If you land at Sacramento International Airport, you might hear a voice over the public address system making the following statement. “We’re proud to offer a unique blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm that can only be found here.” I’m not above borrowing a good quote when I hear one, and I think it’s an apt description. Air Canada in July began direct, daily flights from Toronto to Sacramento, the capital of California and a city I think is heavily underrated. It’s an attractive city filled with towering, leafy trees, fun neighborhoods and a very good food scene. You’re Read more

I wrote a story last week that quoted Hawaii tourism officials as saying it’s a good time to visit Maui. The gist of the article was that many areas of Maui are open to visitors (west Maui won’t open until October 15), and that local workers need tourism to return so they can keep their jobs. Many readers agree, but some still don’t like the idea of visitors so soon after the August 8 fire that killed at least 115 people and destroyed almost all of the beautiful town of Lahaina. Here are some sample comments: “We will leave Maui Read more

  Porter Airlines is launching daily service to five cities in south Florida this fall. Toronto Pearson International Airport to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, as well as Ottawa International Airport to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. All routes begin with one daily, roundtrip flight on Porter’s new Embaer jets. It’s a big boost for Canadian snowbirds and other travellers who love the Sunshine State. Porter’s only Florida destination as of today is Melbourne/Orlando International Airport. “Canadians represent the largest group of international travellers to Florida, and now they can choose to fly with the only airline that Read more

If you’re a Maui lover and you’re wondering if it’s the right time to go, the Hawai’i Tourism Authority has an emphatic answer for you. “Yes.” I caught up with Kalani Ka’ana’ana, the authority’s chief brand officer, for an update on Maui tourism as he was boarding a plane on Wednesday. There have been suggestions in some quarters that it’s too early to return to the island, which saw the town of Lahaina burned to cinders earlier this month. At least 115 people are confirmed dead, and the missing persons count could be as high as 1,100. “I know it’s Read more

A gorgeous patio overlooking the runway and San Francisco Bay. Tons of great food. A lovely bar with craft cocktails. And plenty of space to work. The new Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco International Airport is a great place to relax or roll up your sleeves and work. The lounge opened last month at Terminal 2 at SFO, and it’s a beauty. The rooms are decorated in soothing shades of tan, grey and soft brown, with floor to ceiling windows in many areas. There are plenty of quiet, cozy corners for a business person to plug in. Read more

Canada Jetlines has announced the launch of an expanded winter flight schedule, including flights from Toronto Pearson Airport to both Montego Bay, Jamaica and Orlando, Florida. The new flights are in addition to existing services to Cancun, Mexico, and Las Vegas. “We’re delighted to announce the expansion of our winter flight schedule, providing travellers with a wider range of options to escape the cold and experience unforgettable destinations and holiday options,” said Canada Jetlines CEO, Eddy Doyle. “With our expanded schedule and exceptional service, travellers can look forward to convenient and hassle-free journeys with Jetlines, to sought after destinations including Read more