There’s still nearly two months left of summer (fall doesn’t arrive until Sept. 21), which means there’s plenty of time to get out on a road trip and enjoy great places in the U.S. and Canada. Here are a few personal faves. COOL SPOTS IN THE U.S.A. PITTSBURGH I grew up near Oakland, California and our family had season tickets for the Oakland Raiders football team. I hated the Pittsburgh Steelers with a passion. Years later I was working in the sports department for the Toronto Star, and talked my editor into having me drive to Pittsburgh to Read more
Myrtle Beach
March Break is almost here for many North American travelers. Here’s a look at some of my fave Caribbean getaway spots, as well as a glimpse at some of the most affordable places in the U.S. for students on spring break. JIM’S LAST-MINUTE MARCH BREAK CARIBBEAN SPOTS St. Vincent and the Grenadines: The island of St. Vincent is home to a fairly new Sandals Resort. It’s a short ferry ride from St. Vincent to the tranquil island of Bequia, where you’ll find stunning beaches, lovely waterfront walking areas and the lovely Bequia Beach Hotel. Further south, check out the posh Read more
Niagara Falls, Myrtle Beach and Montana’s Glacier National Park are the top domestic destinations that Americans are searching for online, a new study says. Other top places on American travel lists are Universal Studios Orlando, Graceland and the Las Vegas Strip. The research conducted by Places To Travel analyzed Google search data for more than 100 tourist attractions in the US as well as terms related to visiting each attraction to determine which is the most Googled by residents of all 50 states. This isn’t a dreamy, “Where would you like to go” in the U.S. study, but a look Read more
This is a repost from a blog I published a few years ago. Haven’t figured out where to go just yet for March Break or Spring Break? Or maybe you’ve got an empty spot in your schedule and are looking for something different? I’ve been lucky enough to explore a fair bit of the southern U.S.A., which is an easy drive from southern Ontario and Quebec. And I’ve found some pretty cool destinations that may not be on your radar, but should be. MURRELLS INLET (MYRTLE BEACH) SOUTH CAROLINA First off is a fantastic little village called Murrells Inlet. It’s Read more
As I watch the rain turn to snow ere in windy and increasingly cold Toronto, I notice a couple of interesting moves by North American tourism boards. North of the border, Quebec City is pleading with the creators of the “White Lotus” TV show to film in one of North America’s oldest (and most romantic) cities. The Toronto Star and Canadian Press report that Destination Quebec City and its advertising agency have created a presentation promoting te city and its biggest assets as an ideal filming spot. Part of their pitch, of course, is the fairy tale-like Fairmont Le Chateau Read more










