Air Canada on June 11 will begin flying from Toronto to Ponta Delgado in the Azores, a remarkable set of islands in the Atlantic Ocean with some of the world’s best hiking, fresh and fabulous food, Mediterranean villages, Hawaiian-looking coastlines and grass so green it makes the Irish weep with envy. Here’s a story I wrote for the Globe and Mail after my first (and still only) visit to the islands. AZORES, PORTUGAL – I am terribly confused. When I envisioned landing on some far-flung islands in the Atlantic Ocean – five and half hours east of Toronto; two hours Read more
Portugal
A new Flight Centre Canada survey conducted by YouGov reveals 78% of Canadians agree adventure travel today is defined by discovery, not adrenaline. In fact, 91% say a trip can feel adventurous without any thrill-seeking at all. For Spring/Summer 2026, Mexico, Canada, and the Dominican Republic continue to lead as Flight Centre Canada’s top destinations by overall booking volume. However, the most notable growth is happening in the long-haul category, with demand rising significantly for Portugal(+57%), New Zealand (+52%), the Netherlands (+40%), and Germany (+32%). Australia also is very popular. Portugal is a terrific European destination, and reasonably cheap as Read more
If all the studies and polls I read are correct, it looks like it will be a very busy summer (in the northern hemisphere) for tourism. The price of flights and the jet fuel surcharges and bag fee hikes we’re seeing could slow things down, but people are travelling in near-record numbers these days. That means things could get pretty crowded in some of the world’s fave destinations. With that in mind, here’s one world traveller’s suggestions on great places to go in late April, May and into early June. I’ll have another, similar list in a week or so. Read more
Okay, I’ve just about had it with some of these travel lists going around. The other day I noted a list of the nine most beautiful countries in the world that somehow omitted the United States, which might have more amazing scenery than perhaps any country on the planet. Today I’m taking umbrage, as well as great offence, at a list of the “most romantic countries” in Europe. I found this on MSN.com, courtesy of Icelandair, and I’m stupefied. The list contains 15 fine European cities. But it’s ridiculous that Paris, perhaps the most beautiful city in the world and Read more
It’s that time of year in Canada, folks. March Break is a time-honoured travel tradition in this country; a time when kids get a respite from school and families often take off for warmer, sunnier climes. Air Canada says it will welcome more than 136,000 passengers today (Friday, March 13) as passengers head out for the annual break. The airline also says families flying through Toronto Pearson are in for a heartwarming surprise. Air Canada is hosting a Paws and Relax experience with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs who will be wandering the terminal with wagging tails both today and tomorrow Read more
