Destinations
In search of gold
Visitors can go on a treasure hunt with Akau Alaska Gold and Resort, a company founded by the Krutzsch family, which has been mining the area for over two decades. Adventures on offer include gold prospecting tours of historic mines, tours into nearby hot springs or Native villages, panning for gold and salmon fishing. Accommodations are in rustic cabins or rooms at the main camp. Akau is coined from Alaska's postal abbreviation, AK, and the periodic table designation for gold, AU....
Sheraton Maui marks 50 years with rate specials
January 2013 marks the start of a yearlong celebration of the Golden Anniversary of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, located in the popular Ka'anapali area of Maui. It kicks off with a special anniversary luau on Jan. 25, and continues with anniversary accommodation packages -- including promotional rates for the family-friendly 'Ohana Suite. Although it is Ka'anapali's oldest resort, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is also one of its newest since it was closed from 1995-1997 for a complete, $160 million redevelopment. Today, families continue to enjoy the cultural activities that the resort...
Fewer Canucks to Hawaii offset by longer stays
Canadian arrivals to Hawaii dipped slightly in October this year compared to 2011, but overall results for the islands were still positive, says the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Canadian arrival numbers dropped by 4.4% in October (to 28,276) and daily spending was lower (down 1.7% to $155 p.p.) compared to October 2011. Balancing these declines was a longer average length of stay -- up 6% to 13.06 days. The net result was $57.4 million in total Canadian visitor expenditures for October 2012, which is similar to a year ago. By building stronger price positioning for Hawaii's product offerings,...
Santa on the slopes
If you are visiting Whistler this holiday season, don't forget your Santa suit. On Dec. 22, you'll be able to witness hundreds of Santa's hitting the slopes for the annual, "Dress like Santa Day & Ski for Free"event. The first 75 people dressed like Santa (or Mrs. Claus) receive a free lift pass and an early upload to catch fresh tracks before the public. Participants meet at 8 a.m. in front of Garibaldi Lift Company....
New entry requirements for minors travelling to Mexico
Transat Holidays and Nolitours are advising agents that effective Feb. 15, 2013, that minors (under 18 years of age) travelling to Mexico alone or accompanied by a third party of legal age (grandparent, aunt/uncle or other) must present, in addition to a valid passport, a document showing the consent of both parents or those with parental authority or guardianship over the minor. If the document is issued in Canada it must be notarized, legalized by the Mexican Consulate or Embassy, and translated into Spanish. The text of this document must contain the parents' authorization for the minor to...
Annual hula festival set for Jan. 19
The 23rd Annual Moanikeala Hula Festival will see Hawaiian tradition and artistry come to life at the Polynesian Cultural Center as dancers of all ages from hula schools across Hawaii and Japan captivate crowds in the exhibition. Live musicians, gorgeous garments and fragrant flowers accentuate the celebration of culture. The event will be held Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the centre, found in Laie. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for those ages five to 15. Admission is free for Kamaaina Annual Pass holders, those younger than five and is also included with the purchase of any of...
Historic rates celebrate 100-year birthday
The St. Regis Hotel in Vancouver is celebrating 100 years of service with room rates from the past. The hotel is offering a total of 1,000 room nights until April at the rate of $100 plus taxes. Prepaid vouchers are sold through www.stregishotel.com and can be redeemed for any night up to April 30, 2013 by making a reservation. Suites can be reserved using two vouchers, and vouchers can be used as $100 credits against future stays if not redeemed by April 30. The voucher rate includes a range of complimentary services, like free made-to-order breakfast for two, free WiFi, worldwide long...
Randonee travel images in Vancouver, Whistler shows
Robbin McKinney, photographer and founder/owner of Randonnee Tours/Great Explorations, will soon present a slide show of destination images and video from cycling trips around the world, in Vancouver and Whistler. The Vancouver show will take place Dec. 4 at Studio 16 in the city's South Granville area. Wine and cheese start at 6:30 p.m., followed by the show at 7 p.m. Countries showcased include Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, France, Czech Republic, Ireland, Morocco and more. The Whistler show will run Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Whistler Public Library. ([email protected];...