JimBits: Cruise Savings, Myrtle Beach Deals and Very Important Dogs

Clients can reap a harvest of savings on a select number of Avalon Waterways' European river cruises departing between September and December this year.

The offer includes free sked air on flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, while clients from numerous other gateways receive a special $299 fare. Due to unprecedented success of the offer, it has been extended to bookings taken by September 11 this year.

In addition, travellers will enjoy a $1,200 saving per couple off the regular price of these cruises.

The cruises included range from eight to 21 days on the Danube, Rhine and Moselle, and some include land extensions to London.

For more information and to book, visit www.agentlingo.ca.

Focusing specifically on millennial families for this year's "60 More Days of Summer" campaign, Visit Myrtle Beach will offer innovative perks to make a beach trip even easier for those looking to create memories and celebrate life's little moments with their families this fall. Throughout September and October, visitors will enjoy complimentary beach photo sessions, ideal for capturing little ones' first glimpses of the ocean; unique lodging packages, featuring deep discounts and add-ons to make travel planning even easier for busy parents; and insider tips for everything from stress-free dining options to beach day "hacks."

Also during the fall season, Myrtle Beach area resorts and hotels will offer exclusive travel deals and packages geared towards millennial families with young children. The Fall Family Fun package at The Caravelle Resort includes 35 per cent off accommodations at the beachfront, recently renovated property; a commemorative beach bag; two adult and two children's tickets to Ripley's Aquarium; and a daily buffet breakfast for four at the resort's Santa Maria Restaurant. The Marina Inn at Grand Dunes is offering a Fall Family Takeover Package including up to 30 per cent off rates for three nights in a Grande guest room; family tickets to the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show; breakfast each morning for two adults and two children at the resort's Waterscapes Restaurant; and a Kids Party Bucket for each pint-sized guest, full of fun toys and activities perfect for the beach.

In addition to perks like free photo sessions and deep lodging discounts, the 60 More Days of Summer microsite contains a wealth of information to help families maximize their time in the Myrtle Beach area this fall. For more information visit www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com/60Days.

Eden Roc Miami Beach has announced their Very Important Dog (VID) program dedicated to our special furry friends.

"Travelling with pets has become very popular and we want to make sure your furry family member is treated like a Very Important Dog when staying with us," hotel officials said.

A variety of services will be offered as part of the VID Program that include:

South Florida Pet Sitter

South Florida Pet Sitter is available to take care of your Very Important Dog.

Breath of Fresh Air Dog Walks

South Florida Pet Sitter will make sure your dog is taken care of while you dine, relax, or explore Eden Roc and Miami Beach.

30 minute walk - $40 45 minute walk - $50 60 minute walk - $60

In-Room Sitting

One of South Florida Pet Sitter Pet Professionals will stay in-room with your VID while you explore all of what Eden Roc and Miami have to offer. - $50 per hour

Home Sitting

Sitting at one of South Florida Pet Sitter Pet Professional homes. - $150 for 12 hrs.

They've also partnered with BarkBox to give a special welcome to our VIDs. Every BarkBox has at least two innovative toys that pups will love, two all-natural bags of treats, and a chew toy, curated from each month's unique themed collection inspired by the spirit of Miami on the beach.

Air Canada has announced that Alipay and WeChat Pay as payment choices are now available when booking on the carrier's North American and Hong Kong websites. Air Canada is the first Canadian airline and is among the first North American carriers to offer these secure payment options in North America.

"Since last fall, our customers around the world have been able to use their preferred local method of payment when purchasing flights on aircanada.com in their home country, including Alipay and WeChat Pay options in China. With increasing numbers of customers purchasing tickets in North America and Hong Kong looking to use these alternate forms of payment, we are very pleased to expand AliPay and WeChat Pay options to aircanada.com bookings in Canada, the USA and Hong Kong. This is another important element of our global expansion strategy as we increase our focus on providing our international customers with their preferred method of payment when purchasing outside China," said John MacLeod, Vice President, Global Sales and Alliances at Air Canada.

Air Canada processes alternative and local payment methods via a single gateway. This makes it easy for the airline to expand, adding new payment methods as needed without requiring individual contracts, or additional development work. Air Canada's customers are able to transact locally on aircanada.com using iDeal in the Netherlands, Sofort and Giropay in Germany, Bancontact in Belgium, Poli in Australia, Alipay plus WeChat Pay in China, Canada, the USA and Hong Kong.

Want an insider look at some of the best mid-century modern architecture in Phoenix and Scottsdale? The iconic Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona is launching the Insider Mid-Century Tour of Scottsdale, showcasing incredible buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright and other notable Valley architects.

Expert Ace Bailey (I've taken tours with her and she's an engaging and informed guide who offers up wonderful stories) will be your guide as you kick off the day with a Magical History Tour of Hotel Valley Ho. Up next is the Garden Apartment District, where you'll get a special look inside a mid-century modern townhome that was featured on the Modern Phoenix Home Tour.

Savour lunch at local favorite Postino Highland, housed in a stunning mid-century building. Next is an extensive walking tour of the Price House in Paradise Valley, the largest house that Frank Lloyd Wright built in Arizona.

You'll also get an insider's driving tour of several notable mid-century gems. Group tours are offered by appointment starting in November, and must be booked in advance. The full six-hour tour is $1,400 USD, plus $25 per person for lunch including a glass of wine. A three-hour mini tour is available for $700, and includes Hotel Valley Ho, the Garden Apartment District and the Price House.

The tours are offered at a flat rate and can accommodate groups from two to 10. Your booking includes transportation and a donation to the Price House to help preserve Wright's legacy in the desert. Call the hotel concierge at (480) 376-2600 for information.