A Saskatchewan Stay-cation

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

2015 brought financial strain for many in Saskatchewan. Dropping oil prices, rising grocery prices in addition to our falling Loonie combine to make this a year many of us will be happy to see in the rear-view mirror. Saskatchewanians are resilient and we’re looking ahead to 2016 with optimism! Our love of family togetherness, adventure and yes, vacations endures.

According to a recent study commissioned by InterContinental Hotels Group, while one in four (25.64 per cent) western Canadians have changed their leisure travel plans due to tighter personal finances nearly three-quarters of western Canadians plan to travel at least once for leisure next year. Not only that, 65 per cent of western Canadians travelled at least once for leisure in 2015; significantly higher than the national average of 31 per cent.

What’s more, nearly three-quarters have budget at the top of their list of travel considerations followed by location (65per cent) hotel amenities (41 per cent) and saving time (41per cent).

With the Canadian exchange rate dipping, now is the time to stretch our travel dollars and visit world class destinations– all while staying close to our own front doors.

• Hockey fans can check out a Prince Albert Mintos game. The team won the 2014 Telus Cup. Then spend the night investigating the mysterious St. Louis lights, a regular exhibition of unexplained moving lights, before settling in at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Prince Albert.

• Learn all about the unique history of Saskatchewan at the Western Development Museum in Yorkton (my home town!) Enjoy some Greek cuisine at local favourite Manos Family Restaurant (true story, I had rehearsal night dinner there before my wedding, Mano’s holds lots of great memories!) and spend the night at the Holiday Inn Express Yorkton East.
• Enjoy world-class drinks and dinner in Saskatoon, starting at the renowned Ayden Kitchen & Bar. Then take a tour of the premium micro distillery LB Distillers, and spend the night at the Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown.

Everyone should experience the joy of travel. Whether travelling as a family, or booking a business meeting, Holiday Inn Hotels offer a consistent and reliable welcoming experience across Canada and the Prairies (no surprises, you know what you get at Holiday Inn Hotels!)

As a family, we’re big fans of stay-cations within the province, since we’ve lived in four different locations around it. Later this week we’re headed from Regina to Saskatoon, in fact. It’s always nice to take a few days away and recharge (and I’ll admit it’s nice having someone else make my bed once in awhile too!) Utilize social media and of course tourism sites to find out what’s new and interesting in the location you’re visiting, and definitely ask about restaurants to find out for the best local eats.