Puerto Vallarta Trip Report - June 11 - 18, 2023

It's been 10 years since I've wiggled my toes in the sand in Puerto Vallarta.  I was there on a cruise a few years ago but didn't get off the ship to visit.  PV is not one of my favorite places.  This would be my third time staying here; third time a charm?  🤞  Also, my first trip to PV was in June and I swore I'd NEVER go back in that month because of the heat/humidity but here I am (I've learned to never say never)...  Below, the picture is from the RIU website.  I read enough reviews to know that food would taste average but be plentiful, the alcohol is NOT top-shelf and the hotel needed a good refurb.  Almost like most all-inclusives I've stayed at...

Huatulco Trip Report - Apr. 3 - 10, 2023

This marks my first trip of 2023 and my fourth visit to Huatulco.  I traveled with my friend who accompanied me on my first two trips.  We scored direct return flights on WestJet for $494 CAD each and rented a 2 bedroom condo ($1100 total for the week) .  It was close to playa Santa Cruz (3 blocks away) located at 137 Acatlán.  Pic below is from booking.com which is where I reserved it.

Huatulco Trip Report - Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2022

First real vacay since 2019!  I hope I don't have to mention "covid" again throughout this report, other than my travel insurance covered it.  🤞 Normally we book Huatulco flights nine/ten months ahead but this year was different.  I couldn't even find direct flights until mid-August and then the prices were four times as much as usual.  I got lucky and saw a fare sale from AeroMexico which prompted WestJet to drop some fares too.  It took some time to play around get the cheap flights, but eventually through Expedia,  I was able to nab 1-stop getting there (AeroMexico) and direct flight home (WestJet) staying at Princess Mayev, ocean view - 2 beds for $2600 CAD for two total, ALL IN for 12 nights.  I did have to chop two days off our trip to get that price though.  My son kindly paid to get "exit row" seats for us on our return flight home.  

Kelowna Mini-Trip Report Sept. 18 - 21, 2022

I haven't flown or been away since November 2019.  As someone who traveled 2 - 3 times a year, it's been an interesting pause.  I don't like travel as in the actual travel.  I despise airports, luggage, customs, security, shuttles, etc. etc.  The impatience in me hasn't missed that part at all.  My good friend moved to Kelowna in 2020 and it was time to check it out and get away!  I have significant elevated anxiety issues since the pandemic started and this little jaunt was getting me out of my comfort zone, which I truly needed...

Huatulco Trip Report - November 10 - 17, 2019

I haven't really got Huatulco out of my mind since our first trip/visit there in 2017.  In late January I found a great deal and we booked it right away.  We even got our own rooms which was awesome.  The price couldn't be beat.  My friend mentioned that now we had to wait 9 months and literally a baby could be born in that time.  I told her to make sure she bought trip insurance then...  😉 This trip was going to make me see if I wanted to spend most of my vacation time here when I retire...  I am thinking this time of year, and for a month or so.  Anyway, I am 54 and my friend is 43.

Barbados Trip Report - September 6 - 18, 2019

I had a hard time picking this vacation.  This was my annual trip with my son (he's 29 - gawd I'm getting old - 54) which we've done together since he was 6.  We deliberated over Disney World, Maui, Jamaica and Barbados.  We had pretty much decided on Maui because it was a direct flight for us, but when I went to book, I hesitated and wasn't sure I wanted to do it (We've been to Oahu a few times before and while we adore Hawaii, I just wasn't sure...).  My friend told me to look at Barbados.  It felt right to me immediately once I started exploring but when it finally came down to booking, I struggled between All-Inclusive (AI) or Self-Catering (SC) option.

Las Vegas Trip Report - February 24 - 27, 2019

I'll admit this "low roller" was surprised when I got an offer for 3 nights comped in a FOUNTAIN VIEW king room at Bellagio.  Hell yes!  Normally all I get is the regular, non-view room offers there.  I had three choices this time: that one, strip view or this one.  I was in!

Las Vegas Trip Report - November 18 - 21, 2018

I was at the Bellagio in May, so I was fortunate to get to go back for an additional quick solo getaway this year.  Got 3 nights comped, but still had to pay $39 resort fee.  I got my air for $200 CAD return as I had some points on my credit card that I used against the $350 fare.  Flew Westjet out of YVR.  My offer also included a $50 resort credit.  I have always wanted to try Aria, and phoned to see if they could offer the same as Bellagio.  They did, and also threw in $40 free play with the resort credit, so I switched. I have always wanted to try their rooms and I've always loved the hotel.

Pacific Coastal Cruise Trip Report - September 2 - 9, 2018

This was my annual getaway with my son.  I always look forward to traveling with him and we've pretty much vacationed every year together since he was six.  I only had 8 days so this was good as the departure left from our hometown Vancouver and the flight home from San Diego is a short one.  I've been on the Celebrity Infinity as I took it for my Panama Canal cruise last year.  I had 15 days on it and know the ship well.  We liked all the ports too!  Lots to do and visit this time.

Las Vegas Trip Report - May 13 - 18, 2018

I was planning not to take any trips this year.  Decided to replace some furniture and work on the home instead.  However, I kept getting tempting emails and then I got one I couldn't refuse.  Bellagio sent me an offer that included 3 complimentary nights, a $50 resort credit and $50 free play.  That's pretty good for a low roller like myself!  5 nights is my sweet spot so the other 2 nights were $175 each and then of course the exorbitant daily resort fee of $40.  My air was complimentary with my credit card miles plan so it was relatively inexpensive.  "Almost Free", you might say...ha ha 😏