Top places around the world to visit this year includes the Canadian Rockies, southern Ontario, Western Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Argentina. I also have news on new flights from Canada to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a report on Arizona tourism seeking Canadian visits, and a new kids’ zone at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto.
TIME OUT TOP WORLD PLACES FOR 2026
Time Out magazine recently came out with its list of best places in the world to visit this year. It’s an interesting list with a nice mix of well-known and probably unheard of places for some travel fans. Here’s their list, with a few added thoughts from yours truly
A quokka on Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Tourism Australia Photo
- The Canadian Rockies (one of the most strikingly beautiful places on earth, I think)
- Rabat, Morocco
- Algodoes, Brazil
- Hamburg, Germany
- Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand (haven’t been to this area, but I adore New Zealand)
- Mendoza, Argentia
- Cirencester, Cotswolds, England (I haven’t been to this town but I had a fab visit to the Cotswolds a couple years ago)
- Central Vietnam (tremendous value if you don’t mind the flights from North America)
- Nepal
- Favignana, Sicily (Air Canada now flies directly to Sicily from Montreal)
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Rottnest Island, Western Australia (superb spot for hiking, swimming and biking, and for spotting adorable quokkas)
- Durban, South Africa
- Saint Helena Island (interesting choice in the Atlantic Ocean. Napoleon lived out the last six years of his life here in exile)
- Barra dos Remedios, Brazil
- Prince Edward County, Ontario (increasingly popular spot for foodies and wine enthusiasts, only 90 minutes east of Toronto)
- Norfolk Island, Pacific Ocean (a truly isolated island I’ve always been interested in)
- Hong Kong (remarkable food and surprising nature)
NEW AIR TRANSAT FLIGHTS TO RIO DE JANEIRO
Air Transat operated its first flights to Rio de Janeiro this week.
Flight TS272 departed Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday evening, February 4, while flight TS274 took off from Montréal-Trudeau on Thursday evening, February 5.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Agustin Diaz Gargiulo/Unsplash Photo
With these new non-stop services, Air Transat offers travellers seamless access to one of South America’s most iconic destinations and becomes the only airline to connect Montreal directly to Rio de Janeiro.
ARIZONA TOURISM WOOS CANADIAN VISITORS
The good folks from Arizona Tourism were in Toronto this week to talk up what’s happening in the Grand Canyon State.
It’s not an easy time to sell U.S. trips in Canada, but Marjorie Magnusson, Media Relations Manager, Arizona Office of Tourism, says visits are actually up.
Canada remains Arizona’s second-largest international tourism market. Roughly 852,000 Canadians visited in 2024.
Porter Airlines recently announced new, direct flights to Phoenix from both Vancouver and Ottawa.
“They must know something,” she quipped.
Magnusson said MICHELIN Guide will be dropping its first MICHELIN Guide Southwest edition this year.
Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale. PHOTO COURTESY EXPERIENCE SCOTTSDALE
I’ve been to the state many times and very much enjoy the weather, the desert scenery, and the food. Tucson is a terrific spot, while Scottsdale has been attracting visitors from around the world for decades. Downtown Phoenix has come into its own of late, as well.
One of my fave places to stay in Arizona is the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, a fabulous, colourful mid-century modern spot with good food and super-stylish rooms. The hotel has recently been given an $18 million facelift.
Arizona’s a great spot for foodies and hikers, as well as golfers and art lovers. There are also great wineries in the state (and tasting rooms in Scottsdale), scenic spots such as Sedona, and the aforementioned Grand Canyon.
Arizona also is a great place to catch Major League Baseball spring training, which begins next week (Feb. 11 or so).
CHELSEA HOTEL TORONTO UNVEILS NEW KIDS’ ZONE?
Perfectly timed for Family Day weekend, Chelsea Hotel, Toronto is inviting families to turn winter into an unforgettable city escape with newly renovated rooms, reimagined family spaces, including the all-new family recreation hug, The Hive as well as Toronto’s top attractions just steps away.
The Hive is a new kids’ zone at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto.
Save More, Stay Smarter
Families who plan ahead can enjoy up to 20% off and/or the Unwind & Dine offer with Chelsea’s Advance Purchase offer. Guests can relax in newly renovated Executive Rooms, featuring king or two double beds, Nespresso coffee machines, mini-fridges, 50” flat-screen TVs, and private balconies in most rooms.
Toronto’s Premier Family Destination — Reimagined
Family Day weekend turns the hotel into your indoor playground. From arts and crafts and bingo to movie nights, Chelsea delivers fun for every age. This year marks an exciting first look at The Hive, the hotel’s newly renovated family hub featuring The Cove, a refreshed indoor pool, downtown Toronto’s only indoor waterslide, The Workshop, a creative kids’ space where hand-on play inspires imagination; and The Studio, a collaborative lounge for young creators and teens.
Your Room Key Unlocks the City
Through Chelsea’s popular Show Your Key and Save program, guests receive exclusive discounts to some of Toronto’s most iconic attractions, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, Little Canada and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, making it easier to explore more while spending less.
