There’s lots of news in the hotel world, and today I’ve got updates from both Fairmont and IHG. FAIRMONT HOTEL RENOVATIONS AROUND THE WORLD Driven by a commitment to ‘Make Special Happen’, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced that 20% of the Fairmont portfolio is undergoing transformation. This includes the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia with redevelopment projects at Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda and Fairmont Grand Geneva in Switzerland, both slated for a Fall 2026 reopening. ONGOING RENOVATIONS Fairmont Southampton– Bermuda: Embarking on the largest renovation project in Bermuda’s history. Fairmont Pacific Rim– Vancouver, British Columbia: The Wellness Club at the Read more
Pittsburgh
The USA is a remarkable destination, with incredible variety. Here’s a look at 10 places around the United States to enjoy for a Fourth of July vacation or long weekend. The Oregon Coast: The Pacific Coast in Oregon features incredible beaches and wonderful towns. Top spots along the way include Cannon Beach, with its 235-foot-high Haystack Rock, as well as great towns such as Astoria and Newport. Stop in Portland for a taste of a fabulous west coast city. Milwaukee: This is very much an underrated city. The Historic Third Ward is home to buzzing restaurants and clubs, while the Read more
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
National Geographic, one of the biggest names in travel, has issued a list of 26 top places to visit next year, and Canadian destinations scored big. Banff was named Readers Choice destination for next year in the magazine’s 2026 hot spot list, while Nat Geo editors put the province of Quebec and the city of Vancouver on their list. Also making the charts were Maui, Australia’s most famous Outback destination, Manila, Rio de Janeiro, the Caribbean island of Dominica, Route 66 in Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, and the Dolomites and Milan in Italy. Here’s a closer look, with comments from Nat Geo. Read more
Early fall is a marvelous time to get out and travel in the eastern U.S. The weather is still comfortable, and the kids are back in school. So it’s much quieter, especially on weekdays. And you can probably find better deals. Here are a few of my fave spots in the eastern half of the U.S., and here are some of the top things to do on the East Coast, including the best things to see and do in Detroit, Michigan, Palm Beach, Florida, New York City and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. DETROIT, MICHIGAN I spent a few days here this past Read more
