ISTANBUL, TURKIYE – One of the richest histories of any city on earth. Wondrous places of worship. Remarkable food. Some of the world’s most interesting markets. And hotels for every budget. I recently spent eight days in Istanbul for a board meeting and then a full convention of the Society of American Travel Writers, and got to check out several hotels and some wonderful restaurants. I also had walking tours that included the Aya (also known as Hagia) Sophia, the amazing Basilica Cisterns, the Spice Bazaar, the sparkling, new Galataport shopping/dining/cruise port, and outside glimpses of the Blue Mosque and Read more
Air Canada today announced it will begin non-stop flights between Vancouver and Manila next April. It’s great news for people looking for vacations in southeast Asia, and for the Filipino diaspora in Canada and friends and family. The announcement was made during the Government of Canada’s Team Canada Trade Mission currently in the Philippines, celebrating 75 years of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations. This new service to Manila is Air Canada’s third South-East Asia destination launched in the last two years. “We are thrilled to add Manila to our global network with new, year-round, non-stop service from Vancouver, Air Canada’s Pacific gateway Read more
As travellers get ready for the holiday season, Hilton has released the most searched destinations by Canadians for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Warm weather locales continue to be a popular travel destination for the holidays, but those looking for an urban getaway are searching for stays in Las Vegas and New York City. Here’s a look at the destinations Canadians are looking at the most: Hawaii Whether looking to relax before 2025 or have a week filled with adventure – or both – Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort offers plenty of activities for the whole Read more
Travelzoo has a nice sale on Air New Zealand flights from Canada to New Zealand and to Australia. Until today (Dec. 3, 2024) at midnight, take advantage of reduced Air New Zealand fares from Vancouver. Nonstop roundtrip flights to Auckland are $1395 CAD. The sale also lets you fly to other cities in New Zealand from $99. You’ll have 18 destinations to choose from, including Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Travel on select dates from April–October. Air New Zealand is the only carrier offering nonstop service during this period. Travelzoo said the price saves over $600 compared to what they usually see Read more
The food was terrific. But that wasn’t it. My lie-flat seat was lovely. But that wasn’t it, either. And, no, it wasn’t the surprisingly good Turkish wine, or the big screen TV. No, what I think back on as I reflect on my two business class flights on Turkish Airlines last month are the little things; the chefs in brilliant white aprons and white chef hats; the little salt and pepper shakers that were shaped like minarets; the small candle (battery-powered, of course) in a tiny paper bag that accompanied my main meals, and the two chocolates they hand out Read more
Canadians just can’t get enough of the U.S. in general, and Florida in particular. Leading global travel app Skyscanner has revealed the top destinations with the largest year-over-year increase that Canadian snowbirds are flocking to this winter, as well as valuable insights looking at how adults are prioritizing their travel plans. Using proprietary data, a specially commissioned survey of 2,000 travellers and trusted industry insights, Skyscanner’s exclusive data reveals the best winter travel options for Canadians for the remainder of 2024-early 2025. This winter, Canadians are looking to take flight to warmer climates, drawn to destinations that are easily accessible, Read more
Your next trip out of Vancouver International Airport might be a pretty high-tech experience. Air Canada on Dec. 3 will bring in facial recognition as a boarding option for most domestic flights out of YVR. “The next evolution of Air Canada’s digital experience launches on December 3 with the expansion of the airline’s Digital Identification program as a boarding option for almost all of its domestic flights at Vancouver International Airport (YVR),” airline officials said. “Following a successful pilot project on select flights, Air Canada and YVR are the first in Canada to invest in the technology and equipment to Read more