Confessions of a YYC Travel Junkie

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Wormius

Are they easy to explore without being a spelunker?

Yes, the main cave is easy to tour on your own with nice paths. If I remember correctly they even have an elevator to get down into the cave. I don't think they do any cool private tours in the main cave but there are other caves nearby that offer small group tours which can be pretty strenuous, Slaughter Canyon cave being my favorite.

Also the evening bat flight is a really cool experience. I don't know if they still the morning breakfast with the bats experience.

[Dodsdomd]

Originally Posted by Wormius

Are they easy to explore without being a spelunker?

It's extremely intuitive where to go and maintained beautifully. It goes very deep but there is an elevator to take back up if you don't want to go back up by foot. I'm not a caver by any means. Give yourself time to look around the immediate-ish area. Looked like some cool stuff to see on the way up.

[Fuzz]

We did the real caving tour, there are many branches you can't access without a guide. If you like that sort of thing, do it. It's incredible. You will need to be brave and have light scrambling skills. The deep deep darkness is unforgettable.

[flamesfan1297]

Heading down too Vegas in March, have been there the last couple winters as well so pretty familiar with it, but I want to go to the Hoover Damn this year. Anyone done this or have any suggestions? I was thinking of renting a car and driving out

[Fuzz]

You could make a true day of it, and do the drive in style. I've been, but it was 1996 so I expect any advice of mine is outdated. Still, I'd consider this:

https://dreamexoticrentalcars.com/

Hrm, this one has prices:

https://www.royaltyexoticcars.com


Enterprise has less fancy but more affordable options:


https://www.enterprise.ca/en/reserve.html#car_select

[Fire]

I recommend taking the Dam tour where you go inside it. Bring gum to plug any leaks you find.

[FurnaceFace]

Originally Posted by flamesfan1297

Heading down too Vegas in March, have been there the last couple winters as well so pretty familiar with it, but I want to go to the Hoover Damn this year. Anyone done this or have any suggestions? I was thinking of renting a car and driving out

We did exactly what you are thinking. Rented a car for the day from our hotel. We started early and went to RedRock Canyon and then drove out to Hoover. We were there in late May [knights Caps Stanley Cup] so we wanted to get out for a hike in Red Rocks before it got too hot. The canyon was very worth it and in the spring should be more comfortable. Red Rocks to Hoover is about an hour drive and maybe 40 minutes from the strip to Hoover. Hoover was really interesting and also worth the tour. It wasn’t hard combining them in a day, we were back by late afternoon.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Fire

I recommend taking the Dam tour where you go inside it. Bring gum to plug any leaks you find.

Also, squeezing in as many dam dad jokes as you can. This is your moment.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Also, squeezing in as many dam dad jokes as you can. This is your moment.

All right you Dam Kids, smile while we take the Dam Picture.

Etc

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

All right you Dam Kids, smile while we take the Dam Picture.

Etc

Hurry up Clark!

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by flamesfan1297

Heading down too Vegas in March, have been there the last couple winters as well so pretty familiar with it, but I want to go to the Hoover Damn this year. Anyone done this or have any suggestions? I was thinking of renting a car and driving out

Check out Turo and get a fun vehicle.

[Barnet Flame]

I’m flying from London UK to YYC in April - tickets booked with WestJet. I can purchase ‘Extended Comfort’ seats for $156 per person on the outward leg, and $114 pp on the return leg.

Has anyone else done this? If so, was it worth it?

[Fuzz]

Is that the upgrade cost from ultra-basic, or another fare? It looks like another benefit is a free drink(are those included on WJ international anyway?) and a carry on, plus I assume seat selection. Sometimes all the other benefits make it worth it if you are going to need to buy some anyway.


I just got back from Mexico and we had gone with an upgraded ticket, but included seat selection(which is nice to not be split from your partner) and a checked bag each, which we would have needed anyway, and their BS "no fee changes"(it's not actually free) so we didn't end up using it, but had considered it. But anyway, sometimes the stack of benefits makes it worth it.

[WideReceiver]

Originally Posted by Barnet Flame

I’m flying from London UK to YYC in April - tickets booked with WestJet. I can purchase ‘Extended Comfort’ seats for $156 per person on the outward leg, and $114 pp on the return leg.

Has anyone else done this? If so, was it worth it?

We have. I don’t think it’s worth it but my wife does so guess what we do. That’s right.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Barnet Flame

I’m flying from London UK to YYC in April - tickets booked with WestJet. I can purchase ‘Extended Comfort’ seats for $156 per person on the outward leg, and $114 pp on the return leg.

Has anyone else done this? If so, was it worth it?

Unless you guys are really tall I don't think extended comfort is worth the upgrade on a 787. The WestJet 787 is decent enough in economy. I'd hold onto that money and maybe use it towards bidding on an upgrade to Premium Economy which is much better.

[btimbit]

If you're like me it's worth it for the legroom. Otherwise, meh

[Fuzz]

The only problem with WJ 787 is the seats recline. When reclined the person in front of you makes it kinda tight. Sure, you can recline, too, but then you have to try to eat like that, and it's all just unnecessary. Make seats fixed again.

[Barnet Flame]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Is that the upgrade cost from ultra-basic, or another fare? It looks like another benefit is a free drink(are those included on WJ international anyway?) and a carry on, plus I assume seat selection. Sometimes all the other benefits make it worth it if you are going to need to buy some anyway.


I just got back from Mexico and we had gone with an upgraded ticket, but included seat selection(which is nice to not be split from your partner) and a checked bag each, which we would have needed anyway, and their BS "no fee changes"(it's not actually free) so we didn't end up using it, but had considered it. But anyway, sometimes the stack of benefits makes it worth it.

It’s an upgrade from ultra basic. The free drink and additional carry on aren’t extra benefits because they are already included for all fares between Calgary and Europe.

The main benefit I see is from a comfort perspective with the extra legroom, but I wonder if the seats are that much better, to justify the cost? I’m only considering the upgrade for the return leg so I can sleep easier to combat the jet lag on return because I’ll be working the next day.

[Barnet Flame]

Thanks guys.

[Fuzz]

Maybe check some Youtube videos, I'm sure some nerd(meant in the best way possible!) has made one.