MSN has posted a pretty good list of the world’s top cultural destinations for 2026. There’s always room to quibble with most “best of” lists, as they’re generally based on someone’s personal experience or preferences. I’m sure people look at some of mine and think, ‘Dude, WHAT are you thinking?” Anyhow, this latest MSN cultural list seems pretty good to me. Here are their top 10 choices for this year, with a short excerpt from their comments, And, for places I’ve visited, some of my own thoughts. SINGAPORE “Modern yet deeply rooted in tradition, Singapore offers a mix of cultures Read more
Viking Cruises
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
Canadians have a fever, and the only cure is more travel. A new Flight Centre Canada report finds that 82% of Canadians feel vacations are not a luxury, but are instead essential to their health and wellbeing. Nearly seven in ten (69%) says doctors should be able to prescribe vacations to give them a needed break from work and everyday stress. (I like this. Instead of “take two Tylenol and call me in the morning,” it would be “take two weeks at the beach and don’t call a soul.”) The report also finds that 87% of Canadians would rather take Read more
Conde Nast Traveller this week gave out Readers’ Choice Awards for cruising and cruise ships for 2024, and Viking did exceeedingly well. In the mega-ship category, Princess came out on top, followed by Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. I had a great trip on the MSC World Europa earlier this year. In the large ship category, first prize went to Virgin Voyages, followed by Disney Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. For medium ships, Viking came out with the gold medal, followed by Explora Journeys and Crystal Cruises. For small ships, the number one spot went to Paul Gauguin Cruises, with Read more
I had some wonderful visits in the U.S. and Canada this year, including a monumental train trip from Colorado to Utah, a wonderful six days in Prince Edward Island and great stays in Los Angeles, southwest Ontario, southern Florida and northern California. I also got to visit one of my fave islands, Molokai, and spent four nice but sobering days on Maui to see how they’re recovering from the devastating and still unfathomable wildfires. It wasn’t all pretty, but I had many a remarkable experience and more than a few great meals along the way. Thanks to everyone who helped Read more
