The House of Commons committee that handles transportation issues this week will launch special hearings this week to examine the travel chaos that ruined the holidays for hundreds of Canadians. CTV reports the first hearing will take place on Thursday and is expected to see Transport Minister Omar Alghabra field a series of questions about what transpired and what accountability there will be. Airlines and VIA Rail also are expected to appear at before the committee. Major storms in Vancouver just prior to Christmas forced WestJet and other airlines to cancel a number of flights. Another storm moved into Ontario Read more
Europe
It’s National Trivia Day, which means I have an excuse to publish a few fun geographical/travel questions. Here goes with 10 questions (answers below). QUESTIONS 1. Which is further west, Los Angeles, California or Reno, Nevada? 2. True or false: St. John’s Newfoundland in Canada is closer to Ireland than it is to Vancouver. 3. Everyone knows (or should) that Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain on the planet. What’s the second tallest? 1. Mount McKinley. 2. K2 3. The Matterhorn 4. China and India are by far the most populous countries on earth. What country is third in population? Read more
Today is Alaska’s statehood day, and to celebrate the region that is at the heart of summer cruising Holland America Line is sharing details of its 2024 Alaska season. The premium cruise line is debuting a new 28-day Arctic Circle itinerary that includes 12 Alaska ports, longer 14-day voyages and 117 weeklong journeys, enhancing its position as the leader in Alaska cruising. With more sailings to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line, the only cruise line to include the unspoiled riches of the Yukon plus Denali on overland Cruisetours and more than 75 years of Alaska exploration Read more
Toronto Pearson is gearing up a very busy holiday season. UK airports could allow large bottles of liquids in carry-on bags by June of 2024. Amsterdam is asking rowdy visitors to stay home. U.S. airport gun seizures are up. And Air Transat resumes Montreal-Havana flights. My travel news roundup for Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. PEARSON PREPARES FOR BIG HOLIDAY CROWDS It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but the December holiday season also means peak crowds at Canadian airports. Toronto Pearson, Canada’s busiest air gateway, says it expects 130,000 customers to pass through its two terminals EVERY Read more
It was a pretty good year for travel outside Canada, with numerous trips to California, a couple to Hawaii, one to Florida, a river cruise in Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, and two weeks in Western Australia and New South Wales. From Santa Monica to Sydney and Maui to Vienna, here are some of my top experiences, fave foods and hotels of 2022. BEST ISLAND PHOTO: The Abrolhos Islands of Western Australia, as seen from my scenic flight with Geraldton Air Charter. We spotted pods of dolphins from the air. You also can take a trip that includes a nice swim Read more
