Quote Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel View Post
For Canadians, most AI bookings are done as a package and typically include direct airfare. To remove the cost of the airfare makes no sense since that is such a BIG part of what we pay and has a significant impact on which is cheaper.

Our 10 day trip last April cost about $3K total for the 2 of us (after taking out airport transfers, bar crawl, $ we would have spent anyway & about $500 that we'd normally spend on tips at an AI). We pretty much eat and drink what we want, and we had a Jr Suite at Coco so it could be done for less as many of you have shown. And yes, I was buying Grey Goose
What have you paid for an AI package for 10 nights off season? Or, how does it compare to the 3k non AI trip cost wise?

It depends so much on one's location what you can get for package deals and flights. Toronto or perhaps even Ottawa or Montreal are so much better. Understandable as TO is the main gateway. There are great package deals from there. I assume, out of TO, you could find good non AI package deals staying at Coco. Due to your home location, you'd be assured of a direct flight.

I can't get a direct flight from Sakatoon except via Sunwing or Air Transit charters, only available mid December to March. They are more expensive, especially for solo travelers (price becomes significantly higher when indicating its not double occupancy, even at non AI hotels). Some Expedia or other site packages look reasonable, but they include 2 or 3 connections for at least one way of travel. I'd have to stop in Calgary etc with several hour layover, with perhaps only 8 hours overnight in TO. Short time in stopover hotel due to connecting flight which isn't even my home airport, then have to sit in the airport, waiting several hours to get on the one hour flight home. I did it once, and never again. A miserable way to end a vacation. So for westerners, grabbing a flight sale with only one connection and finding separate hotel deals, you can find some good deals, with lots more options as far as flights (times and connections) and hotel choice.