Destinations
ALBA showcases ‘Italy’s Jewels’
ALBATours’ 2014 touring program in Italy will again feature the popular “Italy’s Jewels” tour of Calabria and Sicily. A 10-day, eight-night fully escorted specialty coach tour, “Italy’s Jewels” explores the country’s southernmost regions, making stops in Vibo Valentia, Pizzo, Tropea, Crotone, Acireale, Reggio Calabria, Taormina, Noto, Isle of Ortigia, Siracusa, Agrigento, Erice and Cinisi (Palermo), among others. And, for a limited time, travellers can save $600 per couple when booking this tour in combination with air from ALBATours. Featuring three departures from...
Condominium Connection sees higher rates, less inventory
Hawaii wholesaler Condominium Connection sees condominium and hotel rates for 2014 in the Hawaiian Islands increasing 4% to 18%, including ballooning ancillary resort fees. According to officials, due to some property closings on Oahu and reduced inventory on Hawaii’s Big Island, access may also be limited and continue pressure on pricing. Joseph Fienberg, president of Condominium Connection, says, “In 2014, we expect to see less inventory in Hawaii as hotels are becoming more aggressive in raising rates, especially during peak and high demand travel periods. The Las Vegas-style...
Westin Grill & Vine opens in Whistler
Grill & Vine, developed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts in collaboration with The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler, has officially opened its doors. Based on a modern reinterpretation of the classic grill, the casual, yet upscale restaurant is a welcoming place where guests can enjoy a menu of traditional favourites with a local twist, alongside a wide selection of wines by the glass. The newly constructed room is sleek, simple, clean and fresh. A new all day Grab & Go incorporated in the restaurant serves up Starbucks espresso coffees and a variety of takeout snacks for...
Rockies Christmas at Post Hotel & Spa
Perched high in the Rockies at Lake Louise, The Post Hotel & Spa is a perfect location for a winter wonderland retreat – especially during the holiday season. The warm pleasures inside include mulled wine, freshly baked shortbread, lingering dinners and the Temple Mountain Spa. The hotel still has space available for Christmas and New Year’s, with two- and three-day weekday ski packages that include accommodations, lift tickets and breakfasts, starting at $414 p.p., double. A free ski shuttle operates from the resort direct to the ski lifts. Two-night packages with breakfasts are...
Harry Potter magic heads to Edmonton
Harry Potter fans in Canada now have the chance to step inside the famous wizard’s world at “Harry Potter: The Exhibition,” open at the TELUS World of Science in Edmonton. Fans will see the amazing craftsmanship behind hundreds of authentic costumes and film props from all eight of the Potter films. Edmonton is the tenth stop for the exhibition, which is concluding its global five-year tour. It debuted in Chicago in 2009 and has since been touring the world, with recent stops in Tokyo, New York and Singapore....
Insider’s guide to Costa Rica
Using a private Facebook group open only to the residents of Manuel Antonio — one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations — author Evelyn Gallardo determined what to include in her latest book: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Travel Guide: The Best of Manuel Antonio & Quepos 2013. Manuel Antonio National Park is less than eight square miles, but receives more than 150,000 annual visitors. Of the 27 travel activities available in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio offers 24 of them. This unique community-driven approach to pinpointing the best of the best in the area is nothing new to...