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Europe

Heat warnings have become a regular occurrence in Europe this summer, with scorching temperatures in Athens, Rome and other cities. Here are some pro tips on how to stay cool and survive the Europe heat wave this summer. Toronto-based travel agent Wendy Davis, owner of Zebrano Travel, a member of the Virtuoso Luxury Travel Network, said knowing your hotels and your geography can help you battle record high temperatures in Europe and other destinations. Davis said she thought it might be a hot summer, so she’s been booking families into hotels with swimming pools so they can stay cool. “Cities Read more

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Today’s travel roundup includes news on air passenger protection rules for Canada, a boom in European tourism, and an item on how major U.S. destinations are hoping to restart major tourism from China. I also have a note about the new Eastern and Oriental Express train’s Malaysia trips. AIR PASSENGER RIGHTS IN CANADA Today, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) is launching consultations on proposed amendments to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), and invites Canadians to participate. The Budget Implementation Act introduces changes to the Canada Transportation Act (the Act) to clarify, simplify and strengthen the Canadian air passenger protection regime. The CTA will have Read more

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It’s summer, and that means Canadians and Americans are looking to hit the road. But we’re also facing rampant inflation and rising costs for flights, and, sometimes, hotels. It’s not always easy, but there are ways to save money on travel this summer, and beyond. Here are travel tips to help you save on trips to Canada and Europe, and also some Marriott Hotel tips on how to save on the cost of a hotel or resort. WHERE TO GO IN CANADA THIS SUMMER   Not every city in Canada is expensive. You might pay $20 for a glass of Read more

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A new look at the world’s best cities puts Vienna on top, but the top of the charts is dominated by cities in Canada and Australia. The Global Liveability Indes from Economist Intelligence looked at a variety of quality of life factors in cities around the world, including such issues as stability, health care, culture and environment. The list is for liveability, not necessarily what’s the best place for a tourist to visit. But it’s still instructive. Vienna was tops, with a score of 98.4 out of 100. Here’s a link to a short item I posted about Vienna recently. Read more

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This is the second of my “Europe Shorts” posts, which are aimed at people who don’t have a lot of time but want to read about cool destinations in Europe. VIENNA – This stunningly beautiful city is known for prancing stallions, high-brow music and fancy coffee shops. But there’s also a rich, vibrant modern side to this city, with rooftop bars that blast pulsating dance tunes, wildly inventive architecture, and funky shops based on Monty Python sketches.  When I was there last year, tour guide Alexa Brauner, an engaging and enthusiastic art lover,  took me on a three-hour walking tour Read more

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