Canadians Claim to Be Great Hotel Guests, But They’re Not Above Swiping Bathrobes. Also, The World’s Most Beautiful Islands

Canadians claim to be the best hotel guests in the world. But they’re still swiping the odd hotel bathrobe or smuggling food from the breakfast buffet.

A study by Hotels.Com found that 88% of Canadians consider themselves considerate guests, and that 44% of Canadians voted themselves the most courteous guests in the world, while ranking Americans as the rudest hotel guests (42%). Yet 27% of Canadians admit they sometimes smuggle food from the breakfast buffet or swipe hotel bathrobes and slippers.

How Canada Ranks the World’ Most Polite Guests, by Country

1. Canada – 44%
2. Japan  – 22%
3. Sweden – 11%
4. Norway – 8%
5. Britain – 7%
6. Denmark – 7%
7. Australia – 6%
8. China – 5%
9. Germany – 4%
10. USA – 3%

The 43rd floor club lounge at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. Jim Byers Photo

How Canadians Rank the World’s Rudest Travellers

1. USA – 42%
2. France – 13%
3. China – 11%
4. Germany – 7%
5. Britain – 5%
6. South Africa – 5%
7. Mexico – 4%
8. Brazil – 3%
9. Australia – 3%
10. Spain – 2%

Other findings

For those looking to sneak in a last-minute vacation this summer and make the most of their next stay, Hotels.com offers Member Prices (10% or more off at over 100,000 hotels worldwide), as well as the 10:1 rewards program, where collecting 10 nights earns 1 reward night that can be applied toward a future stay. With Hotel Price Alerts and Free Cancellation on many hotels, you’ll be sure to get the best possible deal with the flexibility you need. 

AIR CANADA VACATIONS: NEW CAMPAIGN AND NEW OFFERINGS

Air Canada Vacations announces the launch of the latest edition of its “How Does a Vacation Sound?” campaign, inviting Canadians to enjoy the sun and embrace every moment of their vacation. As travellers continue to prioritize meaningful experiences and authentic connections, the campaign encourages Canadians to be present throughout their journey, from discovering new destinations to sharing meaningful experiences and creating memories they will carry with them well beyond their travels.

Shirley Heights, Antigua. Jim Byers Photo

“Travel has always been about more than simply reaching a destination,” said Selma Filali, Senior Director, Marketing and Digital at Air Canada Vacations. “In today’s always-connected world, many Canadians are looking for opportunities to slow down and be fully present. Through this campaign, we want to inspire travellers to rediscover the excitement of looking forward to a vacation, creating lasting memories and reconnecting with what truly matters.”

Running from August 10 to September 7, 2026, the campaign features digital and social media activations, high-impact out-of-home placements across key markets, in cities like Montreal and Toronto, as well as interactive consumer contests. Canadians can also enter Air Canada Vacations’ “Vacation Starter Pack” giveaway through influencer partnerships for a curated collection of travel-inspired essentials that celebrate the joy of being present and making the most of every vacation moment.

The campaign also unveils the new 2026–2027 Digital Sun Guide, showcasing Air Canada Vacations’ curated Dream of Sun collection, featuring more than 600 vacation options, including cruises and the addition of a selection of sunny European beach destinations. With a wide variety of destinations and properties available, Canadians can find the getaway that best suits their travel style. As part of the campaign, travellers will also have the chance to win a unique vacation experience through the Unwind with a Vacation Contest. The grand prize includes round-trip flights, a seven-night all-inclusive stay for two adults at Royalton Reserve Paraíso de la Bonita in the Riviera Maya, and 100,000 Aeroplan points. 

WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS … HMMMM…

MSN and Go World Travel Magazine have published a list of the world’s most beautiful islands. I can’t argue much about it, although I do take issue with the order they rank the islands in. Here’s their ranking.

Maldives. Ishan@SeefromtheSky-Unsplash Photo

1. Maldives (never been but the photos are stunning)
2. Seychelles (ditto)
3. Kauai (very much worthy of top 15, but I wouldn’t rank it above Bora Bora)
4. Maui (see Kauai note above)
5. Saint Lucia (sensational Caribbean island, especially if you have a view of the marvellous Pitons)
6. Bali (never been)
7. Samoan Islands (same)
8. Fiji (ditto)
9. Bora Bora (should be top three in my opinion)
10. Tahiti (the island of Tahiti, not the group of islands, which includes Bora Bora. I’d rank the Tahitian island of Moorea above Tahiti island)
11. Galapagos (haven’t had the pleasure)
12. New Zealand (both islands are lovely)
13. Hvar, Croatia (haven’t quite made it but have been to Split and Dubrovnik)
14. Capri, Italy (deserving of top 15)
15. Santorini, Greece (never been but hope to visit next September)

Here are a few of my other faves, in no particular order.

Bonifacio is a gorgeous, clifftop city in Corsica. Jim Byers Photo

1. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
2. The Marquesas Islands 
3. The Azores as a group of islands
4. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, Australia
5. Dominica
6. Catalina Island, California (it’s quite attractive, but I’m including it in my list for its relaxed nature more than its sheer beauty)
7. Hawaii Big Island (the lush east coast is particularly lovely)
8. Corsica, France
9. Isle of Arran, Scotland
10. Easter Island, Chile (again, not so much for beauty but for amazing history and sheer remoteness)