Tahiti opens for visitors on Wednesday, July 15. With that in mind I’m re-posting this blog on the tranquil island of Raiatea from earlier this year. RAIATEA – A quick afternoon rainstorm had ended, and it was getting close to the golden hour; that time of day that photographers adore for its soft light. I was staying at a family run lodge/hotel called Fare Vai Nui on the west coast of this beautiful, quiet island, which is about a 40-minute flight from Tahiti island. They have free bikes you can use and I wanted to see a bit of the Read more
Europe
A phased re-opening of Walt Disney World begins in Orlando, Florida tomorrow. I also have a report on Canada’s first-ever nationwide, virtual travel exhibition, which will be held in September, a potential offer to work in Barbados for a year, and a report on the devastating tourism picture in Europe. My Future of Travel blog for July 10. The Magic Kingdom Opens Its Doors Disney tomorrow will welcome guests back to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Parks, followed by Hollywood Studios and EPCOT next Wednesday, July 15. Critics have pointed out this is taking place during a serious Read more
Re-openings in Bermuda and the Bahamas, as well as France, the legendary Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa. I also have news from Toronto, Hawaiian Airlines, Viking Cruises, Booking.Com and PAL Airlines in Eastern Canada. My Future of Travel Blog for July 2. Everybody Sing Along: Bermuda, Bahamas, Come On Pretty Mama…. Great news for lovers of sun and sand: both the Bahamas and Bermuda re-opened for visitors on Canada Day, July 1. The Bahamas today issued a release to say they have a new travel app available. The Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism & Aviation’s new, free mobile app provides Read more
A return to fuller airplanes. Toronto hotel openings. And a potential return to Europe for Canadians. Here’s my Future of Travel blog for today. Middle Seat Occupation Returning on Some Airlines I hope nobody who’s been flying lately was getting used to the space around them. Because you can kiss it goodbye. For the past few months, many airlines have been blocking off middle seats to enforce social distancing. But with COVID-19 somewhat under control in some places, that is coming to an end. In Canada, both Air Canada and WestJet say they will no longer block off seats. Ditto Read more
Europe appears to be slamming the door on Americans who’d like to visit this summer. But what about Canadians? I take a look at that issue, as well as a predicted slow rebound for California tourism and a further suspension of cruises by Royal Caribbean. Also, a nod to Quebec and Francophone Canadians on Saint-Jean-Baptiste/Fete nationale du Quebec Day. European Travel This Summer: Can Canadians Go? TravelPulse Canada, where I work as senior editorial director, has a story out today about how European Union countries appear to be banning U.S. residents from visiting any time soon. I wrote in this Read more
