New York state launches $60 million tourism campaign ... Deal of the day

We love New York City. But do we really know New York state?

Canadians flock to Manhattan on a regular basis. And most of us in Ontario know Buffalo and Rochester and perhaps Syracuse.

But I suspect most Canadians aren’t as familiar with some of the great sights that the Empire State has to offer. Which is why New York state governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced the launch of what’s billed as “New York’s largest tourism campaign in decades,” committing some $60 million to grow tourism and create jobs.

The announcement came at the end of a massive New York State Tourism Summit, held to protect the fifth largest employment sector in the state.

“New York State has some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the beaches of Long Island, no matter what you’re looking for you can find it here,” Cuomo said.

Considering the state invested just $19 million in tourism last year, the $60 million figure is astonishing.

(It’s also a good idea for the Canadian government to follow should they ever wake up to the potential of tourism in a country with the variety we have. Instead, however, we have the Canadian Tourism Commission budget being gutted in a very short-sighted move by Ottawa. Shameful).

The campaign will include advertising space in New York subways and airports that promote upstate New York tourism, as well as an emphasis on new welcome centres and a focus on luring folks from Asia and South America.

Chinese and Brazilian visitors love New York City, so it makes sense to try to get them to visit great places like the Adirondacks or the Finger Lakes. But if they’re not bumping up their marketing in Canada they’re missing an easy target. We love shopping in New York and we love New York prices.

I was only in the Adirondacks once, and it was long ago, but it was a beautiful spot; much more mountainous than anything we have in Ontario. Rochester is a fun city we recently profiled in Star Travel, with good food and wonderful (and cheap) golf courses. The Finger Lakes have great food and wine and marvelous scenery, with stunning waterfalls and gentle hills that we’d consider mountains.

I spent a night at a great lodge outside of New York City a few year s ago, the Sagamore on beautiful Lake George (see photo at left). It’s an old-style place like Muskoka's Clevelands House, located on a lovely stretch of lake. A real Muskoka, old-time feel to it, with nice rooms and a big lobby and a fabulous golf course next door.

 

PANAMA CITY BEACH UPDATE

 

We’ve heard of the ball dropping in Times Square in New York. But did you know that on New Year’s Eve in Panama City Beach, Florida they drop thousands of them?

A few years ago, they decided to play up the beach theme down PCB way and drop 10,000 inflated, brightly coloured beach balls from suspended nets. It’s now a great annual tradition, with one group of balls dropping on thousands of kids in the early evening and then a single ball dropping at midnight for adults able to stay up a little later and enjoy live entertainment.

It’s one of many fun and clever events they stage down in Panama City Beach. They also have an annual pirates festival around Canadian Thanksgiving And each winter they do a prom for the seniors who spend their winters in the area. This year there’s also a homecoming event, with a homecoming king and queen.

They've built a new ampitheatre down at Pier Park, a fun area with shopping and rides that's right next to the beach. They'll feature ZZ Top on American Memorial Day weekend later this month and then a couple of teen idols: The Wanter and Cody Simpson.

It’s a fun part of Florida with incredibly white, fluffy sand beaches, good food, lovely nature reserves and good prices.

 

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on tap for a great escape to the Dominican Republic.

 

Jaunt Highlights

• SAVINGS: Two travellers save up to $160 by booking with Jaunt.ca!
• BONUS: Sunwing's SMILE inclusions - 2 children (2-12 yrs) stay & eat FREE (just pay for flight),  no single supplement for an adult sharing a room with up to 2 children, unlimited a la carte dining and more!   
• BONUS: Stay at 1, Play at 3! (Includes access to Grand Palladium Palace and Grand Palladium Bavaro)
• All-inclusive 7-night stay at the 4.5-Star SMILE at Grand Palladium Punta Cana, located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Includes return airfare from Toronto or Montreal to Punta Cana, and round-trip airport/hotel transfers in the Dominican Republic
• Accommodations in a Deluxe Room, featuring 1 king or 2 double beds. Maximum occupancy: 4 Adults or 2 Adults + 2 Children
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

• Stay at 1, Play at 3 gives you access to the Grand Palladium Punta Cana's sister resorts which means more activities, more pools and more dining options
• Bavaro beach is considered one of the most stunning beaches in Punta Cana
• Kids clubs are available for all ages and have loads of activities to keep the little ones entertained

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on the following departure dates:
  Toronto: June 28 & July 5, 12, 19, 26, 2013
  Montreal: June 24, July 1, 8 & August 5, 12, 2013   
• Pricing (Rates are per person, plus tax):
  
  Toronto:
  Double: $795 + tax
  Single: $1095 + tax
  Triple: $785 + tax
  Quad: $775 + tax
  Child (2-12yrs): $325 + tax
  Tax: $390
  
  Montreal:
  Double: $1195 tax included
  Single: $1495 tax included
  Triple: $1185 tax included
  Quad: $1175 tax included
  Child (2-12yrs): $745 tax included
  
  Other DATES and GATEWAYS available.
  Call us at 1-855-687-5925.
  
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is refundable until 5 PM EST on May 15, 2013. After that time, this offer is 100% non-refundable.

 

 

Florida's 500th birthday touches down in T.O./Porter/WestJet news/Deal of day

It's tough to cover the entire Sunshine State in an hour. But they made a pretty good attempt at it.

Folks from Florida's tourism department put on a breakfast at the Hazelton Hotel in Toronto today, serving up French toast and eggs and delicious orange juice (Florida variety, I presume). There were representatives from Miami, Naples, Sarasota, Orlando, Tampa, Amelia Island, Fort Lauderdale, The Space Coast, Fort Myers/Sanibel, The Palm Beaches and more, including some smaller, old-time places such as Flagler Beach (between Daytona and St. Augustine) and Crystal River, about 80 minutes north of Tampa.

It would take way too long to go over the details, but here a few tidbits/highlights to whet your Florida whistle:

- Ponce de Leon "discovered" Florida in April, 1513. There's a replica of one of his ships sailing the waters of the area he called "La Florida" right now.

- The $100 million Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibition opens in late June at the Kennedy Space Center.

- Greater Fort Lauderdale gets 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and there's a new Barbie Dreamhouse Experience opening at Sawgrass MIlls shopping centre tomorrow (May 8).

- Miami (this is from their p.r. person) has a temptation for everyone, "no matter what your vice." They also have upcoming months focussed on deals for romance, golf (speaking of vice), restaurants and spas. On top of that, they're getting set to open a 30-acre museum park with a science museum and an art museum and a new Metro station.

- The Inn on Fifth in Naples has undergone a major renovation and now has club level suites with larger space and 24-hour concierge service, while the Omni Amelia Island (a great beach location) near Jacksonville just underwent an $85 million reno.

- Tampa has several new hotel options, including a new Aloft on the HIllsborough River and a Le Meridien inside the old federal courthouse. In Tampa's Hyde Park historic district, a 137-room boutique hotel called The Epicuream will open in Dec. 2013. It will devoted to "extraordinary culinary experiences" and is being developed in collaboration with Bern's Steak House. It also will be the first newly constructed property in the U.S. to join the Autograph Collection of Marriott International and will sport a rooftop lounge. Nice idea.

- In Naples, there's a Dolphin Explorer Cruise you can take with scientists who study dolphins; a fun and educational experience, I'd think. They also have a new children's museum and a kids' area in the Naples Botanical Garden.

- They call The Palm Coast and Flagler Beaches area "the quiet side of Florida," with a real, old-time feel. I've seen photos and I like the look of the place, but alas have never been. Noting her area is between Daytona's famous speedway and historic St. Augustine, a public relations woman called the coast "between The Fast and The Past."

- Sea World Orlando will soon open "the coldest attraction in Florida," a ride/exhibit called Antarctica; The Empire of the Penguins.

- Orlando is adding a giant Ferris Wheel that's a replica of The Eye in London.

- There are 90 public golf courses in Fort Myers, not to mention excellent beaches and bird-watching opportunities. I had no idea, but there's also an Amish/Mennonite area of town.

AIRLINE COMPETITION. ISN'T THAT A GOOD THING?

I had to laugh at the Globe's Report on Business this morning. They had a solid story on WestJet starting its new Encore service and Air Canada getting ready to launch its discount Rouge service. The story talked about how the increased competition might mean too much capacity or could mean big discounts. When the story turned from the front page of the section, there was a headline that said "fare wars are feared."

Maybe if you're an investor, they are. But if you're a consumer like you and me, the appropriate headline might be: "fare wars could be coming: LET'S PARTY!!!!"

Speaking of WestJet, it's fascinating to see the front page story in today's Star on how the federal government has said the airline can now operate with one flight attendant for every 50 passengers, rather than the previous standard of one for every 40. The move allegedly was made to put Canadian airlines in line with U.S. and international standards.

But a union official made a good point in today's Star.

“What does competitiveness with U.S. airlines have to do with the safety of these employees and the flying public,” asked Paul Moist, national president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents flight attendants at such airlines as Air Canada, Air Transat, Canjet and Sunwing.

An excellent point.

PORTER DEBATE CONTINUES

I think that was a pretty major victory for Porter on Tuesday, getting Toronto city council to sign off on studies (at Porter's expense) on how jets would impact the Island Airport. It sounds like the airline has made some concessions to opponents such as councillor Adam Vaughan, so we'll see where it goes. But I like their chances of getting final approval later this year; a move with wide implications for the tourism biz in Toronto and for travellers.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal this week for a 3-night bus tour to fabulous Chicago for just $489, all in.

• 3-Night, 4-Day Escorted Chicago Bus Tour, with transportation from Toronto via Deluxe Motorcoach
• 3-nights' accommodation at the Quality Inn Schaumburg (or similar) with daily breakfast
• Includes guided sightseeing tours of Chicago and Oak Park – including a River Cruise on the Chicago River, visits to Lincoln Park Zoo & Gardens and Wrigley Field, shopping on the Magnificent Mile, and more!

• Guided tour that hits many of the city's most popular attractions
• Lots of leisure time to explore cultural nightlife opportunities
• Close proximity to Chicago's renowned food scene, with eclectic dishes from Italian, Polish, Southeast Asian and many other nationalities

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on June 14, 2013
• Pricing (Rates are per person, tax included):
  
  Double: $489
  Single: $689
  Triple: $469
  Quad: $439
  Child: $289 (11 yrs and under sharing with two adults)
  
  
• Depart from any of the following pick-up locations:
  
  5:30 am: Scarborough Town Centre (near YMCA)
  230 Town Centre Court
  Scarborough, ON
  M1P 4Y7
  
  6:30 am: Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre
  Omega Tours Office  
  Unit 55-3175 Rutherford Road
  Vaughan, ON
  L4K 5Y6
  
  7:15 am: Square One
  151 city Centre Drive
  South of Square One Mall
  ( in front of Tim Horton's)
  
  8:15am: Real Canadian Superstore
  GRIMBSY
  361 South Service Rd
  
  
• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to pick-up time. All departure times are dependant on traffic.
• Complimentary parking available at Sarracini Travel located at Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre
• Includes complimentary parking at Sarracini Travel, located at Vaughan Mills departure location
• Valid passport is required. If you are born outside of Canada, you must have a valid passport along with a visitor's visa. We do not take responsibility for anyone who is denied entry into the United States.
• This offer is refundable until 5 PM EST on May 8, 2013. After that time, this offer is 100% non-refundable.

 

Looking for love in the air? Try United or Delta ... Jaunt.Ca deal of the day: Disney

I wrote an item recently about Sir Richard Branson's Virgin airline launching a way for folks to buy each other a drink on board as a way of making a mile-high introduction. Now comes a report suggesting the best airlines (alas, only American ones) for making a love connection.

According to a story in the Atlanta Journal Constituion, your best chances are on a Delta Air Lines flight if the object of your desire is a single woman. The "destination-dating" website MissTravel.com surveyed 2,000 single female travelers to find out which airline they use most often and 28 percent said Delta was their No. 1 choice. The airline was preferred by 13 percent more women than those who chose No. 2 United Airlines. Delta and United are the No. 1 and No. 2 largest U.S. carriers, respectively.

United was followed by US Airways, Southwest, Virgin, JetBlue and AirTran.

Single women also appear to be more talkative while traveling, according to MissTravel.com. Sixty-four acknowledged they speak to strangers at airports or on flights than anywhere else; 39 percent said that they have or would consider dating someone they met during a flight.

Brandon Ware, the website's founder, suggested airlines increase their appeal to women traveling for leisure and the woman "who may have her eyes open for a potential love interest."

CHEAP U.S. AIRPORTS STILL LURING CANADIANS

The exodus of Canadians to cheaper airport south of the border shows no signs of abating. A CBC story out of WInnipeg says folks in Canada's avaiation industry are quite worried.

"What we really need to do is get airports, airlines and government in the room together to develop a new, national air travel strategy," said Daniel-Robert Gooch of the Canadian Airports Council.

Gooch was speaking at the Western Canadian Aviation Forum in Manitoba last week.

Canadians flying from U.S. airports "is a growing problem," said Senator Dennis Dawson, chairman of the Senate transport and communications committee. "It has been a problem for a yew years, but every year it grows by about 15, 20 per cent, so that means it is revenue lost for Canada."

Gooch said Ottawa needs to look at fees and taxes levied on Canadians and that lower fees would encourage Canadians to fly out of Canadian airports. But the federal government appears unwilling to do much about it.

Steven Fletcher, Canada's miniser of state for transport, suggested taxpayers shouldn't subsidize people's flights.

"Why would a Canadian taxpayer want to subsidize a trip to the Caribbean? Because that's essentially what is being argued."

THIS AND THAT: Cabot Links golf open ... Air Canada Vacations ... Wales and New York news

Cabot Links, which is an absolutely outstanding golf course in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is open for the season. They've reworked the course a bit and created a new 12th hole, which means six holes are right on the ocean (and the others have ocean views). They also have upgraded and renovated the clubhouse bar, which has great views of the course ... Members of Aeroplan have another way to earn miles or points. Aeroplan has signed a deal with The UPS Store Canada, giving customers more options for earning flights ... Air Canada Vacations has added Turkey to its lineup for the first time. Starting in June of this year, they'll offer nonstop flights to fabulous Istanbul  ... Happy first birthday to the Wales Coast Path. The path traverses The only footpath of its kind on the planet, the Wales Coast Path encircles all three sides of the Welsh Peninsula, along the entire 870 miles of its pristine coastline, encouraging visitors and residents alike to ‘discover the shape of the nation.’ It's a gorgeous coastline, I can tell you that. I especially loved the area around Nefyn when I was there for a golf trip a few years ago ... Starwood is spending $400 million renovating some of its top properties in New York City, including The Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, W New York – Times Square, W New York - Union Square, W New York, The Westin New York at Times Square and The Westin New York Grand Central. I stayed at the W at Union Square last summer and thought it was terrific.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a fine deal on tap for Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in Orlando, Florida, priced at $1,344, including $145 in taxes.

Jaunt Highlights

• BONUS: Includes 7-Day Magic Your Way Base Tickets with FREE UPGRADE to Park Hopper Option which gives you the flexibility to come and go through all 4 Walt Disney World Theme Parks on the same day for the entire length of your ticket!
• BONUS: Receive one $25 HBC gift card per adult booked
• 7-night stay at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• Includes return airfare from Toronto or Montreal to Orlando with Air Canada, and round-trip hotel/airport transfers in Florida
• Accommodations in a Standard View Room, featuring 2 double beds. Max. occupancy: 4 adults or 2 adults + 2 children

• The island feel of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort enhances your experience in the world's most magical vacation destination
• You'll be close to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Enjoy the ultimate family vacation - create memories to last a lifetime!

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on the following departure dates:
  Toronto: June 13, July 30 & Aug 6, 2013                                   
  Montreal: June 6, 2013
• Pricing: (Rates are per person);
  
  Toronto:
  June 13, 2013:
  Double: $1199 + tax
  Single: $1839 + tax
  Triple: $1029 + tax
  Quad: $949 + tax
  Child (age 2-17): $559 + tax
  Tax: $145
  
  July 30 & August 6, 2013:
  Double: $1319 + tax
  Single: $1939 + tax
  Triple: $1159 + tax
  Quad: $1079 + tax
  Child (age 2-17): $699 + tax
  Tax: $145
  
  
  Montreal:
  June 6, 2013
  Double: $1294 tax included
  Single: $1884 tax included
  Triple: $1124 tax included
  Quad: $1044 tax included
  Child (age 2-17): $694 tax included
  
  For FLIGHT TIMES, OTHER DATES and GATEWAYS call us at 1-855-687-5925.
  
  
• Add a Meal Plan: Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan offers dining at over 50 select restaurants throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and is available to add on to your package. To add Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan to your booking call our travel professionals at 1-855-687-5925.
  
• Magic Your Way Theme Park Ticket with Park Hopper Option: This option gives you the flexibility to come and go through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
• 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

Pearson baggage woes ... Ottawa's tulip festival .. WestJet to Myrtle ... Deal/day

I flew into Toronto on Sunday from a trip out west, landing at Pearson around 4 p.m. Canadian Customs wasn’t remotely busy and there weren’t many people in the baggage claim area.

Yet it was crowded as can be as seemingly all the flights were disgorging bags onto the same carousel, number 10. There seemed to be a few other carousels in use at the far end, but in my immediate area there were probably seven or eight empty carousels. Yet mine was listing seven different flights for that carousel at one point.

After waiting 20 minutes (from the time the plane reached the gate) for the first bags to finally show, we were told they were switching over to Carousel 9; a good call given the crowding at number 10. Even then, however, it took another 15 minutes or so for the first bags to show up. And on a day when the airport wasn't busy.

I’m sorry but I just don’t understand how this works. As I’m wont to do, I put out a note on Twitter and got several responses from fellow frustrated Pearson users.

I got a response today from airport officials, explaining that they haven’t been able to get definitive answers from Air Canada about their staffing levels.

They went on to say they’re “looking at better ways to allocate the carousels, and we’re working with all airlines to make sure they are moving bags onto our system asap.”

Spokesman Scott Armstrong also told me that with the introduction of automated Customs kiosks in Terminal 3 (the first ones are coming to Terminal 1 soon; maybe the third week in May) and with more folks using the Nexus pass to speed through customs, folks are getting to the baggage hall a lot faster, “which exacerbates any delay of baggage delivery.”

At least officials admit they have work to do…

TULIPS AND MORE TULIPS

If you love spring flowers as much as I do, you definitely should check out the Canadian Tulip Festival, which starts Friday in Ottawa.

From May 3 through 20, 2013, the event features special programming and more than a million tulips of every colour on display in public areas downtown. Commissioners Park alone features 300,000 bulbs.

The tulip is Ottawa’s official flower, stemming from World War II, when the Dutch Royal Family took refuge in Ottawa and Princess Margriet—the younger sister of recently retired Queen Beatrix—was born during their stay. Canadian troops played a pivotal role in the liberation of the Netherlands, so when the war ended and the Royal Family returned to Europe, they sent a gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa. The gift of tulips continues to this day.

TORONTO TRAVEL NUMBERS

Toronto tourism is on the upswing. Officials with Tourism Toronto say American visits in 2011 rose 3 per cent, while last year they jumped 4.7 per cent.

When you consider the strength of the Canadian dollar and the expense of gas and airline tickets these days, those aren’t bad numbers. Mind you, cities around the world are claiming pretty significant tourism increases in general as the world economy stabilizes and business travel returns.

Still, 4.7 per cent is a decent number no matter how you slice it.

WEST JET TO MYRTLE BEACH

WestJet today begins seasonal service from Toronto to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The service runs every Thursday and Sunday from now until the end of October, making it easy to take a four-day break or a longer holiday in a market that’s always been hugely popular with Canadians.

The high season is really March and April, which WestJet has missed. But Tim Croyle, vice president and general manager of WestJet Vacations, said bookings are good.

“It’s a great long weekend spot as it’s only two hours away,” he said. “You can leave Toronto at 9:30 a.m. and be there in time to have lunch on the beach.”

Golf is obviously a big part of the draw, with some 250 courses in the area, Croyle said. I was there a couple years ago and found some tremendous courses at very reasonable prices. I especially loved Caledonia Fish and Golf Club; a fabulous layout that’s dripping with beautiful trees covered with Spanish moss and littered with flowering shrubs. There’s also a terrific clubhouse where you can sip a cool drink on a wide porch and watch golfers play over the water at the 18th hole.

Nearby Murrells Inlet is a great place to stroll and get a bite to eat, right on the water.

And I found the food to be outstanding all over town for the most part. And very reasonably priced.

Croyle said WestJet has air only options, or you can book a package and arrange a stay at a hotel, resort or condo.

They currently have four properties, all on the beach or right across from the beach, and more are on the way.

“It’s a great family destination and there’s lots of shopping, too,” Croyle said.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on tap for a great, 15-day trip across South America. It's priced at $5,895, including $250 in taxes, and hits on the most iconic sights on the continent.

Jaunt Highlights

• 15-Day/13-Night South American Wonders Tour, including visits to Rio de Janeiro (see photo at right), Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls, Machu Picchu and more!
• Includes all international and domestic airfare, plus airport/hotel transfers throughout the tour. See Offer Details for more info.
• Includes transportation via private air conditioned vehicles, accompaniment of a licensed English speaking tour guide in Peru, Brazil & Argentina, sightseeing & entrance fees as per the itinerary and more!
• Accommodations based on double occupancy. Refer to itinerary below for hotels (or similar).
• 21 meals including daily breakfast, 4 lunches & 3 dinners

• Embark on a scintillating journey to world famous sites like Machu Picchu and Iguassu Falls
• Have unique experiences like dinner & folklore in Lima and a tango show in Buenos Aires
• Enjoy the best possible views in Brazil with trips to the top of Sugarloaf and Corcovado Mountain

Offer Details

• Valid for travel on November 8, December 29, 2013 & February 3, 2014
• Pricing (Rates are per person, plus tax):
  
  November 8, 2013:
  Double: $5645
  
  December 29, 2013:
  Double: $6975
  
  February 3, 2014:
  Double: $5995
  
  Single Supplement: $1200
  Tax: $250
  
  We also offer Other TOURS to South America.
  Call us at 1-855-687-5925.
  
  
• Your Flights Include: Departure airfare from Toronto to Rio de Janeiro and return airfare from Lima to Toronto, domestic round-trip flight from Rio to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Lima, Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima.
• Accommodations Include: Windsor Plaza in Rio de Janeiro (3 Nights), Viale Cataratas in Iguassu Falls (2 Nights), Amerian Park in Buenos Aires (3 nights), Eco Inn Cusco in Cusco (4 nights) & Jose Antonio in Lima (1 night)
• Optional Tours: option to add a full day tour to Petropolis and/or a Rio by night show during stay in Rio de Janeiro at an additional cost. 
• Visa, gratuities and optional tours/excursions are NOT included. Tourist visa for Brazil is required. For more information CLICK HERE
• Ferry tickets from Buenos Aires to Montevideo are required and NOT included. Additional cost of $150 per person to be paid locally.
• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
• This offer is 100% non-refundable at time of booking

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oregon: one vastly under-rated state ... Porter adds Boston/Chicago flights

Folks from all over Canada know California.

Many of us, especially those in British Columbia, are familiar with Washington state, B.C.'s neighbour to the south.

Oregon? Not as much. This is a state that gets sandwiched between two bigger west coastAmerican brothers and probably doesn't get the visitation it deserves. It's a bit far for a day trip from B.C. and it's a hundreds of miles north of San Francisco.

But if you don't check it out you're missing a huge treat; a wildly diverse state that has just about everything you could want in a relative compact package: endless, beautiful beaches; towering mountains; alpine lakes; gorgeous and trendy cities with fabulous food and pubs, a vast desert area with world-class golf and adventure and a deeply green valley that grows some of the best wines in the world; especially Pinot Noir.

Oregon officials pride themselves especially on their food and drink scenes and on adventure travel. Because they have the Willamette Valley, they can grow darn near anything in a climate that's cooler than California but warmer than B.C., for the most part.

They didn't invent farm-to-table cuisine, one official told me over coffee this week, they just live it. Portland has an amazing food scene, with tons of fresh seafood and Oregon beef and inventive, cosmopolitan dishes. It's also one of the leading brewpub cities of the world.

Portland likes to be different. There's a large (and popular) wall in town that says "Keep Portland Weird."

The traditional downtown (for tourists anyway) on the west side of the river has been a lively spot for years, but now the neighbourhoods on the east side are becoming just as hip, with new distilleries hawking homemade gin, vodka and whisky. I'm told you can take a $20 pedicab tour and check out several distilleries, all the while admiring traditional neighbourhoods and cool architecture.

It's only 45 minutes to the Columbia River Gorge from Portland, 30 minutes to the Willamette Valley and 90 to the Pacific Ocean. The state has 580 km of oceanfront property,and it's all open to the public. Some of it is rocky and looks like Big Sur in California, while other parts offer broad, sweeping beaches and cute fishing villages. You also can check out some of the best golf on the planet at Bandon Dunes, a true links course where they have several options, including a par-3 course. Some of the sand dunes nearby are open for folks to try sandboarding; like snowboarding but without the ice. And the cold. Mind you, with the Cascade Mountains you can try real skiing or snowboarding for large stretches of the year, too.

The area around Bend, in the centre of the state, is famous for its low humidity and beautiful river canyons. Lots of rafting and watersports and hiking and golf and biking in the area.

Further west and north is Pendleton, home of the famous Western shirts. This is cowboy country, with rolling hills and endless ranches and a real western feel.

Toss in some good university towns and natural spots such as Crater Lake National Park and you've got perhaps one of the most diverse states in the U.S.

And there's no sales tax, even on your food and drink purchases. So it's great for shopping.

The best way to get there for now is through Calgary or Vancouver but Oregon officials are hoping to someday soon land a direct flight from Portland to Toronto.

PORTER ADDS OPTIONS

Porter Airlines today announced added weekend flights from the Toronto Island Airport to both Boston and Chicago, effective immediately. They're also adding another weekday flight from the island (Billy Bishop Airport) to Chicago's Midway airport from June 24 to Aug. 30.

This has increased the number of weekly options to as many as 43 roundtrips, for both Boston and Chicago, including eight weekend roundtrips to both cities, officials said.

“Boston and Chicago have always been popular markets, but with the launch of Porter Escapes, our new packaged vacations platform, we are seeing even higher demand for leisure travel to these two cities,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “The additional Saturday flights allow greater flexibility for weekend travel, providing convenient options for any schedule.” 

 

 

A $1.56 million trip of a lifetime ... New flights T.O. to Dublin ... Halifax golf

It’s a tad expensive as trips go. Roughly $1.56 million, to be precise. But it promises to be the vacation/expedition of a lifetime.

A company called VeryFirstTo.com is selling an Ultimate Journey package that includes the Taj Mahal, Petra in Jordan, Angkor Wat in Cambodia (see photo below), the Forbidden City in Beijing and Peru’s Machu Picchu. And a few other spots, such as, get this, every one of the world’s 962 World Heritage Sites.

Although various governments current advise against visiting some World Heritage Sites, including Pasargadae in Iran and Leptis Magna in Libya, the firm apparently will try to make everyone happy, according to the Daily Telegraph in London.

The trip includes overland travel and flights (in business class cabins or superior), while tours of the different sites will be guided (presumably by workers carrying peacock feathers and iced Grey Goose martinis). Accommodation will be at a range of luxury hotels, including Sandy Lane in Barbados (a lovely spot I got to stay in - briefly - a few years ago) the Hotel George V in Paris and The Plaza in New York (a Fairmont property, also a very fine hotel).

The trip – billed as the ‘world’s most expensive holiday’ – was launched last month by VeryFirstTo.com. Now the company’s founder, Marcel Knobil, says two wealthy travellers have expressed firm interest in becoming the first people to embark on what the Telegraph called “an epic odyssey.”

The first chap is said to be a Chinese fellow who can’t go until he’s finished his PhD tudies next year. An Italian industrialist also is on the verge of booking, according to Knobil.

Just in case you have cash to spare, VeryFirstTo.com also is willing to book you a trip into space for $108,000 and the chance to wake up surrounded by more than one million rose petals for a $110,000.

The latter seems kind of expensive to me. I think you probably could drive to Ottawa and lie down in front of Parliament Hill and wake up in mid-May with about a million tulip petals all around. And you’d only have to pay for your bail after the cops arrest you.

ON THE OTHER HAND

If you’re more in the market for value, Fox News recently put out a list of its top value hotels around the world.

Among them was the Coco Palm Resort in St. Lucia, which I’ve heard previously is a good deal, as well as Le Richelieu in the French Quarter of New Orleans, The Dean Street Townhouse in London, England and Hotel Le Germain Dominion in Quebec City.

Fox cited the Germain’s “historic, wood-and-stone façade” and bank vault doors that are played off against stylish, modern décor. Breakfast is included and there’s also free Internet (hurray) and a Nespresso coffee machine in each room.

I went online and found a room in early May for $222. Not cheap but not bad for what looks like a nice property.

IRELAND RISING

More than a million folks from Canada and the U.S. visited Ireland last year and spent more than $994 million, an increase of 9.3 per cent. This year marks a year-long event called The Gathering, a series of festivals and events celebrating “the unique nature of what it means to be Irish.” Which means numbers could increase even more. Air Canada this week announced it will start year-round service from Toronto to Dublin on its new, discount airline, Rouge, beginning May 1, 2014. Service this year is from May 17 to Sept. 30.

THIS AND THAT 

Toronto golf designer Tom McBroom has announced a new, championship course for Halifax. It’s called The Links at Brunello and is slated to open in June 2015. There hasn't been much in the way of new golf course construction in this country for a while, so it's a good sign. I hope … I guess we can put our pocketknives – and hockey sticks – back in cold storage. After suggesting they’d lift the ban on those and other items on airplanes, the folks at TSA in the U.S. now say they need to consult pilots, airline workers and other concerned parties (many of whom have expressed alarm at the proposal) before they can revoke the ban … Nice way to start a vacation? Not really. It seems a worker at Los Angeles International Airport the other day mistakenly hit a switch and, for eight minutes, caused flight status signs to flash the message “Emergency: Leave the Terminal.” …

Canadians want more airline competition...Naked body scanners...Deal of Day

More flights. More airlines. More purchasing options.

A study conducted for the Consumers Association of Canada shows Canadians are strongly in favour of more access for international carriers.

The group’s polling found that 60 per cent of Canadians believe foreign airlines should be allowed to increase their service to Canada. Only 14 per cent of respondents were opposed.

Looked at another way, 61 per cent of Canadians said they think foreign airlines should be allowed to compete with Canadian airlines for their business, with only 20 per cent opposed.

Air Canada has been fighting to keep Emirates from adding more flights to Canada, saying it would hurt the Canadian economy and cost jobs in this country. The Harper government, so far, has been swayed by that argument. But there’s been a thaw in relations between Ottawa and the United Arab Emirates government, and it could be that efforts by Emirates to get more landing spots in Canada will soon be renewed.

The CAC poll had some other findings that weren’t too surprising. Asked if allowing more foreign airlines to fly to Canada would lead to more competition for their travel dollar, a full 77 per cent of folks agreed. Only six per cent disagreed. Asked if allowing more foreign airlines to come here would lead to lower travel costs, 69 per cent said yes and 12 per cent disagreed.

But those are silly questions. Of course more airlines means more competition. The question that matters is whether that competition is a good thing. Sure, it’s good for our travel budget. But it might not be good for the economy as a whole, which is what Air Canada argues with some justification. I’d like to see more competitition, but I am mindful of the effects it might have here at home. So is the Prime Minister.

The CAC said it will use the poll “to renew our call for Canada to adopt a dramatically different approach to international aviation.”

“Current policy has protected vested interests,” said CAC president Bruce Cran. “It is time to open Canada’s skies and welcome foreign carriers into this market to compete for the business of Canadian travelers.”

Good luck, sir. Good luck.

CANADA’S SENATE WEIGHS IN ON AIR TRAVEL

The Canadian senate has weighed in with a report on the future of the aviation industry in this country.

The Standing Committee on Transport and Communications issued a report called “One Size Doesn’t Fit All: The Future Growth and Competitiveness of Canadian Air Travel.” Putting aside the sexy title and all, I can’t for the life of me tell what the report is supposed to mean by reading the committee’s press release.

The top sentence in the release says this: “Canada needs a single, cohesive national air travel strategy, which must take into account the needs and challenges of all regions, particularly in the North, to chart a new course toward increased air travel in Canada.”

The release says the committee determined that “efforts to improve the competitiveness of regional and northern air transport should begin with transportation strategies that support air traffic growth, and infrastructure improvements that lead to accessible pricing for all Canadians.”

Later I discovered, it talks about how airport rents should be phased out to make airlines more competitive. This also was in the committee's interim report and is an interesting item.

The National Airlines Council of Canada sent out a release today saying it welcomes the Senate report "supporting its position that air travellers are being unduly penalized by excessive taxes and fees that are making air travel more costly for Canadians."

LESS INTRUSIVE SCANNERS AT CANADIAN AIRPORTS

It’s probably a good thing that the Harper government says it will bring in new software that will reduce the size of the images revealed by so-called naked scanners at the airport.

Officials in Ottawa said the new software will produce a computer-generated stick figure, and not so much a realistic body image, while still protecting Canadians with proper security.

I guess it’s good. But I never bought into the whole civil liberties argument about body scanners and all those crazy folks screaming about invasion of privacy.

I mean, do folks honestly think that airport security workers who can access any pornography they want at home will get their jollies by looking at wavy, grainy images on a computer screen in a back room at Pearson Airport? I don’t think so.

BLUE MOUNTAIN CHANGES

Skyline International Development Inc. today announced the closing of a $20 million investment and acquisition in Blue Mountain.  Skyline has purchased both retail and undeveloped residential land interests in and adjacent to the renowned Blue Mountain Village at the base of Blue Mountain Resort.

"Under the retail portion of the agreement, Skyline has acquired 50 per cent of existing commercial retail space within the Blue Mountain Village from current owner Intrawest ULC. In addition, Skyline will manage the remaining 50 percent of the Village's retail space. Skyline has also acquired the land to build an additional 20,000 sq. ft. of retail space to expand the Village retail. Skyline's retail interest under agreement at Blue Mountain is currently generating $1.5 million of net operating income.

In the residential portion of the acquisition, Skyline has acquired 136 acres of remaining developable land in and adjacent to the Village, with plans to double the Village's current residential footprint. Skyline intends to develop 1,200 residential units, townhouses and single-family homes along the golf course and in the Village centre in the years ahead.

 

“We are very excited to be part owners of one of North America’s premier destinations. The Blue Mountain Village acquisition is an important milestone for Skyline’s growth. As of today, we can offer visitors and home buyers a unique set of four-season activity-focused destination communities, extending from downtown Toronto and reaching across southern Ontario,” says Gil Blutrich, Skyline Chairman. “We look forward to bringing the knowledge and expertise of our team to the table to make Blue Mountain this country’s top vacation destination, while offering more home buyers the chance to live in the heart of this thriving resort community and be connected to the rest of our portfolio.”

 

CARNIVAL IMPROVEMENTS

Good to see that Carnival Corp., the cruise operator that has suffered so many black eyes this year, will spend around $700 million or more on fire protection and backup systems across its 101-ship fleet.

According to Bloomberg News, Carnival will install added emergency generators and reinforce shipboard systems to prevent losses of power like the one that occurred on the Carnival Triump in February.

“Safety is our highest priority,” said Carnival vice chair and COO Howard Frank.

If it wasn’t before, it damn well should be now.

Nice moves, but the cruise company had little choice but to make a splash (pardon the pun) given the problems they’ve had.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

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  Toronto:
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Beautiful - and tasty - Livermore Valley, California ... Deal of the Day:

LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA - It's a sunny April day, maybe 24 degrees. I've just finished tasting wine at three wonderful wineries in what's called the Tri-Valley area east of San Francisco, a region that in spring is covered with green, rolling hills dotted with yellow wildflowers and brilliant orange poppies.

The vineyards cascade up and down small hills, alternating with small ranches and farms and nestled in valleys with winding roads just made for a convertible.

This area has been a winemaking region for decades and has some of the oldest wineries in the state, including Wente Family Vineyards and Concannon. That much I knew, having worked in the valley for a small newspaper from 1979 to 1981.

What I didn't know is that there are now a whopping 52 wineries in the valley, most selling top-notch reds and whites of just about any variety you can think of. It's too hot in summer for really good Pinot Noir, but there's fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Bordeaux blends, Merlot, Zinfandel and smoky, tasty Port being made all over the valley, particularly in the southeastern section. They also make pretty good Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio and excellent Chardonnay.

What I also hadn't really realized is just how much the city of Livermore has changed. When I was hanging out in these parts it was a cow town, known mostly for saddle shops and mom and pop stores. When I pulled over the other day and walked around, I didn't even recognize the place.

First St. around N. Livermore Ave. is now a dazzling spot with all sorts of urban energy. On one corner I spotted a child splashing in one of those fountains that shoots water into the air in random patterns. On another corner, a second fountain was gurgling in a small park in front of one of the town's renovated, historic buildings.

A third parkette on another corner backed up against a Peet's Coffee Shop, a small chain based in the East Bay. Folks were gathered in the shade of several huge trees, gossiping about who knows what and sipping their lattes.

Around the corner I saw folks spilling out of a live theatre performance. A short walk down First St. revealed a series of cool-looking restaurants; barbeque joints, a Thai place, an Indian restaurant, and more. A couple of women were soaking up the sun at a lovely sidewalk cafe, as well.

All of this beautiful scenery and urban life and outstanding golf courses and the fabulous, world-class wineries are just 45 minutes to an hour from San Francisco or the Silicon Valley/San Jose area. Just as close as Napa to San Francisco and half the drive you'd have to make from San Jose, but much more user friendly.

I checked out one of the two Wente Family Vineyards tasting rooms, the one on Tesla Rd. There are beautiful grounds and a lovely patio with comfy couches and chairs and a fun tasting environment with friendly folks pouring a large variety of wines. I wasn't wowed by the Sauvignon Blanc but the Cabernet was good and the Pinot Noir, grown near Monterey Bay, was out of this world. You can find Wente Cabernet at the LCBO on general listing for less than $20, I believe. A tad light in texture some years but very food friendly.

The second tasting room is out away from town, near the winery's outstanding golf course and the outdoor concert venue. It's an outstanding spot to taste the local product.

I also wandered into Steven Kent, a high-end property also on Tesla Rd. that has a sleek, dark-ish tasting room and plenty of vibrant, local art on the walls. I liked the Merlot a lot and loved the Cabernet Franc, but at almost $50 a bottle it was beyond my price range.

More to my liking, way more, was Eagle Ridge, which my sister turned me onto. It's located a couple miles out of town on a pretty stretch of Tesla Rd. and sits on a ridge overlooking the eastern valley and up towards towering Mt. Diablo, which sometimes gets dusted with snow in winter.

Owner Jim Perry and his wife collect antiques, and the big barn/tasting room (see photo) is filled with curios of all sorts; Miss Teenage America posters, eagle statues, an old clock, a cowboy statue and lots more. Perry poured me a great glass of their 2007 Petite Sirah and some of their MadLyn port, both of which came in at less than $30 and both of which came home with me.

There are several great towns in the Tri-Valley.  I've always been a fan of the town of Pleasanton, with lots of great shopping and food spots on a beautiful main street. The town of Dublin is more suburban but has some good spots, including a branch of Casper's Hot Dogs, the best dogs on the planet. San Ramon also is part of the Tri-Valley and also has a suburban feel, but with lots of upscale restaurants and a pretty setting in the valley. Just to the north, Danville has more of an old-time feel with plenty of excellent shops and fun food spots.

Be sure to take a drive out MInes Rd. from Livermore and follow the signs to Lake Del Valle; a beautiful reservoir flanked by high, pretty hills that are as green as Ireland in spring (dusty brown in summer/fall, however) and dotted with majestic oak trees. A great spot for camping or kayaking/canoeing and for fishing, too.

If you've never stopped in the Tri-Valley, I highly recommend you give it a shot. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised at what you find so close to San Francisco.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

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Beautiful Palm Desert, California - great food, scenery ... Deal of Day: Antigua

PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA – I remember once reading a friend’s Facebook page. She was talking about visiting the American Southwest and remarked on how ugly the desert was.

Maybe it’s my Mom and Dad’s influence, since they loved the desert. But comments like that, to me, are the height of ignorance. The beauty of the desert takes a bit of looking. It’s not immediately in front of you like a rainbow or a deserted beach. But it’s there. Especially in the evening hours, when the light dances on the mountains and the sun shoots its dying, golden rays out over the landscape and the shadows deepen and the birds come alive and the animals come out into the cool, life-giving air.

I used to come to this part of California’s Coachella Valley for various golf tournaments when I worked in the sports department of the Star. Now I come for sheer pleasure; for the bright, pink-red bougainvillea and the orange-tipped flowers of the spiraling, towering ocotillo cactus and the dry air and the palm trees that climb into the blue, dry air of the desert.

Oh, and the golf. And the food. And the weather and heat.

On the dining front, Las Casuelas has several places in the valley serving good Mexican food. The one my Dad and I went to is in Rancho Mirage, near the fun, outdoor River shopping centre. There's a strolling mariachi band with  good margaritas and nice if not amazing Mexican food. It’s hugely popular with families, with dining under the stars and white lights strung on the massive trees overhead. Certainly there's nothing like it in Toronto.

The other night we dined at Pacifica Seafood on El Paseo, a pretty street that’s lined with boutique shops and outlets such as Lulu Lemon, Louis Vuitton, Tommy Bahama’s and the requisite Apple Store. Pacifica makes pretty good cakes, although they could use a bit more zip. The chowder was good, and the scallops on the half shell were a meal in themselves, topped with crème and cheese and spinach and baked in the shell. I also tried the calamari, which was an enormous plate for something like $14. There was a nice, spicy sauce with green onions as a base but the Vietnamese dipping sauce tasted like unalderated fish sauce, with none of the requisite sweetness to balance the pungent fish sauce base.

If you're so inclined they have a vodka night once a week with 152 varieties. And also a half-priced wine night on Tuesdays (God Love America). They also make a nice tasting menu for dessert with small bits of crème brulee topped with berries, a chocolate lava cake (yum) and a so-so raspberry cheesecake.

We had four appetizers and a shared dessert and a bottle of fabulous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for $99, so it's not unreasonable for a pretty spot.

I didn’t get there this time but Thai Smile, with several locations in the valley, has the best Tom Yom soups I’ve had anywhere.

For breakfast, you gotta try Sherman’s Deli. Again, two locations. Both with fabulous, filling deli foods; blintzes and bagels and all that, plus excellent eggs and a fabulous sausage made with chicken and apple that I start thinking about the minute I cross into Palm Springs from L.A.

We had a few nights at the Embassy Suites on Highway 111 (the main drag) in Palm Desert. They have nice enough rooms and a good pool with a hot tub. The service was a touch spotty. The housekeeping folks forgot to give us towels one day. As in no towels at all, which makes it interesting when you get out of the shower. We called down for some and they delivered them when we were out for a while, but merely tossed them on the table instead of hanging them up in the washroom, which is bizarre.

Like most if not all Embassy Suites, there’s a free breakfast that includes pancakes and omelets and eggs made to order, plus the usual breads/pastries/fruits and yogurt and cereal. They also have a free happy hour from 5:30 to 7:30, which is great as it’s such a  a nice time of day here; with the deepening shadows and beautiful, golden light in the air and cooling temperatures.

It was around 90 Fahrenheit on the weekend, but very dry. And nights go down to the upper 60’s, so you get a decent cooling effect.

We didn’t play any of the beautiful, tough courses out here such as PGA West as we wanted to start slow and my Dad and I aren't as young as we used to be. We found a nice, executive course called Oasis (see photo) that was very nicely landscaped, with lots of water and flowering bougainvillea and palm trees and  excellent conditions, and a longer executive course called Woodhaven that was okay but not so visually interesting. Woodhaven was $69 including a cart and I think Oasis was $45 including a cart. Good deals on mostly tidy courses with nice mountain views and good conditions.

JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY

Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has an Air Canada Vacations deal on tap for beautiful Antigua for $1,352, including $363 in taxes.

Jaunt Highlights

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  Toronto:
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  Single: $1419
  Triple: $929
  Quad: $859
  Child: $699
  Tax: $363
  
  Other DATES and GATEWAYS available.
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• Valid passport required for travel from Canada
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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!
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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