Record Memorial Day for Travel in the U.S., Bluey’s World Coming to Australia, and Fireworks Cruises in Niagara Falls

 

A record Memorial Day for travel in the United States, Bluey’s World is coming to Brisbane Australia, and how to save on great trips to Europe. I also have news about more WestJet flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida, new Air Transat Club Class discounts and firework cruises coming up at Niagara Falls. A busy today for the old travel blog.

RECORD MEMORIAL DAY EXPECTED IN THE U.S.A.

By car, plane, rail and sea, nearly 44 million Americans plan to travel over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, which could beat a record for the late May holiday that has stood since 2005, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. 

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional 1 million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 18 million travelers and crew over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, even more than last summer, Travel + Leisure reports.

Pack your patience, folks. And if you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a story of mine on great Memorial Day getaways that was published last week in AARP magazine in the States. My story mentions Honolulu, Texas Hill Country and Chicago. I’d also suggest great hikes in the hills of North Carolina and some beach time in Florida.

Enjoy the beach with the family in Fort Myers

Fort Myers, Florida has a walkable downtown with fine outdoor dining, art galleries and boutique shops. Captiva and Sanibel islands are famous for collecting seashells. Kingfisher Fleet offers boat trips to Cabbage Key ($59USD for adults). Lunch at the Cabbage Key restaurant is at your own cost. True Tours offers 90 minute historic walking tours of Fort Myers on Thursdays and Saturdays for $24. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a marvelous nature area with a 1.2 mile boardwalk. Admission is free but it costs $1 per hour for parking, with a maximum daily charge of $5.The Florida Repertory Theater in Fort Myers is offering $10 off tickets for all performances through the end of May. https://www.visitfortmyers.com/deal/save-10-ticket-price/5121.

Heavenly hikes and sensational sips in North Carolina

You’ll find hiking, bucolic country towns, and tasty wines and spirits in the hills of North Carolina. In Thurmond, Jones Von Drehle winery has welcoming hosts and makes lovely red and white wines. Stop in at Call Family Distillers in Wilkesboro and learn how the family taught the basics of distilling to a lad named Jack Daniels. Stone Mountain State Park is a wonderful hiking spot with waterfalls and a remarkable, 600-foot granite dome. There’s no charge to drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers marvelous views and access to great hiking areas.

THE TEN CHEAPEST BIG CITIES IN EUROPE

 

Conde Nast Travel has a good, useful piece about the cheapest cities to visit in Europe this summer. That’s especially useful for Canadians, given the low Canadian dollar. Here’s their list. I note that Lisbon, one of the best destinations in Europe, is number two. Outstanding city, and outstanding value.

1. Vilnius, Lithuania
2. Lisbon, Portugal
3. Lille, France
4. Krakow, Poland
5. Athens, Greece
6. Riga, Latvia
7. Budapest, Hungary
8. Bratislava, Slovakia
9. Prague, Czech Republic
10. Warsaw, Poland

FAMILY TRAVEL: BLUEY’S WORLD TO OPEN IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

 

Wackadoo! The eagerly anticipated Bluey’s World is set to open in Brisbane, Queensland on Nov. 7, 2024, offering families an unforgettable Bluey adventure.
Bluey’s World is a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that will take visitors into the Heeler’s iconic family home, backyard and beyond – for real life. Get ready to play the Bluey way, while embarking on an interactive adventure through the vibrant and playful world of Bluey.
The Bluey’s World immersive experience features real-life sets, recognizable scenes, and beloved characters and games from hit-show Bluey.
Housed within the expansive 4000 square meter, purpose-built ‘Northshore Pavilion’, Bluey’s World boasts a state-of-the-art venue situated in Brisbane’s latest arts and entertainment hub, Northshore. Accessible by bus, car, foot and bike, visitors can even arrive via Brisbane’s iconic CityCat, as featured in beloved Bluey episodes like ‘Spy Game’ and ‘Ice Cream’.

Tickets for Bluey’s World went on sale today (Tuesday, May 21, 2024). For ticket information and to book visit blueysworld.com. Prices start from AUD$49.90 (roughly $45.40 CAD and about $33.25 USD).

WESTJET ADDS FLIGHTS TO GRENADA, FORT LAUDERDALE AND TULUM, MEXICO

 

WestJet says it’s adding new winter flights to the island of Grenada, as well as to Tulum, Mexico. It’s also enhancing its transborder offerings with new flights to FLL from YVR and YWG.

“Our strategy to establish the WestJet Group as Canada’s western leader and national leisure champion is working, as we continue to offer the most robust and affordable coast-to-coast schedule, fine-tuned to meet the needs of Canadian travellers,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “Cementing our position as the country’s leading leisure airline, the WestJet Group will provide more seat capacity than any other airline to sun destinations this winter.”

“The introduction of service to Tulum’s newly-opened international airport from Calgary and Toronto solidifies WestJet’s position as Canada’s top choice for Riviera Maya travel,” officials said. “In addition to the strongest schedule, WestJet Vacations will offer packages to 35 major hotels in close proximity to the Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carillo (TQO).”

Air Canada recently began flying from Toronto Pearson Airport to Tulum, which is roughly two hours south of Cancun by car.

This winter, WestJet will also add once-weekly service from Kelowna to Mazatlán and Winnipeg to Los Cabos.

AIR TRANSAT CLUB CLASS SALE TO EUROPE AND MOROCCO: UPGRADE YOURSELF!

 

Air Transat is offering exceptional deals on its Club Class flights for Europe (from Toronto and Montreal) and Morocco (from Montreal).

Travel enthusiasts can book their Club Class seats for less; round-trip flights start at $1399 from Toronto and at $1499 from Montreal.

Here are just a few reasons to choose the exclusive Club Class experience:

• A dedicated cabin with more room to stretch your legs
• Among the widest seats in its class
• Up to 6 gourmet meal options
• Priority services for an accelerated and simplified process
• 2 checked bags included (23 kg each)

The promo applies to individual flight bookings made by May 27, 2024, or travel between June 1 and October 31, 2024. Terms and conditions apply.

FIREWORKS CRUISES RETURN TO NIAGARA FALLS

 There is nothing quite like the sight of exploding fireworks over the brink of Niagara Falls. 

Admiring the spectacle from the base of the Horseshoe Falls during a 40-minute Falls Fireworks Cruise makes that sight even more memorable. 

“Nothing beats the experience of sailing to the base of the Falls, with a panoramic view of a starry sky, the iconic Niagara Falls skyline and, of course, fireworks lighting up the sky,” says Mory DiMaurizio, Chief Operating Officer of City Cruises Canada. “Since its debut a decade ago, the Falls Fireworks Cruise has become a favourite among guests, enhancing every visit to Niagara Falls.”  

Starting May 17^th, the Falls Fireworks Cruise will sail each weekend (Friday to Sunday), with additional voyages sailing on May 20^th and May 27^th to celebrate the Canadian and American holiday weekends. Starting June 14^th, the Falls Fireworks Cruise will sail daily until Labour Day. 

Following Labour Day, the cruises will shift back to a weekend schedule, with additional cruises planned for October 14^th to celebrate the Canadian Thanksgiving. Following that, the cruises will operate during the Winter Festival of Lights, with the schedule to be announced at a later time.  

The Falls Fireworks cruise boards at the Lower Landing of the Great Gorge, and departs for the 40-minute tour at 9:30 p.m. Gates close at 9:15 p.m. 

Guests will receive a complimentary mist poncho, as the cruise is considered a light-mist experience. Tickets cost $38.50 for adults (13+) and $25.50 for children.

For tickets and more information, please visit niagaracitycruises.com.