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SUN DEALS
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FROM VICTORIA:
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*Price including tax:
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MEXICO
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Cancun
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7 day all incl. Mar 10th 4*
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FROM $1207 CAD
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Los Cabos
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7 day all incl. Mar 12th 4*
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FROM $1193 CAD
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Los Cabos
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14 day all incl. Mar 12th 4*
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FROM $1980 CAD
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Puerto Vallarta
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7 day all incl. Mar10th 4*
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FROM $ 960 CAD
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Puerto Vallarta
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14 day all incl. Mar 11th 3.5*
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FROM $1757 CAD
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Riviera Maya
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7 day all incl. Mar 10th 3.5*
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FROM $ 967 CAD
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Riviera Maya
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14 day all incl. Mar 12th 3.5*
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FROM $1912 CAD
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USA
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Las Vegas
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5 day hotel/air Mar 12th 3*
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FROM $ 533 CAD
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FROM VANCOUVER:
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CUBA
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Cayo Santa Maria
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7 day all incl. Mar 10th 4.5*
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FROM $1402 CAD
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Havana
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8 day all incl. Mar 10th 3*
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FROM $1371 CAD
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MEXICO
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Mazatlan
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7 day all incl. Mar 16th 4*
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FROM $ 823 CAD
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Mazatlan
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14 day all incl. Mar 15th 5*
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FROM $1815 CAD
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Charter flights on sale Vancouver to Europe/Sun Spots/Canada
London from Vancouver
March 27 – April 11
$299.00
+ $568.94 taxes and fees
London from Vancouver
March 20- April 11
$299.00
+ $568.94 taxes and fees
London from Vancouver
March 13 – April 12
$319.00
+ $568.94 taxes and fees
London from Vancouver
March 6 – March 15
$349.00
+ $560.69 taxes and fees
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Los Cabos from Vancouver
March 26 – April 2
$149.00
+ $334.85 taxes and fees
Puerto Vallarta from Vancouver
March 22 – March 29
$199.00
+ $334.85 taxes and fees
Panama City from Vancouver
March 27 – April 10
$299.00
+ $300.31 taxes and fees
Manzanillo from Vancouver
March 22 – March 29
$299.00
+ $334.85 taxes and fees
Varadero from Vancouver
March 24 – April 1
$399.00
+ $264.71 taxes and fees
Puerto Plata from Vancouver
March 23 – March 30
$299.00
+ $376.05 taxes and fees
Cancun from Vancouver
March 25 – April 1
$349.00
+ $334.85 taxes and fees
Punta Cana from Vancouver
March 9 – March 16
$399.00
+ $376.05 taxes and fees
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Air Canada Pilot Strike / Weekly Specials Feb 13
Air Canada Pilots’ Association has called for a strike vote after failing to come to an agreement with the company. The 3,000 members are concerned about the impact of a proposed discount carrier. After a cooling off period (which ends February 14) the pilots can strike after they give the airline 72 hours’ notice. The airline can also lock out workers with the same notice.
| SUN DEALS | ||||||||
| FROM VICTORIA: | ||||||||
| MEXICO | Cancun | 7 day all incl. Feb 25th 4* | FROM $997 CAD | |||||
| Mazatlan | 7 day all incl. Feb 26th 3* | FROM $1150 CAD | ||||||
| Los Cabos | 7 day all incl. Feb 22nd 4* | FROM $1599 CAD | ||||||
| Puerto Vallarta | 7 day no meals Feb 23rd | FROM $ 485 CAD | ||||||
| Puerto Vallarta | 14 day no meals Mar 8th | FROM $ 945 CAD | ||||||
| Cancun | 7 day all incl. 25th Feb | FROM $997 CAD | ||||||
| USA | Honolulu | 7 nights no meals 22thFeb | FROM $1479 CAD | |||||
| Honolulu | 14 nights no meals 22th Feb | FROM $1989 CAD | ||||||
| Las Vegas | 5 day hotel/air Feb 26th 3* | FROM $ 710 CAD | ||||||
| FROM VANCOUVER: | ||||||||
| CUBA | Varadero | 8 day all incl. Mar 24th4.5* | FROM $ 929CAD | |||||
| D.R. | Puerto Plata | 7 day all incl. Mar 2nd 4.5* | FROM $ 799CAD | |||||
| MEXICO | Manzanillo | 7 day all incl. Feb 23rd 3.5* | FROM $ 459 CAD | |||||
| Puerto Vallarta | 7 day all incl. Mar 3rd 4 * | FROM $ 679CAD | ||||||
Pacific Coast Highway & Weekly Specials Feb 7
I think I’m constantly on vacation in my mind. In my imagination I’ve already been to three countries this year. I have planned numerous fantasy vacations, but there is the one trip that I want to actually plan more than almost any other: hotel-hopping down the coast of California.
The beautiful Monterey Bay coastline
The 453-mi/729-km drive from San Francisco to the Los Angeles via the famed Pacific Coast Highway (also called Highway 1) is a popular item on west-coast itineraries when vacationing in California, and for good reason: The route allows you to hit many fantastic coastal California cities, and it’s one of the most scenic and beautiful drives in the U.S. If you want to make this trip as badly as I do, here’s an idea of what you should do and where you should stay.
San Francisco: Starting in San Francisco, spend a few days at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins, located in the city’s Nob Hill neighborhood, and near one of the most popular Chinatowns in the country. This beautiful 19-story building offers some of the best accommodations in the city, especially the Terrace Suites, which, true to their name, have terraces that face some of the area’s best landmarks. On the 19th floor is the popular Top of the Mark restaurant and cocktail lounge, where you can grab a drink and take in the 360-degree view of the city. The hotel is convenient to transportation, most notably the cable car that will take you to Fisherman’s Wharf via the famous Nob Hill, offering some of the best views available in San Francisco.
Monterey Peninsula: Located about 119 mi/192 km south of San Francisco, the Monterey Peninsular should be your next stop, and I’d recommend a couple of days there (so would John Steinbeck). In the area, you’ll find quaint and charming towns such as Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove (for more scenic driving, don’t forget to do the famous 17-Mile Drive that passes through Pebble Beach from Carmel to Pacific Grove). The types of accommodations on the Peninsula vary, but there are a few that are particularly fantastic. Set right on the water, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa in Monterey is probably the town’s finest hotel—and one of the most expensive, but it is worth the splurge for the views of Monterey Bay alone. However, if you’re on a budget, the Mission Ranch Resort in Carmel is a great alternative. This former ranch is a more casual, homey and country-style resort, and it’s owned by Clint Eastwood (do ya feel lucky?).
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Big Sur: Continue down Highway 1 for about 32 mi/52 km, and you’ll enter the Big Sur area. There is a town called Big Sur, but generally that term refers to the 90 mi/145 km section of the coast that stretches from south of Carmel down to the area north of San Simeon. It’s worth it to spend a night in Big Sur, specifically at the Post Ranch Inn, a cozy and romantic (and expensive) hotel that rests on a cliff directly over the Pacific Ocean. The views from this inn are hard to beat. Its location is also perfect for exploring Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park.
The Post Ranch Inn, perched on a cliff over the ocean
Morro Bay: On the way to Morro Bay (a coastal town just outside San Luis Obispo) from the Post Ranch Inn, stop at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon—a must-see on this road trip—located about halfway along the 90 mi/145 drive. Once in Morro Bay, the halfway point between Big Sur and Santa Barbara, get a room at the Inn at Morro Bay. The hotel has a restaurant with a terrace that sits on the water, and most of the cozy rooms have private balconies. Nearby are the Morro Bay Village, with ample dining, shopping and recreation options, and Morro Bay State Park.
Santa Barbara: About 124 mi/200 km down the PCH from Morro Bay is Santa Barbara, the last stop on this trip before Los Angeles. There’s plenty to do in Santa Barbara, whether you’re looking for outdoor options, museums, shopping or dining, and just north of the city is the Santa Ynez Valley, home to many wineries. Spend a night or two at the Hotel Oceana, a small but cute operation in this trendy town that’s right across from the beach. The well-landscaped grounds are beautiful, there are a few ocean-view rooms available. And this hotel offers one amenity that’s a rarity in this area: Free Wi-Fi!
Los Angeles: So, you’ve just spent days completing one of the country’s most beautiful drives, and you’re almost done. Are you exhausted? Or totally exhilarated? Either way, once you arrive in LA, go have a beer; more specifically, go have a beer at the rooftop beer garden at the top of the Standard Downtown LA hotel. This conveniently located 12-story hotel offers fantastic views of the surrounding cityscape and is in walking distance of some great restaurants and lounges, and the Los Angeles Public Library. The Standard is a fun and stylish hotel for your last days of the road trip.
View from the rooftop bar at the Standard Downtown LA hotel
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| SUN DEALS | |||||
| FROM VICTORIA: | |||||
| MEXICO | Cancun | 7 day all incl. Feb 11th 4* | FROM $ 969 CAD | ||
| Cancun | 14 day all incl. Feb 25th 3* | FROM $1609 CAD | |||
| Los Cabos | 7 day all incl. Feb 11th 4* | FROM $1309 CAD | |||
| Puerto Vallarta | 7 day all incl. Feb 16th 3.5* | FROM $ 735 CAD | |||
| Puerto Vallarta | 14 day all incl. Feb 17th 3.5* | FROM $1037 CAD | |||
| Riviera Maya | 7 day all incl. Feb 18th 3.5* | FROM $1099 CAD | |||
| Riviera Maya | 14 day all incl. Feb 25th 3* | FROM $1609 CAD | |||
| USA | Honolulu | 13 day air/hotel Feb 22 3.5* | FROM $1844 CAD | ||
| Las Vegas | 5 day hotel/air Feb 14th 3* | FROM $ 299 CAD | |||
| FROM VANCOUVER: | |||||
| CUBA | Varadero | 8 day all incl. Feb 12th 3.5* | FROM $ 815 CAD | ||
| D.R. | Puerto Plata | 7 day all incl. Feb 10th 3.5* | FROM $ 577 CAD | ||
| MEXICO | Huatulco | 7 day all incl. Feb 14th 4* | FROM $ 725 CAD | ||
| Puerto Vallarta | 7 day all incl. Feb 12th 3* | FROM $ 535 CAD | |||
| USA | Anaheim | 5 day hotel/air Feb 12 3.5* | FROM $ 349 CAD | ||
Independent CYCLE TOURS in Europe and Weekly sell offs
 Croatia and Montenegro – Cycle & Sail tour $1850 p.p.Departs from Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful towns in the Adriatic and a listed World Heritage site; often called the “Athens of Croatia”. Montenegro, the youngest state in the world, is your next destination. Accompanied by your ship, with its friendly and attentive crew, you spend eight exciting days on land and on water. |
 Cycle among the Loire Castles $1150 p.pThis classic bicycling route takes you past the castles, manor houses and chateaux of the French aristocracy. Splendid rolling countryside, incredible wines, and exceptional cuisine distinguish this independent tour. |
 Bike & Barge in the Netherlands – $1025 p.p.By day you bike along safe cycle paths, while nights are spent aboard our refurbished river barges. These tours are fully escorted and include bicycle rental, 7 nights accommodation, 3 meals per day, and your tour guide. Extraordinary value! |
 Semi-Escorted Cycling Tours in Ireland – from $1120 p.pA wealth of quiet trails, charming people, beautiful scenery and famous pubs have made Ireland a leading destination for outdoor enthusiasts. As the foremost supplier of cycling tours, we continue to show the best of undiscovered Ireland at affordable prices. |
 Switzerland’s Rhine Route – independent cycling in the Alps $1050 p.p.Spectacular scenery amongst the European Alps, easy cycling along the Rhine Valley trails.
WEEKLY SELL OFFS
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Without your Travel Agent, you’re on your own
The snow we’ve experienced seems to have caused a flurry of bookings and there are no “great deals” for sell-offs this week. I thought I would take this opportunity to cover a somewhat annoying part of travelling to Mexico.. the “time share salespeople”! I’ve posted an article from the Consumer protection agency to give you some inside information on protecting yourself.
Did you know when you book with a Professional BC Travel Agent your funds are protected. When you book online with an out of province supplier you have no recourse in case of a supplier default. Something to think about next time you find that great deal online.
| Time Shares in Mexico |
| When travelling abroad, be aware of local laws and customs. Reports of problems with time-share arrangements (including the cancellation of contracts) have increased, especially in Mexico. Be prepared for the possibility of being approached by persistent time-share representatives on the street, as well as at the airport or on the way to your hotel. Exercise caution, as salespeople often offer free tours, breakfast or gifts, and can be aggressive in their sales techniques.If you do attend a presentation on time-share opportunities, we recommend that you gather as much information as possible, research the properties and even get a legal opinion before buying. If you do decide to buy, be sure to carefully review the contract to ensure that promises made are confirmed in writing. Anything not included in the contract may not be honoured. Only provide your credit card if you are certain you wish to make the purchase.Time-share companies have been known to request that their clients sign a waiver that prevents them from cancelling the contract. Such practices are illegal.Mexican law stipulates that consumers are legally entitled to cancel a time-share contract without penalty; however, the cancellation must be done within 5 working days starting from the day following the original date of purchase. You must cancel the contract in writing and present it directly to the time-share company. Keep copies of any correspondence.If you experience any difficulties in Mexico with a time-share company, immediately contact the Mexican consumer protection agency, Procuraduria Federal del Consumidor (PROFECO). To find the points of service throughout Mexico, visit the Embassy of Canada in Mexico City website. |
Weekly Specials January 17
| SUN DEALS | |||||||
| FROM VICTORIA | |||||||
| MEXICO | Cancun | 14 day all incl. Jan 26th 3.5* | FROM $1789 CAD | ||||
| Los Cabos | 14 day all incl. Jan 22nd 3.5 | FROM $1649 CAD | |||||
| Puerto Vallarta | 7 day all incl. Jan 26th 4* | FROM $ 625 CAD | |||||
| Puerto Vallarta | 14 day all incl. Jan 23rd 3.5* | FROM $1579 CAD | |||||
| USA | Las Vegas | 7 day air/hotel Jan 25 3.5* | FROM $ 369 CAD | ||||
| FROM VANCOUVER | |||||||
| MEXICO | Manzanillo | 14 day all incl. Jan 26th 3.5* | FROM $ 998 CAD | ||||
| Puerto Vallarta | 14 day all incl. Jan 22nd 3* | FROM $ 785 CAD | |||||
| FAIRMONT RESORT SPECIALS | |||||||
| UNITED STATES | |||||||
| The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii | from $389 USD | ||||||
| The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui | from $499 USD | ||||||
| The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa | • | † | from $212 USD | ||||
| The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, | • | % | * | from $299 USD | |||
| Santa Monica | |||||||
| CANADA | |||||||
| The Fairmont Empress, Victoria | • | from $159 CAD | |||||
| The Fairmont Chateau Whistler | • | from $265 CAD | |||||
| The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | • | from $199 CAD | |||||
| The Fairmont Banff Springs | from $299 CAD | ||||||
| The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | • | from $199 CAD | |||||
| Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Québec City | • | from $189 CAD | |||||
| Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, Charlevoix | • | from $149 CAD | |||||
| Fairmont Tremblant | • | * | from $239 CAD | ||||
| Fairmont Le Château Montebello | • | from $189 CAD | |||||
