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U.S.A.

The United States will be open for business in just a few hours. The U.S. has been closed for most international travellers since March of last year. Canadians and some others have been allowed to fly to the States, but the U.S. land border with both Canada and Mexico has been closed to all but essential traffic for 20 months. Beginning Nov. 8 at 12:01 a.m., the U.S. will open its doors to air travellers from around the world, provided they can show proof of being double dosed with a vaccine approved by U.S. authorities or the World Health Organization. Read more

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This is the first in my regular “Destination Spotlight” stories, in which I’ll give a quick taste of some places to check out in North America and around the world. CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA This is an outstanding beach town about a half hour north of San Diego. There’s a great, walkable downtown filled with cool restaurants such as Shorehouse Kitchen and The Goods, which dishes out inventive donuts and good coffee. You’ll find plenty of independent shops, including Fahrenheit 451 book store. The Beach Terrace Inn is a fun, boutique hotel on the water. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is named Read more

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Great news for Canadians who love Hawaii. The state of Hawaii will welcome international travelers under the new federal requirements starting next Monday, Nov. 8. Direct International Travel to Hawaii NON-U.S. citizens traveling directly to Hawaii from an international destination must present BOTH a vaccination records AND a negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT or antigen) within three days of boarding a flight to the United States. U.S. citizens flying directly to Hawaii from an international destination have two options: Provide proof of vaccination OR Provide proof of negative COVID-19 test result within one day of boarding flight to U.S. There Read more

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Germany takes the cake, but Canada wins the silver medal. A new Nations Brand Index report from Anholt Ipsos finds Germany ranks in first place out of 60 countries around the world. It’s the seventh time overall and fifth year in a row that Germany has taken top honours. Germany was the highest ranked NBI nation in 2008, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and now in 2021. With another first place ranking this year, Germany has now tied the United States’ record of seven years as the top NBI nation. Germany’s reputational strengths lie on the Exports, Immigration and Read more

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Michelin and VISIT FLORIDA today revealed an expansion of The MICHELIN Guide, with the announcement of The MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa. The partnership combines VISIT FLORIDA’s strength in tourism with Michelin’s 120-plus years of experience in gastronomy. “MICHELIN Guide inspectors look forward to discovering the world-class culinary landscape in Miami, Orlando and Tampa,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guides. “From the excitement and glamour of Miami to Orlando’s iconic attractions and the rich culture of Tampa’s Gulf Coast, Florida’s gastronomy is unique, diverse and intriguing for locals and travelers across the globe.” The inaugural edition Read more

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