It’s been a tough year for tourism on Maui, but positive signs are emerging. Virtuoso, a luxury travel agent network that books exclusive vacations around the world, said its sales for Maui resorts are up 4% for the first six months of the year. For the winter holiday or “festive” season, sales are up a whopping 66%. A network spokesperson on Monday, Aug. 12 said that West Maui/Lahaina bookings are about 7% lower than Wailea, which makes sense given the incredible fire damage to Lahaina in August of last year. “Even with the noticeable impacts on tourism to Maui, we Read more
Northern Ireland
Ireland tourism is on the rise. Ditto for Puerto Rico. But the most interesting news of the day comes from China. If you’re like me (I’m not saying that’s a good thing), your biggest pet peeve on an airline is when someone sitting in front of you reclines their seat. I don’t mind if it’s a night flight; that’s to be expected. And I would do the same thing. But unless you’ve just flown in from Australia, I don’t see the need to recline your seat on a day flight and cram the space of the person sitting behind you. Read more
Good news from the island of Ireland. As of yesterday, March 6, all COVID-19 travel restrictions have been removed for travelling to the Republic of Ireland. Visitors will no longer need to complete a passenger locator form to travel, nor will they need proof of vaccination or recovery, or a COVID-19 test. However, all passengers who plan to transit through Ireland to visit Northern Ireland will still be required to follow the UK travel requirements, including completing an United Kingdom Passenger Locator Form https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/coronavirus-covid-19/travel-advice-and-guidance Following examples of other European countries, authorities in Ireland have also lifted the majority of restrictions Read more
Most everyone who goes to Europe wants to see London and the Louvre. Not to mention Rome. But there are so many great places to go that aren’t quite as obvious. So here are five of my favourite cities and countries you should check out on your next European trip. VALENCIA A very under-rated city, I think. You’ll find a huge beach fronted by lovely cafés serving all kinds of great seafood, including paella; a favourite in this part of Spain. I love the beach, but I think the city centre is even nice. Here you’ll find one of architect Read more