Major cuts by Air Canada. New tests for the trouble Boeing 737 MAX. Plus, Delta joins with the Mayo Clinic, a spiffy new hotel project for Halifax and an update on Australia and tourism. My Future of Travel blog for June 30. Air Canada Closing Operations at 8 Canadian Airports, Slashing 30 Domestic Routes It’s a perfectly understandable move given the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Canada. But it’s a devastating loss for many Canadian communities. And the company says there could be more changes coming soon. Air Canada said today that it is indefinitely suspending service on 30 Read more
Fairmont
Great to see that a number of top Alberta attractions will re-open for visitors soon, including the Banff Gondola. It’s also encouraging to see that both Tourism New Zealand and the Accor Hotels Group are resuming their marketing and advertising campaigns. I’ve also got great news about a hotel re-opening in New York City and a great program to give hotel nights to frontline heroes. All in today’s Future of Travel blog. TOURISM NEW ZEALAND LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN I got this note today from the folks at the New Zealand tourism office. “100% Pure New Zealand is reconnecting with friends Read more
This item originally appeared at aarp.org/travel, where I’ve been publishing a variety of stories. Maui is a magnificent part of the Hawaiian Islands, with wondrous beaches, posh resorts, sensual hula shows and Instagram-worthy coastlines. Those memories can be expensive if you’re not careful. Luckily, however, there are lots of great free and extremely affordable ways to enjoy the island. Here are some tips from a 20-time-plus visitor. GO IN THE SHOULDER SEASON Summer is pricey as kids are out of school and many families want a beach holiday. Winter is expensive as snowbirds are anxious to flee the cold. I Read more
I’ve been using my Aeroplan points for the better part of two decades, often cashing in to buy flights for my wife or for my family to visit my Dad in California. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s good to take advantage of special offers to boost your points. Aeroplan often has great specials and bonus point programs, and it’s crazy to not take advantage. That goes especially for the latest round of specials, which Aeroplan is practically begging you to use by handing out special tips on how to maximize your card. Tip number one, of course, is Read more
Canadians have been known to complain about their travel rewards’ programs from time to time. Aeroplan, the rewards program that provides points for folks who fly with Air Canada and other airlines, and who buy products at Esso stations or shop at other Aeroplan partners, is no exception. As a travel writer, I occasionally hear someone grumble about Aeroplan. As a traveller myself, I use Aeroplan a lot, so I understand. I’ve been an Aeroplan member for 30-something years, give or take, and it’s not perfect. I can’t always find the flight I want for the number of points I’d Read more
