SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – Glamorous and casual hotels seconds from the beach. A farmer’s market where some of the country’s best chefs pick through selections of super fresh, lemons and Genovese basil to serve that night at local restaurants. Super cool neighborhoods, art galleries, and perhaps the most famous pier in North America. Santa Monica is a gem that embodies all the best things about the California lifestyle, an open-minded city that welcomes visitors of all types and embraces sustainability and inclusiveness. It was only three months ago that fires ripped through parts of southern California, destroying hundreds of homes. Read more

This is one of the great cities of Canada; a vibrant but super-friendly spot where people aren’t in a rush and where drivers stop to let crazed Torontonians jaywalk across a busy street at rush hour. You’ll also find a wonderful waterfront, terrific food and trendy neighbourhoods to explore. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Halifax, and also some suggested places to stay and side trips to take. WHAT TO SEE   Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a former British and Canadian fort that sits on a high hill overlooking the city. A Read more

Travel associations on both sides of the border have banded together to tackle unprecedented challenges facing the industry in 2025 — starting with the ongoing tariff war between the U.S. and Canada.   The newly formed Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition (BBTC) brings together the United States Tour Operators Association and the Canadian Association of Tour Operators as well as the Adventure Travel Trade Association, American Bus Association, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, International Inbound Travel Association, National Tour Association and Student & Youth Travel Association. “The travel industry’s interconnected nature demands unified voice and action to tackle shared challenges arising from Read more

Canadians seem intent on staying home this summer and exploring this great country of ours. With that in mind, I’m putting together a series of short items on Five Things to See and Do in cities and regions across Canada. I’ll start today with Calgary, a terrific destination on its own and also the gateway to the Canadian Rockies and marvelous Banff National Park. EAST VILLAGE   This is one of the most vibrant areas of the city, with fabulous boutique shops and the excellent Alt Hotel. One of the top attractions is the striking National Music Centre, located inside Read more

The Golden State is showing Canada some love. At a time when many Canadians have soured on trips to the U.S. because of ongoing political disputes and President Donald Trump’s tariffs and 51st state comments, Visit California has launched a new campaign ” to show Canadians that they are missed, they are deeply valued, and they are always welcome in California.” “California would not be the same without Canadians,” Visit California officials said. ” In 2024, California welcomed 1.8 million Canadian visitors, making it the state’s second-largest global tourism market.” California Governor Gavin Newsom has a fun, cheeky video on Read more

Whether you’re a visitor or a U.S. resident, it’s always good to maximize your US vacation with value-stretching travel tips. Here are some great suggestions from Brand USA. Even with exchange rates that makes things tough for Canadians, Aussies and other visitors, traveling to the United States doesn’t have to break the bank. Dozens of destinations and experiences across the country are both affordable (or even free!) and, of course, unforgettable. “Unforgettable experiences don’t have to come with a high price tag,” says Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA. “Whether it’s a breathtaking road trip along scenic coastlines, Read more