Today’s post includes a look at the World’s 50 Best Beaches, with impressive showings from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Australia, Hawaii and Anguilla. I also look at the places British Airways is recommending as top destinations for 2025, and at new Air Canada routes to Europe, Asia and the U.S.A., including flights to popular spots such as Portugal and Prague. When it comes to travel, it’s pretty much impossible to come up with a definitive list of the best of anything. One could argue Paris is the best city, but how do you argue with New York or Sydney or Read more
U.S.A.
The U.S. Travel Association is calling on Congressional leaders to pass substantial disaster relief to regions devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton as soon as Congress reconvenes. In the letter, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman writes: “We urge you to swiftly pass a disaster supplemental appropriations bill by Thanksgiving to support communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Damage caused by these storms is estimated to total more than $100 billion dollars, with downstream impacts on travel, visitor spending, hotel bookings, tax revenues and employment. “In states hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the travel industry accounts Read more
Visitor arrivals to Hawaii are on the upswing. According to preliminary statistics there were 707,486 visitors to the Hawaiian Islands in September 2024, up 7.8% from the same month last year. Hawaii Tourism Authority figures say arrivals in September 2024 represent a 96.1% recovery from pre-pandemic, September 2019 figures. In September 2024, 19,188 visitors from Canada arrived in Hawai’i as a whole, an increase from September 2023 (18,647 visitors, +2.9%), but a decline compared to September 2019 (21,928 visitors, -12.5%). The stats show visits from all outside destinations were down slightly for O’ahu (-1.3% for September of this year, versus Read more
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the official tourism marketing and management organization for Pinellas County, is telling the world that the destination is “Still Shining,” and ready to welcome visitors. After recently weathering two major hurricanes, the beach community has worked tirelessly to resume operations at many favorite locations with nearly 80% of the destination now open and eager to welcome guests – including accommodations, attractions, restaurants, museums, shops and more. “It’s important for everyone to know that St. Pete-Clearwater is Still Shining and ready as always to welcome residents and visitors to our beautiful beaches, amazing arts and experiences, and delicious Read more
Maui County recently released a draft of its long-term recovery plan for Lahaina. I find it an encouraging report, but there aren’t a lot of details just yet. “To the naked eye, little progress has been made in the 14 months since the fire, with only a handful of houses breaking ground on reconstruction,” Forbes.com reported recently. “However, most of the debris from the fire has been cleaned up, and crews are almost done restoring utility access to all impacted lots.” Forbes said release of the Lahaina draft plan is “no doubt a welcome sign for the Read more
