Form meets function: These pieces prove that good design always travels well.
Blundstone Originals #2501 Boots
All-day comfort meets understated cool in these dark brown leather classics, with a pop of toffee in the side panels. Designed with a patented shock-protection system, they’re made for travellers who want one pair that works everywhere, from cobblestone streets to countryside trails.
Canadian-designed and built to last, this sleek suitcase features an aerospace-grade shell that expands for extra packing space. Durable 360° spinner wheels and a thoughtfully organized interior make every journey a little smoother.
A lesson in understated luxury, these genuine pebbled-leather zip pouches keep smaller travel essentials in place. Use one for toiletries and the other for tech cords, accessories or supplements.
Vibrant and sturdy, this three-piece set from CRAM is made with premium recycled nylon, breathable mesh tops and heavy-duty YKK zippers. Try them once and you’ll wonder how you ever packed without them.
These noise-cancelling headphones combine immersive sound with a design-forward, sculptural silhouette. They’re perfect for tuning out airplane hums or zoning into a favourite podcast mid-flight.
For the hotel room or red-eye flight, Lunya’s washable silk sleep mask is a sensory upgrade—breathable, soft and indulgent. Slip it on and even jet lag feels a little more luxurious.
This chic trio includes a passport holder with a hidden AirTag pocket, a matching luggage tag and a clear pouch for liquids or cords, all crafted with supple yet durable vegan leather. — $65, ca.beistravel.com
Your guide to the biggest cruise, hotel and tour savings hitting this year’s Black Friday.
Black Friday isn’t just for TVs and air fryers anymore. It’s become prime time to lock in next-year adventures at serious savings. Whether you’ve been eyeing an expedition cruise, a European river sailing or a sun-soaked beach escape, some of these offers are bigger and better than ever.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the standout deals across resorts, cruises, tours and more.
Sandals and Beaches have rolled out what they’re calling their biggest Black Friday sale yet. Travellers can get up to 65% off luxury accommodations, plus stackable perks: up to US$1,500 in instant booking credits, a US$200 spa credit on 5+ nights, a US$300 air credit on 7+ nights, and even a free night at select resorts. The offer runs for a limited time and applies across the Caribbean portfolio, including couples-only Sandals and family-friendly Beaches properties.
Royalton Resorts – Unbeatable Black Friday pricing on 2026 getaways
Royalton Resorts is leaning into advance planners with a new Black Friday sale on 2026 stays across its Caribbean and Mexico properties, including Royalton, Planet Hollywood and Mystique Resorts. The campaign promises “massive discounts on dream getaways,” including deals on Diamond Club™ suites, but the exact percentages vary by resort, season and room category – so this one’s best shopped via a trusted advisor or the brand’s site for your dates.
One of Cancun’s buzziest new openings, AVA Resort Cancun, has joined the Black Friday fray with an offer that’s very much “new-kid-on-the-block trying to impress.” Travellers can save up to 55% off, and a five-night stay unlocks US$1,000 in resort credits per room, round-trip transportation, kids and teens staying free, early check-in/late check-out, a hydrotherapy circuit visit, and more. If you want to be among the first to stay at a headline-making property, this is a strong value play.
Excellence is running a broad Black Friday campaign across its adults-only and family-friendly properties in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. With promo code EARLYBLACK, guests can save up to 59% off non-refundable rates for 2026 stays at resorts including Excellence Riviera Cancun, Excellence Playa Mujeres, Excellence Punta Cana, Excellence Oyster Bay and sister brand Finest. It’s a solid chance to lock in suite-level stays at resorts that rarely discount this deeply outside Black Friday.
In Mexico and Los Cabos, Sandos Hotels & Resorts has launched a Black Friday “Big Sale” with up to 35% off, plus layered perks like two kids staying free, US$550 in resort credit, an extra 10% Sandos4U loyalty bonus, interest-free payment plans for some markets and a welcome gift. The promo code RESORT25 applies at Sandos Playacar, Sandos Caracol, Sandos Cancun and Sandos Finisterra for bookings through December 2, 2025.
TAFER Resorts – up to US$2,500 resort credit + kids free
TAFER’s luxury Mexican collection – including Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun – is leaning into value-adds. During the Black Friday sale, travellers can snag up to US$2,500 in resort credits and, at Garza Blanca Cancun, up to two kids stay and eat free, depending on room category. The brand is pushing early access, so many of the best dates will go quickly for 2026 travel.
The Hard Rock all-inclusive properties in Mexico and the Caribbean, including Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos, are advertising an Early/Black Friday sale with up to 55% off and “kids stay free” at select resorts. The offers vary by property, but if you’ve been eyeing a music-themed family escape with lots of built-in entertainment, this is the time to price it out.
Hyatt is taking a broad approach this year with a Cyber/Black Friday sale that covers more than 750 properties across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. World of Hyatt members can save up to 30% off, while non-members receive slightly lower discounts (typically around 20–25%). The deal applies to stays from November 20, 2025 through April 30, 2026, with a booking deadline of December 11, 2025. Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection is also participating, with up to 40% off select all-inclusive resorts — a strong option if you’re eyeing AMR Collection-style brands like Secrets, Dreams and Zöetry.
Marriott’s Black Friday/Cyber sale runs November 25 to December 2, 2025, and it’s one of the easiest promos to take advantage of if you’re already a Bonvoy member. Travellers who book through the Marriott Bonvoy app can save up to 25% off, while members booking on the website get 20% off. The offer covers stays between November 30, 2025 and February 22, 2026 across most Marriott brands — from Courtyard and Westin to W Hotels, St. Regis and more. Individual properties may offer deeper reductions around the 30–40% range, but the headline is a clean, globally valid discount that covers everything from city stays to beachfront resorts.
Virgin Voyages is back with its now-signature Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer: buy one Sailor, get the second 80% off, which effectively works out to 40% off for two on most itineraries, plus up to US$400 in bar tab credit depending on the length of the cruise. The promo applies broadly, including new 2027 Alaska sailings from Seattle and Vancouver, Panama Canal routes and Eclipse Voyages.
Royal Caribbean – up to US$1,000 instant savings + combinable Kids Sail Free
Royal Caribbean is running a Cyber Week/Black Friday promotion with up to US$1,000 in instant savings per stateroom, tiered by sailing length and cabin category, on departures from November 2025 onward. On many dates, you can layer this with a Kids Sail Free offer on select sailings of three nights or longer, making family cabins particularly attractive. This one covers a wide range of itineraries, from Perfect Day at CocoCay to Europe and Alaska.
Celebrity’s Black Friday preview is a good fit for couples and groups. The line is offering 75% off the second guest’s cruise fare, up to US$800 in additional savings per stateroom and an extra US$100 bonus savings on Caribbean sailings, including the new Celebrity Xcel. Some third, fourth and fifth guests can sail free on select itineraries, making suite life much more attainable for families.
Norwegian has labelled this its “biggest sale of the year”: travellers get 50% off all cruises, plus the return of the Free at Sea package, which can include unlimited open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and more. On top of that, current Black Friday language mentions up to US$1,000 in onboard credit per stateroom on applicable sailings. The offer covers the fleet, including the new Norwegian Aqua and soon-to-launch Norwegian Luna.
Carnival’s Black Friday Early Saver Sale is built around sharp lead-in pricing and low deposits: 2-for-1 deposits, up to US$50 in onboard credit, free room upgrades and up to 40% off cruise rates on sailings through April 2028. It’s classic Carnival – lots of dates, lots of short Caribbean and Mexico runs, and plenty of value for families and first-time cruisers.
Hurtigruten – up to 50% off Norway’s Coastal Express
For something completely different, Hurtigruten has launched a Black Friday sale with up to 50% off its legendary Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries – including the full 12-day roundtrip and shorter northbound/southbound segments – on departures from December 2025 through October 2026. The brand’s newer, premium Signature Voyages (North Cape Line and Svalbard Line) are also in the mix with up to 25% off. If Northern Lights or slow coastal travel have been on your list, this is a rare chance to book at a serious discount.
Uniworld – 12 Days of Christmas event with up to 50% off
Luxury river line Uniworld is bringing back its 12 Days of Christmas event starting on Black Friday. Each weekday for 12 days, a new offer drops – ranging from up to 50% off popular cruises to free trip extensions and waived solo supplements on select sailings in Europe, Egypt, South America and Asia. It’s a bit of a “check daily” situation, but a good one for flexible travellers willing to jump when the right itinerary appears.
Avalon Waterways, Globus & Cosmos – “From Here to Anywhere” sale
The Globus family of brands has packaged its Black Friday promotions into a single “From Here to Anywhere” sale across river cruises and guided tours. For Avalon Waterways, that means savings of up to US$5,200 per couple on select 2026 cruises, with free air and free prepaid gratuities on some departures. Globus tours are offering up to US$1,350 off per couple and up to 30% off select Globus Escapes itineraries, while Cosmos has savings of up to US$550 per couple on value-focused tours.
Toronto-based G Adventures has launched a month-long Black Friday sale with up to 30% off more than 400 trips departing through April 30, 2026, plus additional 10% discounts on over 500 trips for travel between May 1 and August 30, 2026. The sale covers everything from family-friendly Costa Rica and Peru itineraries to classic small-group “18-to-Thirtysomethings” adventures and polar expeditions.
Beyond packages, Exoticca’s Black Friday campaign also reads like a global tour brochure on sale: the company has dropped prices by up to 70% on all destinations, with additional weekly “Hot Deals” that spotlight a rotating cast of best-sellers (think Egypt & Nile, Japan, South Africa, Italy, etc.). The discounts apply to departures through 2026, with limited inventory at the lowest fares.
If you prefer coach touring with most logistics handled, both Globus and Cosmos have layered Black Friday discounts that mirror the river-cruise offers above. Globus is advertising up to US$1,000–1,350 off per couple on select 2026 tours worldwide and 30% off a set of Globus Escapes itineraries in Europe and beyond, while Cosmos trips come with up to US$550 off per couple, depending on destination and date.
Toronto may be deep in hibernation by December, but one downtown hotel is determined to pull travellers and locals back out of it – in the best way. Ace Hotel Torontohas launched an entire season of winter happenings, anchored by the return of its rooftop Winter Chalet pop-up and, yes, actual outdoor curling overlooking the city.
From December 2 through February 28, the hotel transforms its rooftop bar, Evangeline, into a cozy indoor-outdoor chalet experience complete with twinkling lights, warming cocktails, blankets and fire pits. The star: a brand-new Lot 40 outdoor curling rink that lets you play a match set against the Toronto skyline. Thirty-minute sessions are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis – ideal for travellers looking for a fun, spontaneous winter activity between meals and museums.
Those who prefer to spectate (or sip) can linger inside with seasonal drinks, curated snacks and the kind of hygge-leaning ambiance that makes you forget you’re several storeys above the city streets. Evangeline is also debuting a cocktail lineup designed for cold-weather comfort, courtesy of bar manager Aaron Hatchell. Expect aromatic flavours, mulled wine, a classic hot toddy and a “Smooth O-pear-ator,” a non-alcoholic pear-and-winter-spice cocktail. Reservations for the bar are highly recommended.
Fireside Workshops, Design Collabs, and a Festive DJ Series
Within the hotel, Ace has programmed a full slate of festive events:
Wreath-Making With Philia Flora
December 16, 6–8 p.m. Create your own wreath using seasonal botanicals at this hands-on workshop led by Toronto floral designer Philia Flora. Tickets will be available via the Ace website.
Jingle Bell Hop Holiday Takeover
December 20, 10 p.m. A one-night holiday bash with festive cocktails, cosy beats and a playful, over-the-top holiday aesthetic — think DJs, dancing and winter-themed indulgence. Tickets ($10) are now on sale.
Cool Intentions: A New Year’s Eve Party at The Lobby
December 31, 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Ace Hotel’s NYE celebration takes over the Lobby bar for a night of music, cocktails and a low-key-cool atmosphere. Early bird tickets ($25, then $40) are now available.
Alpine Noir: NYE at Evangeline
December 31, 10 p.m.–3 a.m. For a more elevated option, Evangeline hosts Alpine Noir, a high-altitude celebration with DJ sets, photobooths, dance-party energy and a fashionable dress code. Tickets include bubbles at midnight plus access to the new DJ booth overlooking Toronto’s skyline. Early bird tickets start at $120.
Twinkling squares, centuries-old traditions and the scent of mulled wine in the air — if you’re craving a festive getaway, these are the holiday markets worth travelling for in 2025.
Dates:14 November – 26 December 2025 Few cities do nostalgia quite like Vienna in December. At Rathausplatz (featured in our header image), strings of lights droop from towering trees, children swirl around the ice rink, and vendors hand out warm punsch in ceramic mugs. Come for the atmosphere — stay for the vanilla-scented pastries and beautifully crafted ornaments.
Dates:29 November 2025 – 6 January 2026 Prague feels made for Christmas. In the shadow of its Gothic towers, the Old Town Square fills with carollers, wooden stalls and the glow of one of Europe’s most impressive holiday trees. Don’t miss a warm trdelník, rolled in cinnamon sugar and served piping hot.
Dates:8 November 2025 – 1 January 2026 Budapest’s most beloved market blends old-world charm with festive creativity. Browse handmade ceramics, sip spicy mulled wine and tuck into hearty favourites like goulash served in a bread bowl. As the sun sets, the surrounding buildings light up with cascading illuminations.
Dates:17 November – 23 December 2025 Set beneath the dramatic spires of Cologne Cathedral, this market delivers pure holiday spectacle. More than a hundred red-roofed stalls sell everything from artisanal woodwork to gingerbread hearts, while the city’s giant Christmas tree anchors the scene.
Dates:28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 Brussels stretches its celebrations across the city centre, creating a lively trail of more than 250 chalets, light projections and a charming Ferris wheel. It’s also the perfect place to sample seasonal Belgian treats: think warm waffles, speculoos and rich hot chocolate.
Dates:26 November – 24 December 2025 Often called the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg’s centuries-old market unfolds across the city’s half-timbered old town. Expect glowing lanterns, Alsatian specialties and some of the most beautifully decorated streets in Europe.
Dates:15 November 2025 – 3 January 2026 With ice rinks, cosy pop-up markets and canals draped in fairy lights, Amsterdam turns into a winter postcard. The city’s neighbourhood markets are especially charming — smaller, more local, and perfect for browsing with a warm stroopwafel in hand.
Dates:22 November – 27 December 2025 Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town becomes a storybook come to life each winter. Expect a traditional village square, twinkling lights against medieval stone walls, and steaming mugs of glögi (Nordic mulled wine). Rumour has it, this was home to Europe’s first public Christmas tree.
While cozying up indoors has its appeal in autumn, exploring the timeless charm of Toulouse is a journey worth taking.
Nestled in the heart of southwestern France, “La Ville Rose” offers an autumn experience that’s rich in colour, culture, and culinary delight. With Air Canada’s year-round flights departing up to five times weekly from Montréal, getting there is as smooth as a sip of French wine.
GOLDEN EVENINGS IN BUZZING BISTROS
As the air turns crisp and leaves fall, Toulouse’s bistros and wine bars glow with warmth and energy. Locals linger over long meals and visitors are always invited to join the conversation. Whether it’s with a robust red from nearby Gaillac or a seasonal dish by candlelight, the city’s spirit is irresistible.
AUTUMN FLAVOURS, À LA FRANÇAISE
Fall in Toulouse is a feast for the senses. Travellers can indulge in the region’s signature cassoulet or try garbure, a rustic soup brimming with garden vegetables and cured meats. From flaky pastries to earthy cheeses, every bite reflects the bounty of the season and the soul of southern French tradition.
HISTORY IN EVERY STONE
With roots stretching back to Roman times, Toulouse is a city where history whispers from every corner. Travellers take time out to stroll through the medieval streets of the Old Quarter, admire the grandeur of the Capitole de Toulouse, or visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, one of Europe’s largest Romanesque churches.
ON THE MOVE IN TOULOUSE
For active travellers eager to explore beyond the ordinary, Toulouse offers an invigorating escape. With its proximity to the Pyrenees mountain range, the city serves as a gateway to scenic hiking trails that wind through lush valleys and rugged peaks, while the Canal du Midi invites cyclists to cruise along its tranquil, tree-lined paths.
MORE COMFORT, MORE CHOICE
Escaping happens in total comfort with three cabin classes for travellers to choose from:
Economy Class, featuring endless in-seat entertainment, along with complimentary wines, spirits and meals.
Premium Economy, offering extra legroom, enhanced meal service and elevated comfort.
Air Canada Signature Class, the highest level of luxury, featuring lie-flat seats, a premium dining experience and exclusive access to our Maple Leaf Lounge, so travellers can arrive rested and ready to explore.
Toulouse in the fall is an invitation to slow down and savour every moment. And with convenient flights from Montréal, the city’s charm is just a journey away.
Learn more and book your fall getaway to Toulouse at aircanada.com.
From crisp alpine getaways to breezy seaside escapes, these space-saving finds will keep you warm, dry, and stylish — no matter how far the mercury drops.
Kathmandu Epiq SE Jacket Warm yet ultra-packable, this lightweight puffer is made with Q-CYCLE® yarn, a groundbreaking fabric spun from post-consumer waste (including end-of-life car tires).
Fulton Tiny-2 Umbrella Small enough to slip in a crossbody bag, this sturdy windproof umbrella unfolds to shield you from sudden showers without adding bulk to your daypack.
Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves 2.0 Designed for warmth and made with special conductive fibres, these gloves let you snap photos or check maps without peeling them off in the cold.
Prohibition The Lip Balm Blended with premium hemp seed oil, this nourishing, Canadian-made lip balm repairs and protects lips from winter dryness.
A stylish boutique stay steps from Union Station brings art, design and a touch of literary flair to the city’s core.
Tucked inside a restored heritage building on York Street, Union Hotel Toronto feels like the kind of downtown stay Toronto’s been missing—creative, comfortable and just the right amount of cool. With 189 rooms, a café-lounge that hums from morning to night, and design rooted in local makers, it’s a modern nod to the city’s artsy side.
The vibe is easy-going yet polished with warm lighting, mid-century oak furniture, soft neutrals and pops of colour from Canadian artwork. The lobby has plenty of seating, and a suspended fireplace adds a sleek and cozy touch. Every room features original pieces that tell a bit of the city’s story: Emily May Rose’s cheeky raccoons, Victoria Day’s train-station homage and Hello Kirsten’s vibrant nod to the neighbourhood’s textile roots. Together, they make the place feel less like a hotel and more like a cool friend’s apartment.
Rooms come in four styles—Chic, Groovy, Swanky and the Posh Suite—each with small but thoughtful touches: Routine amenities, Fellow kettles for your tea ritual, and Loftie sound machines that help you drift off after a night in the city. Local studio Whence co-designed many of the in-room details, while circular-design pieces by Cyrc (soap dishes, trays and tissue boxes) keep sustainability in the mix.
Downstairs, Humble Donkey anchors the lobby and doubles as a great coworking space. By day, it’s fuelled by Sam James Coffee Bar espresso and Circles and Squares Bakery; by night, when the lights dim, flatbreads and martinis appear on the menu. Upstairs, there’s The 6ix, a flexible social space with a courtyard for events.
A literary twist gives the stay extra heart: every room includes a Giller Prize–listed or winning book, with a mini CanLit library waiting by the front desk. And don’t check out without browsing the lobby’s UH Marketplace, where you can grab locally made souvenirs like an upcycled denim tote by designer Gino Marocco.
Union Hotel Toronto manages to be central but not basic. It’s a stylish, quietly playful stay that celebrates the city’s art, design and character in all the right ways.
It’s in the Details
Locally made Routine bath products, custom furniture by Whence, and upcycled denim totes from Gino Marocco keep every corner grounded in Toronto craftsmanship.
On the Menu
At Humble Donkey, start with a latte and a Breadhead croissant, then circle back for truffle fries, the Donkey Burger and an espresso martini.
What to Do Nearby
Stroll ten minutes south to The Power Plant Contemporary Art Galleryon the waterfront for rotating exhibits and installations. In the evening, catch an indie screening at TIFF Lightbox, about a 15-minute walk west on King Street.
Room to Book
The Posh Suite offers extra space, a sitting area and curated local art.
Untold Story Travel’s newest itinerary pairs luxury with once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters in Northern Norway.
If the idea of living among wolves and swimming beneath the Northern Lights sounds like a fantasy, Untold Story Travel is turning it into reality. The luxury tour operator—known for its bespoke, boundary-pushing itineraries—has unveiled Wolves, Whales & the Northern Lights, a private six-day journey through the wilds of Northern Norway that blends adventure, comfort and conservation.
Set in the snow-covered valleys of Målselv, deep inside the Arctic Circle, guests spend five nights at Wolf Lodge, an ultra-exclusive retreat that feels more like a secret sanctuary than a hotel. It’s home to a resident pack of socialized Arctic wolves, and under the care of wildlife expert Stig Sletten, travellers can observe and interact with them up close—a rare experience that’s as humbling as it is unforgettable.
The adventure doesn’t stop there. A private whale safari with marine biologist and National Geographic photographer Audun Rikardsen takes guests into icy fjords to spot orcas, humpbacks and sperm whales. For those feeling extra brave, Untold Story can even arrange a guided orca swim beneath the Northern Lights—a moment of pure awe that feels straight out of a dream.
Days are filled with snowmobiling and dogsledding, wood-fired saunas, and chef-prepared lunches served in a traditional lavvu tent. Evenings bring gourmet dinners by Chef Gunnar Jensen, named “Norway’s Best Chef,” with plates of reindeer, Arctic char and king crab. And when the aurora dances above a snow castle and bonfire outside, it’s easy to forget the rest of the world exists.
Rates start at around USD $30,000 per person, including accommodations, private chef and all guided excursions. Every stay supports the Polar Park Wolf Welfare Fund, helping protect the animals that make this part of Norway so extraordinary.
In Nayarit’s capital city, vibrant traditions meet Riviera luxury — and WestJet makes it easier than ever to experience both.
With its lively plazas, centuries-old artistry, and colourful markets, Tepic is Mexico at its most authentic. This capital city of Nayarit remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism, offering travellers a rare opportunity to connect with Indigenous traditions, colonial heritage, and a thriving culinary scene. And when it’s time to unwind, the Riviera’s golden beaches and luxury resorts are just a short drive away.
This winter, WestJet Vacations brings Tepic within easier reach than ever before, with new direct flights from Calgary.
A City Steeped in Story
Begin in Tepic’s historic centre, where leafy plazas open onto cobblestone streets lined with pastel façades and neoclassical architecture. The soaring Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption commands the skyline, while the Casa de Amado Nervo — birthplace of one of Mexico’s most celebrated poets — invites a quieter pause.
Culture here feels alive, woven into daily rhythms rather than packaged for visitors. In nearby Huichol villages, artisans create beadwork and yarn paintings of dazzling precision, each design a spiritual narrative passed down through generations. At the Centro Cultural de los Cinco Pueblos, you’ll see how Huichol, Cora, Tepehuan and Mexicanero traditions continue to shape the region’s identity.
Beyond the city, remarkable adventures await. The Islas Marías, once a remote penal colony, has been reborn as a protected cultural and natural reserve, where guided tours pair fascinating history with untouched beaches. Closer to town, Tepic’s bustling markets spill over with handwoven textiles, rustic pottery and culinary treats — from smoked marlin tacos to candied pitaya — each flavour and craft a direct link to Mexico’s heritage.
Part of Tepic’s allure is its easy connection to the coast. Within a couple of hours, the cultural capital gives way to Riviera Nayarit’s surf breaks, palm-fringed beaches, and luxurious resorts.
At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, expect AAA Five Diamond indulgence, including the SE Spa’s new Chakra Healing Sessions that blend ancient Mexican practices with contemporary wellness techniques. Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort offers adults-only tranquillity with a rooftop infinity pool gazing over Banderas Bay, while Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort blends family-friendly programming with sleek design. Multi-generational groups will find thoughtful extras at Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa, where the exclusive Family Selection program delivers personalized touches for every age.
A Culinary Crossroads
For many travellers, food is Tepic’s most unforgettable calling card. In its markets, cooks prepare recipes unchanged for generations, while contemporary chefs reinterpret regional flavours with creative flair. The city also provides a gateway to Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, one of Mexico’s premier culinary festivals, where Michelin-starred chefs share kitchens with local innovators. Hands-on cooking classes and artisanal tequila tastings offer another lens into the region — one where tradition, geography and craft converge in every bite and sip.
The Best of Both Worlds
What makes Tepic extraordinary isn’t only its cultural depth or its coastal proximity, but the way the two worlds intertwine. Here, a morning of Huichol artistry can flow into an afternoon of spa treatments by the sea, and evenings might mean sipping tequila in a buzzing plaza or watching the sun sink into the Pacific.
In Tepic, you don’t have to choose between authenticity and indulgence — you can have both, often in the very same day.
Plan your escape with a flight and hotel package from WestJet Vacations, and experience the best of Mexico’s heartland and Riviera luxury in one unforgettable journey.
On New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown proudly calls itself the Adventure Capital of the World — and with good reason. This scenic lakeside town has a knack for coaxing even the most sensible travellers into trying things they’d never attempt anywhere else. From carving a jet boat through a narrow canyon to plunging headfirst off a bridge, here’s a taste of Queenstown’s adrenaline buffet.
Inspired by the land divers of Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island, bungy jumping was invented in New Zealand, and Queenstown offered the world’s first commercial jump in 1988. Today, the 134-metre-high Nevis Bungy holds the record as the country’s highest jump, but the 43-metre-high Kawarau Bridge remains the most popular. For extra bragging rights, ask to dip your head into the river below.
Home to the world’s first canyon swing, Queenstown invites you to leap off a cliff, freefall for 60 metres, and then swoop into a 200-metre arc at speeds up to 150 km/h. The Shotover Canyon Swing, just ten minutes from town, offers an à la carte menu of jump styles — from solo or tandem leaps to backwards, seated, or the nerve-shredding “cutaway.”
The Shotover Jetboat is a Queenstown institution, inviting passengers to skim over as little as 10 cm of water at 85 km/h through the narrow Shotover Canyon. Invented by Kiwi Bill Hamilton to navigate the country’s shallow rivers, the jet boat’s speed and manoeuvrability are extraordinary. The signature Hamilton Turn — a full 360° spin — sends spray flying, which is why complimentary waterproof ponchos are more than a courtesy.
From a launch area atop the Skyline Gondola, it’s clear why Bob’s Peak is regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular places to go paragliding. Snow-frosted mountains, the glimmering Lake Wakatipu, and views of Queenstown provide a stunning backdrop to this gentle ride of a lifetime. Tandem pilots do all the work, warm thermal air keeps you afloat, and the soft landing below is surprisingly easy on the nerves.
Few thrills match the rush of freefalling at terminal velocity. NZone, one of the busiest and most experienced skydive operators in the world, is known for helping nervous first-timers embrace the plunge. With the Southern Alps framing the horizon, even the scenic flight up is a thrill. Then the door opens, your tandem instructor signals it’s time, and you’re out in the open sky.
Another New Zealand first, the luge is a three-wheeled cart with a low centre of gravity and simple steering and braking controls. Push back on the handles to slow down or let gravity take over and race the track as fast as your nerves allow. A modified ski lift whisks you and your luge back to the start. The course is accessed via the Skyline Gondola, which climbs 450 metres above Queenstown — the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.
