With Pride Month almost here, I noticed a recent study of the world’s best destinations for LGBGT travellers, as well as for women and people of color. The study by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, a long-standing travel insurance firm, put The Netherlands on top, followed by Canada and France. Canada was cited for its low crime rate, secure transportation, healthcare for all, diversity and economic stability. Here’s their full top 10: The Netherlands Canada France Australia Austria United Kingdom Ireland Iceland Japan Switzerland TURKISH AIRLINES EXPANDS CANADA FLIGHTS, SPONSORS CANADIAN OPEN GOLF Following a successful inaugural year, Turkish Airlines is Read more
Turkish Airlines
Three Canadian airlines have received top ratings at a major airline awards show. For the sixth consecutive year, Air Canada received a Five Star Global Airline Award at the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) 2026 Awards, which were presented last night. Air Canada’s onboard Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell, which is complimentary for Aeroplan members, was ranked as the Best Inflight Connectivity. (It’s a great service I use on all my Air Canada flights, allowing me to stay in touch with work issues and communicate with family and friends at 36,000 feet.) WestJet was honoured as a Four Star Major Airline Read more
Major awards for three Canadian airports. A nice Air Canada sale. New hotels for Maui. Turkish Airlines becomes third busiest in the world. A new marketing plan for Fort Lauderdale. And a spiffy new Fairmont hotel/resort in Spain. Today’s blog post covers a lot of ground! TORONTO, VICTORIA AND ST. JOHN’S AIRPORT AWARDS Toronto Pearson Airport, along with airports in Victoria, B.C. and St. John’s, have won awards from Airports Council International (ACI). As part of ACI’s annual Airport Service Quality awards, The Montreal-based group handed out three “Best Airport Awards” for North American facilities that serve Read more
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE – One of the richest histories of any city on earth. Wondrous places of worship. Remarkable food. Some of the world’s most interesting markets. And hotels for every budget. I recently spent eight days in Istanbul for a board meeting and then a full convention of the Society of American Travel Writers, and got to check out several hotels and some wonderful restaurants. I also had walking tours that included the Aya (also known as Hagia) Sophia, the amazing Basilica Cisterns, the Spice Bazaar, the sparkling, new Galataport shopping/dining/cruise port, and outside glimpses of the Blue Mosque and Read more
The food was terrific. But that wasn’t it. My lie-flat seat was lovely. But that wasn’t it, either. And, no, it wasn’t the surprisingly good Turkish wine, or the big screen TV. No, what I think back on as I reflect on my two business class flights on Turkish Airlines last month are the little things; the chefs in brilliant white aprons and white chef hats; the little salt and pepper shakers that were shaped like minarets; the small candle (battery-powered, of course) in a tiny paper bag that accompanied my main meals, and the two chocolates they hand out Read more
