Daily deal websites are appearing everywhere now, especially for Vancouver and Toronto. They are great for travellers and for people who are just trying to live and survive in an expensive city like Vancouver. You get discounts of 50-90% on restaurants, attractions, entertainment, and services. It’s simple how they work:
- You enter your email address to join their subscription list for specific cities.
- From Monday-Friday you will receive an email at the same time everyday. Some deals are available to purchase over the weekend too, but most are available to purchase for 24 hours.
- Deals usually have a minimum number of purchases required before hey are active. Once enough people buy the deal (the minimum), the deal is “active” and you can use the coupon the next day. Most deals also have a maximum number available that can be purchased too.
- Just remember to read the FINE PRINT, which will include an expiry date, a per person purchase limit or gift limit (the number you are allowed to purchase as gifts), and any other details that you need to know when using your coupon.
Daily deal websites are great for things you’ve always wanted to try and also for businesses who want exposure in their home cities.
Groupon is the first website that caught my attention. I like the discussion feature, where you are able to ask questions about the deal and how you can use it. If you refer friends to join and they purchase a groupon, you receive $10 for a future purchase. Who passes a good deal? Some amazing deals they had recently for Vancouver include:
- $36 for Afternoon Tea for Two at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver ($72 Value)
- $10 for Two Tickets to “The Universe in a Night” at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre ($22.56 Value)
- $12 for $30 Worth of Tapas and Drinks at Mis Trucos
GoodNews.com is a recent website that just launched this month. The Vancouver based company sets itself apart from other daily deal websites by donating a portion of their sales to local causes. *UPDATE (July 3, 2011)* Goodnews.com is no longer in operation.
Other daily deal websites:
More Information? Daily Deal Sites Spreading like Wildfire- Groupon, Living Social, AtCost, Yipit & GoodNews from YoungAndThrifty.ca
It is very difficult to look for housing sometimes, especially if you have limited time and energy to find, contact, and view units. It is also very difficult if you have pets, because many buildings have restrictions on different kinds of pets, breeds of animals, and size limits. The following property management companies have fairly good websites, which help with easy apartment hunting.
The best thing about living on the west coast, is cheap travel to west coast cities! I went to LA in September 2009 to celebrate my sister’s birthday. My sister and I think alike and we like to plan, plan, plan – especially if you don’t have much time and you’re travelling with a large group. Surprisingly, I get many travel questions when people know I have been to certain places, so I thought I would share this even though almost a year has passed.
 
HOTEL: Orchid Suites Hotel $179/night for a one bedroom suite, with two beds and a pull out cot – we were able to fit 6 girls in here. It was a great location right behind the Kodak Theatre and the hotel also provided FREE breakfast so we didn’t have to worry about one meal for each day.
CAR RENTAL: Deluxe Rent A Car is a local car rental company that provides a free shuttle bus from the airport. There are many local car companies that usually have cheaper prices compared to commercial companies.
DAY 1:
- Arrive, take shuttle from airport to car rental company, check-in to hotel
- Walk the Hollywood Strip
- Dinner at Trastevere Restaurant - a great Italian restaurant, walking distance from hotel
Above: Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Passion Cake from Mani’s Bakery and Cafe (http://www.manisbakery.com/) I ordered this cake for my sister ahead of time because she’s vegan. They have a wide selection of vegan desserts and they deliver for $5, depending on the delivery address.
DAY 2:
- A day in Santa Monica (beach, Pacific Park, shopping, and food!)
 
DAY 3:
Our group of 6 girls split up – half went skydiving, while the other half went outlet shopping.
 
Above: Various special rolls and the eggplant appetizer, a late dinner at Geisha House. The Geisha House is a fabulous restaurant that is part of the Dolce Group. The ambiance in the restaurant was amazing with high ceilings, private booths, and beautiful wall decor. The food was also delicious and fresh. I will definitely try other Dolce Group restaurants the next time I am in LA.
DAY 4:
- Hiking the Sandstone Peak Trail to the highest point in Santa Monica - a moderate hike that doesn’t have many rocky areas, however the drive up to the trail is quite a ride.
- Warner Brothers Studio Tour – a short tour of the studio and many famous sets.
- Griffith Observatory - a free attraction with a beautiful view of the city at night.
  
More Information?
LAX Airport Map
http://www.airport-la.com/info/terminal_map.html
The best time to purchase flights to Vancouver, from across Canada, is about ONE MONTH prior to your planned travel dates. It may be safe to purchase your ticket early, but there are always seat sales due to the high frequency of flights. The cost will increase one to two weeks prior to your planned travel dates. The range for a return ticket from Toronto to Vancouver (if purchased on sale, at the right time) is approximately $400-$600. The high season is during the summer months and around Christmas, including other statuatory holidays.
TIP: Use an online flight tracking tool. Plan ahead, research, and track early. These can be used for travelling everywhere, not just across Canada. Yapta.com is great because it is affiliated with several airlines and it emails you if your flights drops in price.
Calling all oyster lovers! Here’s a list of buck a shuck oyster joints in Vancouver.
Let me know if you have any to add to the list.
Boathouse (Various Locations) – Daily from 3-6pm, appetizers from $2.79 and drinks specials from $4.99
Cardero’s (1483 Coal Harbour Quay, Vancouver) – During BC Lions, Whitecaps FC, and Vancouver Canucks games. Minimum 1/2 dozen order.
Coast (1054 Alberni Street, Vancouver) - Daily from 3-5pm, also a dozen peel and eat shrimp for $12
Goldfish Seafood & Chophouse (1118 Mainland Street, Vancouver – In the lounge from 4-7pm daily
Ebisu (827 Bute Street) – Daily from 4:30-6:30pm, with lots of happy hour specials
La Brasserie (1091 Davie Street, Vancouver) - After 9pm and during Sunday brunch
Oyster Seafood & Raw Bar (502-475 Howe Street, Vancouver) – Daily from 3-7pm
Relish Gastro Pub (888 Nelson Street, Vancouver) – Daily from 3-6pm
Rodney’s Oyster House (1228 Hamilton Street, Vancouver) - Monday to Saturday from 3-6pm
Updated: October 9, 2011
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