NEWS/DEALS

NEWS/DEALS

Here is this weeks great travel deals

Air Canada

-20% off select flights for travel till Mar 31
Use discount code CQK4JU31
www.aircanada.ca

-Executive class sale
www.aircanada.com/en/offers/air/exec_na_oct09/exec_na_oct09.html

LAN
-Toronto- Santiago from $789 (+tax)
http://www.lan.com/promociones/data/norteamerica/ca/cl/turismo_chile1-en-ca.html

-Toronto-NYC from $169 (return + tax)
http://www.lan.com/promociones/data/norteamerica/ca/us/from_toronto_to_new_york-en-ca.html

Porter Airlines:
-20% on any Porter airlines flight
use discount code: WINTER20
(book by November 30th)
www.flyporter.ca

WestJet:
-Seat sale!
www.westjet.com/guest/en/travelOffers/seatSale.shtml?s_cid=INT-TB_SeatSale_20091127

Delta:
-Fly NYC to Europe in Business class from $1,159 each way
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/deals_offers/fare_sales/international_business_deals/flights.jsp

OpenSkies
-Fly in style from NYC-Paris on the all-business class airline (from $705 each way)
www.flyopenskies.com/promo-newyork-paris-business-seat

British Airways
-Free companion ticket!
www.britishairways.com/travel/fall09uspromo/public/en_ca?openxzoneid=313&openxcampaign=sale&openxbanner=1245&openxtype=click

Book now for Summer travel and SAVE:

Air France
-fares to Europe from $1125 (taxes inc)
www.airfrance.ca/CA/en/local/resainfovol/meilleuresoffres/promotion_ete.htm?BV_SessionID=C2EbvMW7pyw-wpIqN8QHHLX&BV_EngineID=140ufnp1d

Guide: BANGKOK

Guide: BANGKOK

Bangkok is one of the more exciting cities on the planet. With a population of nearly nine million, it is a city of vast contrast. Ride a tuk tuk along the Chao Phraya river and explore ancient temples and exotic street markets. Then hope on the modern and efficient skytrain
back to uber modern Siam square where you can shop at some of the most design savvy
stores in Asia.Here is a short list of things that will help make your trip to this fantastic city
that much more fun:



TRANSPORT

Suvarnabhumi airport (www.suvarnabhumiairport.com)
This is Bangkok's international airport which opened it's doors in 2006. It is a huge and important hub in Southeast Asia. You can find onward tickets to almost anywhere in the world from this beautifully designed airport.
TIP: the best option to get downtown to your hotel is to book a private car from the counter in the baggage claim area. You simply purchase a ticket from the attendant who will assign a driver to you and then walk you curbside to your private ride. Average cost is around $15-20. If you want to rough it there are a series of public buses which you can catch downtown for a few dollars, but after coming off of a 23hr flight you might want to splurge.



Skytrain (www.bts.co.th/en/index.asp)
Bangkok has a fantastic mass transit system called the "skytrain" this elevated train wisks you around the city in air conditioned comfort, for only a few dollars.


Taxi's are also very affordable and abundant. However if you want to be a bit more adventurous, make sure you flag down one of the cities tuk tuks. Remember to hold-on!


Seeing the city by boat is a beautiful way to take in the many sights along the Chao Phraya river. This ancient waterway snakes it way through the heart of the city.

HOTELS:
Cheap yet very cheerful


-Le Fenix (www.lefenix-sukhumvit.com)
This fun and design focused hotel is located in one of the best parts of the city. Easy walking distance to endless entertainment like Bed supper club (www.bedsupperclub.com) and the fantastic shopping of the night market. This hotel has comfy rooms, a small infinity pool and a great restaurant for breakfast. From $70.



- JL hotel (www.jlbangkok.com) from $40



- Mac Boutique (www.macboutiquesuites.com) from $60



- Seven (www.sleepatseven.com) from $70


Moderate (affordable luxury):


-Sofitel (www.sofitel.com) from $120


-Luxx (www.staywithluxx.com) from $90



-Tenface (www.tenfacebangkok.com) from $110

Splurge (Bangkok has some of the most affordable 4 and 5 star hotel in the world, if your budget can allow you would be a fool not to stay at one of the following. Note that these hotels also share world renowned spas too!)


- Mandarin Oriental (www.mandarinoriental.com)


- The Peninsula (www.peninsula.com)


- The Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com)


- The Shangri La (www.shangri-la.com)


EATS:
Simply some of the best food you will ever eat will be the amazing street food which you can buy from vendors everywhere. From noodles to fresh fruit you can be assured this will be an experience your tongue will not soon forget. One tip is to frequent a stall or vendor which is busy and makes the dishes to order.


-Cabbages & Condoms (www.pda.or.th/restaurant/restaurant.asp)
This restaurant will not only satisfy your hunger, but also your social conscience. It is run by the local Population and Community Developement Association


-Breeze (www.lebua.com/bangkok/dining/breeze/index.html)



-Celadon (www.sukhothaihotel.com/dining/restaurants/celadon/)



-Eat Me (www.eatmerestaurant.com)

SHOPPING/SIGHTS:


-Wat Pho
(The Temple of the Reclining Buddha)


-Spa
(www.peninsula.com/Bangkok/en/default.aspx#/Bangkok/en/Wellness/The_Peninsula_Spa_by_ESPA/)



-Thewet Flower Market
Located close to China town, wander through blocks of Orchids and roses most sold in bushels for around $5!



-Chatuchak Weekend Market
If you cannot find it in this market, my friend is simply does not exist. Easy to reach via the Skytrain, this market has stalls and stalls of goods for everyone.


-Siam Square (http://www.siam-square.com/shopping.html)



-Siam Discovery Center (www.siampiwat.com)
This western-style mall houses some great stores. Here are a few you don't want to miss
-Loft (a a popular Japanese giftshop)
-Habitat (www.habitat.net)


-MBK (http://www.mbk-center.co.th/en/)



-OTOP (http://www.thai-otop-city.com/) Fair traded Thai products.


FURTHER AFIELD:
It would be a shame to visit Thailand and not explore beyond Bangkok. From the lush northern Jungles to the Southern islands, Thailand simply has much to offer everyone. Travel is cheap and easy. Here are a few resources to help make your travels around Thailand a bit easier.



-State Railway of Thailand (www.railway.co.th/english/index.asp)


-The government bus company, called Bor Kor Sor (BKS), provides the cheapest mode for getting around Thailand



-Thai airways (www.thaiair.com/)
The Thai flag carrier know for outstanding service



- Air Asia (www.airasia.com/site/th/th/home.jsp)
Fantastic discount airline serving all of South East Asia


-Bangkok Airlines (www.bangkokair.com/)
Self described as Asia's "boutique" airline all passengers are granted access to a private airport lounge with free internet and refreshments.


-Nok Air (www.nokair.com)
Fun discount airline owned by Thai Airways (nok means bird in Thai)
*Note that Nok flies our of the old Bangkok airport, Don Meuang

TOOLS

Due to the sluggish economy, nabbing that seat on the flight of your dreams is suppose to be cheaper than ever. However it might not be that easy. Struggling airlines are cutting flights and using smaller planes, so that means fewer options. That being said, there are still some great deals to be had... if your bank account affords.



kayak.com
You enter you intenary and this site trolls the net finding you the best prices. You can customize it by price, intinary or even departure/arrivial. You can even us it to find deals on car rentals and hotels.

fly.com
This site operates on the same premise as Kayak. However, where this site excels is that it offers premium economy fares. Premium economy is something that a lot of airlines are now offering. It is more expensive than regular economy but less than regular business class. Perks can include more legroom, wider seats, enhanced food and beverage service. Two of my favorites are on Thai Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

attitudetravel.com/lowcostairlines
Once you arrive at your destination you can save some serious cash by flying regional discount airlines. Tracking those airlines is a snap with attitudetravel.com. Navigation is easy as it's divided up by world region, from there an easy click-through map provides simple trip planning.

www.airlinequality.com
Airline travel certinally isn't as glamorous as it once was. Choosing the airline that best suites your needs is much easier with the help of airlinequality.com. This site not only rates airlines with a star ranking (1-5) but allows people to write personal reviews. There's also a handy seat selection tab to help you choose the best seat the plane. The insider's airport reviews are a welcome touch. These little details may seem silly, but small details like knowing which seat on the plane has an extra few inches of leg room or which airport has a Starbucks can make or break your trip.

www.seatguru.com
Getting the best seat in the house is always important. Seatguru.com is like your personal airplane concierge. Simply scroll down the left tab, select your airline and aircraft type and voila!
An easy to follow chart highlights which seats you want and those you don't!

tripadvisor.com
One of my favorite sites when chosing a hotel is tripadvisor. Not only does it rate the hotels based on readers reviews, but allows you to view real room photos submitted by reviewers. This way you get a real feel of what to expect. If you like what you see, there is a handy booking tool.

PACKING LIST

I love to travel! I love every aspect about it. The planing, the research, the lists, even the packing!
Here are a few of my favorite items for when I hit the road.

As beautiful as it is functional, the Samsonite Black Label X'Lite will keep heads turning as you glide through the airport terminal with ease due to it's 4 spinner wheels.

For something just as sleek but a bit softer try the Rudsak UBCSL 1870 Hard Nylon/ Leather Suitcase.


For a weekend bag that says "daddy's paying" choose the chic Delvaux Ligne 1829 WE bag.

If you love to shop as much as I do when you travel, not to worry. Muji's Foldable Boston Bag will be there to lend a hand when you need a little more space.


The Moleskines City Notebooks are the quintessential guide book


A versatile wardrobe staple for any globetrotter, this American Apparel unisex Jersey Scarf is lightweight enough to fit into any bag but warm enough to keep you cozy on those long trans-Atlantic flights. Hey it even comes in 28 colours!

Adjusting to a new time zone is a snap with this simple yet classic Timex Easy Reader.


Suffering from jet lag or perhaps a tad homesick? A warm cup of Kusmi tea will have you hydrated and back on your feet in no time!

Vaseline Lip Therapy with Aloe Vera will keep your lips in top shape to help you tackle that foreign language you have been practicing for months!

Tired of feeling like you have been ripped of by a local taxi driver, frustrated trying to figure out public transit in a new city, how about tackling it on your own? You need the Dahon Curve 3 Folding Bicycle. Now imagine how easily it will be for you to pass as a local!


Don't call it an early night just because your feet can't keep up! Sure travel can be demanding on your toes, but remember you don't have to sacrifice style either. Berlin designed, Italian made Trippen shoes prove that form and function really can co-exist.