My appetite for meat and potatoes knows no bounds. Ditto bread and butter. So when I find an abundance of all four and more while road-tripping around Northern Ireland, I am beside myself with delight—and I’m not the only one: food tourism is trending here. When food is such a big part of the culture, … Continue reading Northern Ireland
Left-hand drive is easier than you’d think—once you get the hang of it, of course. Mind the curb. With left-hand drive, it’s not so much driving on the other side of the road that’s the challenge, it’s driving on the other side of the car that takes some getting used to. Opt for GPS. This … Continue reading UK and Ireland: Driving Tips
The historic Newforge House guest home about a half hour southwest of Belfast on the outskirts of the village of Magheralin is run by owners and chefs John and Louise Mathers. John converted the Georgian family home in 2005, relocating his parents to what his mother refers to as the “pig houses” at the back of … Continue reading Northern Ireland: Newforge House
BALLYCASTLE, NORTHERN IRELAND—Dara O hArtghaile treated us to a lesson in sourdough at Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, at Ursa Minor Bakehouse. The big secret: He uses methods that can be traced back hundreds of years, long before the birth of commercial yeast.
CROSSGAR, NORTHERN IRELAND—We take a 30-minute drive from Belfast to a town called Crossgar in County Down—seriously you can’t make this quaintness up—then head to its outskirts. When we find a property that we think the GPS is trying to send us, I lean out of the car as far as I can and start ringing doorbells…
I’m one of those people who always has a bottle of backup gin, should the actual gin ever run dry. It’s the larger size, a two-litre bottle, which we call the Super Big Gulp. People laugh, but they’re more than happy to partake in said backup when the need arises. My interest in gin began … Continue reading Belfast: Gin Jaunt
There are a surprising number of awesome Chicago hotels cropping up, many of them opening in elegant, refurbished landmark buildings. The Robey took over a 1929 Art Deco office building in Wicker Park, a one-minute walk from the L Blue Line (the one to and from O’Hare). The rooms are modern and sparse, still carrying … Continue reading Chicago: Hotel Roundup
More than just deep-dish pizza and hot dogs with no ketchup, Chicago can really tick all the right getaway boxes. Let me count the ways. There’s nothing like a decadent city escape to take you outside of yourself and “unquiet” the mind. Toronto’s partnership with Chicago began in the early 1990s, in part because we … Continue reading Chicago
Billed as an “urban resort and conference center,” Hotel Henry is set within national historic landmark the Richardson Olmsted Campus, a former mental-health facility. It makes creative use of historic space with a modernizing of the architectural grandeur after years of neglect. This sounds like a movie synopsis. Vibe: Opened in 1880 as the Buffalo … Continue reading Buffalo: Hotel Henry
The arts-oriented culture, amazing food, other-worldly topography and healing waters are just four of the many reasons to head to Iceland. Reykjavik stands as a true European cultural capital, while still maintaining a small-town feel. The hip factor is extremely high. Couple that with the steady stream of visiting Europeans of all stripes, just hanging … Continue reading Iceland
With just 64 rooms, the independently owned Magnolia Hotel & Spa always ranks high on the annual top 10 lists. A service-forward approach and a close-to-everything downtown location minutes from Victoria’s inner harbour make it a hit with both tourists and the busy bleisure crowd. Vibe: The majority of Magnolia guests are week-day travellers from the … Continue reading Victoria: The Magnolia
The hip home base of this ocean-front community on Vancouver Island’s west coast is a full-service, one-stop shop, delivering better-than-basic comfort, fine dining, a lively watering hole, a water taxi, and an ocean adventure centre ready to whisk you away to the region’s islands and inlets. Vibe: Rustic comfort rules at Tofino Resort + Marina, … Continue reading Tofino: Tofino Resort + Marina
A road trip to a revitalized Queen City yields warm hospitality, rich heritage, vibrant art and landmark architecture. My friends all pulled a big face, screwing their noses up as if I smelled. “Why the hell are you going to Buffalo?” Morons. Because it’s right around the corner, I told them. Turns out we were … Continue reading Buffalo
Small-ship cruising along Panama’s two coastlines yields unrivalled R&R, jungle adventure and a type of unstructured holiday you don’t have to save for your old age. On a nine-day small-ship journey with UnCruise, an adventure travel outfit from Seattle, I toodle around the bays and islets off Panama’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts on Safari Voyager … Continue reading Panama
Toronto’s new Instagram-friendly hotel for the modern, mid-range traveller began life as executive apartments in 1955 before becoming a Comfort Inn. After a total reno, this 113-room “house” is now a home-away-from-home for business creatives and a gathering spot for the local condo crowd. Vibe: Chic public areas of the Anndore are dark and sexy … Continue reading Toronto: The Anndore House
Dominating the skyline for decades after it was built in 1929, the Royal York is the Canadian grande dame of the Fairmont chain. Amping up the luxury factor has kept the hotel in step with the times, a storied icon with a modern outlook. Recent guests have included members of the British Royal Family, Prime … Continue reading Toronto: Fairmont Royal York
Named after Canada’s seventh prime minister Wilfrid Laurier, Fairmont Château Laurier has dominated the Ottawa skyline since it opened in 1912. Its elegant corridors and grand ballrooms witness to countless international events and celebrity guests, the hotel is almost as recognizable as its neighbour, Parliament Hill. Vibe: Old World grandeur starts right at the Château Laurier … Continue reading Ottawa: Fairmont Château Laurier
Canada’s first Andaz hotel opened in late 2016, fittingly in the nation’s capital, glamming up what was once a nondescript office building. With subtle, landscape-inspired artistic gestures, sparkling cuisine and warm hospitality, every inch of its 16 floors highlights the essence of Canadiana. Vibe: Entering the Andaz ByWard Market is like stepping into the living … Continue reading Ottawa: The Andaz
A Vancouver Island road trip yields bold libations, divine seafood, big hikes and heavenly hydrotherapy. The British Columbia coastal regions have a myriad of spots to explore, east and west. First stop: Comox. Hop in a car and onto the ferry at Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, then head north. This thriving region offers nature-lovers plenty … Continue reading Vancouver Island
In this Eastern Caribbean delight, you’ll find blissful bays, white sand, cool rhythms and warm welcomes. Just head to St. Martin and turn left. Settling into Anguilla, our little private pool overlooking Crocus Bay was just the right refreshing temperature and ditto the meltiness of the gin and tonics. And there would be time for … Continue reading Anguilla
A road trip down Overseas Highway to Key West nets the freshest fish, pesky pelicans and sublime sunsets. The pie’s not bad either. This is the straightest road I’ve been on for a while, and I’m from the Prairie. We’re bombing down Florida Highway #1 heading south. In a few minutes, we’ll be on the … Continue reading Florida Keys
On Huahine, vacationers get a modern-day Tahitian island experience, a chance to see how real people live. The Maitai Lupita Village is a perfect mix of past and present, with a beautiful infinity pool that looks out onto the very same view explorer Captain James Cook had in the late 1700s. Vibe: Designed specifically with … Continue reading French Polynesia: Maitai Lapita Village Huahine
Built into a triangular, former Art Deco office tower in Wicker Park, The Robey is perfect for the hipster in all of us. A retro feel sets the scene right at the front desk and carries on up to the rooftop bar and wraparound terrace, complete with a stunning view of downtown and an up-close … Continue reading Chicago: The Robey
Radiating both modernity and tradition, this comfortable resort on one of Newfoundland’s most remote and beautiful islands delivers homespun luxury with community-oriented hospitality. The hospitality here is sublime. Guests get a feeling they’re at Grandma’s house and can do as they please. As a charitable, socially conscious business, the Inn reinvests profits in the Fogo … Continue reading Newfoundland: Fogo Island Inn
Part of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World collection, this remote, all-inclusive 115-acre private-island resort at the southern tip of the Grenadine Islands delivers full-on luxury. Petit St. Vincent (PSV) is legendary within travel circles for its stunning and secluded one- and two-bedroom villas, for the five-star service and food, and for not changing … Continue reading St. Vincent: Petit St. Vincent
A cozy atmosphere, traditional Khmer décor, central salt-water pool and warm staff provide an effortless, easy feeling. On the quiet Wat Damnak side of Siem Reap (so named after a landmark temple) sits a little oasis on a pedestrian side-street. The Rambutan is a three-pronged property: a main hotel with 16 rooms, a 10-room resort … Continue reading Siem Reap: The Rambutan
The five-star, adults-only UNICO 20º 87º Hotel Riviera Maya, a half an hour south of Playa del Carmen, bills itself as an “all-exclusive” all-inclusive resort, with a laundry list of perks such as butler service, select spa services, 24-hour room service and free phone calls home all built in to the cost. Vibe: A very … Continue reading Mexico: UNICO 20º 87º
Things get a little quiet at the tail end of South Beach—and that’s just the way everyone likes it. Tucked away near the bottom of Miami’s fabled Ocean Drive, past the pastel-painted strip of Art Deco hotels and their raucous sidewalk eateries, sits SoFi, the soothing South Beach neighbourhood south of 5th Street. Here, a … Continue reading Miami: The Stanton
WESTPUNT, CURAÇAO—When we get out of the car at Jaanchie’s Restaurant, the birdsong hits us instantly: dozens of black and yellow bananaquits chirping all at once, blanketing the dense bushes at the front door, jockeying for the sugar in their little feeders.
SINGAPORE—I realize you may think this is just a column about weird things I have eaten on the road in crazy, lawless places—far-flung gastronomic adventures in fermented shark and beetle larvae and eggs buried in the ground for a month. And to a certain extent, you’re right. But what if it’s—ribs for breakfast?
VIENNA, AUSTRIA—I have two hours to scream around Vienna or I won’t have time for a nap. I’ve been on a bus tour, an excursion as part of my week-long Scenic river cruise down the Danube, and now I’m rushing through perhaps the most beautiful city in the world like it’s Toronto at rush hour. Slow. Down.
It just takes one hotel to start the trend ball rolling and the rest will surely follow to save face. Of the many “authentic” and relaxing ways to slow guests down in a tech-forward world, the trend of kitting out private patios with an al fresco bath tub has to be one of the most … Continue reading Al Fresco Tubs
The first one was built in 1929 and the appeal has never worn off. The iconic Airstream trailer has become a bona fide paean to aluminum. Now employed as food trucks, guest rooms or bunkies, vintage Airstreams continue to trend, with the company still making money hand over fist, selling five times as many trailers … Continue reading Airstream Hotels
No two-star, chintz-laden, lace-curtained express hotels for you. You’re doing your favourite wine region up right. These fabulous lodgings in California, Argentina, South Africa and British Columbia are perfect for a milestone birthday, a honeymoon or a business-incentive perk. CALIFORNIA: Calistoga Ranch, Napa. Tucked away in a private canyon just outside of Calistoga, the Napa … Continue reading Wine Country Holidays
Home to more than half of Scotland’s distilleries, Speyside sits right on the Malt Whisky Trail—a sure-fire route back to your roots. Speyside is the region in northern Scotland along the banks of the River Spey more or less between Inverness and Aberdeen. Difficult to categorize because there are so many, the whiskies here have … Continue reading Scotland: Speyside
AVONDALE, NL—I’ve been using the word “foodways” a lot recently, in writing descriptions of a cultural—and generally traditional—dish or ingredient or preparation style, even within my own country: Forty-five minutes outside St. John’s in Avondale, NL, we meet Chef Lori McCarthy of Cod Sounds.
Let the Sunset Strip set the stage for your next big Hollywood scene. Yes, this is a young hangout, but really, everyone can fit into The Standard in West Hollywood, home of the hip. The mid-century Modern Standard Hollywood makes an excellent home base for checking out the various neighbourhoods both trashy and ritzy, people-watching … Continue reading LA: The Standard Hollywood
Despite a revolving door of one-night-only guests, this Icelandair hotel is a stylish and cozy oasis of calm. One of a handful of Icelandair hotels in Iceland, the Natura flawlessly mirrors the natural beauty found right on its doorstep. Built in 1966 and renovated in 2011, it gives green-certified comfort, great art—and attuned service. Vibe: … Continue reading Reykjavik: Icelandair Natura
No two rooms are alike in this Baroque beauty at the top of North Bridge. This landmark building just off the Royal Mile, formerly the home of the Scotsman newspaper, manages to retain its Edwardian glory while sparkling with modern comfort across its 73 rooms. Vibe: The crowd at the Scotsman is upscale for sure, … Continue reading Edinburgh: The Scotsman
Winter glamping returns year after year—same time, same place. Built every January in Valcartier Village Park out of 30,000 tons of snow only to melt when the higher temps return, the Hôtel de Glace is the only ice hotel in North America and a solid rival to its counterparts in Finland, France, Iceland, Sweden and … Continue reading Quebec: Ice Hotel
This five-star London heavyweight is still packing in the In Crowd. King George VI opened The May Fair in 1927 and now, this old girl doesn’t really look a day over 30. Vibe: Always a bit more rock and roll than some of its neighbours in London’s Luxury Quarter, the opulent 404-room May Fair has … Continue reading London: The May Fair
This cheeky French chain of value-driven, design-forward hotels owned by Accor exhibits all the comforts of home with less attitude than you’d expect. Designed by Philippe Starck, the 156-room Mama Shelter is one of 13 in the world, including one in both London and LA. Vibe: “Mama is more than a building; it’s a lifestyle.” … Continue reading Lyon: Mama Shelter
Nestled within the natural environs of Key Largo, Playa Largo Resort wins awards and hearts in the Florida Archipelago. Part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, this upscale gated retreat along 15 acres of secluded shoreline in Key Largo is the first new-build resort in the Upper Keys in more than 20 years. Expect dense foliage, … Continue reading Florida Keys: Playa Largo
This 13-room Petite Anse on Sauteurs Bay makes you feel like you have the whole north coast of Grenada all to yourself. Hosts Annie and Philip Clift deliver a warm and welcoming, slightly Bohemian environment that includes a tropical garden, pool, whirlpool, bar and restaurant, all just a few steps from a wild palm-studded beach. … Continue reading Grenada: Petite Anse Hotel
Award-winning, family-owned Ocean Two is a little taste of luxury tucked into one end of Dover Beach, off the beaten Saint Lawrence Gap path in south Barbados. Opened in 2011, it still looks new, offering both good value and good people-watching. Vibe: Nicely dressed, mostly young Canadians, Americans, English and Europeans co-mingle at the Ocean … Continue reading Barbados: Ocean Two Resort
A chic upgrade gives a Golden Mile heavyweight luxury status. Since opening in 2008 as one of the first boutique hotel-condo hybrids in the city, Hôtel le Crystal has been an oasis of calm in a busy part of town. A cool new renovation sees it embracing the cool qualities of its name, and amping … Continue reading Montreal: Hôtel le Crystal
Delivering total Canadiana in myriad forms, Nita Lake Lodge is one of the top three resorts in town, combining sexy chalet style, a laid-back vibe, top-notch dining and hillside convenience in one seamless package. That it is a hangout for locals, too, yields even more authenticity. Vibe: Nita Lake Lodge is the real Whistler, complete … Continue reading Whistler: Nita Lake Lodge
Go for the traditional Newfoundland charm—stay for the warm-hearted, unending welcome. Opened in June 2017, the Inn by Mallard Cottage is a little taste of heaven surrounded by the craggy harbour cliffs of picturesque Quidi Vidi Village, delivering legendary Newfoundland hospitality at its best. Vibe: At Inn by Mallard Cottage, two separate guest houses contain … Continue reading St. John’s: Inn by Mallard Cottage
A restored Victorian mansion in a trendy part of Buffalo is run by innkeepers who knows their stuff. If this nine-suite inn feels like you’re staying in someone’s home, it’s because you are: Ellen and Joseph Lettieri and their daughter also live here, welcoming guests to the former Hewitt Mansion built in 1898. Vibe: InnBuffalo … Continue reading Buffalo: InnBuffalo Off Elmwood
Take a step back in time at this chic Keys icon on historic Duval Street. With the absolute best spot to watch the sun set in town, classic four-tower Ocean Key Resort and Spa overlooking the Gulf of Mexico sets the standard for traditional Key West relaxed luxury, i.e. fun yet stylish romp-ability. Vibe: Most … Continue reading Key West: The Ocean Key
Designed by famed Miami Modern architect Morris Lapidus in 1956, the Eden Roc oozes nostalgia from every terrazzo corner. Yes, it’s a little quiet up there in the mid-40s, but you don’t need to bunk in the thick of the South Beach noise to still avail yourself of its action whenever you want. The hotel … Continue reading Miami: Eden Roc
Tradition lives on at the oldest continually operating hotel in the Caribbean. Opened in 1887, The Crane was once the haven of visiting plantation owners and rich sea merchants. The 18 historic rooms are still there, now surrounded by 234 other one- to three-bedroom suites and penthouses. Vibe: At The Crane, you will meet well-heeled … Continue reading Barbados: The Crane Resort
Curaçao, the gem of the southern Caribbean, yields the best of island life with an exquisite icing of European chic to make things even more interesting. Curaçao and its capital city Willemstad form a complete vacation checklist: brilliant-blue waters, 35 white-sand beaches, a heritage comprising more than 55 different cultures (including Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese), … Continue reading Curaçao
This “all-exclusive” adults-only sunspot on Uvero Alto Beach just north of Punta Cana on the famous Coconut Coast is sexy fun. It’s a guilty-pleasurable mix of South Beach and Las Vegas, glam as all get out with just a dash of cheesiness to make things interesting. Vibe: You know that bubbling-under house music soundtrack that … Continue reading Dominican Republic: CHIC Punta Cana
Opened in November 2018 at one end of Grenada’s Grand Anse, this sublime 43-suite resort is proving a fast favourite with the “in” crowd, boasting the longest pool in the Caribbean at 100 metres. Vibe: Designed by French firm AW2 with the international jet-set circuit in mind, the minimalist 43-suite, nine-villa Silversands is a sea … Continue reading Grenada: Silversands
You don’t have to be an English major to be moved by a visit to Stratford, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Stratford, the Bard’s stomping grounds, is a vibrant and busy little overnight side trip you can easily make, about a two-hour train ride northwest of London. And like a lot of famous out-of-the-way destinations, … Continue reading England: Stratford-Upon-Avon
How to downsize your travel kit and still smell great.
When should I book? What day should I fly? How do I get the lowest price?
New business travel trends.
How to avoid upset tummies on the plane.
Want to travel more? Here’s how to reach travel escape velocity.
You’d think that once Castro was dead, things would take a turn for the better in Cuba, but you’d be wrong. This country has been repressed and messed up for what seems like 100 years. There are many great reasons to go to Cuba, but you have to be ready for all the crap. You … Continue reading Cuba
Tips to keep them happy in-flight.
All-natural and made in Canada.
Ten million plus downloads can’t be wrong.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Cheapflights.ca examines the tipple effect.
Live like a local in your favourite European cities.
Head to Pennsylvania’s largest city for the cheese steak sandwich—stay for the history lesson. On top of 300-year-old architecture and a rich heritage, Philadelphia promises all the food and fun of New York, but with way better prices. And with only 25 blocks from river to river, it’s an easy place to get around. There are … Continue reading Philadelphia
Southern Massachusetts, baby! I just like saying “Nantucket.” Nantucket is not just for the summertime anymore, either. Autumn really is the best time to visit, because the population drops from 80,000 to 10,000. Absolutely everybody who doesn’t live there has gone home, so you can wander the cobblestone streets and rub elbows with the locals … Continue reading Nantucket
Downtown Miami gets a new toy.
New technology finds lost bags fast.
Anguilla gears up for a new resort launch.
Bucket-lister, Escapist, Connector, Adventurer—which one are you?
Millions of glasses served!
Experience-driven travel continues to climb.
Trust the British to have a nickname for a naughty hotel stay. The “Mr & Mrs Smith” weekend is a pseudonym for a romantic escape for two. It’s also the name of an online boutique hotel finder that we turn to to unearth off-the-beaten-path places to lay our heads via SmithHotels.com. Co-founders James and Tamara … Continue reading Boutique Hotel Hunting
If you don’t put your hand in your pocket, you win.
Nihiwatu resort on the island of Sumba breaks the mould.
Easy, eco-conscious hotel booking.
Eco-friendly Blachford Lake Lodge has the greatest light show on Earth.
Sure you’re been to Sugarloaf, but that was the wintertime. Maine’s outdoor offerings in the summer are big on big-sky adventure, both on land and at sea. Outdoor adventure resort Northern Outdoors in central Maine has full-day whitewater rafting (and a brewery) on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers every day. You can also fish, hike, kayak and … Continue reading Maine
How to offload a non-refundable hotel room.
The cool Genius Pack Pro may be the last bag you ever buy.
It’s like a podcast that moves with you.
Dine out on the road by actually dining in.
If design is high on your list, this hotel curator is for you.
Italy’s heel has some of the most beautiful scenery in the south.
The Pegu Club is your new signature summer cocktail.
G Adventures makes the most of Active travel.
VIdeo highlights of an Atlantis gay cruise of the Caribbean aboard the Celebrity Summit.
Here’s how to navigate connecting flights with ease.
While it used to be a stopover point on the way to Portugal proper, the nine islands that make up the archipelago of the Azores are a destination in their own right—and one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Lush and green despite being made up of 1,766 volcanoes, The Azores is an autonomous region within the … Continue reading Portugal: The Azores
Let’s face facts: There are times in your travels when things are going to go awry. The trick is to be armed with these few simple tips on document safety. 1. Travel.gc.ca/travelling will help you find pre-travel information on countries you’re thinking of visiting, so you can nip problems in the bud. 2. Head to travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies … Continue reading Crisis Management
You’re either one of those people who won’t leave home without it or someone who just throws caution to the wind—AT YOUR PERIL. 1. Trip cancellation. 2. Trip interruption. 3. Medical emergency. 4. Earthquake. Don’t laugh. This happens. 5. Hurricane. 6. Terrorist attack. 7. Labour strike. 8. Beached cruise ship. This happened to my auntie … Continue reading Why to Buy Travel Insurance
Montenegro is one of those Balkan countries that has a bit of everything—beaches, mountains, rapids, fresh-water lakes, breathtaking scenery, medieval villages, ruins—and maybe some new friends. From the capital of Podgorica, rent a car and head to the Adriatic Sea, setting yourself up in one of the many cool apartments in the towns that dot … Continue reading Montenegro
Don’t be caught with your pants down.
Help make tourism work for everyone involved.
When my partner Tim gets something in his mind, there is no shaking it out. Such was the case in Kyoto the day he decided we would bike around Kyoto to visit all the temples. A guide book had told him that that was the most efficient way to see Kyoto, which he took this … Continue reading Japan: Kyoto
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