Portugal Reservation Update

As of today ( January 12, 2024 ) prices have changed.  This is not unusual but worth pointing out.  

Mary has been checking the flight that we booked in December to see if there have been any price changes.  We know from experience that seat costs go down prior to the flight date.  This is probably due to unfilled seats.  The cause may have something to do with travel companies not being able to sell the seats that they have blocked off with the airline?????  Our tickets were $1500.00 each and they are now around $1175.00.   We choose to book earlier so we can align our accommodation and car reservations and not have to worry about syncing the three reservations.

Monte Santo now has two bedroom units where they didn't in December.  Again we think it may be for several reasons.  Travel companies not being able to fill their commitments or reservations being cancelled.  Who knows?

Mary says the car rental has also been reduced so perhaps travel isn't up as much as we thought.  If the media is correct the world seems to be in a curious state of angst.  I know there are wars, etc., etc but compared to the past life is pretty good for most people.  Perhaps we are all exposed to too much media that hypes the news and repeats it 24 hours a day  Opps, better get off my soapbox.

Toronto Parking

For years we have driven to Toronto on the day of our flight to Portugal.  We leave early and always have hours to spare as one can never predict what delays the 401 can offer up.  We then park with our usual parking lot and their van takes us to and from the airport.  The lot has always been just off Dixon Rd. near the airport, but last year they put on an extra lot that was about 7 miles away.  You could still use the Dixon lot but it was for valet only.  Being cheap we opted for the other lot.  We did not like that arrangement so this year we are opting for the valet lot.  I suppose we are spending our money foolishly but we're not getting any younger.  Total cost for 38 days is just over $400.00.  'Ouch'.  Using a London to Toronto commuter service is just as much and because we live in the country we have to arrange parking in London or get a taxi to pick us up.  Too much trouble.  Driving makes more sense for us.