A return to fuller airplanes. Toronto hotel openings. And a potential return to Europe for Canadians. Here’s my Future of Travel blog for today. Middle Seat Occupation Returning on Some Airlines I hope nobody who’s been flying lately was getting used to the space around them. Because you can kiss it goodbye. For the past few months, many airlines have been blocking off middle seats to enforce social distancing. But with COVID-19 somewhat under control in some places, that is coming to an end. In Canada, both Air Canada and WestJet say they will no longer block off seats. Ditto Read more

Curated guides to some of the world’s great cities. A map that can show you the next electric charging station on the road for your car. And maps that show elevation changes for that bike ride you’ve been meaning to try for years. Apple Maps has been refining their product for years, with continuous improvements coming at every opportunity. Now comes iOS 14, Apple’s biggest update in history, which takes Apple Maps – and other apps and features – to whole new levels. One of the great new features are the curated maps, which are available now for New York Read more

Several major destinations will fling open their doors for international visitors next week, including the Bahamas, Cuba and Bermuda. I also have news on Canada Day sales from WestJet and Air Canada, plus a new requirement for guests to wear masks in public at MGM Resorts in the U.S. There’s also a new set of great trips in Canada offered by Transat and Fresh Tracks Canada, and a note on further suspensions of tours by G Adventures. My Future of Travel blog for June 26, 2020 A Big Week For Re-Openings The U.S. is a mess right now, and most Read more

Haven’t had time to post one of my Future of Travel blogs today as I’m up in Muskoka. Here’s a previous Muskoka post from a trip I thoroughly enjoyed in 2017. BAYSVILLE/HUNTSVILLE/DORSET – A well-equipped cottage with a hot tub on the patio and lovely lake views. A romantic boat ride on one of Ontario’s prettiest lakes. Not to mention a wonderful canoe trip along the Muskoka River, great food, tasty craft beer and welcoming locals. The Huntsville-Baysville-Dorset triangle is a fabulous part of Ontario, with just about everything you could ask for in a vacation getaway. I hadn’t been Read more

Europe appears to be slamming the door on Americans who’d like to visit this summer. But what about Canadians? I take a look at that issue, as well as a predicted slow rebound for California tourism and a further suspension of cruises by Royal Caribbean. Also, a nod to Quebec and Francophone Canadians on Saint-Jean-Baptiste/Fete nationale du Quebec Day. European Travel This Summer: Can Canadians Go? TravelPulse Canada, where I work as senior editorial director, has a story out today about how European Union countries appear to be banning U.S. residents from visiting any time soon. I wrote in this Read more

Toronto moves to stage two of its COVID-19 recovery plan tomorrow, while the city’s main airport has introduced a new health and safety plan. New York City moved to stage two on Monday, and Chicago is moving to stage four on Friday. I also look at American and Quebec travel attitudes and the top 10 small cities in the U.S. Stage Two for Toronto: At Last! One of Canada’s most popular cities for tourists (and my place of abode) is beginning to waken from its long slumber. After some three months of lockdown, Toronto restaurants with patios are allowed to Read more