Discussions

My hubby and I wanted to go on a family vacation with our 6 year old. Is there a time when flights are cheaper? How many days is best - I was thinking leave on a Friday and come home on the Monday to avoid missing too much work. Any particular website to book with? Best hotel to stay at (keeping in mind we want it to be an inexpensive holiday)?  
 
I have never flown before so I don't have a clue so any advice is welcome!

redtag, lasvegas.com etc. for deals. Depends what time of year you are going around New Years is most expensive. We booked through Westjet (hotel, flight to/from inclusive) cost $860 per/person for 5 nights-flew out of Regina (direct flight). If you are looking to save money don't pre-book events, concerts, shows as you will have access to coupons, free shows etc. from whichever hotel you stay at. Look into buying the passes for the bus or metro once you are there.

We recently went on a trip with kids to Vegas and we paid only $650 Canadian each for 7 nights and we flew out of Brandon. It wasn't direct but we got a connection flight from Calgary.  
In the past we normally fly out of Minot, ND it usually is about $300 USD per person for 4 nights. Its always cheaper to go to Vegas from a Sunday to Thursday. When you go there over the weekend it can almost double in price. Excalibur is usually priced cheap but the rooms are smaller. Polo Towers has kitchenettes so you can cook your own food. I loved Planet Hollywood and New York, New York.  
Just have a look around. Theres always deals.  
 
Theres lots of free stuff to do with the kids, the fountains, volcano but some other things we did was the Shark Reef and the Avengers exhibit. There are these 50% off booths where you can purchase cheaper tickets for events. Also I highly recommend getting the bus passes. Its the fastest way to get up and down the strip unless you intend on doing a lot of walking.

Do you use a website to book your trip - which one?

There are deals on right now until December on allegiantair.com out of Minot, ND. There''''s a few dates each month that are cheaper, usually from a mon - thurs, for less than $300 USD per person including hotel. You will have to pay extra to choose your seats, so you can be together with your child. Take carry-ons, so you don''''t have to pay $50 per bag.  
If you wan''t to spend time by the outdoor pool, go soon. It can get cool there in Nov/Dec. Halloween is an extremely fun time to go!  
 
Edited by Mamabear2, 2016-09-29 16:43:28

We normally use allegiantair.com but the last trip we booked we went through Expedia.ca because of the good deal flying out of Brandon.

Since you have never flown before and new to booking flights, just be cautious of the extra add ons that will cost more money. What you see is a good deal and then start adding in luggage, carry-on (which some airlines charge for now) seat selection can quickly add up. So a basic ticket on allegiant air once luggage is added can quickly add up to what a "flex" ticket (luggage included) would cost on westjet...especially right now with the US exchange rate. Also factor in parking at airports. Parking in Brandon is free, parking in Winnipeg or US airport will probably be $60 and up. Lots of things to factor in on if you are looking for a "great deal". And as already mentioned if you can travel during the week it will be a lot cheaper than over a weekend.