Bring on transit taxes; it's time to invest in our tourism future ... Deal of Day: Paris

I see in today's Star that Metrolinx is outlining a series of options to squeeze more money out of me. And I couldn't be happier.

Tess Kalinowski's story on page one discusses everything from a gas tax (hear, hear) to a regional sales tax (also a great idea, especially given the lunacy of the federal Conservatives lowering the GST for no good reason), not to mention highway tolls and parking levies and other tools that appear to have favour with Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Heck, even The Board of Trade, that bastion of conservatism that calls for lower taxes 367 days a year, is crying out for new spending to get us out of our morass. It's the only way to do it, and it would be best to bring in small to medium amounts of money from pretty much all the tools being discussed so we spread out the pain. But there has to be pain. I'm going to have to pay more. But that's how you build a city. And a tourism industry.

How did we build a good health care system? With taxes. How is it we have a relatively poor TTC product that's still the envy of many other cities? With taxes. You improve your city and country not by cutting spending, but by investing in your product.

As a veteran traveler and a guy who spent more than 15 years covering municipal politics in this town, I can tell you that going around cutting spending is precisely the wrong approach. Look at the great cities of the world. Look at Paris and London and Tokyo and New York and even Los Angeles of late. They invest massive amounts of money to keep their citizens – and tourists – moving. They understand you have to spend money to make it. You have to invest, just like the local shopkeeper has to keep improving his or her front windows and lighting and marketing.

This is a concept this city has failed to grasp – at a woeful cost. We could've spent relative pennies for 20 years and we wouldn't be facing this mess, but we did the wrong thing time and time again. A lack of foresight and lower than low property tax hikes for decades have forced us into this new tax grab.

Mel Lastman was a salesman/businessman but didn’t get it. David Miller wasn't a business guy so muich but seemed to get, although he didn't force the issue enough. Mayor Ford tells us he's got a business approach but he definitely doesn’t get it.

The great cities of the world aren’t defined by low taxes. I mean, did you ever hear anyone at your local Tim Hortons say to her husband, “Hey, honey, the municipal taxes are really low in Mississauga. Let’s go there for our next trip.”

No offence to Mississauga, but folks in Winnipeg and Moncton and Victoria dream of Paris and San Francisco and Sydney, places with culture and monuments and glittering waterfronts and museums and street art and bustling markets and cheap transit that blankets the city (unlike our paltry system) and  allows them to get around easily and see everything. Places that think big and spend money and bring in tourists who want an escape from their boring, cost-cutting hometowns. It makes tremendous business sense as tourism is one of the easiest industries to boost.

Just look at the massive investments by the U.S. with their Brand USA campaign, which I see on TV all the time and in print. Then look (if you must) at Canada’s plunging support for the tourism biz. And look at Toronto’s decades-long failure to wrestle the congestion monster to the ground.

It is to weep.

When Barcelona won the right to stage the 1992 Summer Olympics, city fathers and mothers invested huge amounts of money in waterfront restoration, parks and public art. And they went from Podunkville, Europe to one of the continent’s top destinations. Overnight. And they’re still riding high more than 20 years after the Games. And look at what Atlanta did for 1996, pinching pennies and hardly investing in the public good, all in the name of affordable Games. Yeah, affordable and almost useless.

If this town is every going to make it to the big leagues of tourism we have to dream big. And spend a little cash. To do nothing is to commit this city to commuter gridlock, and to tourism mediocity.

INDIA WOES

That horrific rape and murder of a woman in India a couple months ago is having a chilling effect on the country’s tourism sector. A study issued on Monday found that tourism is down 25 per cent in India since the incident. And it appears women are taking a pass on visits to this wonderful, majestic country with more than its share of societal woes, as one report I saw suggested visits by women were down 35 per cent.

According to a report on travelmole, incidents such as the horrific rape and murder in New Delhi in December have "raised concerns about the safety of female travellers to the country," said DS Rawat, secretary general at Assocham, which surveyed 1,200 tour operators from different cities.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on tap for a nine-day visit to regal Paris, set at $2,312, including $514 in taxes.

SAVINGS: Save up to $674 per couple, compared to the cost of booking your air, accommodations, touring and meals separately!

BONUS: Extend your flight for up to 30 days at no additional cost (accommodations extra) and return from anywhere Transat flies in Europe

BONUS: $100 Future Travel Voucher per person to use on future travel with Transat or Nolitours 9-Day, 7-Night Royal Week in Paris Semi-Escorted Tour including visits to the Chateaux of the Loire Valley and Vaux-le-Vicomte, Palace of Versailles, a cruise along the Seine, and more

- Includes return airfare from Toronto to Paris on board Air Transat, and airport/hotel transfers in France 7-nights' accommodation in 4-Star hotels (double occupancy). See below for hotels included (or similar).

- Includes transportation via deluxe motorcoach, services of an English-speaking tour guide, and all sightseeing/entrance fees as per itinerary Meals include 7 hot buffet breakfasts, 2 lunches (1 including wine) and a farewell dinner with wine

- The tour is a mixture of guided sightseeing and independent time You'll tour famous sites like the Palace of Versailles Explore the amazing castles that dot the French countryside

Offer Details

- Valid for travel on August 23, 2013 Pricing (Rates are per person, plus tax): Double: $1798 Single: $2298 Tax: $514.04 We also offer other DATES and GATEWAYS. Call us at 1-855-687-5925.

- Hotels include the following or similar: Mercure Gobelins Place d'Italie or Mercure Montmartre Sacre-Coeur

- Valid passport required for travel from Canada

- This offer is refundable until April 5 at 5PM EST. After that time, this offer is 100% non-refundable.

MOTEL 6: Not what it used to be! ... Deal of the Day: 7 nights in sunny Aruba

I remember Motel 6 when I was a kid in California. Small rooms. Paper wrapped around the drinking glasses. And the vibrating beds with the "Magic Fingers."

Not exactly the Ritz. But they've come a long way.

Motel 6 is renovating its Canadian properties with bright, splashy orange colours and other amenities. They've also created something called Studio 6, a long-stay affair (very popular these days) but with a budget in mind.

They have a Studio 6 (see photo below left, with the green accents) in Mississauga already and they're planning one for late spring in, get this, Kensington Market in Toronto; about as urban a spot as you'll find in the country.

"The hotels are not dumps," laughs Monica Nowak, who's in charge of p.r. for the chain. "The hotels are clean, consistent. But there aren't frills. We have minimal operating costs and that helps consumers.

"There's no food or beverage; just free coffee and vending machines. But there's always a Tim Horton's or an A and W or something nearby. And prices are reasonable; usually $59 to $109."

There are 31 hotels scattered in five provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta. More are planned.

The newer style Phoenix rooms (Nowak describes them as having an "Ikea look") feature free Internet and they're also pet friendly. About one half the motel 6 buildings feature the new Phoenix rooms now. They all should be renovated by 2015, Nowak said.

"They're very good for young professionals or families on a budget. They're called motels but that's just the name. They all have interior corridors like a hotel. The properties are lower-end in the U.S. but not in Canada."

STUCK ON "IT'S A SMALL WORLD"

As a guy who grew up going to Disneyland a lot and still enjoys the Magic Kingdom, I had to chuckle at the story of the guy (well, not really) who got stuck on "It's a Small World" for a half hour. The poor fellow is disabled and apparently didn't get evacuated in the way other guests were when there problems on the ride.

He sued and his attorney says Disneyland awarded him $8,000.

I think we've all been on that ride and thought to ourselves, "Please, lord, don't let this ride break down and make me listen to that insipid song over and over again."

To borrow a phrase from My Fair Lady, "I'd be equally as willing for a dentist to be drilling..."

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on tap for sunny Aruba for $1,719, including $320 in taxes.

Jaunt Highlights

• BONUS: ACV Privileges offer private concierge service, spa discount, $50 casino coupons and more!
• All-inclusive 7-night stay at the 4-Star Occidental Grand Aruba, located on Aruba's Palm Beach
• Includes return airfare from Toronto to Aruba, and round-trip airport/resort transfers in Aruba
• Accommodations in a Supersaver Room, featuring 1 king-size bed plus sofa bed, and balcony or terrace with gardenview
• Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• 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!

• Aruba is one of the loveliest Caribbean destinations
• The casino on-site is a great source of excitement after a lazy day lounging beachfront or poolside
• Aruba's Palm Beach strip is loaded with entertaining things to do from glamourous shopping to decadent dining

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on March 31, 2013
  
• Pricing (Rates are per person, plus tax):
  
  Toronto:
  Double: $1399
  Single: $1829
  Triple: $1359
  Child: $1279
  Tax: $320
  
  Other DATES and GATEWAYS available.
  Call us at 1-855-687-5925.
  
  
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is 100% non-refundable at time of booking

Make air passengers pay by weight? ... China eclipses UK ... Deal of the day

If we buy meat at the supermarket, we pay by weight. If we ship a box to cousin Joe in Saskatoon we pay more for heavier items. So why not make heavier folks pay more for airline seats?

It's almost certainly never going to fly, pardon the pun, but a professor in Norway is making the point.

Writing in this month's Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management (I get it at home but only for the articles), Dr. Bharat P. Bhatta of Sognog Fjordane University College in Norway said weight and space need to be taken into account when airline tickets are priced.

"Charging according to weight and space is a universally accepted principle, not only in transportation, but also in other services," he noted in a story I spotted on travelmole.com.

Yeah, I want to be the Air Canada worker who says, "Excuse me, ma'am, I have to price your ticket. Can you please go over and step on that scale for me?"

There is a certain fairness in the idea of a basic price for everyone and then perhaps a surcharge if you're making the airline burn way more fuel. But it'll never happen.

CHINA SPENDING IN U.S. ECLIPSES UK NUMBERS

It had to happen sooner or later. I read the other day that China now sends more tourists to Los Angeles in a year than any other country outside North America. Now I see a VISA study that spending by visitors from China grew by a whopping 30 per cent last year, putting the Chinese in third spot in terms of spending by inbound markets in the U.S.

Tops, of course, was Canada, and then Brazil. Canadian spending last year was up 4 per cent from 2011, while Brazil spending went up 6 per cent. The UK is now fourth overall in spending in the U.S., followed by Mexico, Japan, Australia, France, Puerto Rico (counted here even though it's part of the U.S.) and Germany.

The study said more than one-half of all VISA spending took place in Florida (up 10 per cent overall from 2011), California and New York. States with high VISA spending growth included Wisconsin (31 per cent), Hawaii (14) and Washington (12).

The study also lists top places Americans spend their VISA money. Number one was Mexico, followed by Canada, the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Puerto Rico, China, Japan and Spain.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on tap for a great cruise of the eastern Mediterranean and a visit to Rome on top of that, priced at $2,025 (including $676 in taxes).

• XCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Save $700 per couple by booking with Jaunt.ca
• 11-Day/9-Vight vacation including a 7-night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise sailing aboard the MSC Divina, followed by 4-star accommodations for 2 nights in Rome
• Cruise departs from and returns to Venice, Italy. Ports of call include: Venice, Italy; Bari, Italy; Katakolon (Olympia), Greece; Izmire, Turkey; Istanbul, Turkey and Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Flights with Alitalia:  Departure flight from Toronto to Venice (via Rome), and return flight from Rome to Toronto
• Includes accommodations, dining and entertainment aboard MSC Divina. Accommodations available in Oceanview (Cat. 4/5), Standard Balcony Oceanview (Cat. 7/8/9) or Superior Balcony Oceanview (Cat. 10/11/12).
• All transfers between airport, hotels, and piers included
• Post cruise enjoy hotel accommodations in the 4-Star Grand Hotel Beverly Hills in Rome, a 2-hour guided coach tour in Venice and a 3-hour guided tour by coach and on foot in Rome.

• The diversity of the ports of call in four incredible countries
• Accommodations on land in 4-Star hotels
• Experience Venice and Rome on foot and in a coach during your last two days

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on May 10 or 17, 2013
• Pricing (Rates are per person, plus tax):
  
  Outside (cat. 4/5): $1349
  Balcony Ocean View (cat. 7/8/9): $1499
  Balcony Ocean View (cat. 10/11/12): $1649
  Tax: $676
  
  For CRUISE ONLY option, 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

View the terms that apply to all Jaunt Vacations offers

More about your Jaunt

A cruise adventure with extra gumption, your time on the MSC Divina will float you toward some of the Mediterranean's most dazzling ports. Once you disembark in Venice, you'll be whisked off to Rome to enjoy more of Italy's effervescent sights with a land tour and luxury hotel stay.

Day 1: Venice, Italy, Depart 4:30 pm

Day 2: Bari, Italy, 10 am - 3:30 pm

Day 3: Katakolon (Olympia), Greece, 8 am - 1 pm

Day 4: Izmir, Turkey, 8:30 am - 3 pm

Day 5: Istanbul, Turkey, 7:30 am - 5 pm

Day 6: At Sea

Day 7: Dubrovnik, Croatia, 11:30 am - 5 pm

Day 8: Venice, Italy, Arrive 8 am

Day 9: Rome, Italy

Day 10: Depart Rome

 

Divine accommodations on the Divina
The MSC Divina displays the company's classic high end interior and every other hallmark of elegance, comfort and luxury elevated to an art form. From the real stone piazza and crystal staircase to the Broadway-style theatre, this ship is dressed to impress. Discover the opulence of the Aurea Spa before perusing the specially commissioned works of art on display at the MSC Yacht Club, and retreat to spacious accommodations with interactive TV and available internet.

 

The ship is outfitted with restaurants to ease any level of hunger, from light snacks to four-course freshly prepared specialties, and the galaxy disco with its retro-chic ambiance and gorgeous panoramic view is the perfect place for a meal or to dance the night away under the stars.

 

Refined Mediterranean exploration

Glorious sights and experiences await you along the Mediterranean's coast. In Bari, you'll get a chance to tour the historical centre, famous Church of St. Nicholas and Castello Svevo. Set on fantastic coastline, Izmir is Turkey's most Mediterranean in style and content. Enjoy the maze of tiny streets filled with shops and covered stalls.

 

Istanbul's skyline is filled with the spires and domes of mosques and medieval palaces. A king's ransom of Ottoman treasures is displayed at the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace (formerly home to the Ottoman sultans and their harems). Meander through the medieval, walled city of Dubrovnik, and delight in a two-hour guided coach tour of Venice upon arrival at the conclusion of your cruise.

 

Ten places I'd rather be today ... Bogart festival in Key Largo ... Deal of Day: Italy

I've just about had it.

I love this city. I really do. But I HATE WINTER AND I'M SICK OF THE COLD. I mean, has anyone looked at the forecast for the next couple days? Two degree highs from now til the end of the weather page on the back of the Star's sports section today.

TWO DEGREES? IT'S ALMOST APRIL!!!!!

The Weather Network forecast this morning shows the temperature climbing all the way to six degrees by next Thursday. Woo hoo!

Geez, I know it'll warm up eventually but I could really use a blast of heat. Which brings me to this list of 10 places you should check out if you feel the same way; all of them places I've had the good fortune to visit in the last few years.

1. Tahiti. Okay, it's expensive to get there, but it's one of the most beautiful places on the planet; crystal clear lagoons, green, jungle clad mountains rising into an impossibly blue sky, great food and warm, friendly people. The most romantic place I've ever stayed in my life was an overwater bungalow (alas, I was on my own) at Le Taha'a Resort. Unbelievable. Bora Bora is a prettier island, as is Moorea (see photo at right at the fabulous and affordable Club Bali Hai resort) But I liked that bungalow the best.

2. Dunedin, Florida. Last chance to catch the Jays in person before they fly north for their home opener. Maybe the last chance to see Ricky Romero in a big league uniform for a while, too, given talk that he might start the season in the minors.

3. Jamaica. You could try one of the all-inclusives but I had a fabulous time at Jake's at Treasure Beach a couple years ago. There's not much in the way of a beach, but the coastline is beautiful and there's a small pool. Best of all is that fun, funky spirit of the place, which has rooms that feel like Morocco meets the Caribbean and great staff. Dougie the bartender is a treasure.

4. New Zealand. It's just turning fall down there now, but the weather is still pretty great. It's supposed to be 23 degrees in Auckland tomorrow. It's a cool city with a great harbour and excellent food. Tremendous beaches are close by, as is Waiheke Island, which has not only great beaches but world-class wineries, olive orchards and inventive, local cuisine. It's still pretty warm down on the South Island these days, too. Queenstown lies on the shores of one of the prettiest lakes you'll ever see. And the Pinot Noir they make at nearby wineries is to die for.

5. Santa Barbara, California. Great wineries, terrific food and beautiful scenery. The beaches are long, the hotels are terrific and the red tiled roofs and towering palm trees paint a pretty picture (see photo at left).

6. Corsica. Okay, it's only 16 degrees today but it's a lot better than here. It's a great part of France, with historical ruins, glittering beaches, great local wines and absolutely tremendous food. An easy flight from Paris or Marseille.

7. Hawaii. Anywhere in Hawaii. I prefer Maui because it was my family's semi-annual vacation spot for years, but Kauai is beautiful and the Big Island has tremendous variety, including the volcanoes and huge ranches with cowboys, called paniolos. I recently wrote about Lanai, which is tons of fun. And don't forget Oahu. Waikiki is fabulous, and Honolulu is a fun, cosmopolitan city with great food and culture. There are great hiking trails and incredible beaches all over the island of Oahu, which doesn't get enough exposure in my book.

8. Barbados. Terrific golf courses and endless, sunny beaches in the west. On the east side, you can find casual restaurants and rum shacks and windswept beaches that go on forever, often with big surf. Don't miss a chance to visit the eccentric and highly entertaining Hunte's Gardens.

9. New Orleans. Again, absolutely killer food and a great cocktail scene. But also tremendous history in this whirling melting pot of a city (see photo at right). I've got a story on New Orleans in Star Travel tomorrow.

10. Australia. Sydney is one of the great cities of the world, with picture perfect beaches like Bondi and Manly, an outstanding harbour, great architecture (well, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, anyway) and great food. I had a great visit to Dunk Island, up near the Great Barrier Reef, after the Olympics in 2000. And I was lucky enough to take a trip to Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock) and the outback a couple years ago, a near religious experience. A country with a little bit of everything.

VOGUE PUMPS UP TORONTO

Despite the weather, Vogue Magazine is touting our fair city. A story I spotted on their website (via Twitter) talks about taking urban trips for March break and names Toronto, Istanbul, Dallas and Lisbon as "four of the buzziest cultural capitals."

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU, KID

Nice item here from Associated Press on a cold, dreary morning. (Wait, did I mention that already?)

Key Largo will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the movie "Key Largo" with a film festival honouring the movie's late star Humphrey Bogart.

Bogart was married to Lauren Bacall, who also starred in the movie. Their son Stephen Bogart is scheduled to headline several events at the Humphrey Bogart Film Festival in Key Largo May 2-5, including a May 2 cocktail reception that he will host with film critic Leonard Maltin. The reception will be followed by an outdoor waterfront screening of the movie.

The 1948 movie "Key Largo" told the story of a group of gangsters holed up in a hotel with the hotel owners and others during a ferocious hurricane.

The festival will feature screenings of additional Bogart films and other classics. Cruises will be offered on the original, century-old African Queen, the boat used in the Bogart film of the same name. Registered as a national historic site, the vessel was relaunched in 2012 following a $70,000 restoration.

Stephen Bogart will also host a "Casablanca"-themed Bogart ball May 4 at the Hilton Key Largo Resort with a Moroccan-themed dinner where Maltin will speak about Humphrey Bogart's contribution to the film noir genre. Tickets to the ball are $175 per person.

Tickets to individual screenings are $10 each. Details at http://www.bogartfilmfestival.com.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on offer for fabulous Tuscany for $2,647, including $498 in taxes. As a guy who met his wife in Florence, I highly recommend this part of Italy for a romantic getaway. Even if you don't drink wine.

Jaunt Highlights

• SAVINGS: Save $300 per couple off regular rates!
• 9-Day/8-Night Dolce Vita in Tuscany, Italy Coach Tour, featuring visits to Cinque Terre, Florence, wine tastings, a cooking class, and much more!
• Includes departure airfare from Toronto to Florence (via Rome) and return airfare from Rome to Toronto, both on Alitalia, plus airport/hotel transfers in Italy
• 8 Nights' accommodation at 4-Star Hotels featuring rooms with private bath or shower, 2 single beds or 1 double bed. Hotels include NH Hotel Excelsior in Siena, Italiana Hotels Florence and the Grand Hotel Beverly Hills in Rome.
• Includes transportation via motorcoach, boat and train, services of an English speaking guide, and all entrance fees as per itinerary
• 16 meals including daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, one including a ¼ litre wine & ½ litre water

• Experience a real Italian cooking lesson in Tuscany
• Sample the robust taste of Italian wines in the countryside they're created in
• Stay in luxurious 4-star accommodations

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on June 6, 2013
• Pricing (rates are per person, plus tax):
  
  Toronto:
  Double: $2149
  Single: $2849
  Triple: $2099
  Tax: $498
  
  We also offer other departure DATES and GATEWAYS.
  Call us at 1-855-687-5925.
  
  
• Includes all taxes and service charges
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is 100% non-refundable at time of booking

 

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

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

Romance blooms in Ontario (of all places!) - a look at Canada's romantic hotels

Well, what do you know. I'm often on the case of the poor folks at Trip Advisor, gently (sometimes) ribbing them about reader polls they do that seem to favour those lucky saps out in Vancouver who probably are already looking at crocuses and daisies popping out of their (wet) gardens.

Time after time, it seems, I get reader polls or what have you that give all the kudos to hotels in British Columbia and all but ignore Ontario and even Quebec. Let alone the poor Maritimes and Newfoundland. But now, just in time for Valentine's Day, comes a Trip Advisor Readers' Choice awards with more geographical balance, Canada-wise.

Their latest offering lines up the 10 most romantic hotels in Canada, and Ontario takes the top prize. I frankly don't know how they get such rewards on Trip Advisor, but Harbour House Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake got top spot for romance in Canada, followed by the Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa in B.C. The next four spots in a row, which I find unrealistic as well, went to Ontario: Woodland Echoes Resort in Magnetewan, Sterling Inn and Spa in Niagara Falls, The Charles Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Riverbend Inn and Vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

In seventh spot came Hotel Kutuma in Montreal, followed by Le Relais Lyonnais in Montreal, Mercer Hall Inn in Stratford, Ontaro and Smugglers Cove Inn in lovely Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

This means Ontario grabbed six of the top ten spots, Quebec two, British Columbia a paltry one (heh, heh) and good old Nova Scotia one.

I put very little faith in these things, to be honest. They're fun to write about but I haven't a clue how people judge these things. Niagara is a romantic place that deserves some spots in the top ten, but 40 per cent?

It's fun to see Ontario beat out those romantics in Quebec, but I simply can't believe there's no place in beautiful Banff that doesn't deserve the top 10. Let alone places I've visited that are absolutely stunning: The Wickaninnish in Tofino, B.C. and Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec (see photo at left of Panache restaurant), which might be the top property in the country. Not to mention Toronto's Ritz-Carlton, Hazelton, Four Seasons, Trump and Shangri-La, or the lovely St. Germain on Mercer Street; still my favourite hotel in the city.

For what it's worth, Trip Advisor also listed the ten most romantic hotels in the U.S. and in the world. Here they are:

U.S. ROMANCE SPOTS

1. Bardessono, Yountville, California, 2. Koa Kea Hotel and Resort, Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii, 3. Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 4. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California, 5. Honor Mansion, a Wine Country Resort, Healdsburg, California, 6. Ocean Lodge, Saint Simons Island, Georgia, 7. Casa Laguna Inn and Spa, Laguna Beach, California, 8. Mountain Home Lodge, Leavenworth, Washington, 9. Tickle Pink Inn, Carmel, California, 10. Henderson Park Inn, Destin, Florida.

Lots of California content, for sure. And, once again, North Dakota gets robbed.

WORLD ROMANCE SPOTS

1. Anastasis Apartments, Imerovigli, Greece, 2. La Minerva, Capri, Italy, 3. Cranleigh Boutique, Bowness-on-Windermere, United Kingdom, 4. Cedar Manor Hotel and Restaurant, Windermere, UK, 5. Baros Maldives, North Male Atoll, Maldive Islands, 6. Casa del Mar, Langkawi, Malaysia, 7, Bardessono, Yountville, California, 8. Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai, 9. Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta, Thailand, 10. Veligandu Island Resort, North Ari Atoll, Maldives Islands.

Nice, but no mention of Tahiti's overwater bungalows? For shame! On the other hand, I've actually been to one of these, Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai. It's stunning and I had an outdoor spa/tub overlooking the desert and a watering hole with, I think, a type of gazelle hanging about. Alas, I was alone...

TROUBLES IN MEXICO

Associated Press reports that six Spanish tourists were raped by a gang of armed, masked men in the Mexican resort of Acapulco, the latest chapter of violence that has tarnished the once-glamorous Pacific coast resort.

The attackers burst into a house the Spaniards had rented on the outskirts of Acapulco, in a low-key beachside area, and held 12 Spanish men and women and one Mexican woman at gunpoint before dawn on Monday. They tied up the six men with phone cords and bathing suit straps and then raped the six Spanish women, said Acapulco Mayor Luis Walton at a press conference later Monday.

"This is a regrettable situation, and of course it is going to damage Acapulco," said Walton. The once-glittering resort that attracted movie stars and celebrities in the 1950s and 60s has already been battered by years of drug gang killings and extortions, but except for a very few incidents, the violence largely has not touched tourists.

Walton said he believed, but wasn't sure, that the assailants in Monday's attack didn't belong to a drug gang.

"From what the attorney general has told me, I don't think this was organized crime, but that will have to be investigated, we don't know," Walton said.

Mexico's Foreign Relations Department issued a statement saying it regretted the attack, and suggesting it was not drug-cartel related.

That's nice. But it doesn't help their tourism situation.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY - JAMAICA

Snow's on the way, folks, so it's a good time to think about a sunny getaway. Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, is offering a deal for the lovely island of Jamaica, at the Grand Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay.

Jaunt Highlights

• BONUS: ACV Privileges offer exclusive check in/late check out (subject to availability), 4 guaranteed à la carte reservations per week, 20% spa discount, nightly turn down service and more!
• All-inclusive 7-night stay at the 4-Star Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica, located in Runaway Bay, Jamaica
• Includes return airfare from Toronto to Montego Bay, and round-trip airport/hotel transfers in Jamaica
• Accommodations in a Junior Suite, featuring 1 king or 2 double beds and private balcony or terrace. Max. occupancy: 3 adults and 1 child, or 2 adults and 2 children
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and unlimited domestic alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Why We Love It:

• Continue the relaxation in your Junior Suite with your own hydro massage tub
• The experience of swimming in a 3-lake style interconnected pool
• The sleek and unique Victorian-style accomodations

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on the following departures:
  Toronto: March 12, 16, 17, 18, 20 & 23, 2013
• Pricing (Rates are per person):
  
  Single: $1449
  Double: $999
  Triple: $979
  1st Child (2-12): $879
  2nd Child (2-12): $399
  Tax: $377
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is 100% non-refundable at time of bookin

 

Man in New Zealand claims wild parrot stole his money ... Jaunt.ca Deal of Day

To paraphrase Monty Python, Now that's what I call a (not) dead parrot. Or maybe it will be if a guy who had his money stolen catches up with the bird.

Travelmole.com today reports that a Scotsman visiting New Zealand claimed all his holiday savings were stolen by a wild parrot.

Here's what Travelmole had to say: "Peter Leach, from Glasgow, said the cheeky bird stole hundreds of dollars from his campervan.

The Scottish tourist left the windows down on his van after stopping to snap photos, including one of an unusual bird on the ground near his vehicle.

"A Canadian couple walked by and said: 'We've just seen that bird take something out of your campervan'," he said.

"It took all the money I had. I was left with 40 dollars in my pocket."

Stuff NZ reported that the unsuspecting tourist had stashed his travel cash - aboot $1,300 NZ dollars (roughly  $1,100 Canadian) - in a small cloth bag and left it on the dashboard, where the bird apparently found it.

The bird - a kea - grabbed the bag and flew off."

Guess campervans should come with hotel mini-safes. Or maybe windows you can, you know, actually roll up for safety?

As for the bird, I'm told by my NZ sources that he has some friends who are Norwegian Blue parrots and is saving all he can for a flight to the fjords.

HEADED OUT ON BUSINESS? STAY IN CANADA AND AVOID MOSCOW

We think we have it bad in Canada sometimes, don't we? High air fares for sure. High restaurant and alcohol prices, also for sure. But we don't pay much for hotels, especially for business hotels.

I constantly see good hotels in major Canadian city centres for $100 or so a night on sites like hotwire.com or hotels.com. And those prices are a JOKE compared to what biz people pay around the world.

A new report by U.K.-based Hogg Robinson Group says business travelers to Moscow can expect to pay a whopping $410 a night. Not far behind are Lagos, Nigeria (where folks seem to want five-star security) at $358, and New York City at $346/night. After that came Hong Kong, Zurich, Geneva, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Sydney and Stockholm.

The cheapest of the 55 cities surveyed was Hyderabad, India, which averaged just $138. Which means they either didn't survey any Canadian cities or that all Canadian cities average less than $138.

The latter would surprise me as the survey seems to be quoting rack rates. I guess some biz folks can still simply book without checking prices. But it's awfully easy to get big discounts these days and I think any business person who spends $346 per night for New York isn't working the old Internet too hard.

I spotted seven U.S. cities on the list. The highest priced was San Francisco at $300 (11th overall in the world), while the cheapest in American city in the top 55 was Atlanta, which finished 44th with an average nightly rate of $184.

As for which cities are seeing higher prices and which are better deals, Hogg Robinson said Rio prices jumped 19 per cent last year, followed by Sao Paulo (18), Tokyo (11), San Francisco (10) and Mexico City (a nine per cent hike). Prices fell 14 per cent for the year in Washington D.C., followed by Bangalore (12 per cent drop), Abu Dhabi (11), Istanbul (10) and New Delhi (a nine per cent fall).

THIS AND THAT

Westin is poised to open its 200th hotel worldwide this year. The hotel group says it will open 11 new hotels this year, the vast majority in fast-growing markets including China, India, Singapore and Panama ... They're calling it the world's highest skating rink. Folks at the John Hancock Tower in fabulous Chicago have opened an artificial ice rink some 1,000 feet above downtown. The rink features tempered glass wall boards, offering skaters an amazing view of Lake Michigan, Lake Shore Drive and the Chicago Skyline from the 94^th floor ... Congrats to Vancouver for winning rights to the prestigious TED conference, which attracts deep thinkers from all over the globe. It should provide a nice boost in publicity to the city and B.C. in general. And, of course, Canada in general, too.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a comprehensive, 15-day Ireland tour package on tap for $3,062, including $464 in taxes. Here are the details:

Jaunt Highlights

• 15-Day Shamrock Royal Ireland Tour, featuring coast to coast touring and visits to the Giant's Causeway, Malahide, Cahir Castle and more!
• Includes return airfare from Toronto to Dublin via Air Transat
• Includes all transfers in Ireland via first class motorcoach, services of a professional tour guide, and all sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
• 14 nights' hotel accommodation in First Class 4-Star Hotels (based on double occupancy) in ensuite rooms
• Includes full Irish breakfast daily, 11 full course evening meals in hotels, and a farewell dinner with entertainment

• Enjoy a luxury coach and first class accommodations
• A hop-on hop-off Dublin bus tour is included
• Enjoy famous sites like Giant's Causeway, the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and more

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on the following departure dates: April 15, 29, May 6, 24, June 7, 14, 2013
• Pricing (Rates are per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy):
  
  April Dates: $2598 + $464 tax
  May Dates: $2798 + $464 tax
  June Dates: $2998 + $464 tax
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada

 

 

 

 

Dresden top world city for hotels: London worst, T.O 70th ... Jaunt deal of day

Looking for a great hotel breakfast? Try Dresden, Germany. More a fan of over-priced hotels with small rooms, expensive mini-bars, long lines at check-in and line-ups for breakfast? Check out hotels in London, England.

Yet another hotel rating report has landed on my virtual desk, this one from a German company called Trivago. According to Reuters, Trivago, a "travel metasearch website," compiled hotel reviews from more than 140 accommodation booking sites and found London came last in a list of 100 cities that had at least 135 hotels and 60 reviews. It did not include TripAdvisor postings.

"Dresden came top with its hotels receiving the highest ratings and most positive reviews from guests," Reuters said.

"Users praised Dresden hotels for their value for money, whilst London hotels were criticised for their prices," said a spokeswoman for Trivago. "In particular, reviewers felt the minibars were overpriced and breakfast service was both overpriced and disappointing, whilst hotels in Dresden were praised for their delicious and well-valued breakfasts."

She said London hotels were also criticised for overcrowding at breakfast, long queues at check-in, inability to cope with large groups of people, small rooms and poor views. On the other hand, hotels in Dresden were praised for their exceptional service, efficiency, helpful staff, as well as their spacious rooms with excellent views.

Finishing just behind Dresden in the list of cities with good hotels were Hanoi, Portland (Oregon), Tokyo and then, in the fifth spot, Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The rest of the top ten featured, in order, Gdansk in Poland, Chicago, Seattle, Krakow and Budapest.

The worst ten? From 91st to 100th and dead last, were the following: Los Angeles, Kiev, Frankfurt, Panama City (Panama), Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Rio de Janeiro and London.

Dresden got a "reputation score" of 83.08, while London notched a mark of just 73.42.

It's a rather damning statement for western Europe, with five big name cities in the bottom 10. But fairly decent for the U.S., with three in the top 10; two in the northwest part of the country.

What about Canada, you say? Glad you asked. Montreal finished down in the 58th spot with a 78.67 reputation score. Toronto? Ai-yay-yay: a pretty poor 70th place with a reputation score of just 78.15.

Other notable cities and their placement in the top 100 include Venice (14), Las Vegas (18), Prague (24), Florence (25), New Orleans (32), Barcelona (33), Orlando (40), Madrid (52), Hong Kong (59), San Francisco (62), Dublin (65), New York (67), Sydney (69), Rome (74), Delhi (80) and Glasgow (86).

I have found London to be quite expensive and rooms are small. Rooms tend to be small in most older, urbanized areas of Europe, for sure. But I'm a tad surprised at some of the results. I've been to Hanoi but only stayed in one hotel. It was pretty nice and fairly cheap; maybe $100 for a room with a nice bath and balcony and decent breakfast very close to the city centre. But number two in the world? I don't know about that.

BETTER TEA WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS

Good story in Star Business today by reporter Vanessa Lu, talking about how British Airways worked with Twinings to develop a better-tasting tea for folks at 35,000 feet. Apparently we lose a lot of our taste buds at such high altitudes and in dry airline cabins, so they're worked out a new "formula" to give the best taste.

Personally, I think tea is highly overrated and doesn't even compare to a good cup of coffee. But, then again, I get grief from friends/family about preferring creme in my coffee versus taking it black. And I VASTLY prefer Tim Horton's drip coffee to Starbucks, although I''ll take Starbucks for a good latte.

I tried Aroma coffee bar at Yonge and Eglinton for the first time on Tuesday and had a wonderful latte. Plus the croissants smelled divine!

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, is offering a cruise package to Alaska. The deal, with Celebrity Cruise lines, is priced at $1,468, including $339 in taxes, and includes air fare.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• BONUS 1: Inside Stateroom - $50 Onboard Credit per stateroom
• BONUS 2: Oceanview Stateroom or higher - $50 Onboard Credit per stateroom PLUS one of the following for FREE:
  - Classic Beverage package for 2 per day
  - Prepaid Gratuities for two per day
  - Additional $200 Onboard Credit per stateroom
• 7-Night Alaska cruise aboard the Celebrity Century, starting from and ending in Vancouver
• Includes return airfare from Toronto to Vancouver with Air Transat, and airport/port transfers
• Ports of call include: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Icy Strait, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan
• Accommodations in an Inside (Category 11) or Oceanview (Category 4, 5 & 7) Stateroom
• Standard onboard dining included

Why We Love It:

• Days at port are full of adventure, days at sea full of amazing sites
• Travel to Juneau, Alaska's capital, as well as the emblematic Hubbard Glacier
• Choose from a wide variety of excursions that pander to active spirits

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on the following sailings: May 5, 12, 19, 26 & June 9, 2013
• Pricing (per person, based on double occupancy):
  May 5:
  Inside: $1259 + $336 tax
  Oceanview: $1659 + $336 tax
  
  May 12:
  Inside: $1149 + $329 tax
  Oceanview: $1599 + $329 tax
  
  May 19:
  Inside: $1199 + $336 tax
  Oceanview: $1799 + $336 tax
  
  May 26:
  Inside: $1129 + $339 tax
  Oceanview: $1849 + $339 tax
  
  June 9:
  Inside: $1149 + $314 tax
  Oceanview: $1749 + $314 tax
• To redeem Bonus 2 for Oceanview bookings, please enter your choice in the Request Box upon booking
• To upgrade to Balcony Stateroom or higher, and receive an additional $50 Onboard Credit, call our travel professionals at: 1-855-GO-JAUNT
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada

 

 

Trip Advisor awards: are B.C. hotels REALLY that much better than Ontario's?

So, I guess Ontario hotels really suck.

Trip Advisor this week announced its 2013 Travelers' Choice Hotel awards, and British Columbia again kicked some serious booty. Topping the charts for all Canadian hotels was L'Hermitage in Vancouver (see photo below) followed by the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver and then Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec City.

The next seven in the top 10 were The Loden in Vancouver, the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, Sonora Resort on Sonora Island in B.C., The James Hotel in Saskatoon, Long Beach Lodge Resort in Tofino, B.C., First Tracks Lodge in Whistler B.C. and the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa in Vancouver.

That's eight of the top ten spots for British Columbia, and, frankly, I'm at a loss. I've stayed at several of the properties on the list and they're deserving of mention. But eight of ten? Only one in Quebec, and none in Ontario? Nonsense. Utter nonsense.

Conde Nast Travel magazine readers recently named Langdon Hall in Cambridge as the best hotel in the country. It often makes lists of best hotels on the continent. But not a sniff did it get from Trip Advisor.

So what gives? I haven't a clue, to be honest. Maybe the voting is dominated by rich folks from Seattle and North Vancouver. I don't know. But it doesn't make sense to me. And, frankly, all kidding aside about B.C. kicking butt, it makes me wonder about the voting for these awards. And that makes me wonder about Trip Advisor's content in general.

A spokesperson for Trip Advisor wrote to tell me that winners are based on more than 75 million reviews and opinions covering more than 650,000 hotels on TripAdvisor and there's no breakdown by region available.

Anyway, one probably shouldn't expect these things to be scientific. Or really very accurate. And there WERE some properties from Ontario in the top 25. Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square was #13, while the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Toronto grabbed the 17th spot and the Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville was #18.

St. Anne's Spa in Grafton, Ontario, a great spot, was named seventh best small hotel in the country. The WIndsor Arms in Toronto was named eighth best small hotel in Canada, while Woodland Echoes Resort in Magnetawan, Ontario was ninth and the Drake Hotel in Toronto was number 10 in small hotels. Tops in the small hotel category was Echo Valley Ranch and Spa in, wait for it, Jesmond, B.C. The next four also were B.C. properties: Abigail's Hotel in Victoria, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in Tofino, Eagle Nook Resort and Spa in Barkley Sound and, in the fifth spot, Hastings House on Salt Spring Island. Really? All of the top five in B.C.?

At least things were better for Ontario in the B and B/Inns category. Tops was Chesterman Beach Bed and Breakfast in Tofino, B.C., but then came Greystone Manor in Niagara Falls, Cecile's House in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Historic Davy House in NOTL and, in the number five spot, Serenity Ranch B and B in Hamilton, and good for Hamilton I say! La Toscana di Carlotta in Niagara-on-the-Lake was eighth in the B and B/Inns category.

As for the U.S., Hawaii did awfully well in the general hotels category. Tops was the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island of Hawaii (also named best in the world; see photo at left), followed by the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and Bardessono in Yountville in the Napa Valley of California. Once again, both Delaware and North Dakota got shut out of the top 10 in the hotels category. So I guess Ontario folks shouldn't feel too badly.....

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has the following deal for a four-star stay in Venice. The deal goes for $1,912 ($1,379 plus $543 in taxes) and includes air fare on rouge, Air Canada's new airline.

Jaunt Highlights

• BONUS: Extend your stay for no additional charge (based on flight availability)
• BONUS: Includes a Venice Walking tour complete with a scenic Gondola ride and a St. Mark’s Square Highlights Tour with line skipping privileges!
  
• 7-nightstay at the 4-Star La Fenice et des Artistes Hotel (or similar), located in Venice, Italy
• Includes return airfare from multiple gateways within Canada (see below)  to Venice, Italy
• Accommodations in a standard quest room (Maximum occupancy: 2 adults)

• Enjoy flying on rouge, Air Canada's new leisure airline designed for comfortable, stylish and easy travel
• Enjoy 7 nights to explore Venice on your own, with a guided walking tour and Gondola ride included
• Beautiful Venetian-style accommodations are included

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on the following departure dates:
  All Gateways: July 7 and 14, 2013
• Pricing (Rates are per person):
  
  Toronto:
  Double: $1379 plus tax
  Tax: $543
  
  Montreal:
  Double: $1931 plus tax
  Tax included
  
  Ottawa:
  Double: $1379 plus tax
  Tax: $545
  
  Calgary:
  Double: $1659 plus tax
  Tax: $550
  
  Edmonton:
  Double: $1659 plus tax
  Tax: $550
  
  Vancouver:
  Double: $1659 plus tax
  Tax: $546
  
  Halifax:
  Double: $1509 plus tax
  Tax: $552
  
  St. John's:
  Double: $1509 plus tax
  Tax: $545
  
  Winnipeg:
  Double: $1549 plus tax
  Tax: $544
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is 100% non-refundable at time of booking