Yahoo Finance Barry Choi: 4 travel deals to help you beat Blue Monday, plus how to protect your trip
As we get further into 2023, some people might still be coming down from the high of the holidays. The third weekend of January is often called Blue Monday: The combo of cold weather, shorter days and post-holiday lull can all combine to affect your mental state negatively.
There’s no doubt that your mind might wander to thoughts of warmer weather and more sunshine. Fortunately, there are a lot of deals available right now, so you can turn those dream destinations into reality.
Here’s a list of some of the best travel deals available right now, plus travel tips to protecting your vacation if your flight or baggage is delayed.
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Say goodbye to winter
Anyone looking for a change in temperature can get up to 40 per cent off select vacation packages to Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America with Air Canada Vacations. Alternatively, you can save up to 25 per cent on select flight and hotel packages to Hawaii, Orlando and California. You must book by Feb. 5, 2023 and complete your travel by April 30, 2023.
If you are worried about travel right now, you could purchase an optional CareFlex travel protection plan from Air Canada Vacations. For $69 to $99, your plan allows you to cancel with a full refund up to 21 days before departure or a travel credit when cancelling up to three days prior to departure.
Save up to $400 on ticket packages at select Disney resort hotels
Disney World is still celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and you can take part in the magic while saving up to $537 on four-night, four-day park tickets and hotel packages. This offer includes some of Disney’s most popular properties, including, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Port Orleans Resort.
Available dates include most Sunday through Thursday nights until Feb. 28, and most nights throughout March 2023. If you want to maximize your time while at Disney World, purchasing Disney’s Genie+ service is well worth it since it will allow you to reserve your spot in line at multiple rides.
Beautiful Belize
Belize was recently named one of CNN’s best destinations to visit and it’s not hard to see why. The country has Mayan ruins, lush rainforests, and the Belize Barrier Reef. It’s also the only country in Central America where English is the national language.
For those headed to Ambergris Caye Island — the largest island in Belize — be sure to check out the Victoria House Resort & Spa. Their petite escape package is designed for stays of three to seven nights and includes daily breakfast for two, a bottle of Prosecco, and a one-day golf cart rental. Depending on availability, you can choose between palmetto rooms — which face the beach — or a Casita, a traditional type of home. Rates start at $1,838 per couple, taxes & service charges included, and last until Dec. 20, 2023.
Victoria House is located just minutes from the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, so it’s ideal for those who want to dive or snorkel. Alternatively, the staff can arrange in-land adventures such as cave tubing.
Coast-to-coast Canadian deals
Those looking to stay within Canada won’t be disappointed, as there are many affordable getaways to be found across the country.
The Yellow House on the Hill is a quaint bed and breakfast in downtown Kentville, N.S., smack dab in the middle of the Annapolis Valley. Close to shops, wineries and the Bay of Fundy, you won’t find a better place to stay. Rooms start at just $100 and include amenities such as a fire pit and hot tub.
Visit Calgary has curated a list of packages available at some of the most popular hotels in the city. Some participating properties include The Dorian, Delta Hotels by Marriott South, and Fairfield by Marriott Downtown. There are many dates available, some as late as June 30, 2023.
Those headed to Whistler can save up to 20 per cent at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Hotel. You’ll save 10 per cent on stays of two to three nights, 15 per cent when staying four to six nights, and 20 per cent if you stay at least seven nights. You must book by April 13, with travel until April 16, 2023.
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Protect your vacation
While Air Passenger Rights are meant to compensate travellers, they don’t apply when flights are delayed due to safety reasons, such as weather. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to protect yourself, and it might not cost you anything.
Many premium travel credit cards include extended travel insurance, including trip cancellation or delay, trip interruption, baggage delay, and auto rental car collision/loss damage. Your travel insurance policy will clearly outline what you’re entitled to, how much you’ll get, and when the insurance policy applies.
For example, some policies state that if you’re delayed for four hours or more, you’re entitled to up to $1,500 in compensation per eligible person. This could easily cover the cost of accommodations, meals, and incidentals. That sure beats sleeping on the floor of an airport.
Note that a certain percentage of your trip costs (flights and accommodations) need to be charged to your credit card for the insurance to apply. Check your certificate of insurance for details. If you’re paying with points, you’d have to pay with a credit card that earns the same points for your insurance to be valid. Also, if you cancel your credit card before you depart, your insurance policy would be void.
Even if you don’t have a credit card with travel insurance, purchasing a yearly travel insurance policy is inexpensive and could cover you for multiple trips, saving you and your vacation.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
