimate foodie indulgence, with a guest Michelin chef executing seven-course dining debauchery.
Top tier spirits and classically trained mixologists keep the guests relaxed and imbibed with good vibes. Each and every staff member is friendly and attentive, eager to assist in any way possible.
Currently, Explora Journeys only has the one ship at sea. Soon to embark is Explora 2— in August 2024—and will be followed by four more ships by 2028.
Who’s right for Explora? People looking for refined luxury, large living space, ultimate food and beverages, off the beaten path itineraries offering overnight stays in port, as well as busy executives with limited time, who want to decompress in elegant surroundings but still be connected when necessary and those who want a vacation that leaves you revived rather than exhausted.
Current promotions include a 300-euro shipboard credit for bookings made prior to July 31, 2024.
Photo: Contributed
A guest room on board the cruise ship Explora.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Joy McGinnis – Oct 21, 2019 / 11:00 am | Story: 268512
Photo: Contributed
I awoke with a start. My sleep-addled brain struggled to determine the unfamiliar surroundings.
“What was that noise?”
A low heavy “harrumph” was emanating from nearby. Clarity and memory flooded back. I was alone in my tent in the Elephant Camp in Samburu National Park and that noise could only be one of the local pachyderms making their way to the river.
I frantically started waving the flashlight we had been given by the staff to signal for assistance. Immediately, there was a calm, reassuring voice outside my door.
“Miss Joy, it’s OK. He is only scratching against your tent for a moment. There is nothing to fear.”
My introduction to safari living had begun.
We arrived in Nairobi in the late evening as is the norm for most international flights. Clearing Customs was quick and efficient and the transfer to our overnight at the Sarova Stanley Hotel uneventful.
The following morning we were introduced to our tour guides and our group of 13 loaded into our two seven-passenger Safari Land Cruisers and began the first of many long drives.
Lesson 1
Driving in Kenya is arduous. Traffic is unrelenting and in many areas, the roads are no more than goat tracks. Being in the right vehicles is imperative. We saw other safari operators utilizing minivans and small jeeps and couldn’t imagine how restricting and uncomfortable their journey was.
Good game viewing allows for you to stand up to take those epic shots as well as allowing equal opportunities for all occupants.
During our safari, we stayed at three luxury, tented camps.
This is beyond “glamping”! These permanent fixtures are furnished with king-size canopy beds, clawfoot tubs, outdoor showers and amenities that rival the best hotels in Europe. The staff are professional, kind and hospitable.
Local Masai are employed as security for each individual tent between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. They are at your beck- and-call for assistance in getting to and from the main lodge area and in my case, getting rid of pesky elephants.
Lesson 2
Accommodations in Kenya range from large, resort-style lodges to intimate luxury tented camps.
The large resorts offer pools, spas, fitness centres as well as satellite TV and entertainment.
The luxury tents are either fenced or un-fenced. The difference becomes the proximity of the local wildlife. Unfenced allows the animals unrestricted access through the camp and limits your ability to wander freely in the evenings without mandatory security assistance.
WI-FI and electricity in the small camps are provided via generators and only available during set hours.
By moving around to three different locations we were able to enjoy an ever-changing variety of wildlife.
The game-viewing days began after a sumptuous early breakfast. We would head off into the national parks to see what awaited us. The guides from various operators all work together via radio to create a network of viewing opportunities.
The result is that all the visitors have equal access to The Big Five. In fairness, we probably did wait 15 minutes before advising the others about our leopard.
Lesson 3
Being in the bush in Africa is very different from Canada. The animals in Africa are more likely to hunt you than run from you. My request to “go for a run” was met with incredulity.
“No, Madam, you cannot go for a run. The animals are everywhere whether you can see them or not.”
There isn’t much exercise while on safari. And you need some to work off the incredible food they serve every day.
Trust me, there is so much more to know and understand when planning your African adventure. Push your budget a bit where it counts.
There’s nothing worse than “cheaping out” on a trip of a lifetime as you’re not likely to get a “re do.”
Ideally, find someone who can give you experienced advice and guide you to those suppliers who can work within your budget and still deliver an epic experience.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
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