The  COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a global health emergency, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Friday. Global News says that Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, said the decision to end the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern comes after a recommendation from the organization’s emergency committee. It’s a remarkable announcement that probably won’t get a lot of attention, but it should. I also note that the U.S. this week announced that it will end requirements for visitors to the U.S. to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus. The rule, which Read more

There’s a lot of hullabaloo in Jolly Old England regarding the May 6 coronation of King Charles. It’s the first coronation of a member of British royalty in 70 years, and there’s been a flurry of bookings. But a look at London hotel prices finds some very reasonable deals. Not only are people seemingly not getting ripped off, but several hotels have what I could consider excellent prices. A look at Expedia.ca yesterday found rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Tower of London for just $282 CAD, including all taxes and fees. A room at the Nobu Read more

A lively downtown with great, old-time architecture. Terrific food. Stylish hotels. And the Rocky Mountains in your back yard. Denver wasn’t exactly high on the list of trendy cities 30 or 40 years ago. But an influx of tech companies and people looking for more wide-open space has made it one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. My wife and I spent a day in the city in late April prior to boarding the Rocky Mountaineer train for their “Rockies to Red Rocks” two-day trip, and we loved it. I was there 30 years to cover a Denver Nuggets-Toronto Read more

Porter Airlines is launching its summer schedule at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), with additional flexibility when travelling between YYZ and Ottawa (YOW), Montreal (YUL), Halifax (YHZ), Vancouver (YVR), Edmonton (YEG) and Calgary (YYC). The new schedule comes into effect on June 1, adding more desirable flight times that are well-distributed throughout the day. Certain routes will see a further increase in flights by August. A greater number of coast-to-coast connecting flight options via Porter’s YYZ hub are also created with this new schedule.    Porter says it will fly from Toronto Pearson Montreal Trudeau four times a week in Read more

Despite the financial challenges posed by inflation and high gas prices, a significant majority of Canadians remain determined to embark on road trips this summer. Conducted among members of the Angus Reid Forum, the 2023 edition of the annual Toyota Canada Summer Road Trip Survey found 74% of those polled are still planning a road trip, but fuel efficiency and other ways to cut costs are very much top of mind this year. Cost-cutting and affordability are top of mind Of those who are planning a road trip this summer, 43% say rising gas prices have impacted their plans. And, Read more

Air Canada and American Express have announced their newest welcome bonuses and accelerated earn rates on their suite of American Express Aeroplan Cards. Whether for a get-away to Los Angeles, sun-bathing in the tropics of Hawai’i (hey, I’m there today), or tasting sushi in Tokyo, this limited time points offer will enable Canadians to get away sooner and do so in style. Here are the details:     Premium Card Get up to 115,000 Aeroplan points with the American Express®* Aeroplan® Reserve Card. Earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Cardmembership. Plus, Read more