If all the studies and polls I read are correct, it looks like it will be a very busy summer (in the northern hemisphere) for tourism. The price of flights and the jet fuel surcharges and bag fee hikes we’re seeing could slow things down, but people are travelling in near-record numbers these days. That means things could get pretty crowded in some of the world’s fave destinations.
With that in mind, here’s one world traveller’s suggestions on great places to go in late April, May and into early June. I’ll have another, similar list in a week or so.
THE AZORES
The Azores are a stunning, affordable and tasty destination with good weather year-round. JIM BYERS PHOTO
This is an utterly beguiling set of islands in the Atlantic Ocean that belong to Portugal. The red roofs and villages are pure Mediterranean, the black lava rock and deep blue water reminds me of Hawaii, and the impossibly green fields would make the Irish weep with envy. There’s also remarkable seafood (hey, it’s in the middle of the ocean) and, much to my surprise, incredibly good beef (likely owing to that green grass and fresh Atlantic air). The hiking trails here are stupendous, and they’re marked within an inch of their lives. That makes it easier for both serious and casual hikers (like me). I liked exploring the city of Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel, and also had a nice visit to the town of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island. But the island I fell in love with was Sao Jorge, where I had amazing, fresh cheese and enjoyed a tremendous and very tiring hike along the east coast. Air Canada will begin direct flights from Toronto to Ponta Delgada on June 11.
NEW ZEALAND
Mount Maunganui is a fine spot not far from Rotorua, New Zealand. JIM BYERS PHOTO
It takes a little work to get here for most visitors, but you’ll find a truly spectacular country with a remarkable variety of landscapes and things to see and do. Auckland has terrific hotels, walkable neighborhoods and a pretty waterfront. Take a ferry ride to magical Waiheke Island to enjoy fine cafes and terrific wineries. I had a fun Segway tour of the island last time I was there. The beaches in the north part of North Island go on forever, and there are several exceptional golf courses, including the new Te Arai Links; about 75 minutes from Auckland. Rotorua is a must-see spot for anyone who wants to learn more about vibrant Maori culture, while Matamata is home to Hobbiton, the village used in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. The wines are terrific in the Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa regions of the North Island, as well as the Marlborough district on the northern tip of the South Island. Another famous South Island wine region is Central Otago, which makes brilliant Pinot Noir. Adrenaline junkies can try bungee jumping, or perhaps a jet boat excursion near Queenstown. Akaroa, a small town on a gobsmackingly beautiful stretch of coastline east of Christchurch, was very briefly a territory of France. There are still boulangeries and patisseries in town. If you really want to avoid the crowds, head south to Dunedin and the southern part of the South Island. Bonus: the New Zealand dollar is trading quite low these days. A U.S. greenback will fetch you roughly $1.65 NZD, while the Canadian dollar will get you about $1.26 NZD, depending on the exchange rate.
MONTREAL
Le Grande Roue (Big Wheel) in Montreal. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Come summertime, the city is alive with tourists seeking out great festivals, outdoor cafes and the annual Formula One race. You can avoid the crowds (and the higher prices) by visiting in May or early June, when the weather is warm enough for sipping a glass of wine on the patio and some spring flowers are still in bloom. Old Montreal is a great place to wander and admire centuries-old architecture, as well as tremendous galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Stop at Olive et Gourmando for a fine breakfast, and sip a cocktail at night at Modavie Wine Bar and restaurant; both on Rue St. Paul. Rent a bike along the waterfront and take the scenic, easy trail along the water to the Atwater Market. Don’t forget a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s Deli and a sample from one of the city’s two most popular spots for Montreal bagels; Fairmount and Saint Viateur. Stroll the streets of the bustling Mile End District, learn about the city’s history at the wonderful Pointe-à-Callière museum, and check out the goodies at Jean Talon Market.
MALLORCA
Mallorca, Spain. Chloe Lefleur/unsplash photo
Air Canada is launching new direct flights from Montreal to Palma de Mallorca starting June 17. It promises to be a popular route to a sexy and surprisingly large Mediterranean island off the east coast of Spain. They say the island gets 300 days of sunshine a year, so that’s worth noting. Mallorca offers stunning coastlines dotted with romantic beaches, pretty villages. amazing seafood and a vibrant cafe culture. Active visitors can try jet skiing, take a hot air balloon ride, or explore beautiful sea caves, while others will want to sip a cocktail or a glass or crisp, local white wine on the beach. Speaking of beaches, many visitors say Calo des Moro is one of the best in Mallorca. The Catedral de Mallorca is an impressive gothic church that’s one of the most visited sites in Palma. The gothic Catedral de Mallorca, known as La Seu, is one of Palma’s most visited attractionsLocal food specialties include sobrasada, a cured sausage made from ground pork and sprinkled with paprika and other spices. It’s often spread on fresh, crusty bread. Give me a plate of that and a glass of Spanish rioja and I’m a happy guy.
LOS ANGELES
A garden at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, California. JIM BYERS PHOTO
I spent five years living in L.A. as a university student back in the day, and go back every year or two. It’s going to get crowded during the World Cup in summer, so I suggest visiting soon. Downtown L.A. is home to great restaurants, the Broad Museum, the Disney Music Hall, and the lively Grand Central Market. Grab a breakfast sandwich at Egg Slut (two are coming soon to Toronto) and take a ride on Angels Flight, the 9ld-time funicular that runs up and down Bunker Hill. Stroll around Echo Park, cycle along the water in Venice Beach, take a hike to the Hollywood sign, check out amazing Mexican food in East L.A., and wander out to Westwood Village to check out the Armand Hammer museum and the fabled Getty Museum , which sits high in the hills above Westwood and Brentwood and offers truly fantastic art. (The center will close for renovations next March in order to be ready for the 2028 Summer Olympics, so it’s a great time to go). If you’re reluctant to drive a car in the City of Angels, be assured that the city’s extensive light rail network is both super efficient and dirt cheap. You can travel from downtown L.A. to Hollywood or the beach in Santa Monica for as little as a couple bucks. It’s relatively fast compared to driving, it’s environmentally friendly, and it saves a whack of dough. The system is continually being expanded.
THE UNITED KINGDOM
Great ocean views at Shiskine Golf Course, Isle of Arran, Scotland. JIM BYERS PHOTO
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can be congested in summer, but spring features mostly delightful weather and less competition for museums, top attractions and restaurants. I had an incredible visit to Cornwall in southwest England a couple years ago, driving madly about and checking out remarkable coastal villages such as Mousehole, St. Ives and Fowey. That same trip to the UK also featured several days on Scotland’s Isle of Arran, home to a lovely castle, excellent Scotch, great food, quiet drives and a wonderful, quirky golf course called Shiskine. Northern Ireland has sublime golf and spectacular scenery, as does Wales. Golf fans should definitely check out Nefyn Golf Club in Wales, which has one of the most beautiful waterfront layouts you’ll find anywhere on the planet. If you love London, and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t, take in a tour of the canals of Little Venice and try the walk along the south side of the Thames River from Westminster Bridge to fabulous Borough Market.
