I wrote yesterday that it was a great day to book a flight. Then came news of more great travel deals this morning. On top of what I mentioned yesterday (see below for details), I got a note this morning to say that SATA/Azores Airlines is offering 25% off all flights from Canada to Portugal as a Boxing Day special. The airlines’ web site says the deal is for any route between Canada and Portugal operated by Azores Airlines and SATA Air Açores but does not include interlines/codeshares with other carriers. The sale runs from now until Jan. 4, 2017, Read more

This is welcome news for Canadian travellers. U.S. President Barack Obama today signed a bill authorizing pre-clearance of U.S. customs (never a fun event) at both Toronto’s Billy Bishop (Toronto Islands) Airport and at Quebec City’s Jean Lesage Airport. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and airport authorities in both Toronto and Quebec had been pushing for the idea for some time. Currently, passengers flying to the U.S. from Toronto Pearson, Montreal Dorval/Trudeau, Vancouver and other major airports can clear U.S. customs while still on Canadian soil. Lines are usually better (albeit often still too long), and it’s a faster and simpler Read more

I just had lunch today with a former colleague who said he’d been thinking of taking a trip to see a Christmas market in Germany. “Maybe not now,” he said, referring to yesterday’s tragic attack in Berlin, where 12 people were killed and many more innocent people injured by a maniac with no respect for human life. “Too many soldiers with guns now.” I see his point. And it’s an easy one to make. It’s also the wrong approach. Because if we stop travelling, the terrorists win. And I’m not going to let that happen. I’m not going to jump Read more

We’re searching frantically for San Diego and Florida sun. We’re also talking about trips to Toronto, Vancouver and Vegas. Several travel groups this week released year-end/holiday lists of where Canadians are heading and what cities they’re searching for online as winter gets ready to set in. Here’s a look at a few of the reports. HOTELS.COM: A report issued Monday found that the number of Canadians looking to book holiday stays in San Diego between Dec. 19, 2016 and Jan. 5, 2017 has jumped a remarkable 558% over last year. Interest in Fort Lauderdale leapt by 269%, while searches for Read more

Security lineups. Weather delays. Crammed seating in the back of the plane (close to the front, too). Flying isn’t always fun these days. But it’s arguably never been cheaper. According to the latest ARC-Expedia study, economy class average ticket prices are dropping across the world and have reached their lowest level in three years. A report at Travel Pulse says flights have become especially more affordable to and from South America, which is gaining more and more popularity with adventurous travelers. (I was in Chile, mostly Puerto Varas and Easter Island) a year ago for an Adventure Travel Summit conference Read more

As if mountains and Mounties and our 150th birthday party next year weren’t enough, now the world has another reason to visit Canada. A survey from Booking.com finds that Australia is the only country in the world with a reputation for friendlier and ­­­happier locals than Canada. Respondents in the survey were asked to name the planet’s cheeriest and most relaxed locals. Australia came first with mentions by 35 % of respondents, followed by Canada (33), Italy (29), Spain (25), the U.S. (24), Thailand (20), Japan (20), France (20), New Zealand (20) and Brazil (19). The survey of travellers around Read more