Destinations
Top nature snaps at RBCM feature BC photogs
Three BC photographers are featured as winners of this year’s international Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit now at the Royal BC Museum. The exhibit, from the Natural History Museum in London, features 100 winning images in huge backlit displays, selected from a field of 43,000 entries from 96 countries in 18 categories. For instance, Connor Stefanison, a biology student at Simon Fraser University, won for his series of six nature photographs showing animals hunting, at rest and foraging in their natural habitats. The exhibition closes April 6, 2014....
Waikiki Ocean Club gets new owners, activities, options
With 1,000 square metres of outdoor deck space and a variety of dives, slides and rides, Waikiki’s largest ocean activities playground was re-launched in mid-December. The new Waikiki Ocean Club now has adrenaline-packed water play packages, ground transportation services and private party options. Recently acquired by Roberts Hawaii, the Waikiki Ocean Club is an expansive and colourful platform conveniently moored 100 metres off of Waikiki Beach. This so-called “Island” serves as home base for a variety of ocean-themed activities. These include diving from three platforms...
Goway introduces Europe
Goway Travel has added Europe to its range of small group touring experiences brand, Holidays of a Lifetime. The two new tours, Spendours of Europe and Treasures of Russia, include all the unique features which allow travellers “to experience, rather than just see the destinations.” The Splendours of Europe visits Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany and offers two departures in 2014 -- June 6 and Aug. 8. The itinerary combines the iconic cities of Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Dresden and Berlin. Included are a full day cruise on the Danube River, a Royal Spa treatment in...
Vancouver foodie tours a Signature Experience
Tasting tours are just the ticket for tourists and locals, said the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) upon inducting Vancouver Foodie Tours into its Canadian Signature Experience (CSE) program. This designation marks the company as one of Canada’s noteworthy tourism experiences for attracting visitors. Vancouver Foodie Tours (VFT) serves up food tasting and educational walking excursions in the city, giving guests a smorgasbord of wild seafood, free-range poultry and locally grown leafy goodness. It offers a Guilty Pleasures Gourmet tour and World’s Best Food Trucks tour....
Egypt still on tap for G Adventures
G Adventures will be operating its full program of trips in Egypt as of Jan. 1, 2014 with slightly altered itineraries that use flights instead of trains while overnight trains are temporarily out of service. G Adventures is “confident its trips will run unaffected, ensuring travellers they will get the most of this historical and culturally rich destination.” John Warner, managing director, G Adventures, says the company understands the importance of ensuring travellers get the most out of their experience. “We have an operational office in Cairo and team members on the...
Discounts for December stays at Aston properties
There is still time to book discounted stays at Aston Hotels & Resorts properties in Hawaii, during 12 special days in December. Savings of 15% off the best daily rate can be accessed through Dec. 23 for travel through March 31, 2014, making the gift of winter travel even sweeter. For instance, nightly starting rates in Oahu at the Aston Waikiki Beachside Hotel are from $89; at the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower from $382; Aston at the Waikiki Banyan from $127; Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel from $123; etc. On Maui, rates at the Aston Kaanapali Shores start from $184; and from $221 at...
Sunwing launches ‘Viva Dominicana’ program
Sunwing Vacations has introduced a new concept to vacation portfolio, “Viva Dominicana,” designed to allow travellers to experience the local culture of the Dominican Republic through special activities. Customers booking a Sunwing vacation package to Riu Merengue in Puerto Plata or Grand Paradise Samana get to experience added incentives such as rum tasting and education, fairs, food and more. Set on the beach of Maimon Bay in Puerto Plata, the Riu Merengue features panoramic views of the mountains and the lush tropical gardens that envelop this all-inclusive resort. “Viva...
Win a luxury getaway to Punta Cana
Punta Cana’s newest resort will leave your clients breathless. The 4.5-star Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa in Dominican Republic focuses on luxury. It promises to deliver a fresh vacation experience with exceptional dining, entertainment, and activities all in a contemporary setting just for adults. The upscale resort also boasts eight bars and lounges and 11 gourmet restaurants featuring unique cuisine such as tapas, Latin, and Lebanese. Transat Holidays wants you and a guest to enjoy a one-week, all-inclusive trip to Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa on them. The prize...