This is a repost of a story I wrote a few years ago. World class wines in an area that resembles the Napa Valley of California. Fabulous lodges with great food. And kayaking in deep blue waters that feel like the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. I arrived in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, the far north end of the South Island, knowing I’d be tasting some of the world’s best – and most popular – Sauvignon Blanc. Somehow I didn’t realize the area had such jaw-dropping scenery, as well. Upon arrival at the small airport in Blenheim, my Read more
November 2022
The CBC reports that the backlog of complaints to the Canadian Transportation Agency related to delayed or cancelled flights or lost luggage has ballooned to more than 30,000 — up from 18,000 this summer — but the number may have peaked. The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) — a quasi-judicial tribunal and regulator tasked with settling disputes between airlines and customers — has been dealing with a massive number of air passenger complaints since new regulations came into force in 2019 that require an airline to compensate passengers when a flight is delayed or cancelled for a reason that is within Read more
Mauna Loa volcano on Hawai’i Big Island has erupted for the first time since 1984. But officials say there’s no reason for would-be visitors to change their travel plans. Here is a statement put out by tourism officials today (Monday, Nov. 28, 2022). Mauna Loa volcano on Hawai‘i Island began erupting on Sunday, November 27, at approximately 11:30 p.m., with the lava currently contained within the summit caldera at the top of the 13,681-foot volcano. The situation is being closely monitored around the clock by scientists from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, which are providing regular Read more
Cyber Monday deals are here for WestJet, Air Canada and Air Transat. Air Canada is offering up to 30% off on air fares on flights within Canada and to the U.S. and Sun destinations. They also are offering $50 savings on flights to Europe, South America, and Asia. Bookings must be made today (Monday, Nov. 28, 2022) for travel until June 30, 2023. They have 1,000 bookings at 30% off using the promo code 22CYBER30 and 2,000 bookings at 25% off using the promo code 22CYBER25. There are unlimited bookings at 20% off using the promo code 22CYBER20. WestJet is Read more
This story was originally posted on my site in 2015. HONG KONG – I’m standing atop a tall, craggy peak with a strong wind rolling off the China Sea. Small, willow-like plants bend to the power of the breeze as I gaze at steep headlands dotted with acacia trees and sweet-smelling pine. Far below my feet I can see sand traps laid out on a deep green golf course and gnarly inlets and bays of Hong Kong Island. Uninhabited islands in shades of green and sun-kissed gold dot the surrounding ocean waters. Off to my right, I see a group Read more
