If September is the new August, maybe October is the new September? The tenth month of the year can mean cooler temperatures for those of us in North America, or parts of Europe. But it’s a great time of the year to visit both northern climes, where you can enjoy sweater weather, fall colours and (in most places) fewer tourists, as well as more southerly destinations, which haven’t reached peak visitor season and probably won’t for another couple months. With all that in mind, here are some fine options. IRELAND – Ireland claims to be the home of the original Read more
Oxford Economics comes out with a yearly, scientific study of the world’s best cities. The group analyzes a city’s economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance and combines them into an overall score. It’s probably no surprise that Western democracies score well, but you might be surprised (a bit) by the number four entry on the list. Note, also, that Canadian cities did quite well, as did the major cities in Europe, the U.S.A. (especially California), and Australia. New Zealand also has a couple entries. Here’s the top 25 for this year. New York City London Paris Seattle Read more
It’s that time of year again. No, not autumn leaves tumbling to the ground or skeletons hanging from the neighbours tree, but travel list time! Lonely Planet got things started this week with their look at 50 top places in th world to visit in 2027. It’s a nice list that includes some of my fave spots. Here’s a look at a few of their options, followed by the full top 50. FRENCH POLYNESIA – One of my fave places in the world, with dreamy, tropical landscapes, amazing food and welcoming locals with great stories to tell. The main island Read more
MONTREAL ,QUEBEC – To me, a great lobby is a huge part of the hotel experience. If I go away for a few days, or even a night, I want to walk into a place that makes me feel special. Of course, you don’t get that at a chain hotel with Belgian waffle makers at the free breakfast buffet. Often, you don’t even get it a lot of fancy, four-star properties. But, in my experience as a full-time travel writer for nearly 20 years, great hotel always seems to have something different and out of the ordinary that makes you Read more
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Chicago with history, elegance, and great food, the Gwen Hotel has you covered. The Gwen Hotel is a Marriott Luxury Collection property in a prime location, just north of the Chicago River off Michigan Avenue. The building is an historic (1929) Art Deco property designed in part by Chicago sculptor Gwen Lux, whose facades and sculptures decorate the exterior. The hotel entrance is off Rush Street, but if you wander a few feet over to Michigan Avenue you can gaze up and see some of the dramatic architecture, including signs of Read more
The people at Michelin are famous for their restaurant reviews, which have been going on for decades. They got into the hotel review business a few years ago, and now put out a yearly ranking of the best places to stay around the world. The highest ranking is three keys, followed by two and then one. Even one key represents a place with everything you would want in a hotel. The 2026 hotel guide for Canada lists 42 properties in Canada; almost exclusively but not entirely in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. I wish there was more geographic variety, Read more
Air Canada has been named North America’s best airline for the second year in a row and tenth time overall. The Montreal-based company also was singled out for the Best Cabin Crew in North America in the recent 2026 Skytrax Awards, handed out in Europe this week. In addition, Air Canada was first for best cabin crew in Canada, second for Best Business Class in North America (finishing only behind Delta Air Lines), second for Most Family Friendly Airline in North America (behind only American Airlines). Air Canada’s operations at Toronto Pearson won for Best Business Class Lounge Catering Read more
