An update on the power of cruising worldwide, news from Holland America. Scenic, Avalon and AmaWaterways, plus updates on Air Canada bag fees, cancelled vacation programs for Cuba and a California World Cup guide. All in today’s blog post. CRUISE NEWS AND VIEWS THE POWER OF CRUISING In a new report, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) highlights the positive impact that cruise tourism delivers for communities and destinations around the world. “Cruising for Impact” demonstrates how cruise tourism acts as a powerful driver of opportunity, supporting local livelihoods, strengthening communities, and creating long-term value in coastal and port Read more
Holland America
I’m sorry, but this is absurd. MSN recently ran a story on the world’s most attractive countries. It’s a good list, but with one glaring exception; there’s no mention of the United States. Yes, I know Canadians (and residents of many other countries) aren’t feeling terribly well disposed towards the U.S. these days. As a Canadian citizen, albeit with U.S. roots, I fully understand. But you can’t possibly deny that the U.S. has some of the most spectacular scenery and beautiful vistas – and cities – in the world. From thick pine forests and immense lakes to rugged, snow-capped mountains, Read more
A new report from KAYAK finds domestic destinations are more popular with Canadian travellers for Labour Day Weekend this year than last year, with more than a 19% increase in searches. Top domestic travel spots include Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax, a city I love. Canadians also are looking for trips to Paris and London (the England one). Top trending destinations include Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Edmonton (an underrated Canadian city) and Dublin, Ireland, KAYAK said. A NEW ATTRACTION FOR NIAGARA FALLS One of Canada’s top destinations – and one of the great vacation spots in the world Read more
The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration says its preparing for a record Labor Day travel period. And the American Automobile Association says Labor Day bookings for this year are up 9% from 2023, while prices are down about 2%. That makes this a great time to plan your Labor Day weekend getaway in great destinations around the U.S. Here are some of my favourites. FORT MYERS, FLORIDA Fort Myers has a walkable downtown with fine outdoor dining, art galleries and boutique shops. Captiva and Sanibel islands are famous for collecting seashells. Don’t miss a boat ride to Cabbage Key, where the Read more
Travellers are flocking to cities and small towns in the path of today’s total solar eclipse. Cruise lines are positioning their boats to be in the path of the sun, and airlines are touting routes that will give passengers the best views. A total eclipse will slip across Mexico this afternoon (April 8), and then make its way northwest across Texas and the U.S. Midwest before it hits Niagara Falls, eastern Ontario, southern Quebec and New Brunswick. Folks in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland also could get a great view of an astronomical event most people never get to see. Read more
