With Pride Month almost here, I noticed a recent study of the world’s best destinations for LGBGT travellers, as well as for women and people of color.
The study by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, a long-standing travel insurance firm, put The Netherlands on top, followed by Canada and France. Canada was cited for its low crime rate, secure transportation, healthcare for all, diversity and economic stability.
Pride Weekend sign at a Toronto Blue Jays game. Jim Byers Photo
Here’s their full top 10:
- The Netherlands
- Canada
- France
- Australia
- Austria
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Iceland
- Japan
- Switzerland
TURKISH AIRLINES EXPANDS CANADA FLIGHTS, SPONSORS CANADIAN OPEN GOLF
Following a successful inaugural year, Turkish Airlines is proud to announce its return as an official airline sponsor of the 2026 RBC Canadian Open, taking place from June 10–14 at the North Course at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.
Reinforcing the airlines’ dedication to high-performance sport at Canada’s most anticipated—and only—PGA tournament, the 2026 partnership introduces a newly expanded premium Turkish Airlines Lounge, featuring a larger, climate-controlled space and an enhanced covered viewing area overlooking the 18th green, designed to deliver an elevated and memorable guest experience.
Turkish Airlines business class.
Turkish Airlines has also announced a significant schedule expansion for its Canadian operations, adding extra flights to Istanbul from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in July 2026. The new expansion means Turkish Airlines has 7 weekly flights from YYZ and 4 weekly flights from both YVR and YUL.
I flew Turkish Airlines business class from Toronto to Istanbul in late 2025 and thought it was fantastic.
HOLLAND AMERICA ANNOUNCES ‘ROUND THE WORLD TRIPS FOR 2028
Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2028 Grand Voyages, revealing extended itineraries aboard Volendam and Zaandam that span six continents and focus on marquee destinations, scenic cruising and longer stays. The 2028 Grand World Voyage and the 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage feature carefully planned routing that supports in-depth exploration across Antarctica, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and beyond.
“When we plan a Grand Voyage, we are looking closely at how each part of the itinerary connects and how much time guests will have in each region,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line. “For 2028, the focus was on building routes that make sense from start to finish, with meaningful time in destinations like Antarctica, New Zealand and the South Pacific, paired with scenic passages that are integral to the journey.”
Sunrise on Easter Island, Chile. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The 129-day 2028 Grand World Voyage circles the globe with a full Antarctic Experience and scenic cruising through South America’s most dramatic waterways, including the Chilean Fjords, Glacier Alley and Beagle Channel. Guests cross the equator twice and experience a sail past Null Island, where the prime meridian and equator intersect at 0°N, 0°E. The itinerary also includes a call at Easter Island and ports across six continents.
The 90-day 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage offers a focused exploration of the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, combining overnight calls and multi-day stays with a measured pace at sea. Guests visit multiple destinations across both countries while allowing ample time for exploration ashore. Both Grand Voyages include a call at Bora Bora, making 2028 the first season in which Holland America Line’s two Grand Voyages visit the “Pearl of the Pacific.”
ANOTHER FERRIS WHEEL FOR NIAGARA FALLS?
Ontario Premier Doug Ford just can’t help himself. The man is obsessed with big tourist attractions and big waterfront spas and big airports. He’s a child, and now he wants another toy in Niagara Falls.
My CTV friend Mark McAllister reports that, “in a push to try and attract even more visitors and tourists to the region by adding more casinos and attractions, the plans include taking over parkland in favour of another Ferris wheel. Not to be confused with the current Skywheel at the top of Clifton Hill, the government has issued a Request for Proposals to develop what it calls a ‘world-class observation wheel’ within a green space in Queen Victoria Park directly across the street from the Falls. That would come with a reported lease of up to 49 years.
The Niagara SkyWheel is an impressive and fun attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Tourism Minister Stan Cho’s office tells CityNews they are seeking “bold and innovative ideas to elevate this region even further, and the purpose of the RFP is to help us identify and attract different private partners who share our government’s world-class vision of Niagara.”
Why plan another Sky Wheel/Ferris Wheel a kilometre or so from the existing one? How about bringing some top-notch design and planning people together – as well as local residents – and find out what might work best?
Better still, how about doing a better job of letting people know about the tremendous attractions that are already there for people to check out, including the Journey Behind the Falls, the incredible Niagara Power Station and the Niagara Takes Flight ride?
