Canada’s domestic travel boom shows no signs of slowing down. New Airbnb data showed that domestic bookings jumped by more than 10% in the first half of the year compared to 2024—confirming the momentum in domestic travel has real staying power. Travellers are choosing to explore closer to home, spending their travel dollars locally and supporting Canadian hosts, small businesses, and communities in doing so. And that’s wonderful to hear. I haven’t had much time off this summer but my wife and I are planning three days at Elmhirst’s Resort near Peterborough, Ontario later this month. This surge in domestic Read more
Canada
A new report from KAYAK finds domestic destinations are more popular with Canadian travellers for Labour Day Weekend this year than last year, with more than a 19% increase in searches. Top domestic travel spots include Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax, a city I love. Canadians also are looking for trips to Paris and London (the England one). Top trending destinations include Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Edmonton (an underrated Canadian city) and Dublin, Ireland, KAYAK said. A NEW ATTRACTION FOR NIAGARA FALLS One of Canada’s top destinations – and one of the great vacation spots in the world Read more
One of the world’s best beaches is getting bigger. Much bigger. I recently caught up with Brian Lowack, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater; one of the top destinations in Florida. He told me a beach renewal project that stretches from Sand Key on Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach will add 2.5 million cubic yards of sand, with roughly 200 feet of width. “It’s already great, but it’s going to be the most beautiful beach in Florida,” he told me in Toronto, where Visit St. Pete/Clearwater hosted media and travel agents at a Blue Jays-Yankees game. The cost Read more
A posh room at one of Canada’s top hotels. And time to listen to the loons and inhale the sweet smell of pines at one of the country’s most popular outdoor playgrounds. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Jayne’s Luxury Rentals recently treated travel advisors and a few members of the travel media to an evening in Ontario’s Muskoka district, including a fashion show that was part of Muskoka Fashion Week, and an overnight stay at one of Jayne’s Luxury Rentals properties. Yours truly media in attendance on a night that featured cool temperatures but plenty of hot fashion, locally made art Read more
Endless beaches. Swaying palm trees. Pretty coastal villages. Expedia says the world is in love with islands, and they’ve created a special list of the best islands for everything from relaxing to affordable luxury. They also have come up with a list of the top islands for Canadians. Expedia today (July 15) released its 2025 Island Hot List, a first-of-its-kind guide to island travel based on verified data and traveler insights. The inaugural report reveals global interest for islands is up 30%. “From the cultural richness of Jamaica to the sunny shores of Koh Samui, the islands on the 2025 Read more
