MIAMI – A suite with almost 3,000 square feet of interior space. 493 chandeliers. And two original Picasso drawings. And if you asked for a partridge in a pear tree they’d probably get that for you, too. I had the chance recently to tour the Regent Seven Seas Explorer ship. It’s billed as “the most luxurious ship ever built,” and I’m in no position to dispute it. I’ve only been on a handful of cruises, but if there’s a more elegant, refined and beautiful ship on one of the world’s oceans I can’t imagine it. They also have introduced a Read more
CLEARWATER BEACH – A stylish, bright lobby. Sleek, airy rooms. And direct access to one of the top beaches in the United States. The new Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach is a welcome – and stunning – addition to one of my favourite places in the U.S. I get to visit a lot of hotels in my line of work. Most don’t stand out. But this place impressed me from the moment I walked in until the morning I left two days later. The lobby is a real stunner; bright and airy and with a wide-open breezeway that forces your eye Read more
OAKLAND – My sister and I are sitting outside a trendy lunch spot in the Temescal Alley area of town with my Dad and his lady friend, Lucy. We’ve just picked up our fried chicken sandwiches with jalapeno cole slaw at Bakesale Betty, a small shop on Telegraph Ave. at 51st St. and Telegraph Ave. in north Oakland. Instead of inside tables, we find the only seating is out on the street on dark stools. And instead of actual tables, folks rest their sandwiches, soft drinks and Betty’s homemade cookies on rickety old ironing boards in shades of blue and Read more
This story originally appeared in the Dallas Morning News travel section earlier this week. NEW YORK CITY – The biggest names in food are making a splash in The Big Apple. Not that New York City really needs the help, but an infusion of top celebrity chefs has helped boost the city’s already red-hot profile for food lovers. New additions include Wolfgang Puck’s first Manhattan foray and a stunningly designed spot by Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio at one of the city’s newest and sexiest hotels. Here’s a look at some of the latest openings, plus a few to come. Read more
That bucket list vacation you’ve been mapping out could be a little bit closer today. Aeroplan, Canada’s favourite rewards program, has announced that members can now earn and redeem Aeroplan Miles on all car rental in Canada, the U.S. and around the world with Avis Car Rental and Budget Car Rental. Those are two of the largest car agencies in the world. Aeroplan also announced members will be able to earn and redeem miles with Payless Car Rental in the coming months, adding yet another way to earn valuable points. Aeroplan members previously were able to earn and redeem points Read more
London’s prices are falling down. But you’re still much further ahead if try Prague or Bangkok. A new study of hotel prices by hotels.com shows that the Brexit vote has had an effect on hotel costs. The study found that Canadians last year paid an average of $254 a night for a hotel in London, England. That’s down 9% from the 2015 average price of $278. It’s a sizable drop, but $254 Cdn. per night is still a hefty price to pay for a night’s sleep. The hotels.com Hotel Price Index study found you’re much better off in Paris, where Read more
Being on March Break doesn’t mean your kids have to stop learning. Apple has wonderful apps (millions of them, actually) for your iPad that will help keep your kids both entertained and stimulated while they’re out of school. If you’re headed out of town, there also are tons of great ways to use your iPad to save money on the road and find great experiences you and your family will remember forever. Here’s a look at 10 great apps you should try for both learning and travel. Don’t forget iPads are available in three models, with a colour and size Read more
