Author: Torry K.

Bordeaux, France, as highlighted in the ‘Wine and More!’ Scenic River Cruise. Bordeaux, renowned globally as a premier wine region, is situated within the expansive Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the largest tourist region in France. Despite its established reputation, this stunning locale is freshly revamping its image and offerings to attract a broader audience. Reimagining Bordeaux: Beyond Wine At a recent promotional event in Toronto, Melanie Paul-Hus, director of Atout France Canada, emphasized that Bordeaux is evolving into much more than just a wine destination. With only a few Canadian visitors in recent years, the focus is on promoting year-round travel to encourage…

The sales teams from Unique Vacations Canada, which represents Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, teamed up with Air Canada Vacations to connect with travel advisors across Canada. Over the past few months, this collaboration has spanned major cities from Vancouver to Halifax, fostering a deeper understanding of the offerings and partnership between these popular travel brands. The team from Expedia Cruises in Surrey, BC with Rose Siu, Area Sales Manager, BC, The Yukon + NWT, Air Canada Vacations (second from right) and Winston Chang, Business Development Manager, BC, SK + The Yukon, Unique Vacations Canada (first from right). One of…

By mid-October, it became evident that the tourist season on Greece’s islands was fading. Traveling on a Star Clippers cruise, it became apparent that many restaurants were closing for the season, often contradicting their Google Maps listings. In the quaint town of Skopelos, I found myself amidst the sparse tourism crowd, exploring a local souvenir shop during the final hour of port call. Curious about the local businesses’ operational hours, I inquired about the shop’s closing time. “Tomorrow,” replied the shopkeeper with a fatigue that echoed through many establishments I encountered throughout my journey. The unspoken sentiment seemed to ask,…

Former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval Appointed Chair of Resorts World Las Vegas Board Brian Sandoval In a significant move for the entertainment and gaming sector, Brian Sandoval, the former two-term governor of Nevada, has been appointed as the new chair of the board of directors at Resorts World Las Vegas. This decision marks a transformative chapter for the resort, which has rapidly emerged as a premier destination in Las Vegas. Sandoval takes over from Jim Murren, who transitions to a role as chairman emeritus of the board. Murren has also recently assumed the responsibilities as interim CEO of the United…

Don’t dismiss in-flight magazines just yet; they still have a place in the skies. Despite a notable decline in print publications, Porter Airlines’ re:porter recently celebrated its milestone 100th issue with the November/December edition, showcasing the airline’s commitment to offering unique onboard experiences. To commemorate this significant achievement, Porter Airlines made an engaging announcement across its Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook pages, reminding travelers of the enduring charm of reading while flying. The post generated over 500 likes and numerous comments, reflecting travelers’ fondness for physical reading materials at altitudes above 30,000 feet. Kevin Jackson, President of Porter Airlines, emphasizes that…

The south coast of Iceland is set to welcome a stunning new addition to its hospitality scene with the upcoming launch of the Black Sand Hotel. Opening its doors in January, this modern oceanfront hotel will offer 70 thoughtfully designed guestrooms, complemented by an additional nine suites debuting in March. Guests can also look forward to a luxurious spa experience, which is scheduled to open in May. Minimalist Guestrooms with Breathtaking Views Each guestroom at the Black Sand Hotel showcases a minimalist design philosophy, utilizing natural materials and a calming neutral color palette to enhance the serene atmosphere. With floor-to-ceiling…

Amtrak Reports Record Ridership and Revenue for Fiscal Year 2025 Amtrak achieved unprecedented growth in both ridership and revenue during the 2025 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone for the national rail operator. This surge in numbers was particularly pronounced on long-distance routes, which have increasingly attracted vacationers seeking unique travel experiences. For the fiscal year ending in September, Amtrak recorded 34.5 million customer trips, reflecting a 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. Operating revenue soared to $3.9 billion, an impressive 9.1% jump from 2024. Despite these record highs, Amtrak reported an operating loss of $598.4 million, although this…

This holiday season is proving to be an incredibly active one for Canadian airlines, as they ramp up their operations to meet the increasing demand for travel. Recently, major airlines have unveiled a series of new routes, positioning themselves strongly for a busy travel period. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, Canadian Level I airlines recorded a significant uptick in air travel. In September 2025, they transported 7.2 million passengers through scheduled and charter services—a 2.3% increase from the same month in the previous year. Notably, this is the first instance of a year-over-year increase since January 2025.…

The travel industry is continuously evolving, and understanding the latest trends is crucial for both travelers and travel advisors. TTC Tour Brands has recently published the findings of its inaugural “Big Tour Study,” a comprehensive survey that explores the preferences and motivations of over 1,800 Canadian travelers who prefer guided tours. This study aims to provide valuable insights that can enhance travel experiences and optimize booking strategies for advisors. Key Motivators for Guided Tours According to the research, the primary reason travelers opt for guided tours is their desire for unique experiences. While 55% of respondents identified bucket list travel…

Travel enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike are flocking to some of the most exquisite travel experiences showcased on a highly popular YouTube channel, known for weekly content on elite hotel and flight reviews. With a rapidly growing subscriber base, this channel features breathtaking adventures that redefine luxury travel. Subscribe to the channel for a front-row seat to the world’s finest travel experiences. Luxury in the Skies: Emirates First Class Experience Step aboard the Emirates First Class and indulge in an unparalleled aviation experience. Renowned for exceptional service and lavish amenities, flying with Emirates is a journey in itself. Travelers can…