Destinations
Discover the Origins of Halloween – in Ireland!
Halloween is Ireland’s most ancient festival, a potent potion of pagan and Christian meanings, lore and legend. The earliest form was “Samhain,” an end-of-summer festival often known as the Celtic New Year that marked the end of the summer and the harvest and the beginning of the long winter nights. Bonfires were lit, often to provide light for those bringing in livestock from the fields or mountains to be slaughtered for winter. On this day, the Celts believe that the door to the underworld was opened, letting in spirits. They would hold a feast, setting a place for any deceased...
Vermont Set For Big Ski Season
Those in Vermont's tourism trade say going downhill in their state can be uplifting. Vermont tourism officials held a Thursday Toronto gathering touting Vermont as a great ski retreat that offers a wide selection of ski resorts, some close enough to the Quebec border that they can be visited on day trips from Montreal. Mike Chait of Smuggler's Notch – which bills itself as “America's Family Resort” – noted that it is 45 minutes from Quebec and “you can see the skyline of Montreal on a clear day” from the hill. Night owls can ride a chairlift to the summit after dark,...
Spotlight on Peru
Peru is getting ready to ready to bring a new tourism message about a country on the verge of becoming more accessible to a growing number of Canadians. Elisabeth Hakim of Peruvian tourism board PromPeru told a Thursday Toronto audience that the upcoming campaign will be launched Nov. 6. Peruvian tourism officials are highlighting the likes of adventure tourism opportunities in Peru, cultural sides to a country that has many still-standing reminders of the Inca civilization, the natural side of a nation that is mostly Amazon Basin and Peruvian cuisine. “In Peru, you just don't eat...
Ski For Free With Porter, Ski Vermont
Porter Airlines and Ski Vermont have introduced special offers, including free lift tickets, for the winter season. The first 50 Porter Airlines flight reservations made or Porter Escapes vacation packages booked to Vermont receive two free ski lift tickets per booking. Tickets are available for one of the participating resorts: Jay Peak Resort, Smugglers Notch Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort, Sugarbush Resort, and Mad River Glen. Snow lovers attending this weekend’s Toronto Ski and Snowboard Show can also win a Porter Escapes vacation package. Visit the Ski Vermont booth from...
Puerto Rico On The Mend
Meet Puerto Rico is offering thanks for what it says is the continued outpouring of concern and support from partners, clients and media colleagues as Puerto Rico works to recover from hurricane damage. “Our goal to keep you updated on our news and plans continues,” the organization says. “San Juan’s hotels are opening, power (by generator) is keeping the lights on in many of our hotels, gas lines are now at a normal level, the port is fully operational with Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean already sailing this month and Norwegian Cruise Line returning Nov. 12, the...
CLIA Highlights ‘Cruise Asia Week’
It is the final week of Plan a Cruise Month and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is shining a spotlight on cruise travel throughout Asia. From diverse destinations to off-the-beaten-path adventures, CLIA is helping those with wanderlust navigate cruise travel options throughout Asia – the fastest growing cruise region in the world. “Asia has seen the largest influx of cruise travellers over the past few years, and it isn’t difficult to see why – with Asia’s distinct cultural experiences and breathtaking destinations,” said CLIA president Cindy D’Aoust....
Royal Caribbean Sets Return to San Juan, St. Maarten
Royal Caribbean International announced the cruise line’s return to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, marking a major milestone towards the revival of these Caribbean islands impacted by recent hurricanes. On Nov. 30, Freedom of the Seas will be the first ship in the fleet to call on San Juan, Puerto Rico, arriving with approximately 3,782 visitors. Grandeur of the Seas will follow suit on Dec. 17 as the first cruise ship to sail into, St. Maarten since Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas arrived to provide humanitarian relief last month. The announcement comes on...
The Spanish Way
One thing that stands out about the Spanish way of life is how locals truly take the time to savour food. Dining goes far beyond simply fueling the body – it's a time for friends and family to gather, unwind, and socialize. Unlike so many dining tables across North America, meals just aren't rushed – it's all about enjoyment, the conversation, and the experience, reports assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. In between slowing down to indulge in cava (a sparkling wine produced in Spain) and loading up on tapas (stuffed olives,...