We like to think we’re helping folks when we travel the world. Often we are, especially in some developing countries or places that rely on tourism, or when there have been recent incidents that scared people off and have hurt the local economy. Other times, though, we travel types are a bloody menance; trampling over flower beds and stomping along in church squares with a million other Instagrammers and bucket listers and ruining what should be a great experience. Such has been the case for quite some years with Venice. I think Moses once wrote that he was disgusted by Read more
So, the Ontario government yesterday announced that travel companies can no longer advertise packages unless they include the full price. No more of those annoying ads that say “A week in Cuba, $400” in bold type and then, under that in fine print, words such as “taxes and fees, $250 extra” or “pillows on your bed and hot water in your shower, $5 per day.” No more of that. It’s not earth-shaking, like the Prime Minister adding a new oil pipeline or admitting that he shouldn’t hold private fundraisers in which he discusses government business with would-be Liberal Party supporters Read more
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – I get to travel to some pretty amazing places in the world, and I check out a lot of great hotels. But I try not to research things too much for fear of raising my expectations and spoiling a nice surprise. That was definitely the case for my brief stay at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. I was in town for a travel writers’ conference and didn’t arrive until late in the day. But I was immediately taken with the wonderful lobby entrance and the look and feel of the place, which Read more
The presidential election polls in the U.S. are getting closer. Which means that maybe those folks who vowed to move to Canada if Donald Trump wins the race should be checking their Canadian maps and real estate listings. With that in mind, the folks at Hotels.com have prepared a list of 10 American cities with their Canadian counterparts, giving Hillary Clinton supporters something to work with and a better idea about what opportunities lie north of the border, where our Prime Minister garners headlines for building his body instead of building walls. Here are the Hotels.com suggestions on what Canadian Read more
MONTREAL – For a minute I thought I was in the wrong hotel. I was supposed to be checking into the Renaissance Hotel downtown. But when I opened the doors I was looking at a large grey and charcoal sofa dotted with orange pillows and a brilliant yellow table. Hanging from an overhead beam was a swing done up with a seat in multiple colour stripes. Over in the corner was a sleek metallic bookcase fronted by 1960’s-styled grey chairs with more rainbow pillows. Behind that was a wall covered with a series of colourful and evocative photos; Nelson Mandela, Read more
I’ve been using my Aeroplan points for the better part of two decades, often cashing in to buy flights for my wife or for my family to visit my Dad in California. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s good to take advantage of special offers to boost your points. Aeroplan often has great specials and bonus point programs, and it’s crazy to not take advantage. That goes especially for the latest round of specials, which Aeroplan is practically begging you to use by handing out special tips on how to maximize your card. Tip number one, of course, is Read more
Disclosure: This is a sponsored blog post however all opinions are my own. ST. JACOB’S, ONTARIO – The sleep campaign is smart and funny. The lobby at was sleek and sophisticated. And my room was well appointed, with striking colours, nice amenities and tons of space. I didn’t have a clear image of the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in mind when I rolled into St. Jacobs, a community on the edge of Waterloo, Ontario. But I didn’t expect this level of sophistication. Or this kind of fun, cheeky attitude. Walking into the lobby I found a spacious seating area Read more
