World’s Most Colourful Cities List Misses the Mark + Cruise News, Boston Tourism, And Fabulous Train Trips Mountaineer

A look at a very disapointing list of the world’s most colourful cities, and also some thoughts about Slovenia, tourism in Boston, a nice Greek Islands cruise deal , and a great sale from the folks at Rocky Mountaineer. All in today’s travel blog.

WORLD’S MOST COLOURFUL CITIES LIST MISSES BY MILES

I liked their overcrowded destinations post from the other day, but MSN badly misses the mark with this list of the most colourful cities on the planet. Where is St. John’s, the ultra-colourful capital of Newfoundland and Labrador? It’s a city that’s far more colourful than Lisbon (somehow rated number one in the world) or New York City. NYC has Times Square, sure, but have the makers of this list never seen the painted Victorian houses in San Francisco, or the waterfront buildings in Willemstad, Curacao? What about old San Juan, Puerto Rico? That might be the most colourful city in the world.

The lovely and lively Plaza de Armas in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. JIM BYERS PHOTO

I love Lisbon, but I’ve been twice and can flatly state that it doesn’t hold a candle to Old San Juan or to St. John’s or Curacao when it comes to colour. Fabulous city, no doubt, but not the most colourful on earth.

I realize MSN didn’t create this study. Their story says the information for the list came from a report by Irish travel insurance specialists JustCover  Which shows you that maybe travel lists should be created by, you know, travel experts, and not by insurance companies.

BOSTON TOURISM WELCOMES CANADIANS: MORE FLIGHTS THIS SPRING

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of Boston’s most exciting seasons in years, with major international events, new culinary openings, and expanded access for Canadian travellers thanks to new nonstop flights. From historic tall ships sailing into Boston Harbor to the launch of a new professional women’s soccer team and vibrant waterfront programming, Boston is inviting Canadians to experience the city’s energy and culture this summer.

Boston has always shared a close connection with Canada, and with new nonstop flights launching this spring, it’s easier than ever for Canadians to visit,” said Martha Sheridan, President and CEO of Meet Boston. “This summer brings incredible moments, from the return of tall ships to exciting new restaurants and outdoor experiences along the harbor, and we’re thrilled to welcome our Canadian neighbours to be part of it.”

Boston, Massachusetts. Ozzie Stern/Unsplash Photo

I’ve been to the city several times and thoroughly enjoyed spending time exploring Boston Harbor, Cambridge and Harvard University, the shopping and boutiques of Back Bay (there’s a new branch of the popular Canadian restaurant Cactus Club Cafe in the area), the fabulous Italian restaurants in the North End, and more. I also loved my visits to Fenway Park to watch the Blue Jays play the Red Sox when I was a baseball reporter at the Toronto Star.

FIFA World Cup matches will be played in the Boston area from June 13–July 9. 

It’s a very welcoming, diverse and cosmopolitan city that also has fabulous museums and cultural attractions.

New Nonstop Flights from Canada 

Getting to Boston will be easier than ever this summer. Porter Airlines is expanding service at Boston Logan International Airport with new direct routes from Montréal–Trudeau Airport and Toronto Pearson starting May 14, 2026. The new routes strengthen connectivity between Boston and two of Canada’s largest cities, making it even easier for Canadian travellers to enjoy a quick summer getaway. Delta Air Lines is introducing new nonstop service between Halifax Stanfield Airport and Boston Logan, expanding direct options for travellers from Atlantic Canada.

ALTERNATIVE EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS INCLUDES SLOVENIA

Lake Bled, Slovenia. JIM BYERS PHOTO

The BBC has a fine story on where visitors can go to escape the crowds in Europe. I’m particularly happy to see them highlighting Slovenia, a country I’ve been touting since my first visit, way back in 2009. It’s a marvelous, compact and beautiful country that’s easy to navigate, and offers a truly remarkable set of attractions. In honour of former Toronto Mayor David Crombie, I started calling it “The Tiny, Perfect Country,” so it’s nice to see the BBC agrees.

Their story also talks about Montenegro and Albania, both great-sounding spots I haven’t had the chance to visit as of yet.

Speaking of Montenegro, Aman resorts is pleased to announce the reopening of Aman Sveti Stefan, set peacefully along Montenegro’s Adriatic shore. Villa Miločer, the historic mainland retreat, will welcome guests from May 22, followed by the reopening of the storied island of Sveti Stefan on July 1, 2026.

Surrounded by olive groves and pine forests, Villa Miločer, was once the summer residence of Queen Marija Karađorđević. The 19th-century villa features eight exclusive suites and a main dining room. A few short steps away, guests can enjoy a trio of beaches, the Aman Spa set within the private bay of Queen’s Beach, and a host of dining experiences.

The fortified island village of Sveti Stefan (it’s stunning) offers private cottages and suites preserving the rustic legacy of the private medieval village, while maintaining the contemporary comfort, intuitive service and serene seclusion Aman is known for.

GREEK ISLAND CRUISE DEAL

Santorini, Greece. Dan-Unsplash Photo

With hundreds of islands scattered across the Mediterranean, and its hillside villages steeped in centuries of maritime history, the Greek Islands remain one of the world’s most captivating sailing destinations. Star Clippers’ 2026 Greece sailings invite travelers to experience this timeless region the way it was meant to be explored—under sail aboard a traditional tall ship, gliding between islands and arriving directly into the heart of historic ports.

For a limited time, guests who reserve select 2026 Greece sailings by April 30, 2026, will receive one complimentary pre- or post-cruise hotel night in Athens with breakfast and a complimentary transfer between the hotel and ship (or reverse). Offer is valid for residents of North, Central and South America only.

Unlike conventional cruise ships, Star Clippers’ authentic sailing vessels travel under wind power whenever possible, bringing guests closer to the maritime traditions of the Mediterranean. With expansive teak decks, open-air lounging spaces and a relaxed yacht-like atmosphere, the company’s ships offer an intimate way to explore the Greek Islands and smaller ports often inaccessible to larger vessels.

The special promotion applies to select 2026 Greece itineraries aboard the 166-guest Star Flyer, sailing roundtrip from Athens (Piraeus). Each itinerary highlights different island regions of the Aegean, combining scenic sailing passages with stops in picturesque harbors and historic coastal towns.

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER AND CANYON SPIRIT: SALE ON FOR FABULOUS TRAIN ADVENTURES

Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in British Columbia. JIM BYERS PHOTO

Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit are inviting guests to experience the beauty of slow travel in 2026, with limited-time savings now available across bucket-list rail journeys and service levels. These promotions apply to new bookings on select 2026 travel dates and include: