Author: Torry K.

Exciting News: Island Routes Reopens Jamaica Excursions Post-Hurricane Melissa Caribbean excursion operator Island Routes has proudly resumed many of its adventure experiences in Jamaica after a temporary closure due to the impacts of Hurricane Melissa. This announcement marks a significant step forward for both the company and Jamaica’s vibrant tourism sector. Discover Jamaica with Unique Experiences Owned by Sandals Resorts International, Island Routes provides an array of thrilling excursions, including exhilarating ATV tours, private yacht experiences, and engaging cooking classes. Travelers can look forward to even more exciting tours being added in the coming days, enhancing the array of activities…

More than 200 steps wind their way up a steep, rocky outcrop to a chapel perched above the glistening Mediterranean Sea. Visiting the stunning chapel featured in the film “Mamma Mia!” is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences among the highlights of a cruise through the breathtaking Greek Sporades archipelago. This site, set against a backdrop of turquoise waters and vibrant landscapes, not only mesmerizes visitors but also draws countless fans eager to connect with the cinematic magic of the film. Iconic Film Locations on Skopelos Island The island of Skopelos served as the primary filming location for the…

Ambar Residences Orlando: First-Ever For-Sale Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the U.S. The highly anticipated Ambar Residences Orlando is set to make history as the first development of for-sale residences under the Marriott Bonvoy brand in the United States. Developed by the Miami-based Big Key Group, this innovative project aims to redefine luxury living with its upscale offerings. Construction Timeline and Location Construction on the Ambar Residences will kick off in early 2026, with an anticipated completion date set for 2028. The development will comprise three seven-story buildings, spanning an impressive 11 acres in Kissimmee, Florida. Located just five miles…

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…