FORT LAUDERDALE – I wasn’t sure about this. I generally trust tourism board folks when they suggest things for me to do in their area. After all, they’re the experts. Still, as a long-time lover of Hawai’i and Polynesian culture, I was a bit skeptical when the folks at Fort Lauderdale’s tourism office hooked me up with dinner, drinks and a show at a place called Mai-Kai Restaurant, a short drive from the city’s famous beaches. Having seen some pretty lame Hawaiian dancing in various parts of the world and having sampled a few too many too-sweet Mai Tai’s that Read more
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As if mountains and Mounties and our 150th birthday party next year weren’t enough, now the world has another reason to visit Canada. A survey from Booking.com finds that Australia is the only country in the world with a reputation for friendlier and happier locals than Canada. Respondents in the survey were asked to name the planet’s cheeriest and most relaxed locals. Australia came first with mentions by 35 % of respondents, followed by Canada (33), Italy (29), Spain (25), the U.S. (24), Thailand (20), Japan (20), France (20), New Zealand (20) and Brazil (19). The survey of travellers around Read more
I’ve been saying for years now that the federal government in Ottawa doesn’t understand tourism and doesn’t give it the support it should. Now I see that MP Elizabeth May and TV comedian/pundit Rick Mercer are saying the same thing. Here’s my Globe and Mail blog from Friday, Feb. 20…. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/travel-news/when-will-the-government-give-tourism-the-respect-it-deserves/article23115880/
A brilliant, new way to earn free trips faster. A lot faster. The folks at Rocketmiles and Aeroplan are announcing a partnership today that will “help put people on vacation faster.” Rocketmiles is an incredibly smart program where you can earn thousands of points with Aeroplan or other airline reward programs while booking hotels in cities around the world at excellent prices. The Chicago-based company was founded in 2012 and is headed up by American Jay Hoffmann, who used to work with the United Mileage Plus program and at Groupon and other companies. “I’ve seen what works, “ he told Read more
It’s almost V-D time, folks. As in Valentine’s Day. Not the other kind of V.D. We all could use a getaway round about this time of year. And it’s always good to impress your significant other. With that in mind, here’s one well-travelled guy’s list of some of the most romantic hotels in Canada. Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, B.C. A true sense of place, plus a wonderful restaurant steps from a long beach just made for strolling hand in hand. Try a couples massage just a few feet from the pounding surf. Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake Stroll the quiet streets Read more
