Destinations
UBC Apple Festival goes Oct. 13-14
Vancouver's UBC Apple Festival celebrates one of British Columbia's favourite fruits and is held at the university's Botanical Garden Oct. 13-14. Festival-goers can taste up to 70 varieties of apples, including heritage, new and tried-and-true varieties. There are also grafting and cider-pressing demonstrations, a children's corner and the chance to enjoy apple pie, cider and other apple treats. Admission is $4 (children 12 and under are free)....
Limitless golf package available at Princeville Makai course
Princeville's acclaimed Makai Golf Club on Kauai's north shore has announced a new stay-and-play package in conjunction with The St. Regis Princeville Resort. The new "Limitless Golf Package"includes accommodations at the St. Regis Princeville Resort, unlimited play at the Makai Course (as many holes as can be played from check-in to check-out at the resort), a sleeve of Makai logo Callaway Hex Black Tour balls, a custom St. Regis/Makai Course logo ball marker and a 15% discount at the Makai Golf Shop. Rates for the package vary depending upon choice of room category, starting at $735 per...
Fort Langley’s Grave Tales
Visitors are invited to take a walk through the historic site of Fort Langley as a costumed guide shares spine-chilling tales of the mysterious burials and old-school amputations that took place in the Hudson's Bay Company trading post and local cemeteries. Available Oct. 6-28, the walking tours feature 90 minutes of ghostly stories and are suitable for adults ages 17 and older. Advance tickets are highly recommended. The cost is $15.10 p.p. For information and tickets, call 604-513-4777....
Globus puts the spotlight on Europe
Globus' new 2013 Europe brochure features 256 pages of classic and innovative touring, and showcases more "exotic Europe"destinations and a new Local Favourites program. Examples of 2013 Local Favourites include staying in a French chateau (Normandy, Brittany & Chateau Country); taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through alpine splendour (Enchanting Europe); practice golf skills by hitting a few balls at St. Andrews Golf Centre (Bonnie Scotland); watching belly dancing during a dinner in Istanbul (From Vienna to Istanbul; and enjoying an exclusive farewell dinner with local specialties and...
Israel ranks as one of the world’s top birding destinations
This fall and coming spring, Israel will play host to two of the world's unique birding festivals, the Hula Valley Bird Festival (Nov. 11-18) and the Eilat Birds Festival (March 13-20, 2013). Israel's Hula Valley annually welcomes such rare migratory species as the Greater Spotted and Eastern Imperial Eagles, along with local species including the Black Francolin and Pygmy Cormorant. The Hula Valley Bird Festival will offer comprehensive birding workshops, a photography seminar, a bird-watching competition and tours led by local birding experts. Organized by the Israel Ornithological Center,...
Divorcées invited to celebrate
While many hotels are encouraging love birds to share a romantic getaway, The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle is reaching out to encourage the newly single to break free of their old ball and chain and celebrate freedom with the "Its Not Me, It's You"campaign. Available through Dec. 30 and starting at US$649/night divorcées celebrate the beginning of a new era with the ultimate break-up bash, where they are free to indulge in all of life's pleasures. The package includes: All About Me Makeover; Consultation with a local stylist to create a new look; Love Potion Cocktail; Signature drinks that...
Airline seat capacity continues growth
With the recent announcements of new routes and increased airlift to the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaii Tourism Authority anticipates even greater growth in air seats this year. Total scheduled air seat capacity is expected to surpass 10 million seats in 2012, a 9% jump over last year. That's up from the 7.7% increase originally projected in February 2012. By the end of the year, total air seat capacity to the state is expected to reach 99% of the peak capacity established in 2007....
YVR writers festival celebrates 25 years
The Vancouver Writers Festival (previously named the Vancouver International Writers and Readers Festival) celebrates its 25th year with a new name and fresh look. The festival is one of North America's top literary events and attracts some of the world's best writers, including this year's headliners Margaret Atwood, Alistair MacLeod and Martin Amis. Taking place on Granville Island, Oct. 16-21, the festival features a variety of conversations, panel discussions, on-stage interviews and musical collaborations. Whether attending an author reading, poetry bash or passionate debate between...