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air canada vacations

Your 2020 Last Minute Getaway: Where, When and Why to Go!

March 3, 2020 By Lena 1 Comment

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of last minute vacations. It’s honestly one of my favourite ways to travel! In fact, in 2019, I helped friends and family NOT-plan five family vacations – all booked with less than a month’s notice (and all beautiful, memorable getaways).
If you’re fortunate to have flexibility in your work and home life, here’s why last minute vacations are a great option:

1) You’ll save money. Of course you’ll save money – it’s the main reason they’re called last minute “deals”. With Air Canada Vacations, you can save up to 40% on packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, South and Central America, the US and many more vacation destinations. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: air canada, air canada vacations, caribbean vacations, last minute deals, last minute vacations

A Look Ahead to Summer Travel: Dream of Europe!


May 30, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Each year, the first Monday after March Break is marked off on my calendar. I clear my schedule, drop my laptop in my handbag and make my way to my favourite local coffee shop. When the morning’s pressing emails are answered, a latte is in front of me and I’ve scanned the bakery case to decide on my afternoon treat, I dive into summer vacation planning.But it’s only March! you’re thinking. Friends, it’s the PERFECT time to plan – especially if you’re considering a family vacation to Europe, which has never been hotter (or more attainable) for family travels. Barcelona, London, and Lisbon have gained reputations for being flawlessly kid-friendly, and when you book with Air Canada Vacations, they’ll do the planning for you! Vacation packages feature a family-centric itinerary and include flights, accommodations and private airport transfers – in addition to excursions, some meals, and more! (Be sure to review the package inclusions as each package offers a unique customized experience and varies from country to country.)

 …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: air canada vacations, europe vacations, family travel

Dreaming of Hawaii? Here’s How to Make it Come True


December 30, 2018 By Lena 18 Comments

When I first started to think about this post, I had decided to craft a list of reasons “why” you should visit Hawaii. However, I realized pretty quickly that I was essentially stating the obvious; of course you want to visit Hawaii. Of course you know the reasons why. Besides the lush greenery, the remarkable hospitality of its inhabitants and the over 750 miles of pristine shoreline, Hawaii has been and always will be a bucket list travel destination. So, wanting to turn your dream of Hawaii into reality, let’s focus on the “how” – specifically, how to plan for a family vacation to the Aloha state, and how to do it seamlessly with Air Canada Vacations.
1. When to Travel. Great news, especially for family travellers: year round, the temperature in Hawaii remains relatively stable, so you can choose to travel when it makes the most sense for you. While the islands have a drier season (summer) and a wetter season (winter), the sun shines almost every day of the year so your vacation shouldn’t be impacted by precipitation. My family visited Maui and Oahu in the month of November, and save for one morning where it rained for just over an hour, the rest of the time we spent (10 days) was sunny and clear with low humidity. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #dreamofhawaii, air canada vacations, hawaii, maui vacation, oahu vacation

This Season, Fall in Love with Mexico

September 5, 2018 By Lena 15 Comments

See what I did there? FALL? I know, I’m hilarious!

Now that the kids have returned to school, pumpkin spice is everywhere and temperatures will inevitably return to (gasp) single digits, there’s no better time to start planning your next family getaway. Whether it’s tacked onto a long weekend in the coming months or over the winter holidays, a little planning is key when it comes to picking the perfect resort. So grab a PSL, huddle under a shaggy throw and get ready to fall in love with Mexico!
But, why Mexico? Let me count the ways:

1. Take advantage of daily flights from Toronto (and twice daily from October 28 – April 23!) with Air Canada Vacations. That means you can customize your family vacay to suit your schedule, tastes and budget; pop down for an extended weekend getaway or take a classic 7-day all-inclusive vacation. Mexico is conveniently a 4-hour flight from Toronto, so the choice is yours – plus, save BIG when you package your hotel and flights. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: air canada vacations, family travel, Mexico

Mind. Blown: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

July 21, 2018 By Lena 22 Comments

If you’re currently in planning mode for a Walt Disney World vacation, I’m going to insist that you stop what you’re doing, grab a cup of tea and settle in for some valuable reading time. Trust me! Because I’m about to tell you all about a hidden gem located in the very heart of the excitement of the Walt Disney World Resort. It offers its own unique benefits and also piggybacks on many of the benefits of staying on site.

It’s the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, an Air Canada Vacations partner hotel.To be absolutely transparent, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is owned by Marriott International. So while the hotel is located on site, it operates slightly differently from other Disney-owned properties. By the end of this post, I promise that likely won’t be a deal-breaker for you. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: air canada vacations, Marriott International, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Toy Story Land: A BIG New Way to Play at Walt Disney World!

July 8, 2018 By Lena 20 Comments

The wait is finally over – Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort, inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films, is now open!
Become an “honorary toy” as you discover the whimsical workings of Andy’s backyard. Here, you’ll be surrounded by giant building blocks, Tinkertoys, board game pieces and more – all while encountering your favourite Toy Story characters. Fun! …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: air canada vacations, toy story land

This Summer, Send the Kids to Camp – By the Sea!

June 18, 2018 By Lena 23 Comments

In just two short weeks, the kids will be home for the summer holidays. Chances are, you’ve already figured out how to keep them continuously entertained for 60 days… right?

(I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stress you out like that.)

For some parents, summer camp is a viable option. I normally have my boys in day camp for at least three or four weeks during the summer, because I need to work and they need to be busy. But for the weeks they are at home, I often struggle to find ways to stay on top of my work while keeping an eye on them. In the past, I’ve simply declared defeat and rented a cottage for a week. If you have vacation time this summer and are thinking of doing the same, here’s another idea: how about spending a week at an all-inclusive resort in paradise?
Let me break it down for you. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #aircanadavacations, air canada vacations, all inclusive resorts, summer travel

Beaches Turks & Caicos: Your FAQs Answered!

May 31, 2018 By Lena 32 Comments

Just before I wrapped up my recent review on Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, I promised that I would be back to address some of the frequently asked questions I received while on location.
(To be honest, I had no intention of answering questions while I was in paradise. That’s what post-trip blog posts are for! But my sincere thanks to all who DM’ed – I’m happy to answer your questions now!) …

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Filed Under: Featured, Travel Tagged With: air canada vacations, Beaches Resorts, beaches turks & caicos, resort review

Life’s a Beach! Family Travel Perfection at Beaches Turks & Caicos

May 19, 2018 By Lena 11 Comments

Friends, I want to let you in on a little secret. Heaven on earth exists – and it can be found at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.
For years – perhaps even as long as a decade – a visit to Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa has been on my travel bucket list. From the promise of pristine turquoise waters to the heavily-lauded hospitality, I refused to consider my stint as a family travel blogger complete until I experienced this slice of paradise for myself. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: air canada vacations, Beaches Resorts, beaches turks & caicos

Your Family Vacation: Book Now, Enjoy Later!

April 11, 2018 By Lena 15 Comments

HOT DEAL ALERT! Scroll down for information on a very special promo: Kids FLY, stay & eat FREE when you book a vacation package with Air Canada Vacations! More details below!

You’ve heard it all before.

“Last minute vacations are the best way to go! You can save a ton of money!”
“Don’t ever book in advance! There are so many deals if you wait until the 11th hour.”
“Hotels will practically give away their rooms if you wait long enough.”

One word: MAYBE.

Look, I’m not here to dispute the fact that you may score a better deal if you book a last minute vacation. However, I’m here to share all the reasons you may want to book early – which, in many cases, outweigh the potential savings!

1. Half the fun is in the planning. From the moment you think it’s time for a vacation until the day you pack your bags, something subtle is happening on the inside. It goes by many names: anticipation, wanderlust, contentment, excitement, hope. It’s a feeling of expectant joy, knowing you’ve initiated a countdown and at the end of the journey: a well-deserved rest. The farther out you plan your vacation, the greater the feeling of elation you’ll experience. Plus, think of all the teaser Instagram photos!

2. You work too hard to accept your second (or third, or fifth) choice. The single most convincing reason to book early is to secure the vacation you’re dreaming of – not one that’s been slashed to sell because no one else wanted it. (Kind of crazy when you think about it in those terms, huh?) Especially during peak travel times for families, such as summer months and winter holidays, the best destinations and resorts tend to fill quickly. Don’t leave your well-earned vacation to chance. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #aircanadavacations, air canada vacations, family travel

Cruise Into the Blue: Top 10 Tips for a Memorable Cruise Vacation

March 9, 2018 By Lena 33 Comments

My family loves to cruise. In fact, we are so into taking cruise vacations that it’s often the first thing I recommend to friends and family – especially if they’re looking to unwind at a more leisurely pace. However, as much as I adore exploring the high seas while indulging in all-you-can-eat ice cream, cruising can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never cruised before and don’t know what to expect. Here are 10 tips to ensure a most memorable cruise vacation.

1. Do your research. Are you travelling with young ones – in which a family-friendly ship would be more your speed – or are you vacationing with older children, who would prefer a more sophisticated experience? On-board entertainment, ports of call, cabin size and options such as dining and shopping vary from ship to ship, so you’ll want to narrow down the type of cruising experience you’re looking for and then select a cruise line that can fulfill your travel desires. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: air canada vacations, cruise vacations, family travel

Family Travel: All-Inclusive? Alright!

February 19, 2018 By Lena 16 Comments

Travelling with kids is a challenge.

Let me just put that out there, lest you believe my Instagram reel is real life. (Hint: it’s not always sunshine and smiling faces.) Now don’t get me wrong; I didn’t say it was impossible, or even difficult. I simply stated the obvious: travelling with kids can (and will) throw a wrench into your best laid plans. That’s why when it comes to Mexico or Caribbean travel, I always recommend booking a quality all-inclusive resort with a reputable vacation provider, such as Air Canada Vacations. They take a lot of the guesswork out of arranging a perfect family vacation, leaving you with more time to enjoy your family and less time spent pouring over the details.
But why should you book an all-inclusive resort? Let me count the ways!

1. Convenience. Beach time, pool time, tours and excursions, restaurants – you name it – you can find it all in the same place, and often, with on-site support to assist you with your in-the-moment vacation dreams. All-inclusive vacations are packaged to maximize fun with limited planning on your end; simply decide when you want to travel, where you want to go and select from a variety of resorts that cater to families, big and small! …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: air canada vacations, all inclusive resorts, family travel

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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