I’ve often been an advocate for travelling to popular places in shoulder season. Europe, in particular, is jammed with visitors in summer. But it can be just as delightful in April or May, or in October or even November. Places like the Algarve in southern Portugal and Sicily in southern Italy are delightful most of the time in winter, and Spain’s Canary Islands usually sport January temperatures in the low 20s, which makes it a great destination all year long. I received an email this week about Spanish tourism, and it said nearly half of Spain’s tourism activity (47%) now Read more
Alaska Cruises
As Holland America’s 2026 Alaska season ends, the cruise line is looking ahead to next summer’s milestone season celebrating 80 years of exploring the Great Land. For eight decades, Holland America has built a depth of knowledge in Alaska, helping shape an experience that brings the destination to life both on board and ashore. That expertise gives guests more ways to see Alaska’s wildlife and witness its glaciers than any other cruise line, from immersive wilderness exploration to signature glacier-viewing. That deep Alaska knowledge comes through in the details of the journey, from fresh, local seafood served on every Alaska Read more
News from Air Transit, Brand USA and Explora Journeys for today’s blog post. AIR TRANSAT BEGINS OTTAWA-LONDON FLIGHTS Air Transat has begun new non-stop service between Ottawa and London Gatwick. The first flights operated on Friday, May 15, marking the launch of a new link between the Canadian and British capitals. “We are the only airline offering a non-stop flight between Ottawa and London Gatwick. It’s something we’re truly proud of and a meaningful addition for travellers in the Ottawa–Gatineau region,” said Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat. “Combined with the connections offered by our partner Porter Airlines from Read more
I recently spent a week on the Holland America Line Eurodam, soaking up the sights on a seven-day Alaska cruise in an out of Seattle. We saw magical glaciers and wondrous waterfalls, as well as surprising sunsets. We explored fun towns like Juneau and Ketchikan, and enjoyed some fine food and excellent on-board entertainment Here’s a look at the Eurodam, and at our excursions. And here’s a link to my previously published story on Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish program. EXCURSIONS AND SCENERY Our first chance to explore anything on land was in Juneau. It’s fairly commercial, but we enjoyed Read more
Holland America Line cruise ships to visit Canadian ports again this summer. Officials today said the publication of procedures for the safe resumption of cruises to Canadian ports allows the company to complete preparation for a full season of Alaska explorations and Canada/New England sailings. Holland America Line will sail itineraries as scheduled that include Canadian homeports and ports of call from late spring through fall. Canadian government officials last month said new cruise regulations will be in place in time for the start of the Canadian cruising season in May. “The completion of this guidance by Transport Canada, Read more
