Las Vegas

If you are looking to get away for a quick trip this summer, there are a lot of great deals to be had in Las Vegas this summer. Yes it is hot there during the summer, but hey its Vegas and everything is air conditioned! Why not take advantage of some of the great deals on accomodations and even flights.

At the Mirage they are offering some great deals midweek for July $77 a night and August $88 a night. The Mirage has recently undergone some major renovations to their rooms, and they have one of the best pool areas on the strip.

The Venetian is offering a promotion on suites, book a suite (starting at $159 a night) and receive a $100 gas credit and a $25 gaming credit.

NY NY also is offering a 20% discount on all rooms. You can also upgrade from a Skyline room to a Spa Suite for $50.

The Luxor is also offering some fabulous deals on throughout the summer and into the autumn.

Another good choice is the Signature Suites at the MGM Grand. Book direct through an owner and save. I will post more on this option later in the week :)

Viva Las Vegas

Taxes & Fees Rant

I have always noticed in advertised fares on the television, online and at travel agencies "deal boards" that you have to be careful about what is actually a "good deal". Generally the advertised fares are shown without taxes or are shown from a different departure city than what is close to you, so the actual fare you would be paying is far higher than advertised. I really dislike this, it always strikes me as a poor advertising and misrepresentation.

You will see this great advertised fare, seven days at a five star all inclusive including flight for X amount of dollars, and you think - Wow what a great fare! Until you dig a little deeper and realize if you include the taxes that fare is actually double the advertised rate. You then look at other rates including all taxes and realize it is no deal at all. My wish is that they would at least show the cost of taxes when they advertise these so called "great deals." As often I give people a quote for their trip, including all taxes and fees and they come to me, saying I saw this great deal on tv for this trip etc.. I then have to explain to them that the price advertised was not including all the fees and therefore does not always make it a great deal.

I realize that most things advertised in flyers and on tv do not show the taxes, but generally we all know the percentage of tax that will be charged (ie. gst, pst). However with travel there are a variety of fees and taxes that vary across the board, therefore very difficult to estimate, as every hotel and airline charges something different.

More flight deals

Recently Spirit Airlines has been offering some amazing promotions, including their 100% off sale! They always have their $9 Fare club which does require a membership fee to qualify for that promotion, but other promotions you do not need to be a member. Unfortunately Spirit Airlines does not fly out of Canada, but many cities that they fly out of are within an easy drive from Canada (ie. Detroit). Or you likely could find a seperate carrier to get you to an airport, to connect with a Spirit Airlines flight. Spirit is a very affordable choice for any Caribbean/Bahamas, Central and South American destinations as well as Mexico.

So check them out, you may be amazed at the deals you could get.