Destinations
Canadians Drawn to Allure of Asia
Although American and European cities remained the most popular spots among Canadian travellers heading abroad in the first half of 2015, Asian cities showed the largest growth. Hong Kong, Tokyo and Bangkok had an increase in hotel demand climbing two, five and 12 spots, respectively in the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index. “Historically Asian countries have offered great value for accommodation, making them popular among travellers looking to explore a unique, new culture,” says Taylor L. Cole, travel expert for Hotels.com. “With Canada's strong Asian economic ties,...
North Korea Marathon Next Stop for Intrepid
Elite athletes and budding runners alike now have the rare opportunity to add North Korea to their marathon list and get a glimpse of the world’s most secretive country on Intrepid Travel’s new Pyongyang Marathon Expedition in April 2016. A new addition to Intrepid’s popular Expedition range, the North Korea Pyongyang Marathon trip will allow travellers to participate in a full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.2 km) or 10 km run on April 10 in the nation’s capital. The Pyongyang Marathon is an annual event that was held for the first time in 1981 for men and shortly...
Celebrate India With Goway
India is known for its cultural diversity and colourful festivals, and Goway is offering travellers a chance to take part and celebrate Holi with its signature “Splendours of India” tour starting on March 15, 2016. Holi is the liveliest of all Hindu festivals. It marks the end of winter and the dawn of spring. It is celebrated on the day after the last full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna. The most striking aspect of the festival is the spraying of brightly coloured powders and water in enormous public celebrations. The Splendours of India tour is an 18-day small group tour...
Florida Hits All-Time Record High for Tourism
And the beat goes on. Florida Governor Rick Scott has reported that Florida has set another record in tourism by welcoming the highest amount of visitors of any six months in the state’s history with 54.1 million visitors. This record amount of visitors – which included 2.9 million Canadians – represents a 5.8% increase over the year. In the second quarter of 2015 (April-June), 25.8 million visitors came to the state, an increase of 5.5% over the year. The average number of direct travel-related jobs in quarter two of 2015 was also a record high, with 1,213,500 Floridians...
MSC Grand Voyage to Include Maiden Call to China
MSC Cruises has revealed plans to make its first sailing to China, with the newly renovated MSC Lirica calling in Shanghai on May 1, 2016 after having travelled across continents. Lirica will make the company’s maiden call in China’s biggest megalopolis after a 60-day round-the-world Grand Voyage which departs on March 3, 2016 from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “We are delighted to once more be able to offer our guests a brand new itinerary – from Brazil to China via Europe – which offers the chance to visit some of the most appealing places on earth, certainly across a huge...
Ecuador Declares a Yellow Alert in Cotopaxi Volcano Region
As a result of emissions of ash from the Cotopaxi volcano, the government of Ecuador has declared a yellow alert in the Ecuadorian provinces of Cotopaxi, Tungurahua and Pichincha. President Rafael Correa has advised the public to remain calm and to keep themselves informed using the only official channel, which in this case is the Ministry of Security Coordination. Minister Cesar Navas suggests the public start up contingency planning in direct co-ordination with the Emerging Committees of Operation of provinces involved. She also reported that entry to the Cotopaxi National Park...
Getting High in Peru
Peru's Natura Vive has introduced Skylodge Adventure Suites suspended from the side of a mountain in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. The three glass capsule “suites” offer a 300-degree view of the Sacred Valley through transparent aerospace aluminum and weather-resistant polycarbonate. Each capsule is 7.2 metres long and 2.4 metres high/wide and can accommodate up to eight people with four beds, a dining area and private bathroom. In order to get to the suites, guests can either scale 400 metres of a via ferrata or hike a trail that includes ziplines. When guests arrive, a gourmet...
Icelandair Introduces Montreal Service
Icelandair is expanding its network with the introduction of new seasonal service from Montreal beginning May 19, 2016. Flights from Pierre Trudeau International Airport will mark the arrival of the airline’s first gateway in the province of Quebec, and 16th in North America. Four flights a week will be offered from Canada’s second largest city through Nov. 8, 2016 with departures on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The five-hour, non-stop flight to Icelandair’s hub at Keflavik International Airport also provides connections to more than 20 destinations in Europe,...