Rudest spot in Britain: Butt Hole Road? New Travel + Escape mag ... Deal of day

I've been hanging onto this one for a while, not quite sure whether it fits a family newspaper like the Star. But I spotted a BBC post today on the rudest place names in Britain, so I figured I may as well let loose with my own findings on unusual/suggestive place names in Canada and the U.S.

First, the BBC report. The Brits, of course, have always had colourful names for everything from towns to food, such as Toad in the Hole. Much more inventive than North America, where we serve hot dogs and club sandwiches and chicken wings (although in Buffalo you can get Beef on Weck, which actually sounds like a farming community in England when you think about it).

Anyway, the BBC story is a hugely fun piece that talks about places like Cockermouth, Crotch Crescent, Fanny Hands Lane, Twatt (there are two of them, apparently), Hornyold Road, Back Passage and Cocks, not to mention Shitterton and Sandy Balls. The BBC also cites a place called Beaverclose, which is an easy one for Canada of course and, therefore, too easy a target.

There used to be a street in England called Butt Hole Road in Conisbrough but they changed it a while back to Archers Way, which is really, dreadfully dull. But it's easy to understand city fathers' desire to change things.

I had fun (hey, somebody has to do it) some time back checking out some Canadian examples. The most obvious and best-known is, of course, Dildo Newfoundland. There's also Come-by-Chance, Newfoundland and a few notable others.

But you might not know about a few places I stumbled across, including Climax, Saskatchewan, Crapaud, Prince Edward Island and Ta Ta Creek, British Columbia (not sure if it's a bodacious creek or just normal-sized). There must be some rude spots in Ontario, prudish as we may be, but I haven't been able to find them.

The U.S., however, is a gold mine: Butts, Georgia; Nutts, Arkansas, New Erection, Virginia; Hooker Hole, Louisiana; Fort Dick, California; Intercourse, Pennsylvania; Fanny, West Virginia; Easytown, Indiana; Assawoman Bay, Maryland; and Threeway, Mississippi among them.

Got more? Drop me a line at jbyers@thestar.ca.

PORTER POLL

Porter Airlines sent out a press release today saying that a new poll suggests two-thirds of Torontonians support Porter's plans for jets at the Toronto Island/Billy Bishop Airport, provided they're quiet enough.

This result is based on an unprecedented public opinion survey of 19,500 people, which is the largest-ever sample size for a publicly-released poll in Toronto, the airline said.

A summary of the results are as follows:

•         When asked, “Do you support allowing jets to fly out of the airport if they make a comparable amount of noise to the turboprops currently being flown from the Island Airport?”, 66.2 per cent supported these plans, 22.3 per cent were opposed and 11.5 per cent undecided or unsure.
•         When asked, “Do you support lengthening the runway if the area currently used by boats will not be changed?”, 62.5 per cent supported these plans, 22.3 per cent were opposed and 15.2 per cent undecided or unsure.
•         When asked, “Should Toronto City Council allow jets to fly out of the Toronto Island Airport?”, 51.3 per cent supported these plans, 28.7 per cent were opposed and 20.0 per cent undecided or unsure.

“These results show strong public support for the introduction of CS100 jet aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and also the required runway extension to support the use of these aircraft,” said Robert Deluce, President and CEO of Porter Airlines.

Good numbers, for sure. But I still suspect Porter's plan will face a rough ride at Toronto City Council.

While I'm on the subject, don't you just love the phrase "whisper jet?" I mean, is that brilliant marketing or what?

TRAVEL AND ESCAPE MAGAZINE LAUNCHED

Travel + Escape, the TV folks, have launched a digital travel magazine. It's only available for iPad and iPhone at the moment but an Android version is on the way.

Travel+Escape’s inaugural adventure issue features five of the world’s most gripping travel destinations: Norway, Chile, California, British Columbia and the stratosphere, according to a press release.

Get a head-cam view and behind-the-scenes look at the world of wingsuit flying with Norway’s champion BASE jumper, Espen Fadnes. Learn about the state of space tourism and what to expect in years to come. Readers can discover luxurious retreats, chic boutique hotels, oddball accommodations (including an Arctic ship hotel) and swipe through stunning retina-quality image galleries. Watch full-screen videos, including a high definition time-lapse of a serene Yosemite National Park.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY 

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a good deal on hand for a great trip to New York City, priced at $829 including air fare.

Jaunt Highlights

• BONUS: Includes 3 New York City Excursions per person. Excursions included are:
  
  • The New York City Highlights Cruise
  • The Sex and the City Hotspots Tour
  • The New York City Hop-on/Hop-off 24-hour Downtown Loop Bus Tour
• 3-night stay at the 5-Star Millennium Hilton, located in the Financial District of Manhattan, New York
• Includes return airfare from Toronto to Newark or from Montreal to LaGuardia
• Accommodations in a Double 1 King Bed Room. Maximum occupancy: 4

• Stay in the middle of the financial district surrounded by neighbourhoods like SoHo, Greenwich Village and Tribeca
• Included excursions take you to the filming locations of Sex and the City and other quintessential New York City sights
• Enjoy a cruise down the Hudson for a great photo op of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21. 27 & 28, 2013
• Pricing (Rates are per person):
  
  Toronto:
  Double: $699 + tax
  Single: $1065 + tax
  Triple: $731 + tax
  Child (2-17yrs): $335 + tax
  Tax: $130
  
  Montreal:
  Double: $944 tax included
  Single: $1314 tax included
  Triple: $970 tax included
  Child (2-17yrs): $570 tax included
  
  We also offer Other DATES and GATEWAYS.
  Call us at 1-855-687-5925.
  
  
• Why choose Air Canada Vacations?
  Earn & Redeem Aeroplan® Miles, in-flight seat-back entertainment on most flights, airline service and reliability of Air Canada, and more!
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is 100% non-refundable at time of booking

 

Honours for Canada hotels and YVR, WestJet teams w/ Iceland Air, Deal of Day

A couple of Toronto's newest hotels have made a mark. 

Conde Nast Traveler the other day issued its hot list of the top new hotels in the world. The new Four Seasons in Yorkville and the new Shangri-La on University Avenue both made the grade, as did the Ritz Carlton in Montreal and La Ferme in Baie-St. Paul, the new hotel built at the Le Massif ski hill by Daniel Gauthier of Cirque du Soleil fame.

The magazine described the look of the Four Seasons (see photo below right) as "uber-polished and somewhat austere, with huge, dark wood columns and 1,700 commissioned pieces of art." They said the "taupe and beige colour scheme and stone floors lend a somewhat chilly atmosphere to public spaces" but that "rooms are softer, with flowered fabric headboards and sweet little framed prints of Canadian wildlife."

They also said the new Four Seasons is a "clear departure from the old-fashioned, out-of-date original," that the sleek Daniel Boulud restaurant is "a magnet for Toronto's upwardly mobile" and that the 30,000 square foot spa is the largest urban spa in the Four Seasons chain.

I gotta admit I find the lobby area a bit cramped and not overly welcoming, but I'm a big fan of old-fashioned hotels with welcoming chairs and don't really like the artsy, austere look.

I personally much prefer the lobby space at the Shangri-La, with its Asian touches and sofas and open spaces. It seems like the Conde Nast folks agree. They call the look "urban zen" and commented on the subtle Asian elements, such as the Japanese watercolours and orchids that dot the property. They said the hotel "feels illuminated and airy thanks to a soaring lobby space with plenty of blonde wood and travertine stone (and the occasional pop of magenta from a silk pillow or rug).

"Guest rooms are painted in soft cream, and the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Toronto skyline create a cheery atmosphere, even on overcast winter days. Enormous bathrooms are swathed in veined marble and include the now almost ubiquitous TV in the mirror."

Although it may attract biz types, the magazine noted the Shangri-La "has all the necessities for a city vacation, including indoor cabanas surrounding a whirlpool, a gorgeous hammam spa and the excellent lobby-level restaurant, Bosk."

Heady praise, indeed.

In addition to citing both hotels, Conde Nast also named their respective spas as blissful hot spots for 2013.

Heading to Quebec? Conde Nast called La Ferme's look "eclectic and whimsical," with rooms that vary wildly in style. They seemed to like the French comfort food at the restaurant, Les Labours, but cited the lack of a good spa. They had lots of great things to say about the Ritz Carlton in Montreal, citing it's "turn-of-the-century grandeur" and the "Gilded Age fantasy" of the Palm Court, combined with modern, sleek rooms. They said the pool and gym feel cramped, but overall gave the place a very solid review.

WORLD'S BEST AIRPORTS

The folks at Skytrax, who do regular airline reviews, have issued a new list of the top airports on the planet. Vancouver's YVR was, understandably, named the best airport in North America, finishing eighth overall. YVR was the only North American airport in the top ten.

It marks the fourth straight year Vancouver was named tops in North America, based on a survey of 395 airports that looked at everything from comfort to efficiency to signage and amenities. The Vancouver airport has a bright, lively feel to it, with great shops and a large fish tank and even a liquor store on the way out. It beats the living daylights out of Toronto Pearson. which came 46th to finish second in Canada. Also in the top 100 from a Canadian angle were Halifax/Stanfield at 58 and Montreal/Trudeau, which came 83rd.

I said Vancouver was the only North American airport in the top ten. Actually, it was the only North American airport in the top 29. The next best facility in North America after YVR was Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky at number 30. Other American facilities in the top 50 were Denver (36), San Francisco (40) and Atlanta/Hartsfield (48).

Changi Airport in Singapore came first overall in the world, a common occurrence for the renowned facility with shops and spas and all kinds of attractions. Next was South Korea’s Incheon International Airport, followed by Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Hong Kong International and Beijing Capital International Airport.

WESTJET TEAMS WITH ICELAND AIR

WestJet continues to sign deals with world airlines to make things easier for Canadians heading out of the country. It was announced today that WestJet and Icelandair "have launched a new interline agreement opening up the skies for passengers connecting between the Americas and more than 20 Icelandair destinations throughout Europe." 

"Passengers can now book a single combined e-ticket for WestJet and Icelandair flights which includes the conveniences of single check-in for all flights and baggage sent through to the final destination. When connecting in the Americas, Icelandair customers will enjoy WestJet’s fleet of Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft serving more than 80 cities in North America, Central America and the Caribbean."

"Icelandair and WestJet share many of the same philosophies including offering our passengers a refreshing travel experience” said Helgi Mar Bjorgvinsson, Icelandair's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. "Our complementary customer service and connections through Toronto and Halifax make this a natural partnership. We also look forward to further opening the skies of Canada for both inbound and outbound passengers."

Earlier this year Icelandair expanded its seasonal service from Toronto to a year-round operation with plans to increase capacity next summer. Icelandair will also resume seasonal service from Halifax with two flights a week starting June 1, 2013. 

“We’re excited to welcome Icelandair as WestJet’s thirty-second partner airline,” said Todd Peterson, WestJet’s Director, Alliances. “Icelandair and WestJet share a reputation for quality service and great value. The new relationship between our airlines will enhance options for travel between North America and Europe.”

AIR TRANSAT IMPROVEMENTS

Missed this last week when I was away, but the Star's Vanessa Lu reported the other day that Air Transat  is rolling out Italian leather slimline seats on its newly revamped Airbus 330 planes, which are often used on transatlantic routes.

Joseph Adamo, Transat's vice-president of marketing (see photo), said while the pitch - the distance from any point on one seat to the exact same point on the seat in front of or behind it - doesn't change, it will feel roomier.

"We can't say it's more space, but it's a better experience," Adamo said as Transat  held a media event in Toronto to show off a mockup of its revamped cabin. "The seat is thinner with new generation foam."

The airline also is replacing its outdated entertainment system with individual seatback touch screens that feature movies, books and games like Sudoku.

It's adding LED lighting inside the cabin that switches colours, depending on the situation, including orange for when a plane is arriving in Europe to mimic a sunrise, and supposedly reduce jet lag.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on tap for the sunny Dominican Republic for $836, including $387 in taxes.

• SAVINGS: Two travellers save up to $100 by booking with Jaunt.ca!
• BONUS: ACV Privileges offer exclusive check-in/check-out, 10% spa discount, turndown service and in-room beach towels
• All-inclusive 7-night stay at the Barcelo Puerto Plata, located in the Dominican Republic
• Includes return air from Toronto to Puerto Plata, with hotel/airport transfers in the Dominican Republic
• Accommodations in a Double Room, featuring 1 king or 2 twin beds and a balcony or terrace. Maximum occupancy: 3 adults + 1 child
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

• Beachfront property gives you direct access to the Caribbean sea
• The resort offers unique activities like dance lessons and horseback riding
• Barcelo is located directly on the beach at Playa Dorada, five minutes from downtown

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on May 8, 15 & 22, 2013
• Pricing (Rates are per person, plus tax):
  
  Toronto:
  Double: $449
• Single: $500
  Triple: $423
  Child: $399
  Tax: $387
  
  Other DATES and GATEWAYS available.
  Call us at 1-855-687-5925.
  
  
• Why choose Air Canada Vacations?
  Earn & Redeem Aeroplan® Miles, in-flight seat-back entertainment on most flights, airline service and reliability of Air Canada, and more!
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is 100% non-refundable at time of booking

 

 

Hilton's new spa in Markham ... Forbes snubs Canada ... Deal of the Day: Miami

Hilton will soon open its first branded Canadian spa.

Called Eforea Spa at the Hilton, it will open at the Markham Suites Hilton on Highway 7 on April 8. They'll feature organic products and all the latest treatments, including a "men's journey" program designed for guys. 

"We've never had a spa brand," said John Forrest Ales, senior director – global brand public relations. "Increasingly, however, guests say a spa has an impact on their hotel decision."

It will be only the third branded spa by Hilton in Canada, which now has 15 Hiltons in total out of more than 550 worldwide. Hilton also operates Hampton Suites and other brands, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Doubletree and Embassy Suites.

The hotel chain also is helping boost their bookings from Chinese visitors, who (I mentioned this last week) now make up the second largest group of visitors to Canada after Americans. They created a program called Huanying with 20 hotels, offering a Chinese speaker at the hotel when guests arrive, Chinese language tour guides, Chinese televisioin stations, in-room tea, slippers and a Chinese breakfast menu.

There are now 70 or so such programs at various Hilton properties, including the Hilton Toronto, the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown and the Hilton Vancouver Airport.

Hilton is, of course, growing in China, where they set up shop 25 years ago. They also are opening their second hotel in Colombia soon and their first in Peru and also their first all-inclusive property in Mexico, on the Pacific Coast in Puerto Vallarta. Other all-inclusive's are being set up in Costa Rica and Spain.

The chain is having a bit of fun with North Americans who don't take enough vacations, sending out office survival kits and telling folks about the symptoms of "vacation-itis." If you go on their web site - www.vacationcarecenter.hilton.com and type in your address and postal code you'll get various offers or suggestions. I plugged in my data and my typical workload this morning and was told I should come by the Hilton Toronto for an after-work cocktail and try the lobster mac and cheese at their Tundra restaurant, or perhaps take in a meal at Ruth's Chris Steak House, which I find horribly overrated and way too expensive.

Anyway, it's a fun site and it's interesting to see Hilton being a bit more edgy than I would've expected.

FORBES SNUBS CANADA

The latest Forbes' list of great hotels and restaurants is another in a long line of American-centric lists that drive me crazy. They recently came out with their five-star awards and managed to find 58 properties in the U.S. worthy of the designation. But nary a one in Canada.

Restaurants? Twenty eight five-star quality in the U.S. Canada? Zilch.

Utterly ridiculous.

For the record, they did list 13 four-star properties in the True North Strong and Free. Four are in Toronto: The Park Hyatt, The Hazelton, The Ritz-Carlton (see photo at left) and The Trump Tower. Likely they didn't have time to review the new Shangri-La or Four Seasons. Also on the list for Canada wwere the Four Seasons Vancouver, Four Seasons Whistler, Shangri-La Vancouver, Sutton Place Vancouver, The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino B.C. (a personal fave), Hotel Le St. James in Montreal (a great spot), The Ritz Carlton Montreal and the Kingsbrae Arms in St. Andrews, New Brunswick.

Five Ontario restaurants got four-star ratings: Langdon Hall in Cambridge, One Restaurant, Splendido, Canoe and Scaramouche.

Still, gimme a break.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has an excellent deal on tap for the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort in fabulous Miami . It's a seven-night package that includes air fare for just $718.

• Two travellers save up to $120 by booking with Jaunt.ca!
• 7-night stay at the Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach, Florida
• Includes return airfare from Toronto or Montreal to Miami
• Accommodations in a Double Guest Room, featuring 2 double beds or 1 king size bed, in-room wireless internet access and refrigerator. Max Occupancy: 4
  

• Only a 20 minute walk from the illustrious South Beach strip
• Prime shopping territory in the Art Deco district and at the Bal Harbour shops
• Why choose Air Canada Vacations?
  Earn & Redeem Aeroplan® Miles, in-flight seat-back entertainment on most flights, airline service and reliability of Air Canada, and more!

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on April 7, 2013
• Pricing (Rates are per person):
  
  Toronto:
  Double: $579 + tax
  Single: $956 + tax
  Triple: $482 + tax
  Quad: $435 + tax
  Child: $305 + tax
  Tax: $139
  
  Montreal:
  Double: $803 tax included
  Single: $1182 tax included
  Triple: $708 tax included
  Quad: $661 tax included
  Child: $551 tax included
  
  We also offer other DATES and GATEWAYS.
  Call us at 1-855-687-5925.  
  
  
  
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is 100% non-refundable at time of booking

 

 

 

 

 

Easter Travel dull for Canadians ... Carnival cruise cancellations ... Deal of day

I guess it makes sense. It doesn't exactly make Canadians look like world travel beaters in terms of exotic destinations, but it shows some very solid bargains to be had for next weekend.

Hotwire.com this week unveiled a list of the 10 most popular Easter destinations for Canadian travellers, based on bookings with their site. They said Canadians seem to be staying closer to home this year compared to 2012.

Here's a look at their findings for most bookings, with average nightly rates found on Hotwire:

1. Toronto, $80 (quite the bargain)

2. New York, $201 (not bad for NYC, actually)

3. Montreal, $80 (see photo at right)

4. Vancouver, $82

5. Seattle, $97

6. Las Vegas, $81

7. Boston, $97

8. Orlando, $73

9. Chicago, $80

10. Minneapolis, $54 (probably shoppers from Manitoba)

New York was the top destination for Canadians last year. Vancouver was sixth last year but fourth this year.

CARNIVAL CRUISE WOES

Carnival has cancelled ten cruises that were slated for its damaged Triumph ship. The cruise line announced Tuesday that the Carnival Triumph will be out of service longer than first expected after it was crippled by an engine fire in the Gulf of Mexico last month, leaving 4,200 people stranded for five days.

AP reports the company said the ship won't return to service until June 13, which means the cancellation of 10 more cruises.

"Those guests will receive full refunds, reimbursement for non-refundable transportation costs and a 25 per cent discount on a future four- to five-day cruise," AP said. "Also, the Carnival Sunshine, which is undergoing a scheduled full-ship makeover, will return to service May 5, following the cancellation of two European cruises."

Carnival says it is improving services that can run on emergency power and also fixing ship's fire prevention systems. Yeah, I would hope so.

USA TRAVEL WOES, TOO

A story from USA Today says overseas travelers want to avoid the United States because of long wait times and inefficient entry procedures at gateway airports -- and recommend to others that they too stay away.

A new survey of travellers from Britain, France, Germany, Japan, China and Brazil (but not Canada) found 43 per cent of travelers who had traveled to the United States say they'll tell other countrymen and women not to visit because of the cumbersome entry process.

It comes at a bad time for the U.S. as they're spending a small fortune to promote the country with their BrandUSA campaign. It's a good campaign that shows off the best of the U.S., but it may not matter if people are turned off by a customs or immigration hassle.

The USA Today story said one in three travelers said that "the U.S. was falling behind other countries or it was the worst they had ever experienced in terms of getting through U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures.

* Business travelers, especially, said they were put off by the entry process, with 44% saying they will refuse to visit in the next five years.

* One in seven international travelers said they had missed a connection because of delays at Customs. Two-thirds said they would consider the U.S. an attractive destination if the Customs lines and wait times were shorter."

Speaking of the Statue of Liberty, the old girl's island was damaged by Superstorm Sandy. But officials Tuesday said it should re-open by the Fourth of July. Hopefully visitors will be able to clear U.S. customs by then.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on hand for an Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Reflection for $898, including $99 in taxes.

Jaunt Highlights

• BONUS: $75 Onboard Credit per cabin
• BONUS: Includes Classic Beverage Package for Two! See offer details for more info.
• 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise sailing on the Celebrity Reflection
• Ports of Call include: Miami, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Accommodations in a Oceanview (Category 8) or Deluxe Ocean View w/ Veranda partially obstructed (Category 2C) stateroom

• The brand new Celebrity Reflection has the most up-to-date amenities and attractions
• The beautiful grassy knoll of the Lawn Club has private alcove hideaways, a delicious grill and other activities
• Visit some of the best ports the Eastern Caribbean has to offer

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on December 7, 2013
  We also offer other departure DATES and FLIGHTS.
  Call us at 1-855-687-5925.
  
  
• Pricing (Rates are per person, plus tax):
  
  Oceanview (Category 8):
  1st & 2nd Passenger: $799
  3rd & 4th Passenger: $399
  Tax: $99
  
  Deluxe Ocean View w/ Veranda partially obstructed (Category 2C):
  1st & 2nd Passenger: $889
  3rd & 4th Passenger: $499
  Tax:  $99
  
  
• Classic Beverage Package: Applies to two guests per stateroom and includes beers up to $5 per serving; spirits, cocktails, and wine up to $8 per serving, all soda selections, fresh squeezed and bottled juices, premium coffees, and teas and non-premium bottled water.
• Server gratuities are included
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is refundable until March 20 at 5PM EST. After this time, this offer is 100% non-refundable

 

 

 

What women want in biz travel ... More free hotel Wi-Fi ... Deal of the Day: Spain

Found a nice story on CNN Travel the other day, talking about how hotels are working hard to cater to businesswomen.

Women apparently are travelling more than ever on business, so much so that a woman named Carolyn Pearson has formed a website called maiden-voyage.com, which connects female biz travellers around the world and rates hotels on how friendly they are to women.

It makes sense. There are entire hotel floors given over to women at some properties so they feel safe, including one at the Georgian Court in Vancouver (see below).

"Women are nearing half of all business travellers, and they make up 85 per cent of purchase choices in the household," Pearson said. "A woman might choose a hotel for business travel and then, if she likes it, go back for a weekend stay, or boook the room again with the family.

"Hotels are starting to realize that when it comes to travel decisions, women are really influential."

Interesting stuff.

Pearson also trains hotels to look at their service from a female perspective, CNN said.

"We take the entire hotel staff - from concierge to food and beverage - and really get them to see their hotel through a woman's eyes," Pearson said.

I guess that means no more half-priced chicken wings at the hotel bar....

Hyatt apparently has done enormous focus groups with women and developed programs where guests can get anything from deodorant to humidifiers to a multitude of nail polish colours if they need something on the road.

Here's what maiden-voyage.com has to say about the Georgian Court Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

"Internationally recognized as a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, the Georgian Court Hotel in downtown Vancouver offers modern amenities with a boutique feel.

Within our 180 spacious guestrooms, you will find the Orchid Floor, featuring 18 rooms dedicated to female travellers. You’ll find a flat iron, curling iron, ladies emergency kit, satin-padded hangers and skirt hangers, and upgraded Aveda spa products. Take a soothing bubble bath, and then relax with complimentary copies of In Style and other fashion magazines.

For business and pleasure, the Georgian Court Hotel offers convenience, charm, and luxury—within reach."

MORE FREE HOTEL WI-FI?

I'd prefer they provide free Wi-Fi in the rooms, but at least it's a step in the right direction. Barb DeLollis at USA Today reports more than 300 Marriott Hotels and Resorts will soon be offering free wireless Internet access in their hotel lobbies, for both guests and non-guests.

Free Wi-Fi currently is offered in about 185 Marriott properties. But DeLollis said it should be standard at 500 of them by the end of this month, and amen to that.

DeLollis has reported in the past on how hotels are increasingly tearing up their vast, ground-level restaurants and bringing in smaller, fun areas with libraries, lounges and even ping pong tables.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a good deal on tap for sunny Spain. It's a 10-day affair priced at $2,274, including $475 in taxes, and includes both fabulous Barcelona and the beaches of Ibiza. Barcelona is an awesome spot, with great, imaginative cuisine, a fine waterfront, bustling markets and my favourite urban park in the world, Parc Guell (featured in photo at right). It's got great views of the city and fantastic, colourful architecture, including stone lizards covered with brilliant blue and orange and red and yellow tiles.

Jaunt Highlights

• BONUS: $150 Future Travel Voucher per person
• BONUS: Extend your flight for up to 30 days at no additional cost (accommodations extra) and return from anywhere Transat flies in Europe
• 10-Day, 8-Night Barcelona & Ibiza - City & Beach Package
• Includes return airfare from Toronto to Barcelona on Air Transat, domestic round-trip flight from Barcelona to Ibiza, and airport/hotel transfers in Spain
• 8 nights' accommodation in 3 or 4-Star hotels (double occupancy). Hotels include the following: Hotel Berna (Barcelona) and Hotel Sol Pinet Playa (Ibiza) . 
• Includes Barcelona Hop on Hop off Pass 
• Meals include 5 breakfasts while in Barcelona and 2 meals daily during 3 night stay in Ibiza

• Tour the fascinating, dynamic city of Barcelona
• Relax on the beach in Ibiza

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on June 21, 2013
  
  Other DATES and GATEWAYS available.
  Call us at 1-855-687-5925.
• Pricing (Rates are per person):
  
  Toronto:
  Single $2279
  Double $1799
  Tax: $474.64
  
  
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is refundable until March 13 at 5PM EST. After this time, this offer is 100% non-refundable

 

 

 

Hockey sticks back on planes in U.S., but not Canada??!! - Deal of Day: D.R.

So, the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration says it will once again allow folks to carry pocket knives on board airplanes. Ditto for golf clubs and hockey sticks.

Here in Canada? No such plans. At least not yet.

As a Canadian, I’m appalled. I mean, hockey sticks could go on American planes flying from, say, Chicago to Toronto. But not on flights from Montreal to Boston?

It’s like outlawing double-doubles, or having United Airlines institute free poutine in economy class but not Air Canada.

Seriously, I’m not sure how it works. I’d like to think the Canadian folks will go along eventually. But we are, last time I checked, a separate country and we have our own rules and we do not simply follow the U.S. lead.

The TSA announcement from the States says knives with a blade of 6 cm (2.36 inches) or shorter are allowed. They can’t be more than a half-inch across at their widest point, cannot have a molded grip and can’t have a locking or fixed blade.

It'’s interesting. But the bit about golf clubs caught my eye. I mean, at a time when overhead bins are already full to the brim who takes their golf clubs on as a carry-on item? Other than Donald Trump, I mean.

Personally, I’d love to practice my putting at 35,000 feet. Or maybe even try some four-irons, which I could always aim at the guy who likes to slam his seat back into my face as soon as the seat belt light goes off.

MIAMI TOURISM ON THE RISE

The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that overnight visitors to what’'s called Greater Miami and the Beaches rose 3.5 per cent last year to a record 13.9 million overnight visitors overall.

It’s the third consecutive year of record overnight visits to the area, which we all know has awesome hotels, restaurants and beaches.

Officials said there was a 5.2 per cent hike in international visitors to 6.8 million. Domestic overnight visits rose 1.8 per cent to 7.1 million.

They also said a record $21.8 billion in visitor expenditures was generated in 2012, an increase of  5.1 per cent from 2011.

I didn’t see a breakdown of countries, but I can imagine Canadians were at the top of international visitors. We go a lot, but we can’t match the folks from Brazil or Russia for spending, I’m told.

"“The Bureau’'s aggressive marketing and expansion of the popular summer and shoulder season promotions, including Miami Museum Month, Miami Romance Month, Miami Spice Restaurant Month, Miami Spa Month, Miami Attractions Month and Miami Live Music Month were enjoyed by more visitors and residents than ever in 2012,”" said visitors bureau president & CEO William D. Talbert, III.
“

"These GMCVB promotions continued to fuel the momentum that established year-round travel and tourism for the destination,”" he said. "In 2012, the GMCVB added to the menu of these popular promotions in March by launching the first Miami Film Month to raise awareness of Greater Miami’s spectacular art cinemas, film festivals and connection to the film and entertainment industry.  In addition, as home to some of the most spectacular, challenging and desirable golf courses in the world, the GMCVB launched the first ever Miami Golf Month in April, providing visitors and residents with extraordinary offers and options at courses and hotels throughout the destination."

The World Golf Championship-Cadillac Championship is being held at Miami’s Trump Doral resort this week.

BEST CANADIAN HOTELS FOR FAMILIES

TripAdvisor this week came out with its Travelers' Choice Awards for Hotels for Families. Here are there top 10 for Canada.

1. Safari Beach Condo Resort, Osoyoos, B.C. 2. Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls, 3. Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets, Banff, 4. Sunny Point Resort Cottages and Inn, Parry Sound, Ontario, 5. Lakeview Inn and Suites Miramichi, Miramichi, New Brunswick, 6. La Seigneurie du Triton, Lac-Edouard, Quebec, 7. Super 8 Motel Three Hills, Three Hills, Alberta, 8. Skyline Inn, Niagara Falls, 9. Legends, Whistler, B.C. and 10. Comfort Inn Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls.

That's a nice four of the top ten for Ontario, for those keeping score at home.

STARWOOD ON THE MOVE

Starwood this week said it plans to open 50 new hotels in Europe in the next five years, including three in Turkey and a third hotel in Moscow. They're also getting into Tajikistan and adding a hotel in Kazakhstan. Officials also said they're aiming to have 100 hotels under operation and development in Latin America by the end of 2013. Currently, Starwood has a strong footprint of 71 hotels in 13 countries.

By 2015, six new Aloft branded hotels will open in Latin America, bringing the total number to eight. This year, Aloft will debut in Panama and Mexico and by 2015 the brand will arrive in Asuncion, Paraguay and in Uruguay.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal this week for lovely Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for just $885, including $390 in taxes.

Jaunt Highlights

• EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Save up to $560 per couple by booking with Jaunt.ca
• All-inclusive 7-night stay at the 4-Star IFA Villas Bavaro Resort & Spa, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Includes return airfare from Toronto, Halifax or Montreal to Punta Cana, with round-trip airport/hotel transfers in the Dominican Republic
• Accommodations in a Superior Room featuring 1 King or 2 Double beds, a French balcony and a garden, pool or partial ocean view
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Why We Love It:

• Seven distinct restaurants and seven bars offer lots of diversity
• Pamper yourself at the IFA Corallium Spa
• Playa Bavaro is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on the following departure dates:
  Toronto: May 14 ,21, 28 & Jun 4, 11, 18, 2013
  Halifax: May 4, 2013
  Montreal: May 06, 13, 20 & Jun 3, 10, 17, 2013
  
  Other DATES and GATEWAYS available.
  Call us at 1-855-687-5925.
  
  
• Pricing (Rates are per person):
  Toronto:
  Single: $645 plus tax
  Double: $495 plus tax
  Triple: $475 plus tax
  Quad: $455 plus tax
  Children (2-12 yrs): $395 plus tax
  Tax: $390
  
  Halifax:
  Single: $745 plus tax
  Double: $595 plus tax
  Triple: $575 plus tax
  Quad: $555 plus tax
  Children (2-12 yrs): $495 plus tax
  Tax: $392
  
  Montreal:
  Single: $1045 tax included
  Double: $895 tax included
  Triple: $875 tax included
  Quad: $855 tax included
  Children (2-12 yrs): $795 tax included
  
  
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is refundable until 5PM EST on March 13, 2013. After this time, this offer is 100% non-refundable.

                

Travel ideas for March, awesome Ireland tourism video and my Deal of The Day

The cardinals are singing their mating songs. The temperature in Toronto is supposed to be above freezing for several days in a row. And daylight savings time is around the corner.

There's hope for spring, folks, and there are plenty of great places to check it out. Here are a few that come to mind on a grey but not overly cold Monday morning in T.O.

Victoria isn't quite in spring conditions yet, but the long-term weather forecast calls for temperatures up around 10 degrees by week's end. And the spring flowers should be coming out about now, which is always heartening.

Mind you, as expensive as it is to fly within Canada these days you may as well head south to something a little warmer. Yeah, they had snow in Tucson, Arizona last week at the WGC Match Play championship golf tourney, but that's pretty rare. The forecast is for daytime highs up around 20 Celsius by mid-week; just about perfect for golf or (for Canadians, anyway) lying by the pool.

It's a little cool right now down Myrtle Beach way, maybe 13 degrees later this week, but in the Tampa Bay area it's supposed to be near 20 and then down around 16 or so later this week. Not hot, but the Blue Jays are now in full spring training mode in Dunedin (see photo) so you don't have to worry if it's not perfect beach weather.

Further afield, here are some expected daytime highs for the next little while in various parts of the world.

Paris: Only 2 degrees today, says the weathernetwork.com, but all the way up to 15 or 17 degrees towards the end of next week. Talk about a change in seasons.

Rome: The cardinals gathering in Rome (as opposed to the ones in my backyard) should expect a bit of rain, but also temperatures soon up around 15 degrees.

Honolulu: Only about 23-24 degree highs the next couple days; downright chilly for Hawaiians. I bet the locals will be wearing toques.

Bangkok: Phew. Daytime highs all week around 35 or 36 with a fair bit of sun. Those luxury hotel swimming pools should be pretty full. Yeah, it's expensive to get there but a four or five-star hotel can often be found for $200.

Sydney: It's supposed to be around 28 today and tomorrow but then cooling off to the low 20's later in the week. Don't forget, for them it's about to turn into fall.

Jamaica: You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows in this part of the world. Daytime highs in Montego Bay ranging from roughly 24 (cool for them) to 28 C this week.

IRELAND TOURISM VIDEO

Ireland has put together a smashingly good travel video to help lure folks for The Gathering 2013, a huge festival where Irish folks - or those who wish they were - get together for festivals of all kinds. There are festivals for left-handed people, for folks named Clair (or Clare or probably Clara) and all sorts of gatherings, including a Messiah festival and a Riverdance festival and a ton of sporting events.

The video is loads of fun, with comedian Andrew Maxwell strolling the city and Ireland's seaside with surfers, babies in beards and folks with red hair (in various places), so check it out here.

TOURISM BOOST FOR IRAN? DOUBT IT

A "best picture" win for Lincoln would undoubtedly have helped boost tourism in Virginia, where much of the film was shot, and in Illinois, where Lincoln was born. Instead, Oscar gives the nod to Argo. Notwithstanding the factual inaccuracies (galore) and the downplaying (severely) of Canada's role, it's not a bad film. But I don't think it'll do a lot to boost tourism in Iran. Just a hunch.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY: GREECE AND TURKEY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal for a land and sea package for nine days and seven nights in Greece and Turkey for 2,029, including $670 in taxes .

Jaunt Highlights

• BONUS: FREE UPGRADE - Enjoy 5-Star Hotel Accommodations in Athens, Outside Cabin Stateroom on cruise portion, and Business Class for Ferry transfers
• BONUS: Extend your flights post tour for up to 30 days at no additional cost (return from Athens)
• 9-day/7-night Greek Islands & Turkey Cruise onboard the Louis Cristal, including 3 night post-cruise stay in Athens
• Includes return airfare from Toronto to Athens on Air Transat
• Ports of Call include: Piraeus, Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Patmos, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Crete, Greece; and Santorini, Greece
• Includes 15 meals

• You'll have the chance to explore Greece in the heart of its most dynamic city, and to traverse its diverse islands
• Your ship provides comfortable, upscale accommodations

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on July 7 & July 14, 2013
  (Other dates available. Please call: 1-855-687-5925)
• Pricing (Rates are per person, and based on double occupancy):
  
  Single: $1739
  Double : $1359
  Tax: $670
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is refundable until Feb 28, 2013  at 5PM EST. After that time, this offer is 100% non-refundable

 

 

 

 

 

Best beach? TripAdvisor says Maui (but Tofino gets a vote) ... Deal of the day

I give Trip Advisor a bit of grief now and then over its ratings/voting patterns. But this one I can't argue with too much.

The company this week issued its annual list of reader's favourite beaches, and top of the class is Ka'anapali in Hawaii. Ka'anapali, which came into its own as a resort 50 years ago on the west side of Maui north of Lahaina, is an absolutely stunning piece of landscape with a number of big advantages.

Here are ten. First, it goes on for miles and miles and miles and miles. Second, the sand is soft and a very pretty gold-colour. Third, there are tremendous views of the neighbouring islands of Moloka'i and Lana'i. Fourth, it faces west so the sunsets, mostly over the Pacific but occasionally over one of the nearby islands, are outstanding. Fifth, being Hawaii, the weather seldom varies (although it was quite windy last week a friend tells me). Sixth, there are activities galore: whalewatching from October to April or so; plus sailing and snorkeling and great golf and dolphin tours and parasailing and bodysurfing and lots more. Seventh, the resorts are terrific; everything from glitzy spots like the Westin and Hyatt and Sheraton to the more subdued Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, which has great Hawaiian programming and is very true to the island culture. Eighth, there's a great pathway/walkway all along the sand, so you can go from one resort to another quite easily. Ninth, the food is terrific. Try Hula Grill or check in next door at Leilani's for outstanding fish tacos. Hint: instead of sitting with the crowds down below, go to the second floor deck at Leilani's for a fine view of the passing parade - or the sunset. Tenth, there's great shopping right at the beach at Whalers' Village; with fine jewelry and restaurants (Hula Grill and Leilani's are here) and t-shirt shops and a small museum dedicated to telling the story of the area's whaling history.

Oh, yeah, number 11: If you're a jogger and there are big waves, you might spot an attractive photographer snapping photos. This woman, who I got a picture of a couple years ago, was wearing a thong bikini and somehow grabbed the attention of a male jogger who approached her from behind...

I personally prefer Napili Beach, just up the road, as it's quieter. But it's hard to argue with anyone who puts Ka'anapali at the top of their list.

Oh, yeah, sorry, the next were Siesta Key Public Beach in Sarasota (a beautiful part of Florida), Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola, Florida (I was there for the first time last month and the beaches are stunningly white and soft and powdery, see photo at left) and Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde, Florida (on the gulf, south of St. Petersburg and west of the 275 bridge in case you don't recognize the name Tierra Verde), giving Florida the 2-3-4 spots in the poll.

Coming fifth was Lanikai Beach in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii, then Wailea Beach in Wailea, Maui (the south end of the island), Assateague Beach in Virginia, La Jolla Cove near San Diego, California, Laguna Beach (a fine choice) in California and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve outside Honolulu on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. So, for those of you keeping score at home, that's Hawaii in the number 1, 5, 6 and 10 spots, Florida in positions 2, 3 and 4 and California with spots 8 and 9. Only one beach outside those states got a nod, which is Assateague.

Not to keep harping on Trip Advisor, but this DOES show how tricky these lists are. I'd like to have seen something from, say, New York's Long Island in there or perhaps South Carolina or Texas or even Oregon. And what about beaches on a lake? Don't those count?

Anyway, Trip Advisor also did a list of the world's (outside the U.S.) top strands. In order, those were Rabbit Beach in Lampedusa, Italy, Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos, Whitehaven Beach at Airlie Beach in Australia, Baia do Sancho on the Brazilian island of Fernando de Noronha, Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico, Playa de las Catedrales in Ribadeo, Spain, Lopes Mendes Beach in Ilha Grande, Brazil, Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda (a very worthy winner), Eagle Beach in Aruba and Rhossili Bay in Swansea, Wales.

Chesterman Beach in Tofino B.C., a long and lovely stretch with surfing waves and driftwood and a great atmosphere (see photo), came 13th in the world tally. Which is nice, as it means that not everyone thinks we're a land perpetually covered in snow drifts and ice blocks. Just sometimes. Like, um, now.

DEAL OF THE DAY: A CARIBBEAN CRUISE

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, is offering a good deal on a Caribbean cruise for $1,128: $999 plus $129 in taxes. I did a similar cruise with my family about ten years ago and everyone loved it.

Jaunt Highlights

• BONUS: Includes $100 USD On Board Credit (applies to Oceanview bookings only)
• 7-Night Southern Caribbean cruise sailing on the RCI Adventure of the Seas
• Accommodations in one of the following staterooms: Inside (Category L), Promenade (Catefory PR) or Superior Oceanview Balcony (Category D2)
• Includes return airfare from Toronto or Montreal to San Juan, round-trip airport/pier transfers, and flight seat selection
• Cruise departs from and returns to San Juan. Ports of Call include: St. Croix, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados 
• Includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at various complimentary dining options

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on March 24, 2013
  (Other dates and gatways available. Call us at 1-855-687-5925)
• Pricing: (Rates are per person, plus tax, & based on double occupancy)
  
  Inside Stateroom (Category L):
  Toronto: $999 + $129 tax
  Montreal: $1128 tax included
  
  Promenade Stateroom (Category PR):
  Toronto: $1049 + $129 tax
  Montreal: $1178 tax included
  
  Balcony Oceanview Stateroom (Category D2):
  Toronto: $1699 + $129 tax
  Montreal: $1828 tax included
  
  
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is 100% non-refundable at time of booking

WestJet expands T.O. options, FinnAir cheap flights to Europe, Whistler news

A lot of the focus from WestJet on Monday was, understandably, the naming of Nanaimo and Fort St. John B.C. as cities to be served by their new, regional carrier, called Encore.

From a Toronto standpoint, and we all know the world revolves around this fair city, there's plenty of news from regular WestJet. At the same time it was slipping into new destinations in B.C., they also announced twice-weekly service from The Big Smoke to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and upped the Orlando service from seven times a week to 11.

What I hadn't noticed in the flurry of announcements was an increase of WestJet flights from Toronto to Miami (see photo at right) from seven a week to eight, plus new flights (three times a week) from Toronto to Fort McMurray, Alberta. They also significantly bumped up flights from here to Saskatchewan, adding three more per week to both Regina and Saskatoon for 10 flights a week to each city in total.

As well, they added two more flights a day from Toronto to Vancouver (now 11 per day), Calgary (also now 11 in total) and Edmonton (8 per day). They'll fly to Winnipeg from Toronto five times a week.

One of the company's press releases on Monday also said they'll extend service to Aruba , Liberia , Costa Rica , and Trinidad and Tobago on a year-round basis and add one extra flight each week between Toronto and Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica , Varadero, Cuba , St. Martin, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Cancun.

There are rumours WestJet may soon take aim at Air Canada's international network, and wouldn't that be fun to watch?

SKI WITH AN OLYMPIAN - AND GO WATCH SOME AT THE GAMES

A couple of things to note for fans of the Olympics. Whistler-Blackcomb  has expanded its Snow School offerings with the addition of a "Ski with an Olympian" program. The new offering lets ordinary folks hear stories and get tips and spend time with an Olympic athlete as their personal guide.

You get a full day of skiing or riding with an Olympic athlete, with capacity limited to just five people per group. Guests also get lift line priority.

Thirteen ski and snowboard athletes are taking part, including noted Olympic skier Rob Boyd. For more information, visit whistlerblackcomb.com.

Speaking of the Olympics, tickets for the 2014 Winter Games (how did this happen so quickly?) in Sochi, Russia are now available for Canadians to buy at cosport.com. Fans will be able to choose from a variety of packages that combine tickets with hotel stays or hospitality services.

Individual tickets start as low as $22. I suspect a ticket for the gold medal hockey game would be slightly, just slightly, more than that. 

FINNAIR BARGAINS TO EUROPE

Finnair is offering a series of round-trip economy deals for spring. Prices start at just $679 Canadian for flights from Toronto to Helsinki, Saint Petersburg, Stockholm, Warsaw and even Prague (with a stop in Helsinki). I went online this morning and found a roundtrip flight from Toronto to Prague for just $778; which is about the same as a round-trip flight on Air Canada to San Francisco in April.

The deal is valid for a host of other cities, including Riga, Oslo, Norway and Krakow. Travel must be taken from May 23 to June 20 and from Aug. 21 to Sept. 5.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on offer for a beautiful Alaska cruise, priced at $1,315 (including $591 in taxes) Here are the details:

• 7-night Alaska Cruise sailing on the ms Amsterdam, departing and returning to Vancouver, BC
• Includes return airfare from Toronto or Montreal to Vancouver
• Ports of Call include: Vancouver, BC; Glacier Bay; Skaqway, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; & the Inside Passage
• Accommodations in one of the following staterooms: Oceanview (Category H) or Verandah (Category BB or BC)
• Includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at various complimentary dining options  
• The ms Amsterdam is an exquisite ship with fanciful details and beautiful artwork
• Alaska is as exhilarating as it is beautiful, with breathtaking scenery and fascinating wildlife
• Enjoy culinary demonstrations and other delicious activities in the Culinary Arts Centre

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on the following departure dates: May 24, 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 5, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, September 6, 13, 2013
• Pricing: (Rates are per person, plus tax, & based on double occupancy)
  
  Toronto:
  May 24:
  Oceanview: $724 + $591 tax
  Verandah: $1446 + $569 tax
  
  May 31:
  Oceanview: $804 + $591 tax
  Verandah: $1526 + $591 tax
  
  June 7:
  Oceanview: $884 + $602 tax
  Verandah: $1709 + $602 tax
  
  June 14:
  Oceanview: $884 + $602 tax
  Verandah: $2018 + $602 tax
  
  June 21 & 28:
  Oceanview: $936 + $602 tax
  Verandah: $2018 + $602 tax
  
  July 5:
  Oceanview: $936 + $585 tax
  Verandah: $2018 + $602 tax
  
  July 19:
  Oceanview: $936 + $602 tax
  Verandah: $2018 + $602 tax
  
  July 26:
  Oceanview: $936 + $585 tax
  Verandah: $2018 + $585 tax
  
  August 2 & 9:
  Oceanview: $936 + $585 tax
  Verandah: $2018 + $585 tax
  
  August 16:
  Oceanview: $936 + $585 tax
  Verandah: $1709 + $585 tax
  
  August 23 & 30:
  Oceanview: $884 + $598 tax
  Verandah: $1709 + $598 tax
  
  September 6 & 13:
  Oceanview: $884 + $598 tax
  Verandah: $1709 + $598 tax
  
  

 

 

West Jet ups the ante in fight with Air Canada, Porter ... Deal of Day is Turkey

Big news in the Canadian airline biz today, as WestJet takes aim at both Air Canada and Porter.

Calgary-based WestJet announced today it will start flying twice weekly between Toronto and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (see photo at right), beginning May 2. Air Canada doesn't fly that route but Porter does, out of the Toronto island airport.

Myrtle Beach folks are obviously excited to welcome hundreds more Canadians to their beaches, golf courses and fine restaurants each week.

The Star's Vanessa Lu reports that within Canada, WestJet also is increasing the number of flights between Toronto and Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina, and will introduce new non-stop service between Toronto and Fort McMurray.

The airline will also boost flights between Toronto and Orlando to 11 weekly from seven a week, which is great news for Florida fans.

It is moving service between Calgary and Los Angeles to twice daily from once a day. Beginning April 29, it is also introducing daily service between Calgary and Dallas-Fort Worth, which is a hub for WestJet’s code-share partner American Airlines, Lu reported.

A lot of that sounds like warning shots across Air Canada's bow to me. And let's hope it means an air fare war of some kind, as prices these days are crazy high.

The Financial Post is reporting that Encore will serve Fort St. John, Saskatoon, and Nanaimo, from Calgary starting June 24. The Post also said they'll provide Encore service between Vancouver and Victoria with a 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop.

The airline has plans to expand the Encore service to several other routes including flights between Calgary and Edmonton, Regina, and Grande Prairie as of Aug. 13, the paper said.

Last week, WestJet reported strong profits for 2012 of $242.4 million, or $1.78 a share, up from $148.7 million in 2011. Still the airline is embarking on a $100 million cost-cutting initiative over the next three years.

CHAOS AT PEARSON

It’s not bad enough that ordinary Torontonians don’t know how to drive in the snow. It’s worse when folks at Pearson Airport can’t handle a dump of the white stuff.

It was chaos at Pearson on the weekend. Every time I turned on the news there was some poor schlep standing in front of a camera explaining how he’s been at the airport since 1998, or something like that, and was still waiting to take his trip to Florida.

“The bad news is I’ve had to wait 15 years for the de-icing equipment to work and for a new flight crew to arrive,” I thought I heard one man say. “The good news is I’m now 75 and I won’t have to take off my shoes when I go through security.”

It was not only crazy inside the airport, but a story in today’s Star outlines how folks had to wait hours and hours just to get their cars out of the lot at the Park'N Fly, which seems crazy.

A report on travelmole.com this morning says more than 7,000 flights were cancelled because of the winter storm that hit eastern Canada and the northeast U.S.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for spring and summer. Because all we’ve have to worry about then is flooding and thunderstorms and hurricanes.

CRUISE SHIP TRAGEDY

It was about a year ago that the Costa ship ran aground in Italy. Now comes word of another tragedy, this one, bizarrely, during a drill lifeboat usage.

The incident took place during a safety drill on the cruise ship Thomson Majesty while it was docked in Santa Cruz on La Palma in the Canary Islands.

The lifeboat fell into the water killing five members of crew and injuring three.

Nautilus International, the union for seafarers and maritime professionals, argues that more people get killed and injured during lifeboat drills than rescued by lifeboats.

Andrew Linington, head of communications, said: "This is just ridiculous. There have been dozens of fatalities in the last few years alone due to these drills.”

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has an offering for a trip to fabulous Turkey.

Jaunt Highlights

• 16-day/14-night Ottoman Discoveries Turkey Tour with visits to ancient cities, mosques, Turkish markets and more!
• Optional return air from Toronto to Istanbul via Air Transat. Land-only option also available.
• Includes all transfers in Turkey via air-conditioned motorcoach, services of a professional English speaking tour guide, and all sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
• 14 nights' accommodation based on double occupancy. See below for hotels included (or similar).
• Includes 40 meals throughout the tour

• Your small tour and boutique-style accommodations ensure a unique, personalized experience
• You'll visit famous sites of antiquity like Ephesus and Troy
• You'll experience the energy of Istanbul and the healing powers of Turkey's countryside

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on May 19, 2013
• Pricing (based on double occupancy):
  
  Land Only:
  Double: $2029 per person, tax included
  Single: $2679 per person, tax included
  
  Including Toronto Air:
  Double: $2609 + tax
  Single: $3259 + tax
  Tax: $457.60 per person
  
  
• Accommodations included (or similar): Aziyade (Istanbul), Iris (Canakkale), Kalehan (Selcuk), Pam (Pamukkale), Dogan (Antalya), Anamas Konukevi (Beysehir), Upper Greek House (Cappadocia), The Apple Palace (Amasya) & Kadioglu Sehzade Konagi (Safranbolu)
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is refundable until Feb 13 at 5PM EST. After this time, this offer is 100% non-refundable