Florida has posted a record third-quarter for tourist visits this year. Despite highly-publicized hurricanes in August and September, Visit Florida this week said 34.61 million people traveled to the Sunshine State in the third quarter of 2024, up from 33.995 million during the same period in 2023 and 34.551 million in 2022. “The hard work and resilience of Floridians have been instrumental in keeping our tourism industry strong, showcasing the best of what our state has to offer,” Visit Florida President and CEO Dana Young said in a statement. CBS News said Visit Florida estimates that 2.27 million overseas travelers Read more
Australia/New Zealand/PAC
Today’s post includes a look at the World’s 50 Best Beaches, with impressive showings from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Australia, Hawaii and Anguilla. I also look at the places British Airways is recommending as top destinations for 2025, and at new Air Canada routes to Europe, Asia and the U.S.A., including flights to popular spots such as Portugal and Prague. When it comes to travel, it’s pretty much impossible to come up with a definitive list of the best of anything. One could argue Paris is the best city, but how do you argue with New York or Sydney or Read more
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the official tourism marketing and management organization for Pinellas County, is telling the world that the destination is “Still Shining,” and ready to welcome visitors. After recently weathering two major hurricanes, the beach community has worked tirelessly to resume operations at many favorite locations with nearly 80% of the destination now open and eager to welcome guests – including accommodations, attractions, restaurants, museums, shops and more. “It’s important for everyone to know that St. Pete-Clearwater is Still Shining and ready as always to welcome residents and visitors to our beautiful beaches, amazing arts and experiences, and delicious Read more
It’s that time of year. No, not Halloween. No, not the even scarier U.S. election. It’s time for travel magazines and online publications to issue their suggestions on where we should go in 2025. One of the first off the mark was National Geographic, a publication I have written for in the past. Nat Geo’s top 25 destinations for 2025 has some intriguing destinations including Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, Greenland and Los Angeles. Here’s what they said about L.A. “L.A.’s cultural scene is getting a jolt of new energy. Destination Crenshaw, the largest public/private Black art program in the U.S., Read more
As a travel writer lucky enough to roam around the world and lucky enough (and then some) to stay in some of the most amazing hotels, I can’t complain for a moment. But after visiting with the owner of The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy, I have to say I’m a little wistful that I haven’t had a chance to try this sumptuous property. A new hotel with all the bells and whistles is great, but the places that speak to me most are the ones with great history, amazing settings, and a true sense of place. As Read more
