Sometimes I have to pinch myself. I’ve been a full-time travel writer since 2008, and that has allowed me to stay the night in some of the finest hotels the world has to offer. Just for fun, because I’m in Mexico as I write this and it’s raining, here are ten of the most luxurious places I’ve bedded down for the night. Hotel Hassler Roma, Rome. My daughter and I stayed here in, oh, 2012 or 2013 and had a room that looked down on the Spanish Steps. We had a small balcony and bought a bottle of wine and Read more
Waikiki Beach
Condé Nast Travel magazine last week issued its Readers’ Choice Awards. Included was a detailed look at top spots in the Caribbean, as well as Hawai’i and Asia. Here’s a look at a few of the highlights, and some of my fave places and hotels. The Best Islands in the Caribbean at a Glance Best Caribbean island for beaches: Anguilla Best Caribbean island for diving: Dominica Best Caribbean island for honeymoons: St Lucia Best Caribbean island for island hopping: British Virgin Islands Best Caribbean island for families: Barbados The Top 10 Caribbean Islands Barbados (a personal fave) St. Barts (only Read more
A new report maps out the world’s most Instagammable destinations for 2026. Dubai, New York City and Paris did extremely well, as did Banff, Alberta and Niagara Falls, Ontario. California cities also scored highly. Here’s the Players Time list of most Instagram-worthy cities for this year. Dubai London Paris Barcelona New York City Istanbul Los Angeles Mexico City Tokyo Singapore Amsterdam Bangkok San Diego San Francisco Rome Santiago (Dominican Republic) Seoul Kochi, India Budapest Prague World’s Most Instagrammed Landmarks Burj Khalifa, Dubai Eiffel Tower, Paris, France Grand Canyo, Arizona Times Square, New York City Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Taj Mahal, Read more
Dr. Beach, a Florida-based researcher who compiles a list of the best beaches in the USA every year, has come out with his list of top beaches for 2025. I’ll give him credit for not just including sun destinations, but I still take issue with some of his choices. Here’s his top ten for 2025: Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York (Long Island) Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida Main Beach, East Hampton, New York (Long Island) Beachwater Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida Kaunaoa Beach, Hawaii Read more
As travellers get ready for the holiday season, Hilton has released the most searched destinations by Canadians for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Warm weather locales continue to be a popular travel destination for the holidays, but those looking for an urban getaway are searching for stays in Las Vegas and New York City. Here’s a look at the destinations Canadians are looking at the most: Hawaii Whether looking to relax before 2025 or have a week filled with adventure – or both – Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort offers plenty of activities for the whole Read more
