Destinations
Banff packages celebrate Christmas season
Beginning today (Dec. 21), vacationers in Banff can join in the revelry at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel with Christmas in the Castle. This is a perfect celebration for kids of all ages, featuring Santa's workshops, Christmas carols/bedtime stories, supper clubs and wine pairings. The Banff Pre-Christmas Package includes three nights stay at the Inns of Banff and a three-day lift ticket for use at any of three major ski resorts near Banff. Rates start from $120 per person, per night....
Long stay rates attract snowbirds to Victoria
Snowbirds looking to escape the Canadian winter can choose to travel west verses south, for a long stay holiday at Huntingdon Hotel & Suites in Victoria. The Winter Escape package there includes seven night's accommodation in a kitchenette room, plus breakfast for two each morning. Rates start at $690 plus taxes, double occupancy. The property features three restaurants and overlooks Victoria's Inner Harbour. It is within walking distance to attractions like the Royal BC Museum, the IMAX Victoria theatre and the Parliament Buildings, which offers free daily guided tours....
Emirates launches first flight to Phuket
Emirates has launched its first commercial flight to southern Thailand from Dubai with the launch of non-stop, daily service to Phuket. Phuket has become the airline's 128th destination and the service will significantly boost the city's international flight capacity and connect it to Emirates' ever-growing global network across six continents. From Toronto, travellers can fly to Phuket via EK242, departing Toronto Pearson International Airport Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 21:40 hrs, arriving Dubai at 19:20hrs (plus one day). This flight connects with EK 378, departing Dubai the...
Jamaica set to party
Internationally acclaimed superstars Mary J. Blige, John Legend and Michael Bolton are set to return to the Jamaican stage to headline the 17th annual Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival from Jan. 24-26. The festival is being held in the Trelawny parish on Jamaica's north coast and encompasses a range of musical genres, such as jazz, R&B, blues, Latin, reggae and soca. Nine-time Grammy award winner Mary J. Blige is set to make her Jamaica Jazz & Blues debut, after headlining the world's greatest reggae festival, Reggae Sumfest, in Jamaica in 2007. "The Jamaica Jazz & Blues festival has become a...
One-week stay earns free luau at Embassy Suites
Embassy Suites on the Waikiki Beach Walk is offering a new Hokunani Luau travel package that includes two complimentary tickets to the nearby Waikiki Starlight Luau and a free souvenir photo. Guests staying seven consecutive nights can take advantage of the offer, with rates starting at $299 per night for a one-bedroom suite and separate living room. The luau, including a fulsome dinner, music, dancing and the souvenir photo, is valued at $223. The luau is held nightly from Sunday through Thursday and begins at 5:30 p.m. A lei greeting, photo opportunity and cocktail reception opens up the...
Holiday stay in downtown YVR at Wedgewood
Now is the time to check out an inner city Vancouver luxury stay at the comfortable and convenient Wedgewood Hotel, with a holiday rate now available. It includes a choice of guestrooms or suites, complimentary continental breakfast in the Bacchus Restaurant and free valet parking at a rate starting from $158 single/double occupancy. The Wedgewood is close to downtown shops, restaurants and entertainment. The rate is available to Jan. 31....
New Kentucky guide now available
The new 2013 Kentucky Official Visitor's Guide has a wealth of ideas for getaways in the Bluegrass State. The free guide is more than a compilation of listings. To make planning a trip fun and easy, the guide is divided into nine regional sections that highlight unique attractions and noteworthy events in each one. Printed copies of the guide are available at seven welcome centres on interstate highways throughout the state or can be mailed right to homes or offices by calling 1-800-225-8747. An interactive online version will be available soon at http://www.kentuckytourism.com , where people...
Maui sailers welcome whales back to Hawaii
Teralani Sailing Adventures of Maui, which operates the snorkel catamarans, Teralani 2 and Teralani 3, welcomes the return of the migrating humpback whales to Maui. The peak whale season on Maui is from January through to the end of March, and whales have already been spotted in Maui waters. Humpback whales travel nearly 5,000 km of ocean in less than two months time from the chilly Gulf of Alaska to Hawaii for breeding and birthing in the warm, shallow waters. Approximately 6,000 to 8,000 humpback whales return to Hawaii each year. Exclusive whale watches are scheduled during whale season,...