Here’s the Plan

When Aeroplan
invited me on a press trip to Toronto, I jumped at the chance – I have
never been to Toronto. That’s right: NEVER. I couldn’t wait to connect
with people I work with on a daily basis but never get to see – so I
packed a very efficient carry-on and off I went.

Booked on Air Canada, I opted for a viewing of the Katy Perry
documentary, "Part of Me" (you can basically justify watching any movie
on a plane) and landed in The Big Smoke late Monday night. Upon checking
into the Westin Harbor Castle (there was no moat, despite the
description), I may have dug into the snack basket kindly left by the
Aeroplan team. (Chocolate-covered popcorn? OK!)

The next morning, I headed to the Distillery District for an Aeroplan
walk-through. First off, I had no idea that "points" were such a
subculture. The people who are into it are REALLY into it (I’m talking
flying to Asia and right back to maintain a certain status). After the
tour, I could see why: Aeroplan has everything. I don’t just mean loads
of airline and travel partnerships (hotels, rental cars, package
vacations), which they have in spades, but lifestyle products. All the
coveted stuff you can think of: Burberry bags, Dyson vaccuums, Le
Creuset cookware, iPads, theatre tickets, Birks jewellery – just to name
a few. And if you want to put your miles to awesome use, they can also
be donated to
several different charities.

They also showed off the top Aeroplan travel destinations: Las Vegas,
San Francisco, New York and Paris (what, no Saskatoon?).

One of the coolest offerings has to be Essence
Workshop in Montreal, a guided perfume-blending experience. You’ll
be given base notes to sniff, asked about your scent preference and they
will create a custom blend for you on the spot. I am woodsy. Who knew?
(Sorry for the photo, it’s hard to capture an eau.)

After a lovely dinner at Luma, the group headed to the the theatre, and
I headed to meet Toronto contributor Julie Whelan for gin and tonics
(and French fries).

Travel safe, my friends.