If September is the new August, maybe October is the new September? The tenth month of the year can mean cooler temperatures for those of us in North America, or parts of Europe. But it’s a great time of the year to visit both northern climes, where you can enjoy sweater weather, fall colours and (in most places) fewer tourists, as well as more southerly destinations, which haven’t reached peak visitor season and probably won’t for another couple months. With all that in mind, here are some fine options. IRELAND – Ireland claims to be the home of the original Read more
Kauai
The people at Michelin are famous for their restaurant reviews, which have been going on for decades. They got into the hotel review business a few years ago, and now put out a yearly ranking of the best places to stay around the world. The highest ranking is three keys, followed by two and then one. Even one key represents a place with everything you would want in a hotel. The 2026 hotel guide for Canada lists 42 properties in Canada; almost exclusively but not entirely in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. I wish there was more geographic variety, Read more
Air Canada has been named North America’s best airline for the second year in a row and tenth time overall. The Montreal-based company also was singled out for the Best Cabin Crew in North America in the recent 2026 Skytrax Awards, handed out in Europe this week. In addition, Air Canada was first for best cabin crew in Canada, second for Best Business Class in North America (finishing only behind Delta Air Lines), second for Most Family Friendly Airline in North America (behind only American Airlines). Air Canada’s operations at Toronto Pearson won for Best Business Class Lounge Catering Read more
The beautiful island of Maui was devastated by fires in August of 2023. An estimated 102 people were killed in the lovely, historic city of Lahaina. In March of this year, powerful rainstorms overpowered communities, especially on Maui and O’ahu, with torrential, record rains. Now along comes Hurricane Lowell, which did tremendous damage to the island of Kaua’i this week, uprooting entire builidings and wiping out popular spots, including the waterfront restaurant at the lovely Sheraton Hotel/Resort on Po’ipu Beach. The latest reports show extensive damage in Hanalei town and on the south coast, including Poipu and Waimea, home to Read more
Travel and Tour World has a new list out of the top 30 countries in the Americas and the Caribbean for beach lovers. I would perhaps argue that a few of the placements are a tad off-base, but it’s a pretty solid list. Here’s what they came up with, along with a note or two from yours truly. Mexico (I haven’t seen enough of the country to say, but I’ve been to fine beaches on the Riviera Maya and in Los Cabos) USA (It’s hard to dispute a country that offers up Hawaii, Florida, California, Oregon, the Carolinas, Puerto Rico, Read more
