Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Some Fun Planned!

Our work-life balance has been a bit out of whack after coming home from vacation the end of April.  We have been working like dogs both with our own company, editing hubby's book that is being published this summer and me with my part-time job.  No one said self-employment was easy.  It is sometimes even difficult when you are wildly successful - days off are still required.  We are finding ourselves working in some capacity 7 days a week but it is just starting to slow a bit for summer.
Map of Vancouver Island, We live at Comox, are travelling to Quadra Island

We need some ocean time so I just booked us two nights away to somewhere we have never been,  Quadra Island that is just a short 45 minute drive  plus ferry ride away.   We will spend 2 nights in a rustic waterview chalet (self catering), and days will be spent kayaking to our hearts content. Did I mention I hate crowds, love nature, and really wanted a cabin-type retreat weekend alone with hubby?  This completely fits the bill! I managed to snag a deal from a deals site (Island Daily Deals if you are from Vancouver Island) for 50% off regular price  - $225 plus tax including 2 nights oceanside chalet including kayaking.  I have been looking for deals hoping for a weekend away, but nothing had come close to my small budget.  This money has been saved since January in small bits, a five here, a roll of change there,  in my sealed money pot.  You have to act quickly on these deals, so I called the resort before buying my coupon and they had space for a weekend in mid-July.
Quadra Island Seascape Waterfront Resort photo courtesy of Tripadvisor

In addition to that, a few months ago I bought another deal from Travelzoo for a wildlife viewing expedition, four hours on the ocean.  Last year on this same tour (see original post here - same deal too!) we saw eagles, seals and orcas.  We are scheduled to go this coming Sunday with Mom and are really looking forward to it.  $59 per person where the regular price was $129 per person.

The moral of this story is, you know all those group deal companies?  It never hurts to see what they have as it might just be something you can save a bunch of money on.  Sounds like a summer of fun to me, woohoo!

14 comments:

  1. I've had some great meals at a great deal with those group deals. Also some super long USB cables for way cheaper than in the stores!

    I also had a great stay in Quebec City for a super price with a group deal.

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    1. I never used to think about buying these things but after booking a great hotel on Expedia in Portugal and using travelzoo.ca and islanddailydeals you can't beat these prices.

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  2. Your vacation on the island will be a time of relaxation and recharging, and the photo looks enticing. Have fun on the wildlife viewing cruise too.

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    1. Thanks - so nice I don't even have to take time off from my part-time job as it is so close to us we can drive after work. We are so fortunate to live here.

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  3. We love the same type of get aways as you! Quiet, private, nature! You definitely need the time with all that work. Have fun! Cannot wait to see pictures.

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    1. I used to be ok with crowds but not so much anymore. I hate fighting to see stuff - and love taking pictures of nature. You never know, later in life we might even move somewhere more remote! (I doubt it, hubby needs to be more connected to civilization than I do)

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  4. Those villas look like big row boats sticking up out of the ground. How cool! July is a nice time to take a break. Enjoy!

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    1. We are just seeing some warm weather after having a warm May but cooler June. Things are looking up!

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  5. What a nice place to have a vacation. Thanks for the suggestions for shopping for a great deal.
    Joy

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    1. There are so many good deals locally, I fully intend to take advantage of more of these deals - especially to North Vancouver Island. Cheers!

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  6. That resort looks beautiful! It would definitely be something my hubs and I would enjoy too. We have a long weekend planned for later this year to Wilpena Pound Resort which is located up north of our state. Looking forward to this immensely.

    We did a whale watching tour when we stayed on the Island but it was a bit of a fizzer, not much luck at all. However when we took the ferry back, we were so lucky to see orcas just alongside the boat, it was absolutely magical. I didn't even bother getting my camera out for that part as I just wanted to take pleasure in the moment.

    Have fun xx

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    1. How funny - that happens all the time here too - our ferries commonly spot wildlife although I have never seen anything from the ferries.

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  7. That seems like an awesome adventure. It helps so much just to have something to look forward too. Den is going on a fishing trip, he needs a break bad. I'll enjoy not having to cook!

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    1. I seem to need things to look forward to. My stepdaughter is supposed to be coming for a week in Augusts so will try and plan some adventures that week too. I love not cooking when hubby is away - cereal for dinner = 10 seconds or less

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