It’s a tough time to be a sun seeker from the US or Canada. In January, flights were disrupted to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) due to the US action in Venezuela. A few weeks later, flights to Cuba were halted because of an ongoing lack of aviation fuel, leaving Canadians and other visitors scrambling for alternative sun destinations. Many would-be Cuba visitors, including personal friends of mine, opted instead for Mexico. But some potential visitors are now spooked because of the violent outbreak in Puerto Vallarta on the weekend following the killing of a top Mexican drug Read more
Azores
I’ve been lucky enough to be a full-time travel writer since 2008. I’ve managed to see more than 60 countries around the world, and to visit some of the most exotic places on earth. As well as some tried-and-very-true destinations that are well worth your trouble. Here’s one travel lovers list of great places to explore in 2026. Some of them have specific reasons, such as the Winter Olympics, while others are simply personal faves or places that could use your business right now. AZORES These Atlantic Ocean islands to me are like a combination of Hawaii, Scotland and Portugal Read more
Los Angeles area residents who lost their homes to the wildfires can apply for a hotel voucher to stay free at Hilton properties for up to seven nights, officials announced this week. According to MSN, Hilton, American Express and 211 LA announced plans to provide the vouchers, making 20,000 hotel room nights available. Residents can apply to 211 LA for housing assistance at bit.ly/211-Emergency-Services-Request. “We are deeply grateful to Hilton and American Express for their emergency support during this heartbreaking time,” Maribel Marin, executive director of 211 LA, said in a statement. “Their generosity in providing shelter to those who have Read more
New and enhanced flights to exotic destinations such as Singapore and Stockholm, plus 120 destinations in North America. Air Canada has released its plan for the busy summer travel season, and it features a 30% growth in capacity to the Asia-Pacific region, including flights to Osaka, Seoul and Singapore. There’s also a 25% boost for key leisure destinations in Southern Europe compared to last year, including flights to Stockholm and Madrid. “We continue to see strong demand for southern European destinations, and have increased capacity to countries such as Italy, Greece and especially Spain for this summer,” said Mark Galardo, Read more
For years now, I’ve posted travel blogs that point out what other websites suggest for places to visit the following year. This time, I’m happy to mention a few of the major travel publications, but I’m also providing my OWN list of places I think travellers should explore. Without further ado, here are my Jim Byers Travel suggestions for cool places to check out in 2023. I’ve listed ten, with a bonus pick at no extra charge. WESTERN AUSTRALIA I visited in May of this year, and it was one of the best trips of my life. Perth was a Read more
