According to this survey, 61% of Canadians crave slow, restful travel

March 17, 2025

A recent Flight Centre survey conducted by YouGov suggests that 61% of Canadian travellers will prioritize slow and restful travel in 2025.

That means choosing destinations away from crowds, opting for slower paced itineraries that highlight life’s simple pleasures, and leaving plenty of time to recharge, reflect, and refocus priorities.

“Soft travel, or the ‘calm-cation,’ looks different for different people,” says Ryan Bond, Travel Expert at Flight Centre Canada. “It puts the emphasis on mental and physical well-being so you return from your vacation with renewed energy and purpose.”

What is slow travel?

There are many ways that Canadians can embrace the “soft travel” movement:

  • Visit healing locales: A whopping 76% of Canadian travellers crave peace away from crowded destinations. This preference holds for every age group: Gen Z (81%), Millennials (80%), Gen X (77%), Baby Boomers (75%) and Silent Gen (75%). Discover quiet havens steeped in nature and community, not other tourists, such as the serene forests and beaches of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia or the volcanic craters of Açores, Portugal.
  • Find balance: More than 3 in 5 (61%) of Canadian travellers say travel is extremely or very important to their mental health and overall wellbeing. Reset mind, body and spirit by touring the Euphoria Retreat in the mountains of the Peloponnese, Greece or the historic monastery turned wellness retreat, Le Monastère des Augustines, Québec City.
  • Indulge in beauty sleep: Enjoying a restful vacation is especially important for Zillennials (Gen Z, 80%; Millennials, 76%), people with children (77% vs. people without children, 53%) and people who work (69% vs. people who don’t work, 48%). Combat stress and sleep disturbances by booking at a secluded riverside eco-lodge with stargazing suites in Trout Point Lodge, Nova Scotia or escaping to Masseria Moroseta, Italy, a stylish farmhouse in Puglia designed for slow living, featuring minimalist decor and quiet countryside views.

“In an uncertain world, Canadians are searching for meaning,” Bond says. “Travel provides the opportunity to take a break from day-to-day life and focus on what really matters: taking care of our bodies and minds, savouring the moment with the ones we love, and making a positive difference in our global community. “

This new credit card grants you instant airline loyalty points

March 14, 2025

Porter Airlines, BMO and Mastercard are launching two new BMO VIPorter Mastercard credit cards – creating the first and only travel credit card program in Canada that grants immediate frequent flyer benefits for cardholders in an airline’s loyalty program, while enabling accelerated travel rewards.

More than 30,000 people have joined the pre-launch waitlist since the program was announced in January 2025 as Canadians seek more choice and benefits from their travel credit cards.

The new BMO VIPorter Mastercard credit card lineup enhances customers’ ability to earn VIPorter points and redeem for flights through everyday purchases, while automatically granting VIPorter Avid Traveller benefits to both the primary cardholder and any secondary cardholders on the account. Card benefits, along with the welcome offer, include waived annual fees for the first year and up to 70,000 VIPorter points – giving cardholders as much as $2,400 of total value in their first year.

Benefits of both cards

Cardholders can experience greater earning rates for points and personal travel benefits, including:

BMO VIPorter Mastercard

  • Offering more value and opportunities to earn rewards and flights, cardholders earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Porter flights, 1 point for every $1 spent on transportation, gas, groceries, dining and hotel accommodations, and 0.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Cardholders are automatically granted VIPorter Passport Avid Traveller membership benefits, including earning 6 points per dollar on Porter flights, dedicated airport check in, priority security screening, early boarding and priority re-accommodation for flight delays.
  • All cardholders also earn $1 of Avid Traveller Qualifying Spend for every $25 in eligible credit card spend, unlocking even more earning and travel benefits over time.
  • This card features an annual voucher for 35% off the base fare on any Porter flights for up to four people when spending at least $25,000 annually on the card.

BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard

  • Offering elevated rewards and travel experiences, cardholders earn 3 points for every $1 spent on Porter flights, 2 points for every $1 spent on transportation, gas, groceries, dining and hotel accommodations, and 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Cardholders are automatically granted VIPorter Avid Traveller Venture membership benefits, where they can enjoy earning 6 points per dollar on Porter flights, dedicated airport check-in, priority security screening, early boarding, priority re-accommodation for flight delays, one complimentary checked bag, a carry-on bag when purchasing a Basic economy fare, and complimentary PorterClassic seat selection.
  • All cardholders will also earn $1 of Avid Traveller Qualifying Spend for every $25 in eligible credit card spend, unlocking even more earning and travel benefits over time.
  • This card features an annual round-trip Porter companion pass that gives an additional passenger flying on the same booking 100% off the base fare of any Porter flight when spending at least $50,000 annually on the card.

To learn more about the BMO VIPorter Mastercard lineup, including other important terms and features, please visit: www.flyporter.com/creditcards.

You can now fly non-stop from Halifax to Barcelona, starting this June

March 12, 2025

WestJet has announced new service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) beginning June 27.

The seasonal route will operate four times per week as part of WestJet’s summer 2025 schedule, offering Atlantic Canadians a direct connection to one of the airline’s most sought-after European destinations.

The addition of Barcelona to WestJet’s summer 2025 transatlantic schedule builds on the airline’s service offering from Halifax.

In 2025, the airline will offer more transatlantic flights from YHZ than ever before, including new routes to Amsterdam, Paris and now Barcelona, as well as the return of popular services to London, Dublin and Edinburgh. The full summer 2025 schedule is now available at WestJet.com.

Nobu Hotel Manchester set to become the tallest building in London

March 10, 2025

Nobu Hospitality, the globally recognised luxury lifestyle brand, has unveiled plans for a landmark development in Manchester, featuring a hotel, restaurant, and the UK’s first Nobu-branded residences. 

In partnership with leading, property developer Salboy, the project – currently named Viadux 2 – will introduce the Nobu Hotel Manchester as the tallest building outside London, standing at 246 metres. This development will bring the brand’s signature blend of luxury hospitality and world-class dining to the heart of the city. The Viadux 2 project represents a £360 million property development in a prime Manchester city centre location, subject to a positive planning outcome this spring.

The 76-storey tower will house 160 hotel rooms, sophisticated event spaces, and a signature Nobu restaurant and bar, each reflecting the brand’s signature minimalist design. The development will also introduce 452 Nobu residences, marking the brand’s debut into the UK’s luxury real estate market. Offering an exclusive opportunity to live the Nobu lifestyle, each residence will feature refined design with thoughtful Japanese details, premium amenities—including Nobu dining and room service —an exclusive swimming pool, spa, podium garden and gym, as well as unparalleled access to the city through a dedicated experience team.

Manchester has rapidly evolved into a prime destination for luxury hospitality and high-end real estate, attracting leading luxury brands and world-class restaurateurs. Nobu’s arrival marks a major milestone in this transformation, setting a new benchmark for upscale living and hospitality in the region.

Three new hotels to check out in Peru

March 7, 2025

From a remote glamping site to contemporary urban hotels, Peru’s new accommodation options are sure to impress.  

In April, family-owned Andean will launch a new tented campsite in a secluded 370-acre nature reserve. Located along the route connecting Cusco with Puno and the Colca Valley, Tinajani comprises six upscale safari-style tented camps set within a spectacular stone forest (dubbed the ‘Canyon of the Guardians’) that formed following the erosion of an ancient pre-historic lake. Surrounded by towering rock formations, each luxury tent includes a bedroom, sitting area, private bathroom and hot tub. The all-inclusive property also provides excursions for guests to explore the remote Altiplano region, which is known for its stargazing skies and un-touched natural trails.

SOUMA Hotel Lima opened this month as the first IHG Vignette Collection property in South America.

Operated by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, the hotel is situated on Lima’s Miraflores boardwalk and features 214 rooms designed in a minimalist décor with light wood accents. The property offers three restaurants specializing in Peruvian and Nikkei cuisine, a heated rooftop infinity pool, and sunrise yoga sessions overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Motto by Hilton makes its much-anticipated South American debut this year with the opening of Motto by Hilton Cusco. 

Located in the centre of the Imperial City, the 58-room property pays homage to Cusco’s past with guest suites that feature modern amenities with historic design elements inspired by Inca culture. The hotel is steps away from Cusco’s popular attractions and landmarks, such as Plaza de Armas and the Temple of the Koricancha. 

Air Canada partners with Michelin-starred chef Masaki Hashimoto on Japan routes

March 5, 2025

Air Canada has added Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto to its culinary panel.

Based in Toronto, Chef Hashimoto is the owner of Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, one of Canada’s only restaurants dedicated to the traditional art of Kaiseki cuisine. Since immigrating more than 40 years ago, he has devoted his career to mastering and sharing this multi-course culinary tradition. His exclusive creations debuted March 1 in Air Canada Signature Class, on all flights between Canada and Japan.

On these routes, Chef Hashimoto’s dishes will showcase a thoughtfully curated selection of traditional ingredients through a rotating menu. Six recipes will be introduced annually, including a Zensai (appetizer) such as sautéed lotus root; Komono (side dishes) like sesame tofu with wasabi sauce; and a Oshokuji (main course) featuring beef sukiyaki with simmered tofu, scallions, napa cabbage and red ginger, served with calrose rice and miso soup. A brunch casserole follows, served before landing. Beginning in the spring, Air Canada will further elevate the experience with traditional dishware and tray presentations curated by Chef Hashimoto, in partnership with Noritake dishware, featuring Japanese artwork.

Sake pairings by Kei Hashimoto

To complement the meals, a premium sake pairing will be offered, selected by Chef Hashimoto’s son, Kei Hashimoto, a certified Kiki sake-shi (sake sommelier) accredited by the Sake Service Institute in Tokyo.

The featured sake, Ninki-ichi Junmai Daiginjo Gold, is crafted from Gohyakumankoku sake rice, prized for its clean, crisp character. Filtered using the Yabuta system, it achieves exceptional purity with a balanced profile of floral and fruity notes and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

“It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to bring an authentic Japanese in-flight dining experience to travellers. Partnering with Air Canada is truly an honour for me, as it brings together the two places I now call home—Japan and Canada,” said Chef Masaki Hashimoto. “This collaboration allows us both to bridge the rich cultural landscapes of each country and celebrate our shared values of care, respect, and connection.”

Now available for Air Canada's Signature Class

Chef Hashimoto’s creations are now offered as part of Air Canada’s Signature Class dining menu on all Air Canada flights between Canada and Japan. Air Canada offers the most flights between Canada and Japan, with up to six daily flights from three airports in Canada to three airports in Japan this summer:

  • Vancouver to Narita: daily flights
  • Vancouver to Osaka: four weekly flights
  • Toronto to Narita: daily flights
  • Toronto to Haneda: daily flights
  • Toronto to Osaka: three weekly flights
  • Montreal to Narita: daily flights

World’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian, takes to the waters June 2026

March 3, 2025

Orient Express sets a new standard of excellence, bringing a spirit of quiet revolution to the world of exceptional sailing.

In June 2026, Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, will take to the open sea, tracing a course through the French and Italian Rivieras, jewels of the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas.

A triumph of engineering and artistry, Orient Express Corinthian is the product of a visionary collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a world leader in naval innovation. Designed with both grandeur and purpose, the vessel represents a seamless convergence of ultimate refinement and cutting-edge innovation, two hallmarks of French excellence.

About Orient Express Corinthian

Her dimensions are extraordinary—220 meters (722 feet) in length, with three towering masts supporting 1,500 square meters (16,145 square feet) of rigid sails. Yet beyond its sheer scale, she is a pioneer: Orient Express Corinthian is the first sailing yacht equipped with the revolutionary ‘SolidSail’ propulsion system.

Its three tilting, rotating masts optimize performance under sail, harnessing the wind with exceptional efficiency and reducing reliance on conventional fuels. This advanced system is further supported by a hybrid propulsion solution powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which offers a substantial reduction in emissions compared to traditional marine fuels, marking a meaningful step toward more sustainable navigation.

The commitment to sustainability runs deep. An AI-driven detection system minimizes the risk of marine mammal collisions, while dynamic positioning technology eliminates the need for anchoring, preserving delicate seabeds. Every aspect of the ship’s design is calibrated to protect the ocean it traverses.

Reservations open on March 25, 2025. Join the journey at orient-express.com/sailingyachts today.

This tour operator is offering a series of self-guided cycling trips through Italy

February 28, 2025

Building on last year’s successful launch of self-guided cycling tours in Italy, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a trailblazer in cycling vacations and leader in active travel, is introducing three new extended itineraries for 2025, offering travellers a deeper dive into the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Italy’s la dolce vita.

These longer trips align with the growing trend of slow travel, combining multiple weeklong routes to create seamless adventures that prioritize immersive and sustainable experiences.

“We think that with the expense and time it takes to travel these days, a longer bike tour just makes sense,” said Maria Elena Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. “Not to mention, spending more time in a place – getting to know it in the more immersive and intimate manner that exploring by bike provides – is so much more enriching, rewarding, and overall, a more sustainable way to travel.”

Designed for travellers who love the freedom of choosing their own pace while enjoying the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing key details such as accommodations and route mapping are taken care of, these new adventures offer deep dives into three famed regions: The Dolomites, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany.

For details on all ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ guided and self-guided cycling adventures in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America, visit ExperiencePlus.com.

CroisiEurope’s newest luxury ship to offer eco experiences on the Amazon

February 26, 2025

CroisiEurope is building a new luxury ship that will offer a unique eco-tourism experience on the Amazon. This new, as yet un-named ship, is CroisiEurope’s first new build since 2020 and its first to operate in South America.

The 32-guest, four-deck ship will measure 49 metres long by 15 metres wide and will feature plenty of wood, vibrant colours
and local arts and crafts inspired by Amazonian culture. Accommodation will comprise 16 suites with private balconies including two presidential suites suspended between the sky and water. There will also be a gourmet restaurant serving Brazilian inspired dishes, a spa, fitness room, sun deck and conference room.

As part of its commitment to protecting and preserving the Amazon, CroisiEurope is implementing the latest eco innovations including engines that meet the strictest environment standards, an advanced wastewater treatment system and solar panels which will allow the ship to shut down its generators at night and operate on batteries. Sustainable practices will be observed onboard while ashore, respectful tourism will benefit local communities through meetings with Amazonian communities in order to share knowledge and stories, supporting local initiatives and protecting bio-diversity and ensuring that each guest uses their experience to become an ambassador for the Amazon.

Starting in 2027, the new ship will home port in Manaus and offer 12-day itineraries that unveil the treasures of the Brazilian
Amazon, navigating the Amazon River, the Rio Negro, the Solimões, the Arapiuns and the Tapajós up to the Colombian border.

Various extensions will also be available. Itineraries will be open for booking soon.

Swan Hellenic opens bookings for enhanced 2026-2027 Antarctic cruises

February 24, 2025

Swan Hellenic has announced its 2026-2027 Antarctic Season cruises, several of which sail further south into the Antarctic Circle than other expedition options.

Further attractions are Swan Hellenic’s much-praised guest service and elegant but informal, boutique ice-class vessels, the five-star sister ships SH Vega and slightly larger SH Diana, accommodating 152 and 192 guests respectively.

But this exclusive experience also means limited capacity. Even with a total of 24 Antarctic departures between them, only 4,777 guest places are available for the entire 2026-2027 season. Which is why wise adventurers book well in advance and Swan Hellenic has announced everything as early as possible.

At the heart of the season are 24 round-trip voyages from homeport Ushuaia, the “end of the world” in southern Argentina. Each follows one in a select series of five expertly curated itineraries exploring the Antarctic Peninsula in depth, three of which approach it from the lesser-visited Weddell Sea.

Special themed cruises

Special Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year of the Horse celebration cruises are offered, with SH Vega combining Christmas and New Year in the 13-night Roundtrip Cruise to Ushuaia from 22 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.

A long semi-circumnavigation voyage complements these round-trip cruises, the 20-night South Atlantic Cruise from Cape Town, South Africa, to Ushuaia aboard SH Diana.

This ocean discovery voyage explores Saint Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world, along with the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia Island

New features on Antarctica cruises

A distinctive new feature of Swan Hellenic’s Antarctica cruises introduced for the 2026-2027 season will be the opportunity to walk on the wild side in included expert-led snowshoeing expeditions that enable beginner and experienced guests alike to explore further than a normal landing activity. Typically around one and a half hours long, each will be led by two experienced mountaineers and will of course be dependent on the snow conditions.

All Swan Hellenic cruises are fully inclusive and feature gourmet cuisine, specialist talks and hands-on, expert-led expeditions.

“We’re really excited about our new Antarctica offerings and the fantastic developments they introduce,” said Swan Hellenic Chief commercial officer Patrizia Iantorno. “From deep exploration of the Weddell Sea, one of the most pristine intact ecosystems on earth, to our new snowshoeing expeditions, they offer brilliant opportunities to see what others don’t on life-changing voyages exploring the world’s last great wilderness.”

Complete information is available on the Swan Hellenic Website and a full calendar of all the 2026-2027 Antarctic Season Cruises can be downloaded here.