This story was originally posted on my site in 2015. HONG KONG – I’m standing atop a tall, craggy peak with a strong wind rolling off the China Sea. Small, willow-like plants bend to the power of the breeze as I gaze at steep headlands dotted with acacia trees and sweet-smelling pine. Far below my feet I can see sand traps laid out on a deep green golf course and gnarly inlets and bays of Hong Kong Island. Uninhabited islands in shades of green and sun-kissed gold dot the surrounding ocean waters. Off to my right, I see a group Read more

This a story I originally posted in 2018. PORT DOVER, ONTARIO – I’m feasting on a trio of fine tacos on the sunny patio at Burning Kiln Winery, a few minutes outside of this city. Dusty Zamecnik of Hometown Brew Co., who I met during a tour of the area last year, spots me and comes over to shake hands. “Welcome home,” he says. I’ve taken trips to the north shore of Lake Erie almost every summer the past few years and I definitely feel at home. I’ve grown to love the towns and the rich farmers’ fields and the 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

With 15 acres of tropical gardens, swimming pools and white sand beach, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino has always been known as a great place to relax. Now, in this age of business and leisure being blurred into “bleisure,” it sounds like a great place to relax AND work. I had a chance to chat with marketing manager Melissa Michaane the other day about a resort and an island I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting just yet. The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino was the first hotel to debut on Palm Beach in 1959. The resort Read more

Canada Jetlines, the new, all-Canadian, leisure airline, today announced a special flight experience with Gene Simmons, Creator of MoneyBag Vodka & co-founder of KISS, for the launch of Moneybag Vodka. The exclusive on-board passenger meet and greet is set for December 8, 2022, from Calgary (YYC) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and open to the public for ticket reservations. Rockstar, Gene Simmons, will join Canada Jetlines passengers after boarding, where he will share samples of his new MoneyBag Vodka, produced by the Minhas Distillery in Calgary, during an on-board meet and greet before departure. Tickets are currently on sale Read more

Southern Ontario residents will soon have new ways to fly to Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Starting this December, customers hailing from Kitchener-Waterloo can get more out of their tropical escapes with the addition of two weekly direct flights to Sunwing’s 2022-2023 winter schedule. With easy access to the sun and sand in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Varadero, Cuba from the Region of Waterloo International Airport, plus a range of resorts to suit all travel styles, residents have everything they need for an unforgettable getaway. “Our relationship with Waterloo International Airport has remained strong since 2009 and we are Read more