Myrtle Beach shows the love ... Lonely Planet top spots 2013 ... Deal of day

They certainly love Canadians down in Myrtle Beach.

The coastal South Carolina city is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month, and they'll be holding what's called "Can-Am Days" with discounts for Canucks from March 9 to 17. They made an appearance Friday at the Toronto Star Golf and Travel Show down at the convention centre and brought out some appetizers and a birthday/anniversary cake and, naturally, a little bubbly.

There have been a ton of renovations and upgrades at Myrtle Beach hotels, officials said, and the access is easier than ever. Porter began their flights from Toronto Island airport last month, and they also have vacation packages through their Porter Escapes company. WestJet will start run flights from May 2 to Oct. 24 (Thursday and Sunday), and they also have vacation packages with various properties so you can book activities, flights and hotels together and save.

In addition, Myrtle can be reached on direct flights from Niagara Falls, Plattsburgh N.Y. (useful for Montreal folks) and Detroit.

The area has 102 golf courses, most quite affordable and many of them stunners. I played one a couple years ago called Caledonia Golf and Fish Club that was absolutely outstanding; perhaps the prettiest non-oceanside course I've ever seen.

They also have great food and an endless beach and plenty of activities for kids and adults, both. They've created a website called visitmyrtlebeach.com/75secrets with 75 "secret" things to do in Myrtle Beach, ranging from Pirate adventures to dolphin-watching and visiting art museums and wine-tasting.

LONELY PLANET, ON THE OTHER HAND, DOESN'T LOVE US SO MUCH

Lonely Planet recently conducted an online poll/review, asking fans on Facebook, Twitter, Google-plus and Thorn Tree where they've travelled and what they liked most. Their top 20 destinations overall were as follows (in order): Bhutan (see photo below), Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, Iceland, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Argentina, U.S.A., Indonesia, Iran, Burma, Peru, Nepal, Colombia, Georgia, Italy and the Maldives.

Interesting. Note the lack of the U.K. and France on the list, which weighs fairly heavy with unusual spots such as Iran (did Ben Affleck get a vote?), Bhutan, Colombia and Burma (Myanmar).

The top 10 for food were Italy, Thailand, India, Japan, Argentina, Vietnam, France, Lebanon, Taiwan and Spain. Top value spots were Thailand, India, Bolivia, Cambodia, Ghana, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines, Indonesia and Bulgaria. Top rated for entertainment were the U.K., U.S.A, Argentina, Australia, Ireland, Thailand, Spain, Hong Kong, Brazil and Singapore.

There were a slew of other categories, including shopping, "meeting locals" and "cultural sights."

Canada, you ask? Well, not so hot. We came in fourth on the safety list (big whoop), behind Japan, Iceland and New Zealand. And we were ninth in the nature category. Which is nice but also pretty boring, when you get down to it. The top 10 in the nature category were Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand, Bhutan, Australia, Namibia, Ecuador, Brazil, Canada and Kenya.

Oh, well.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY: ST. MAARTEN

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on tap for lovely St. Maarten in the Caribbean. The deal is for $1,095, including $230 in taxes.

Jaunt Highlights

• EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Save up to $328 per couple compared to what's available in market!
• BONUS: Features lower taxes thanks to Sunwing's Tax Buster Promotion
• BONUS: Sunwing inclusions offer a spa discount, unlimited a la carte dining, $20 USD casino vouchers, discount on Hertz car rental and more!
• All-inclusive 7-night stay at the 4-star SMILE at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino, located in St. Maarten
• Includes return airfare from Toronto or Montreal to  St. Maarten and round-trip airport/hotel transfers at your destination
• Accommodations in a Deluxe Garden View Room, featuring 1 King or 2 Double beds and private balcony showcasing views of the island and adjacent golf course. Maximum occupancy: 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and unlimited premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

 

• Plenty of activities for kids will keep them in high spirits and you in relax mode
• A guest pass to the nearby Sonesta Great Bay Beach resort gives you access to double the exquisite amenities
• Maho village is known for both its charming boutiques and extravagant nightlife

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on the following departure dates:
  Toronto: April 11, 18, 21 & 28, 2013
  Montreal: April 11, 18, 21, 25 & 28, 2013
  
• Pricing (Rates are per person):
  
  Toronto:
  
  April 11, 18 & 21:
  Single: $1165 plus tax
  Double: $965 plus tax
  Triple: $930 plus tax
  Child (2-12): $295 plus tax
  Tax: $230
  
  April 28:
  Single: $1065 plus tax
  Double: $865 plus tax
  Triple: $830 plus tax
  Child (2-12): $295 plus tax
  Tax: $230
  
  Montreal:
  
  April 11, 18 & 25:
  Single: $1435 tax included
  Double: $1235 tax included
  Triple: $1200 tax included
  Child (2-12): $545 tax included
  
  April 21 & 28:
  Single: $1375 tax included
  Double: $1175 tax included
  Triple: $1140 tax included
  Child (2-12): $545 tax included