Time Out has just issued its annual list of the world’s 40 coolest neighborhoods. Of course, it’s entirely a judgment call; what I call cool might be considerably different from what you like. Still I enjoy these lists. So here are some highlights that include some of my fave countries and U.S. states to visit. UNITED STATES California impressed with two spots in the top 30. The vibrant and funky Arts District in Los Angeles was 13th overall and second in the U.S. only to the Mid-City district of New Orleans. Here’s a Vancouver Sun story I wrote that talks Read more
Sydney
A new, high-frequency rail corridor for eastern Canada, a splashy new W Hotel in Sydney, and a Jamaica travel expo for Toronto. Today’s travel notebook. HIGH-FREQUENCY RAIL BETWEEN TORONTO AND QUEBEC MOVES CLOSER I’ll believe it when I see it, but the Canadian government today announced the launch of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for what could be a future, high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City. The RFP process will be ongoing until summer 2024. Following the evaluation period, the government will select the group who will become the private developer partner to work collaboratively with VIA HFR Read more
One of the world’s most iconic sights turns 50 next year. But she doesn’t look it. The Sydney Opera House, a building derided by critics when drawings were first unveiled, will celebrate its half-century birthday the weekend of October 21-22. The Opera House has a series of events planned for October to celebrate, including a dance program called Message in a Bottle that features songs from Sting, a new indigenous restaurant by First Nations Chef Mark Olive, performances by ne of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, St. Martin’s in the Fields, and the unveiling of a new First Nations public Read more
I’m heading to Los Angeles this weekend to meet with tourism and travel representatives from across Australia and hear about wonderful things to see and do. I’m very excited about this, as I’ve come to dearly love the beauty and people of The Land Down Under, which is home to scintillating cities, amazing nature, rich aboriginal culture, isolated islands and more than a few bizarre animals. Here’s a look at 10 of my fave experiences in Australia, a country I’ve been lucky enough to visit four times over the years. LORD HOWE ISLAND, New South Wales Only the most nerdy Read more
With the Canadian women’s soccer team about to start their quest for a FIFA World Cup title in Australia, here comes a great sale from Qantas. Qantas today released its Australian “Red Tail Sale” offering discounted airfares for round-trip nonstop flights between Vancouver and Sydney. Flights are available from $1,499 CAD.* The sale will run July 18-24, 2023 across all cabins for varying travel periods in 2023 and 2024. Selected travel dates and days apply. Onboard Savings & COVID Credits Qantas international fares include checked baggage, food and beverages, and in-flight entertainment as standard with every booking. Customers Read more
