Australia has had to close the border between the states of New South Wales and Victoria due to COVID-19 fears. Meanwhile, a new carrier has announced it will fly to southern destinations from Quebec, and the hotel business appears to be picking up nicely. My Future of Travel blog for July 7. Australia Closing Some State Borders Australia lovers have been looking longingly at the country’s success in fighting the COVID-19 virus, hoping that perhaps Oz would soon open its borders to so-called safe countries such as Canada. Don’t look now, but there’s been a flare-up in the state of Read more
Aeroplan
Special air arrangements between specific countries. A new Thailand health and safety program. A spike in U.S. hotel occupancy. And aid for Newfoundland tourism. I’ve got news on these and other topics today in my regular Future of Travel blog. BUBBLES AND BRIDGES We’ve gotten used to a whole lot of new buzz words of late, including “physical distancing.” Now comes a couple new concepts related to travel: “air bridges” and “travel bubbles.” They’re both similar concepts that could help spark a tourism resurgence in certain parts of the world, but only with certain travellers. Australia and New Zealand have Read more
Today’s Future of Travel blog looks at everything from the impact of cancelled cruises to a series of new suspensions by cruise companies and airlines. It seems things are getting better, but it’s going to be a while until we travel in any significant manner. Cruise Cancellations Hit Canada Holland America on Wednesday announced it has cancelled all its cruises for Canada/New England, Europe and Alaska for this year because of the COVID-19 crisis. It’s a blow for consumers who had plans to travel, of course. But there’s also a huge impact on the destinations. Cities and countries around the Read more
One of Canada’s top chefs. One of Toronto’s most romantic restaurants. And one great deal. It’s Summerlicious time in Toronto, with remarkable deals at some of the city’s top restaurants. Once again, Aeroplan is sponsoring the big event, not to mention other food festivals across Canada, including Montreal’s MTLaTABLE event. Toronto is one of the top cities in the world for food, so it’s great to get solid deals like the ones they offer at Summerlicious and also at Winterlicious, which Aeroplan also has sponsored in the past. I had a chance to check Summerlicious out on Monday night, taking Read more
Toronto’s favourite winter culinary celebration is back, and Aeroplan members can get to the front of the line. Winterlicious runs in Toronto from Jan. 26 to Feb. 8, with fantastic three-course, prix fixe lunches and dinners at more than 200 restaurants. The general public doesn’t get to make reservations until Thursday, Jan. 11. But Aeroplan members can book their favourite dining spot starting Wednesday, Jan. 10 to be sure they get the meal they want at a great price. Top restaurants taking part include Canteen, Bar Buca, and Canoe. On Jan. 10 only, Aeroplan members can make advance reservations by Read more
