Destinations
Pack Your Flip Flops For South Padre Island
While known as a “playground” for Texans, South Padre Island is also proving very popular with Canadians, especially those affectionately known as “Winter Texans,” reports Greg Coates in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Located on the coastal tip of Texas at the end of one of the world's longest barrier islands, South Padre is a nature enthusiast's paradise, offering some of the best beaches in the Lone Star State, as well as a laid-back atmosphere – it's said that neck ties are forbidden – reminiscent of Florida's Key West. The island is 2.5 square miles...
San Diego Keeps It Fresh
This September, San Diego Restaurant Week (Sept. 25 to Oct. 2) will “celebrate local” by showcasing the fresh and delicious ingredients that the region is known for. For eight days only, visitors can enjoy dishes compiled of local products and ingredients at more than 180 participating restaurants throughout San Diego County. Dinner will be served as a three-course, prix-fixe menu for US$20, US$30, US$40 or US$50 per person and lunch will be served as a two-course prix-fixe menu for US$10, US$15 or US$20 per person. Participating restaurants team up with local distributors to...
Air Transat Unveils Winter Flight Program
Air Transat has unveiled its winter 2016-17 flight program, offering travellers service to 34 Sun destinations from 22 Canadian cities, in addition to a robust offering of European destinations. The program features 11 new routes. “This winter, Air Transat will offer more sun for everyone thanks to its wide array of South and European destinations and to its greater presence in various Canadian airports,” says Annick Guérard, president and general manager of Transat Tours Canada. “The addition of small aircraft to our permanent fleet has given us the flexibility to better adapt...
DCL Returning to New York, California and Texas
In the fall of 2017, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) will return to New York with sailings to the Bahamas and the Canadian coast – including a new seven-night Canada cruise. San Diego will serve as a home port with cruises to Mexico, and Galveston will again be a homeport with sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Bookings open May 26. More details on the itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2017 page of...
London Welcomes Over 30 Million Tourists
London, England has set a new tourism record with more than 30 million visitors descending on the city last year, drawn by global sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup and blockbuster exhibitions at its museums and galleries, according to new figures released. A record 31.5 million Great Britain residents and international tourists came to the city in 2015 – which is an increase of 20% when compared to five years ago. London keeps setting new tourism records. Every year since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games there has been an increase in the number of...
AC Inaugurates Toronto to London-Gatwick Service
The arrival of flight AC1924 at London-Gatwick airport Friday (May 20) marked the successful launch of Air Canada rouge's newest route. The seasonal, non-stop service between Toronto and London-Gatwick will operate up to daily during the summer and give Air Canada customers even more choices when travelling to London and Europe. “London-Heathrow is already Air Canada's largest international gateway with flights to eight Canadian cities, so we are pleased to expand to London-Gatwick in time for the summer, when millions of vacationers are travelling between Canada and the U.K. With...
Spotlight on Virginia
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe wants word to get through the literal grapevine that no one need go thirsty in his state. McAuliffe, part of a Virginia delegation visiting Toronto Thursday night (May 19), told the gathering that his state has some 145 breweries and 275 wineries, with Virginia now being fifth among US states when it comes to wine production. Brewery trails are found across the state. Tourists can visit both the breweries and wineries, with tastings available. McAuliffe also noted his state is home to distilleries and “put this together and we've got about...
Survey Says: Vancouver Most Expensive
Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada based on the cost of its lodging, according to a new survey by CheapHotels.org which compared hotel rates across 30 main destinations across the country. In compiling the rankings, the average rate for the cheapest available double room during the month of June was established for each Canadian urban destination. In June, most destinations in Canada reach their highest average rates, making it a good comparative period. In Vancouver, travellers will have to spend an average of $164 per night for the least expensive double room. It...