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
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The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has officially launched the destination’s new brand campaign titled, “Venture Deeper.” The new campaign builds on the island’s distinct characteristics while introducing elements of introspective self-discovery and intention that speak to the purpose-driven goals of today’s travellers. “St. Kitts is relatively new to tourism, only focusing efforts and resources to tourism within the last 20 years. This gives our island a very different ethos in the Caribbean,” said Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, CEO of St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “We are contemplative, nostalgic, and soulful. We appeal to intrepid travellers eager to explore, to learn, and immerse Read more
LOS ANGELES – A new museum dedicated to the magic of the movies. A classic art centre celebrating its 25th anniversary. An African American museum. Wonderful street art. And hotels with brilliant art displays of their own. Los Angeles has long been known for its celebrities and convertibles, but it’s collection of impressive cultural centres and museums continues to grow. Here’s a look at some great options. THE ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES The folks behind the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures could have easily focused on Leo and Kate, or Bogart and Bacall. But the Academy Museum doesn’t Read more
WESTERN AUSTRALIA – I’m driving north along the lonely, quiet coast of Western Australia. I’m supposed to check into my hotel in the town of Kalbarri at 5 p.m. and it’s already dangerouly close to that. My schedule says I should motor on, but there’s a particular quality of light in the sky. I see a sign that points the way to a coastal section of Kalbarri National Park, and decide the schedule can go to hell. I drive down a winding road towards the setting sun and pull into looks like the closest parking lot. I quickly make my Read more
I live less than an hour away, but somehow in all my decades living in Toronto I’d never slowed down enough or taken the time to admire north Durham Region. That’s a mistake I won’t make again. I visited recently over two days and found beautiful art and pottery places, sipped some of the goods at a tasty cider operation, witnessed a truly amazing bit of historic architecture, and enjoyed a nice visit to the Lucy Maud Montgomery Manse, as well as a tremendous play about Montgomery’s time living in the region. I was extremely impressed by the creativity and Read more
