Book an Inclusive Hotel Package

This is one of our faves. See what they’re offering package-wise because every one of them from romance to B&B comes loaded with extras (breakfast anyone?) all designed for good times and savings.

Sign Up for a Preferred Corporate Rate  

Staying at a hotel regularly (or the same chain in different cities) as few as 10 nights a year may qualify you and your company for a money-saving corporate rate.

Travel During Low Demand Times

Winter—November through February—is traditionally a slower time for hotels and there are deals to be had like packages or simply booking in on slower nights—Sundays for instance.

Ask for a Better Rate  

Sometimes better rates are there for the asking. Yup, it’s that simple. Call the hotel directly and ask if there are any specials, an Automobile Association rate or even—heaven-forbid—a seniors’ rate. 

Internet Specials

These can be crazy good deals but remember—there are conditions attached. Like paying in full at the time of booking, and no changes or cancellations.

Extend Your Business Stay

Have your sweetie or the whole family join you, especially if your trip runs into the weekend. The hotel just might extend the corporate rate or offer you a great weekend rate if it’s available.

Sign Up For Loyalty Programs

Hotel loyalty programs sweeten the pot for travelers, which quite frankly makes us wonder why everyone doesn’t sign up for them. We earn free room nights and other rewards and so can you.

Book Where Children Stay and Eat for Free

A family trip where kids stay free? You bet, and there are hotels that feed kids too which saves buckets of money. Some places even give the whole clan free breakfast. Check when you book.

Book a Suite Instead of a Hotel Room        

Consider booking a suite. It’s usually more cost effective and sleeps as many as a couple of rooms. Good for families to keep the kids near, but not too near. 

Choose a Hotel That Includes Free Amenities and Services             

Who wants to be nickel and dimed for everything from phone calls to Internet and the morning paper? Some hotels include these, maybe breakfast, parking and more.

Early Booking Discounts            

This one’s all about ‘fences’, which in hotel lingo means getting good rates, often deep discounts, for booking early AND prepaying your entire stay. Absolutely no changes or cancellations are allowed.

Repeat after me: “Ask and you shall receive.”

What did you miss this summer? You still have time to do more! And we’ve got ideas for days.

Visit farmers markets. They’re awash in wonderful fresh produce, cheese, baked goods, flowers and more. Vancouver’s markets—Riley Park, Trout Lake, West End and Kitsilano Farmers Markets end October 26. See http://eatlocal.org for details and locations. Victoria has several, easily accessible to our hotels including the Vic West, James Bay, and Moss Street Community Farmers Markets (www.hellobc.com/en-CA/SightsActivitiesEvents/Victoria.htm) while Nanaimo North’s Farmers Market goes Saturdays through September (www.tourismnanaimo.com/calendar/2008-9/).

Go to the Feast of Fields, a magical celebration of the harvest season where local restaurants serve gourmet fare together with local wine and beer in grassy meadows. Vancouver’s Feast of Fields is September 7 at UBC Farm, and Vancouver Island’s event goes September 21 at Victorian Epicure Vineyard in North Saanich. See www.feastoffields.com/ for details on both.

In Vancouver, take in VanDusen Gardens’ Plenty Celebration on September 21 on the Gardens’ Great Lawn is a rare treat. Check out the Farmers' Market, demos, eat, and buy heritage fruit trees and berry bushes, and good food and music (http://vancouver.ca/Parks/parks/vandusen/website). The always-brilliant Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival ends September 27 (www.bardonthebeach.org/) and baseball is in full swing at Nat Bailey Stadium until September 8. Check out Dine Italia (www.iccbc.com/page200.htm) and slide into an Italian hotspot or two for a multi-course prix fixe ($20 to $50) until September 15.

Nanaimo steps up to the plate with the Canadian Body Painting Championships September 4 to 7 at Beban Park where participants use semi-nude bodies as their canvas. Nearby, the 4th Annual Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival goes September 20 to 21. See more at www.tourismnanaimo.com/calendar/2008-9/.

Golf courses are at their finest, and kayaking is unbeatable at this time of year. See www.hellobc.com for listings or better yet ask our friendly desk staff to point you in the right direction for these and plenty more activities.