There’s always something new in San Francisco. This year they’re celebrating some things that are rather old as well. I recently spent a few days in the City by the Bay checking out things both old and new. Okay, and a few things in between. Here’s a look at some of the highlights. SOME THINGS NEW HOTELS Hyatt Regency SoMa The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa, previously known as the Park Central hotel, reopened last year after a full, $70 million renovation/reimagination. We had a 23rd floor suite in cool shades of grey and black, with brown and Read more
restaurants.
Thinking of a trip to Europe next year? You’ll likely need a special waiver form/authorization statement. Americans, Canadians, Australians, Mexico citizens and many others heading to Europe have traditionally not needed special documentation, other than a passport. But the European Union is changing the rules for 2024, and will now require a special authorization for people travelling from visa-exempt countries (1.4 billion people in all) to so-called Schengen Zone countries, which you can apply for in advance through the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS. NOTE: This does not apply to the United Kingdom or Ireland, which are Read more
WESTJET NEW WINTER SCHEDULE WestJet today announced its winter schedule, unveiling significant opportunities for Canadians to plan their winter escapes and extending key domestic and international routes from summer to year-round service. New routes include Calgary-Tampa Bay, Toronto-Bonaire and Edmonton-Montego Bay. The Tampa Bay flights will allow greater access to St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach and Dunedin, spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays. WestJet also is extending key routes to operate year-round, including Calgary-Paris and Vancouver-Atlanta. “This year’s winter schedule is about providing Canadians with what they want: affordable sun destination getaways from across Canada; enhanced domestic Read more
Prince Edward Island has some of the best food in Canada, with everything from lobster and mussels to fresh island beef. You also can take cooking lessons, dine on fresh tuna poke and indulge in a legendary feast with celebrity chef Michael Smith. My wife and I recently spent six days chowing down around central and eastern PEI, and came away hugely impressed with the variety of food we tasted and the passion of the people who make it. Here are some of the best food items and top restaurants we found in Prince Edward Island. A FAB COOKING LESSON Read more
The Niagara Wine Region could be an even bigger tourism draw – and provide an even larger economic boost to Canada – if government and industry officials work together, a new report says. In a first-time partnership, Ontario Craft Wineries, Tourism Partnership of Niagara and Wine Growers Ontario have come together to commission a Deloitte report that reveals the Ontario wine sector is well positioned to drive sustainable economic growth for the region, the province and the country. Described as the Niagara Cluster, the region is made up of an extensive network or “cluster” of industries where intense economic activities Read more
