I didn’t get out to British Columbia as I had planned, but I did manage to spend time this year in Calgary, Banff, Quebec and several places in Southern Ontario. Here are some of my fave experiences in Canada this year. MOST SURPRISING ARCHITECTURE: I had never heard of the Thomas Foster Memorial in Uxbridge, Ontario, but it’s a beautiful building both inside and out. Definitely worth a visit. MOST UNUSUAL SPA: The Muskoka Beer Spa is a fun spot south of Bala, Ontario, with a nice pool, hot tubs, saunas, a beach and cottages that you can have equipped Read more
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OCEANSIDE – Visitors to this southern California seaside town will still find remnants of the days when it was best known as a place for soldiers stationed at nearby Camp Pendleton to blow off steam. There are old-style movie theatres and diners, and a number of barber shops proudly flying the Stars and Stripes and offer haircuts for as little as $11. But things have begun to change. A new Wyndham hotel appeared a few years ago. SpringHill Suites by Marriott followed. And then came the Mission Pacific and the Seabird, two sparkling, boutique hotels with rooftop bars sprung up Read more
This was posted on my site following a trip to Jamaica a few years ago. JAMAICA – Almost everyone knows Montego Bay. Ditto for Ocho Rios and Negril. But for many visitors, Portland Parish in the north eastern end of Jamaica is almost unknown. Which is a shame, because it’s one of the most captivating and beguiling areas of this beautiful country; a region of quiet, almost empty beaches, excellent food and outstanding, independent hotels. Here’s one frequent visitor’s suggestions on great things to see and do in Portland Parish and northeast Jamaica. BEACHES Boston Bay is a true gem; Read more
Atlantic Canada is filled with autumn experiences that will leave visitors transformed by the region’s beauty, food and culture. Despite recent extreme weather events, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia remain open for business and eager to welcome visitors to experience the East Coast’s seasonal delights. Here’s your checklist of must-do activities in the coming months: New Brunswick Fun times on the Fundy – See fall’s ever-shifting hues on a road trip through the spectacular Fundy Coast. Here, the world’s highest tides, charming communities and a dramatic coastline make for a delightful drive. Allot seven to 10 days to explore the Read more
By Jim Byers, Member, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) SANTA MONICA – Elegant. Beachy. Classy. And sometimes even cheesy. This is a California city that has a little bit of everything. You can relax at a renowned hotel and dine 17 floors in the sky, with fabulous cuisine, craft cocktails and a view of the Pacific Ocean, but you can also take advantage of happy hour at a casual Mexican place. You can go for a $200 treatment in a hushed, luxurious spa, but you can also stroll the beach for free or pose for photos at the western Read more
