Eurail is adding more routes for those who crave “slow travel”

March 6, 2024 No Comments

Eurail has partnered with its rail network to offer customers new cross-border routes, new partnerships with rail carriers, and new itineraries to explore.

In 2023, Eurail sold more than 1,000,000 passes for the first time in the company’s history. For travellers looking for an authentic, slow travel experience, Eurail is an increasingly popular choice.

Highlights for 2024

Some timely highlights include:

  • New night trains from Brussels or Paris to Berlin: The ÖBB Nightjet routes will now connect Brussels and Paris to Berlin, replacing the formerly known City Night Line train that last operated in 2014. Travelers can now experience this route again three times a week with the European Sleeper and ÖBB Nightjet through reservations.
  • New cross-border train connecting Vilnius to Riga: Cross-border rail services are back between Lithuania and Latvia, connecting Vilnius and Riga while passing through Siauliai. This development will allow passengers to travel efficiently and comfortably from Poland through all three Baltic countries.
  • A New, state-of-the-art night train, connecting Vienna, Innsbruck, and Hamburg: ÖBB Nightjet began their brand new ‘Nightjet of the new Generation’ connecting Vienna, Innsbruck, and Hamburg, featuring the first mini cabins designed for one person.
  • New cross border train, connecting Subotica to Szeged: This route fills a missing gap in the network connecting Subotica and Szeged and makes travel across the region more accessible, especially between Belgrade and Budapest.
  • The BOB (Berner Oberland Railway) is now fully included in the Eurail Pass: Travelers can now visit one of the world’s most beautiful valleys and discover the highlights of the Jungfrau region. From Interlaken to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, and further on to Wengen via the Wengernalp Railway (WAB), all in one Pass.

For more information, visit www.eurail.com.

Cayman Islands answers Canadian demand with more flights

March 4, 2024 No Comments

As travel continues to rebound following the pandemic, the Cayman Islands continues to steadily climb back to 2019’s arrival levels and market share.

Last year the destination saw record-breaking arrivals including the destination’s best Q1 and best ever March on record for Canadian visitation.

The steady increase in Canadian visitation has also led to an increase in airlift to five non-stop flights a week to Grand Cayman thanks to augmented summer schedules.

More flights from Air Canada & WestJet

The heightened demand for Canadian travel to The Cayman Islands has resulted in boosted flight frequency by both Air Canada and WestJet.

Both airlines will increase the number of non-stop flights from Toronto to Grand Cayman to a combined seven a week from March to April 2024 and up to five a week through the summer.

Combined, Air Canada and WestJet will offer up to seven non-stop flights per week from Toronto to Grand Cayman in March and April.

An increased summer schedule will see up to five non-stop flights per week from Toronto to Grand Cayman on Air Canada and WestJet.

Last year, visits from Canada were 44 per cent higher than those from January to December 2022 and for the first time in a year, more than 4,000 Canadian visitors were welcomed in three months (February, March and December). Three of the best 10 performing months for Canadian visitation in recorded history were in 2023.

Canadian arrivals in December 2023 totalled 4,125, up 7.8 per cent from December 2019. Canada represented an 8.3 per cent share of total stayover arrivals in December 2023, compared to 7.1 per cent in December 2019.

In 2023, the destination welcomed a total of 429,284 stay-over visitors.

Contiki launches island-hopping trip to the Philippines

March 1, 2024 No Comments

Contiki recently launched its first trip to the Philippines.

The new nine-day and 13-day Island Hopping tour visits some of the country’s most famous tourist hotspots and unique hidden gems on the Palawan Island. 

The nine-day version goes to Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido, and includes many island adventures. Some of these include a boat ride through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Subterranean River National Park, an island-hopping day trip in Port Barton, a Jeepney ride to Nacpan Beach, and a unique Special Stay and Make Travel Matter Experience at the Isla Experience in Daracoton Island – which directly contributes to the welfare of the locals.

Among the included experiences is a Filipino-classic tricycle ride to Las Cabanas for a beach sunset, and a traditional boodle fight. Travellers will also have a chance to visit a local’s house for an authentic locally-grown Filipino meal.

The 13-day version includes a 4-day boat expedition, that takes travellers to some of the undiscovered gems in the Philippines, including Palawan Calamian’s Group of Islands (Northern Palawan archipelago) and famous attractions such as Coron islands, Cullion and Linapacan. It includes a private boat, the chance to go snorkeling in Coral Garden, seaside camping in Coron, and a visit to Turtle Islands.

For more information about the new Philippines Island Hopper trip, click here.

Winter Haven Miami Beach shows off new art deco rooms

February 26, 2024 No Comments

Winter Haven Hotel Miami Beach, an iconic 70-room Art Deco boutique hotel, ideally located along Ocean Drive, has unveiled a renovation with fully re-imagined guest rooms.

The newly revamped hotel exudes retro charm and classic elegance, drawing inspiration from the 50s-style representation of leisure destinations and its iconic oceanfront location. Elevated by a warm palette with a predominance of pink and aqua colors inspired by the ocean and its corals, the hotel gracefully whisks guests away to an enduring haven of comfort and sophistication. 

About Winter Haven Miami Beach

Winter Haven Miami Beach features thoughtful room amenities, including cozy bathrobes, an in-room honour bar, Lavazza espresso machines, Malin + Goetz bathroom amenities and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. They are welcome to rejuvenate the senses with exclusive special pricing at K’Alma Spa, where relaxation takes on a new meaning amid soothing treatments and a tranquil ambiance. Daily passes are included with access to wellness perks like the exclusive off-site gym, Gymage, where every workout becomes an invigorating journey. 

Guests are invited to soak up the sun on the rooftop terrace, sip cocktails in the sophisticated lobby bar, enjoy a bike ride on a complimentary bike or take a leisurely stroll through Lummus Park to the sand, where two beach chairs await. Whether exploring the local art, dining, shopping, and nightlife scenes or simply relaxing at the hotel, this is Miami Beach at its finest.

Winter Haven Hotel Miami Beach’s culinary gem, Il Bolognese, seamlessly delivers the essence of the best in Italian and Bolognese cuisine, offering guests a journey to Italy through authentic flavors without ever leaving the shores of Miami Beach. All hotel guests enjoy exclusive special deals on all menu items at Il Bolognese. Guests also have the option to savor the delicious dishes from the comfort of their room with the hotel’s in-room dining service.

For additional information about Winter Haven Hotel Miami Beach or to book your stay, visit winterhavenhotelsobe.com.

Marriott Miches Beach to open in Dominican Republic

February 23, 2024 No Comments

Marriott International will soon welcome Marriott Miches Beach, an all-inclusive resort, currently the Sunrise Miches Beach Resort in Dominican Republic.

Set to undergo a conversion process commencing in the second quarter of 2024, the resort is slated to open its doors under the Marriott Hotels brand in the first quarter of 2025.

Nestled on a sprawling 62-acre site in the enchanting locale of Miches, within a 60-minute ride distance of the Punta Cana International Airport, the resort boasts nearly 1,000 feet of pristine beachfront. It will feature 498 rooms, with balconies and terraces, and select accommodations offering private swim-up pools.

Following the announcement of the first Marriott All-Inclusive Resort, in Cancun (Mexico) in late 2023 (set to open in March 2024), the Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort, Dominican Republic, joins a portfolio of worldwide properties debuting into Marriott Hotels All-Inclusive flagship throughout 2024 and 2025, including Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort and Marriott Djerba, An All-Inclusive Resort – Tunisia.

 

There’s a mystery cruise happening in April 2025

February 21, 2024 No Comments

Windstar Cruises just announced its first-ever “President’s Mystery Cruise” set to depart on April 19, 2025. 

The eight-day voyage is aimed at Windstar Yacht Club members (the line’s valued repeat guests) and their friends and will depart from and return to Athens. The rest of the port calls on the itinerary will remain a mystery to guests onboard Windstar’s 312-passenger, all-suite Star Legend.

The unannounced destinations will be kept a secret from guests until 24 hours ahead of arrival at each port. Once the exact locations are revealed, Windstar guests will be able to choose from a variety of different shore excursions at the destination. 

So where will the Star Legend be docking? Windstar says travellers can expect lots of new, thrilling, and exciting experiences during this voyage. 

“It’s going to be a lot of places—the majority of them, if not all of them—we haven’t been before,” said Windstar’s president Christopher Prelog.

For more details, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

 

Almost half of young Canadians are taking “bizcations”

February 19, 2024 No Comments

In its Vacation Confidence Study, Allianz Global Assistance reports that Canadian professionals aged 18-34, are leading the rise in the bizcation trend with a growing desire to blend remote work and vacations.

The study revealed that almost half (47 per cent) of young professionals plan to work remotely while travelling in 2024.

Bizcations are an emerging trend in the workplace, where employees can work and travel simultaneously without taking time off. It can also include tacking on a few days before or after a business trip.

The increasing prevalence of remote work options has empowered young professionals to work virtually anywhere. Allianz’s Vacation Confidence Study found that 17 per cent of Canadians aged 18-34 say that the stress and time of planning to take time off work is a considerable barrier to them planning a vacation this year. This demographic’s enthusiasm for bizcations represents a paradigm shift in how work and travel are integrated, opening up new opportunities to enjoy a healthier work-life balance.

Work life balance

The bizcation phenomenon has reshaped the way individuals approach work and travel. Allianz’s Study found that roughly a third of those taking a bizcation this year plan to be away for a considerable amount of time – about three weeks or longer.

Popular takeaways from Allianz’s Vacation Confidence Study include:

  • Many Canadians will tie-in a vacation with work responsibilities either by working remotely from a vacation destination (30%) or by adding vacation time to a business trip (24 per cent)
  • Canadians with children (43 per cent) are also likely to blend work and vacation in the same trip
  • There has been a shift in Canadians’ destination preferences – beyond Canada, Mexico/Caribbean (24 per cent) and the US (21 per cent) are the most popular vacation destinations this year

 

Mid-century modern inspired hotel opens in the heart of Houston

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Hyatt officially opened the Thompson Houston, Houston’s newest luxury lifestyle hotel offering a distinctive guest experience that celebrates the individuality of Space City overlooking the verdant Buffalo Bayou Park.

Set against the backdrop of rare unobstructed views of downtown Houston’s skyline, the hotel captures the vibrancy of the city with an unapologetically stylish design signature to the brand, a stunning spa sanctuary, world-class dining, and elevated spaces perfect for weddings and events.

Thompson Houston features 172 guestrooms, including 34 suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a residential feel designed to evoke the spirit of old Texas, with entirely custom-made furnishings and spacious en-suite bathrooms with marble vanities and custom wall treatments and tiling.

About Thompson Houston

The new-build hotel is housed within a sleek glass and exposed-steel building that displays curved lines designed by award-winning architect, HOK.  Interiors are designed by Houston-based architecture and design firm Abel Design Group featuring warm earthy colors, organic materials, brass fixtures, and hardwood floors paying homage to the hotel’s natural setting of nearby Buffalo Bayou Park.

Located on the seventh floor, the mid-century modern-styled lobby in the sky captures the spirit of Houston with an edgy spirit and sophisticated yet familiar contemporary design.

Thompson Houston offers one of the city’s largest outdoor rooftops, with a custom-tiled infinity pool boarded by cabanas, and a 2,500-square-foot greenspace, both providing views of downtown and creating an idyllic setting for outdoor weddings and events.

Additional hotel amenities include:

  • The hotel’s sixth floor is dedicated to the full-service Thompson Spa, featuring six treatment suites, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, saunas, a salon, and a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness centre.
  • Sol 7 is Thompson Houston’s signature all day dining restaurant located off the lobby, featuring rooftop seating where guests can enjoy creative cocktails and seasonal fare.
  • Opening soon are two additional restaurants operated by TableOne Hospitality: Chardon, a French brasserie that will debut in summer 2024, and Buck 40, an upscale supper club slated to open in fall 2024.
  • Thompson Houston is home to the first brick-and-mortar outpost of local coffee company, Maven Coffee Company, offering specialty coffees, pastries, and coffee-based cocktails.
  • More than 17,000 square feet of meticulously designed flexible indoor and outdoor event space to accommodate groups of up to 800 people.

Thompson Houston marks the fourth Thompson Hotels’ property in Texas, joining Thompson Austin, Thompson Dallas and Thompson San Antonio -Riverwalk, and is the 19th Thompson Hotels property globally.

For more information, visit www.thompsonhoustonhotel.com.

An expedition yacht with 6 suites arrives in the Galapagos

February 14, 2024 No Comments

Conservation-led luxury travel company &Beyond has announced the extension of its South America portfolio with the launch of an expedition yacht in the Galapagos Islands.

Named the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer, the 38 m (124 ft) yacht will operate on two 7-night routes in the east and west of the famed Galapagos Islands.

Boasting just six suites and cabins, the yacht will cater for a maximum of 12 guests, with two expert guides present on each departure.

With only 12 guests on board, the elevated guest-to-staff ratio makes the Galapagos Explorer the most exclusive yacht operating in the islands. In addition to the highest level of guiding, the vessel will also offer beautifully appointed spacious indoor and outdoor guest areas, as well as four exquisite cabins and two luxury suites. Currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment of its interiors, the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer will set sail on its first departure on June 17,  2024.

About the Galapagos voyage

Operating on two different seven-night itineraries, the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer will offer the choice of discovering the east or the west of the main cluster of islands, while including the highlights of the destination in both.

Highlights of the eastern itinerary include the magnificent formation of Kicker Rock, located just off San Cristóbal Island, as well as sightings of the critically endangered waved albatross in Gardner Bay on Española Island. The western Itinerary features highlights that include exploring the geographical centre of the Galapagos Islands, Sombrero Chino Island as well as close encounters with the rare Santa Fe land iguana on Santa Fe Island.

Both itineraries present plenty of opportunities for land and sea adventures such as snorkelling, hiking and birdwatching, as well as a plethora of unique and interesting land, air and marine species. Rates for both itineraries begin from USD $10,950 per person sharing per seven-night cruise.

 

Cruise giant is expanding its fleet for 2028

February 12, 2024 No Comments

Royal Caribbean Group has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order a seventh Oasis Class ship for delivery to its Royal Caribbean International fleet in 2028.

“While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas this summer, we’re already dreaming up her sister ship and the next installation in the brand’s extremely popular Oasis Class,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Across our three brands, we are focused on continuously challenging ourselves to deliver the ultimate vacation experience.”

The recent announcement follows Royal Caribbean Group’s recent introduction of three new ships including Silver Nova, Celebrity Ascent and Icon of the Seas.

“These are exciting times for Royal Caribbean, and we have an incredible partner in Chantiers de l’Atlantique to bring to life the lucky seventh Oasis Class vessel of what is a remarkable class of ships,” added Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

Cruising innovation

Since the 2009 introduction of the original gamechanger, Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class has delivered memorable vacations to millions of families and adventurers of all ages. The renowned ships revolutionized cruising with innovations, from the debut of the neighborhood concept to the first-ever split superstructure design and entertainment across air, ice, water and stage, and the next in the lineup will continue that legacy with the latest combination of bold revolutionary, evolutionary and signature experiences.

“This order signals Royal Caribbean Group’s continued confidence in our partnership that has delivered some of the most innovative ships at sea,” said Laurent Castaing, general manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “We look forward to building upon this relationship as we help bring this ship to life.”

This order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed later this year.

For more information on Royal Caribbean Group and its brands, visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.