MSN has a fun (maybe not to him) look at European travel expert Rick Steves’ fave places – and not so fave – places in Europe. Rick (I dealt with him briefly when I was travel editor at the Toronto Star) doesn’t hate anyplace in Europe as far as I can tell, but there do seem to be places he recommends more highly than others.
Here’s what MSN Travel and xxx published in a story about Steves’ personal faves – and not so faves.
RICK’S FAVES
A sunset in Istanbul. Jim Byers Photo
Bruges, Belgium
Istanbul, Turkiye
Rome, Italy
Prague, Czechia
Mosel River Valley, Germany
Norway
NOT SO FAVE
A skateboarder showing off his moves in Bratislava, Slovakia. Jim Byers Photo
Costa Del Sol, Spain
Bratislava, Slovakia
United Kingdom (MSN said he thinks travelers from North America should be more exotic)
Black Forest, Germany
Geneva, Switzerland
Blarney Stone, Ireland
MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN THE UNITED STATES
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Jim Byers Photo
MSN Travel has a nice item on the 25 most beautiful places in the U.S., including some places you probably don’t know about. Here’s the list in a mostly east to west fashion.
- Down East, Maine
- White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Hudson Valley, New York
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (I quite enjoy this city)
- National Mall, Washington D.C.
- Shenandoah Valley, Virginia and West Virginia
- Savannah, Georgia
- Dry Tortugas, Florida
- Natchez Trace, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee
- Caddo Lake, Louisiana and Texas
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
- Door Peninsula, Wisconsin
- Black Hills, South Dakota
- Grand Mesa, Colorado
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Teton Range, Wyoming (spectacular, jagged mountains)
- Bryce Canyon, Utah (fabulous)
- White Sands National Park, New Mexico
- Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona
- Crater Lake, Oregon
- Hoh Rain Forest, Washington
- Yosemite National Park, California (truly incredible)
- Baker Beach (San Francisc0), California (best Golden Gate Bridge views)
- Icy Bay, Alaska
- Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii (amazing hiking)
AIR TRANSAT OFFERS GREAT MEXICO DEALS
From July 14 to August 2, travellers can take advantage of savings of up to 45% on a selection of vacation packages to its iconic destinations in Mexico: Cancun, Tulum and Cozumel.
The Mayan ruins at Tulum, south of Cancun. Jim Byers Photo
In addition, when booking a vacation package, travelers will receive the Option Flex Standard, free of charge, providing added peace of mind with the following benefits:
- Cancel up to 72 hours before departure and get a travel credit;
- Change travel dates, destination, or hotel up to 72 hours before departure;
- Transfer the package to a friend or a family member up to 30 days before departure.
The promotion applies to new individual bookings made by August 2, 2026, for travel between July 14 and April 30, 2027. Terms and conditions apply.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL COOKIE DAY WITH A TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO
Ahead of National Fortune Cookie Day on July 20, Canadians looking for inspiration for their next getaway may find it tucked inside a fortune cookie. While the origins of the iconic treat have long been debated, one of the most widely cited origin stories traces it to San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, where Makoto Hagiwara is credited with serving an early version in the early 1900s. Today, San Francisco remains at the heart of the fortune cookie story, making the holiday a fitting excuse to discover one of North America’s most celebrated culinary destinations.
If that little slip of paper predicts delicious things ahead, San Francisco delivers. Home to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, the city invites visitors to savour everything from dim sum and handmade noodles to fresh seafood, iconic sourdough and innovative California cuisine. Travellers can wander the bustling stalls of the Ferry Building Marketplace, dine at world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, or uncover neighbourhood gems where global flavours reflect the city’s rich cultural diversity.
IMPROVED ANGUILLA ACCESS
Travelers will have more options to reach Anguilla this winter as BermudAir’s AnguillAir brand significantly expands its schedule with new service from Canada and additional flights from key U.S. markets.
The enhanced winter schedule includes a new Canadian gateway and increased nonstop and direct flights from multiple U.S. cities, improving access to the island’s 33 pristine beaches, sophisticated dining scene and signature barefoot luxury.
A beautiful beach on the north shore of Anguilla. Jim Byers Photo
New Canadian Route
BermudAir will launch weekly Saturday service to Anguilla from Toronto Pearson International Airport beginning Dec. 19, via Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Southbound flights depart Toronto at 10:30 a.m. and arrive in Anguilla at 6:05 p.m. Return flights arrive in Toronto at 3 p.m. Service runs through May 1, 2027.
U.S. Expansion
AnguillAir is increasing frequencies from its core U.S. gateways from mid-December:
- Boston: Twice-weekly nonstop flights (Mondays and Fridays).
- Newark, New Jersey: Twice-weekly nonstop flights (Mondays and Fridays) and one direct service via Providenciales on Saturdays.
- Baltimore-Washington: Weekly nonstop service (Mondays) with additional direct service on Thursdays.
- Tampa/St. Petersburg: New twice-weekly service via Providenciales (Thursdays and Saturdays).
I had a marvellous visit to Anguilla a dozen years ago. The beaches are among the best in the world, and the people warm and friendly. There are amazing hotels and resorts, as well, including the Four Seasons and Zemi Beach House?
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