Backroads adds 40 new walking & hiking trips just for women

October 4, 2024 No Comments

Backroads has expanded its Women’s Adventures with more than 40 walking and hiking trips and 125 departures available in 2025.

Exclusively for women—solo travellers, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends—Women’s Adventures were an instant hit after the announcement last fall, with 2024 trips quickly booking to capacity.

The first trip ran in May, and the offering continues to gain momentum and garner rave reviews as word spreads. The company projects more than a 200 percent increase in Women’s Adventures guests for 2025. The collection features the same expert trip design, flexible itineraries, exceptional Trip Leaders and world-class support that are hallmarks of all Backroads trips.

“Women of all ages have been a significant part of the growth in active adventure travel so we expected our Women’s Adventures would be well received, but we are thrilled with the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response,” said Backroads executive vice-president, Avery Hale Smith. “We’ve heard from many women—solo travellers and those who travel with friends or family—that the trips feel supportive, inspiring and rejuvenating and they love how the camaraderie and bonding is so organic.”

New tours launching in 2025

Backroads Women’s Adventures are available for immediate booking. For the complete collection and for more information, visit Backroads.com.

National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions introduce new co-brand

September 30, 2024 No Comments

For more than 20 years, the collaboration between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic has been synonymous with small-ship modern expedition cruising.

Now, the two companies are taking their industry-defining relationship to the next level with the debut of a new name and refreshed co-branded identity, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

The launch of the new co-brand represents a significant milestone in the long-term extension and expansion of the strategic relationship between Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic, and The Walt Disney Company.

The move was made possible under the new 17-year agreement between the three innovative brands announced in November 2023, which granted Lindblad Expeditions global rights to the National Geographic brand for expedition cruises until at least 2040.

Together, the brands and their guests have embarked on thousands of expeditions designed for discovery to highlight the wonder of the world and their collective role in protecting it. These voyages helped to progress important conservation priorities, educational opportunities and environmental scientific research at local, regional, and global levels with initiatives like the Visiting Scientist Program.

Working with the National Geographic Society, Lindblad Expeditions has hosted hundreds of educators on expeditions around the world through the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, and these educators bring what they learn back to their classrooms, inspiring the next generation of planetary stewards.

Additionally, through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund, the two organizations and their guests have invested more than $22 million to support numerous conservation, education and science initiatives around the globe.

To learn more about the strategic relationship between National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, visit http://www.expeditions.com/campaign/national-geographic-lindblad-expeditions.

 

Hyatt Hotels expands luxury and lifestyle brand portfolio across Americas

September 16, 2024 No Comments

Hyatt Hotels continues the strategic expansion of luxury and lifestyle hotels with a significant development pipeline of more than 20 recent and planned openings across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean through 2025.

This planned growth will expand Hyatt’s brand footprint in several new regional markets, allowing Hyatt to care for guests and World of Hyatt members in more places and on more stay occasions.

Looking ahead, Hyatt will offer guests more iconic lifestyle brands and experiences through the planned acquisition of lifestyle pioneer Standard International.

Hyatt will launch a new dedicated lifestyle group that will include The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands, as well as many of its world-class restaurant and nightlife affiliates (The Boom Boom Room, The Standard Grill, Le Bain, and more). Following the transaction’s close, Hyatt is planning to welcome Standard International properties into World of Hyatt, bringing even more celebrated lifestyle options to its 48 million loyalty members.

Newly opened and coming soon

Hyatt plans to add several new hotels across prime leisure markets in Americas in 2024, from the first Andaz hotel in Florida and the debut of the Hyatt Centric brand in Costa Rica, to the first Grand Hyatt properties in Arizona and Utah. Recent and upcoming 2024 openings and renovations include:

  • The Legend Paracas Resort (joined the Destination by Hyatt brand on June 18, 2024) located on the coast of Peru, about three hours south of Lima, the 124-room resort is nestled between the Paracas Nature Reserve and the Pacific Ocean, offering panoramic views of the Paracas Bay and desert hills.
  • Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas (opened September 9, 2024) rebranded from Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa in California after an extensive $64 million renovation including transformed 531 accommodations, including 39 spacious suites which have completed, while 43 one- and two-bedroom private villas, are set to debut by November 2024. The rebrand ushers in a new era of luxury for the iconic desert resort with an expanded lobby experience, refreshed meeting and event spaces, two new dining concepts and a reimagined pool complex with extended cabana offerings.
  • Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica (opened September 18, 2024) marks the Hyatt Centric lifestyle brand’s sixth hotel in California and Hyatt’s 101st hotel in the Golden State, with 315 guest rooms. The hotel will undergo a design enhancement this fall.
  • Thompson Palm Springs (expected to open September 30, 2024) debuted with a collection of nearly all of its 168 bungalow-inspired guest rooms and suites in the heart of the city’s design district. The new lifestyle hotel features spirited dining concept, Lola Rose Grand Mezze and the first tasting room from HALL Napa Valley.
  • Hyatt Centric San José Escazú (expected to open in October 2024) will mark the Hyatt Centric brand’s first hotel in Costa Rica and serve as a homebase to explore San Jose, the country’s capital, and largest city. Located in Plaza Tempo, the hotel will feature 161 guest rooms and suites with artwork crafted by local Costa Rican artists.
  • Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo (expected to open in October 2024) will be the first Hyatt branded hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Located in the city’s central area within the thriving Ensanche Piantini neighborhood, the 130-room hotel will offer a rooftop bar, coffee shop, signature restaurant and lobby bar.
  • Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort (expected to rebrand in October 2024) will be the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona after undergoing a $115 million renovation inclusive of 496 updated accommodations, including 18 luxury Casitas, six elevated dining experiences, expanded pool and cabana offerings, a refreshed spa and more group meeting space capabilities to transform and rebrand from Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch.
  • Grand Hyatt Deer Valley (expected to open in November 2024) will mark the debut of the Grand Hyatt brand in Utah and will feature 436 luxury accommodations, multiple food & beverage experiences and one of the largest mountainside event facilities in all the U.S. that’s perfect for all seasons. The hotel is positioned with direct access to both Deer Valley’s existing and expanded ski terrain as well as the Jordanelle Reservoir.
  • Andaz Miami Beach (expected to open December 2024) has been transformed from The Confidante Miami Beach to the first Andaz hotel in Florida. This hotel features an industry-first, ocean-view check-in experience, 287 rooms, 64 suites, two reimagined pools and a historic beach house. The property will weave the rich cultural tapestry of the locale into every aspect of the resort, offering a dynamic mix of Miami-inspired programming and exclusive partnerships, including highly anticipated collaborations with the world-renowned José Andrés Group.
  • Maison Métier (expected to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in 2024) is a 67-room private luxury guesthouse serving as a luxury oasis in the heart of New Orleans, thoughtfully preserved in its architectural integrity from 1908 and will embody the story of a bygone era.

 

Strategic growth in 2025

In 2025, Hyatt plans to introduce several luxury and lifestyle brands in key markets across the Americas region, including the first Park Hyatt and Dream Hotels properties in Mexico, the first Hyatt Centric brand in Puerto Rico, and the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Grand Cayman.

New openings planned for 2025 include:

According to this study, one in four Canadians like to plan their vacations early

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Canadians are redefining what it means to go on vacation, with a new study from Flight Centre revealing that the vacation experience begins long before travellers board the plane.

According to data collected by YouGov, 25 per cent of Canadians feel that their holiday starts during the planning and booking stage, with those who use travel agents being almost twice as likely to experience this early surge of excitement compared to their DIY counterparts.

Key insights

Early Planners: One in four Canadians (25 per cent) believe their vacation begins the moment they start planning their trip. This early onset of vacation vibes is particularly pronounced among Millennials, with 29 per cent of this group reporting that their excitement kicks off during the planning phase, compared to only 19 per cent of Gen Xers.

Airport Enthusiasts: Nearly two in five Canadians (37 per cent) find themselves slipping into vacation mode as soon as they arrive at the airport. This sentiment is especially strong among women, 40 per cent of whom feel that their holiday begins at the airport, compared to 34 per cent of men.

Destination Arrival: For others, the journey truly begins upon arrival at their destination, with around 28 per cent of Canadians saying they only consider themselves on vacation once they’ve reached their travel spot. Gen Xers, in particular, are more destination-focused, with 33 per cent feeling the vacation vibes only upon arrival, compared to 24 per cent of Millennials.

Accommodation Check-in: Just under one in ten (seven per cent) believe their vacation starts when they check into their accommodation.

Where to next?

When it comes to choosing travel destinations, Canadians lean heavily on the opinions of friends and family (65 per cent), available sales and travel deals (52 per cent), and the advice of travel experts (36 per cent).

Plus, the current market dynamics also offer a golden opportunity for budget-savvy travellers. With exclusive deals and cheaper flights available online now, including savings of up to 20 per cent as summer demand wanes, Canadians can enjoy their dream vacation destinations while stretching their dollars.

Flight Centre travel experts offer more than just bookings. With the help of trusted experts, Canadians are extending their vacations into the planning phases, making every step of the journey—from the first connection to the final destination—a memorable part of their holiday.

Virtuoso reveals new luxury trends, from hot destinations to coolcations

August 14, 2024 No Comments

Virtuoso has drawn upon its extensive network of travel advisors, preferred partners and high-net-worth/ultra-high-net-worth clientele to determine what’s new and next in luxury travel, while also revealing the data and insights that prove it.

Respected as the leading “Voice of Luxury” and industry trend forecaster, Virtuoso has based its findings on a data warehouse of (US) $80 billion in transactions and an ongoing series of surveys.

The results of the extensive research were shared at the 366h annual Virtuoso Travel Week, taking place Aug. 10-16, in Las Vegas at Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Vdara Hotel & Spa.

The key takeaway is that travel remains robust, even against a backdrop of global challenges. Year-to-date sales have surpassed those of 2023 for the same January-June timeframe by 14 per cent and skyrocketed 211 per cent over 2019, with future 2025-2026 sales already up 38 per cent over last year. The demand for travel advisors remains high, with a 76 percent increase in consumers seeking out travel advisors so far this year via the network’s site, virtuoso.com.

Adventures far and wide

While domestic travel dominates in fall 2024, travellers are venturing afar in record numbers, with Italy, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Spain, Saint Barthelemy, Portugal, Canada and Japan topping the list.

The largest growth areas year-over-year are Canada (+168 per cent), Japan (+160 per cent) and Saint Barthelemy (+155 per cent).

Major cities like Paris, London, New York, Rome and Tokyo are showing significant increases compared to 2023, while destinations such as Taormina (Sicily), Napa and Amsterdam are seeing rate declines, making this fall a great time to visit.

For the festive season, Mexico, Hawaii, Anguilla, Costa Rica and Saint Barthelemy are the most sought-after destinations, with Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic and Grenada coming on strong with double- and triple-digit percentage increases.

Notably, Maui is up 66 percent for the holidays compared to last year. Fall and festive season bookings are expected to be strong, with fall bookings up 23 per cent and festive season bookings up 32 per cent compared to 2023. Additionally, Virtuoso’s preferred hotels are seeing rate increases of 46 per cent in the Caribbean and eight percent in Mexico.

Exclusive experiences remain hot

When it comes to the hottest travel trends, Virtuoso advisors have noted continued demand for exclusive-use experiences such as VIP transportation, luxury yachts and private residences, along with itineraries that incorporate next-level stimulation and engagement.

Requests for these exceptionally high-end experiences have increased for 89 per cent of Virtuoso advisors.

Leading trends in ultraluxe travel include expedition cruises, exotic destinations (such as Fiji, the Maldives and Thailand) and African safaris. Top motivations for ultraluxe travel are celebrations, passion-point experiences (like sports, arts, culture, concerts and festivals) and once-in-a-lifetime trips.

A focus on feelings

Of particular interest is a notable shift from focusing on a trip to-do list to an emphasis on how one feels during travel.

Virtuoso’s research has identified that travellers prioritize curiosity and exploration (77 per cent), joy and happiness (65 per cent) and awe and wonder of nature (57 percent) as the top emotional drivers for luxury travellers. The intangibles of a travel experience are more compelling than checking off bucket list items.

"Coolcations" heat up

Other trends include a rise in travel to cooler climates, or “Coolcations,” to destinations in northern Europe and Canada, which are up 44 percent this summer, while visits to warmer spots, including Italy, Greece and France, have decreased by .5 per cent.

Wellness travel is also expected to be a major trend this year and into the next, with a focus on “Silver Bullet” wellness – a sub-trend coined by Globetrender in a forthcoming co-authored report with Virtuoso – highlighting hyper-specific, targeted “cures” tailored to individual wellness needs.

A survey revealed that 70 per cent of travellers are seeking relaxation and disconnection through wellness travel, while half are interested in hyper-personalized experiences and mental resets.

Other key trends

Solo female travel, dubbed as “Wander Women” by Virtuoso and Globetrender, has also seen significant growth, with women making up 71 percent of solo travellers.

Additionally, as Gen Z begins having children in 2025 (Beta babies), the industry for the first time will see seven generations traveling simultaneously. Legacy travel, or the act of bringing all these generations together to celebrate milestones or to seek nostalgia and reconnection (24 percent according to the 2024 Virtuoso Brand & Travel Tracker study) is becoming increasingly popular. And Virtuoso shared that when surveyed, 32 percent of Gen Zs were planning to travel with children over the next year, with 42 per cent of them planning to do so under the guidance of a travel advisor.

Travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations and at off-peak times is growing in popularity, aligning with the trend toward more responsible and sustainable travel as a response to overtourism.

Please access complete findings here.

Photo: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg 

Some of Seabourn’s new ultra-luxe immersive itineraries are up to 48 days long

August 9, 2024 No Comments

Seabourn has announced a new program of immersive itineraries available on Seabourn Quest as the ship explores Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii and the Panama Canal from December 2025 to April 2026.

Seabourn Quest will sail a total of 22 itineraries with 46 destinations in 13 countries, including a new series of 10-day voyages sailing roundtrip from Papeete (Tahiti) that provide a full immersion in French Polynesia.

With itineraries ranging from 10 to 48 days, Seabourn Quest will offer abundant opportunities for guests to take in new sights and scenes and experience authentic cultures through a combination of iconic destinations and smaller, less-explored ports.

In addition to the new 10-day roundtrip voyages from Papeete, the season includes a 19-day Panama Canal Passage from Long Beach, Calif., to Miami; 15-day voyages in Australia and New Zealand; overnight calls on select voyages at coastal Cairns and Melbourne in Australia, and Bora Bora and Tahiti in French Polynesia; and extended stays in Napier in New Zealand, Honolulu and Kona in Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, and Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

The Seabourn difference

Guests will experience the unparalleled Seabourn all-inclusive difference on board the intimate, yacht-like Seabourn Quest.

The ship’s dedicated onboard team provides intuitive and authentic service, ensuring that every guest enjoys a personalized and extraordinary experience. From the moment of embarkation, guests will have endless opportunities to create lasting Seabourn Moments.

In addition, the ship is equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, to provide guests with greater connectivity to share their experiences with friends and family. These new voyages will also include bespoke, curated onboard entertainment and Seabourn Conversations programs, featuring renowned performers and guest speakers.

For more details about Seabourn, including itineraries, pricing and departure dates, visit www.seabourn.com.

New report highlights the changing face of luxury travel in Asia Pacific

July 19, 2024 No Comments

As the Asia Pacific region continues to be the growth engine for luxury travel, a new comprehensive report from the Luxury Group by Marriott International has identified new expectations and travel preferences among high-net-worth (HNW) travellers in Asia Pacific.

Across the region, 68 per cent are planning to spend more on travel over the next 12 months – 89 per cent among Indians – with 74 per cent planning to travel within Asia Pacific and 88 per cent prioritizing gastronomy as the reason to travel. One in four of all holidays planned (25 per cent) are celebrations.

Three distinct new groups of luxury traveler have emerged – the ‘Venture Travelist’ who seeks business opportunities when traveling, ‘Experience Connoisseur’ Millennials who are traveling for enrichment and ‘Timeless Adventurer’, over 65s who are building their own itineraries and exploring places before they become popular.

Longer holidays on the rise

The research among HNW travelers in Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and India reveals they are traveling frequently with longer holidays especially across the Asia Pacific region. An average of six leisure trips is planned within the next 12 months while 33% of respondents are planning at least seven holidays this year. On average, a short stay comprises three nights while a long stay is two-and-a-half weeks. For many, the kinship and connection within a group enhances the richness of the travel experience, with over 70% choosing to travel with family or friends.

Australia is the destination of choice (46 per cent, above Japan (42 per cent) and Hong Kong, China (27 per cent). Sixty-nine per cent of India’s HNW tourists are planning a trip to Australia and it is the top destination of choice for Indonesian, Japanese and Singaporean travellers.

Travel trends revealed

Increasing demand in India

The most active and engaged travel market, 89 per cent of Indian HNW say they are planning to spend more on travel.

Families and friends are touring together to mark key milestones, attend a private function or event, with 38 per cent planning a trip with friends and 33 per cent making theirs a celebratory trip.

A Fascination for Food

A whopping 88 per cent are picking their holiday destination based on discovering a new food or culinary experience. Acutely aware of dining trends, almost half of the respondents (49 per cent) describe a fine dining experience as an ideal night out.

Reinforcing this point, 83 per cent will choose a destination to visit an award-winning restaurant and 35 per cent agreed they would spend more on unique culinary experiences. When choosing a hotel, 81 per cent of HNW travellers make their selection based on fine dining options and 83 per cent choose a destination so they can visit a celebrated restaurant.

 

New traveller personas emerge

With more disposable income for holidays and a growing population of ageing travellers, the research has identified three new categories of affluent travellers. These include:

i) The ‘Venture Travelist’
The next-generation Bleisure tourist, the Venture Travelist prioritizes holiday destinations that will generate business opportunities. While they enjoy their vacation with their family and loved ones, they are always on the lookout to secure a deal. Entrepreneurs at heart, they explore a location, shopping for local products and antiques, and looking to forge business connections with members from the local community.

ii) The ‘Experience Connoisseur’
Predominantly millennials, Experience Connoisseurs plan their leisure travel as an opportunity for personal enrichment. They travel extensively and see the experience as an investment in their mental and physical wellbeing. They want to deeply explore a destination, they value personalization and actively seek exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences.

iii) The ‘Timeless Adventurer’
Debunking every stereotype of the over-65 ‘silver set travelers’, Timeless Adventurers are keen explorers who want to immerse themselves in a destination. They’re less interested in tourist attractions and more drawn to what gives the destination a sense of place, what makes it unique and memorable.

The full report is available to download.

Rethink the drink: 15 of the best canned mocktails for summer

June 24, 2024 No Comments

Back in 2023, Health Canada proposed new guidelines for alcohol intake, based on a series of recommendations by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA).

The report concluded that to reduce some of the harms associated with alcohol intake, Canadians should consume no more than two alcoholic drinks per week.

And while cutting back on booze is nothing new, the numbers don’t lie—more Canadians, especially Gen Z (those born 1997 to 2011) and Millennials (1981-1996), are embracing a sober lifestyle.

Data taken from Statistics Canada in 2021 shows that there was a 10.1 per cent decline in heavy alcohol consumption in Canadians aged 18 to 34 years, which is almost one-third (31.5 per cent) lower compared with those who reported high consumption levels in 2015, and those numbers have only continued to decline since. 

Data from the Expedia Group’s Unpack ‘24 survey also reveals that more than 40 per cent of travellers say they are likely to book a detox trip in the next year, with another one in four saying that the top reason for drinking less on vacation is to stay in control and feel better emotionally and physically.

Luckily, we’ve come a long way from justifying overpriced juice and settling for sad seltzer at the bar, or on holiday. Distillers are getting creative with their mocktails, whether that means infusing housemade syrups or using foraged herbs and botanicals for an even better buzz. In support of a hangover-free summer, here are 15 of our favourite canned mocktails for slow sipping.

Espresso Martini: Monsieur Cocktail

Largely known for their syrups and bitters, Monsieur Cocktail’s non-alcoholic line, NOA, carries a canned espresso martini beverage. Sweetened with a hint of amaretto, you can expect bold notes of roasted coffee, complete with a frothy top—just remember to shake well, first.

Gin and Tonic: Sir James 101

Pretty and pink, Sir James’ alcohol-free gin and tonic has a subtle hint of raspberry and pomegranate tucked amongst familiar herbal notes of juniper. It looks almost as good as it tastes!

Piña Colada: HP Juniper

If you like piña coladas, you’ll love this one from Quebec distiller HP Juniper—creamy coconut, fruity pineapple and warm vanilla swirl together to create the perfect fake take on this classic cocktail that pairs well with lazy days by the lake or pool.

Margarita: Little Saints

Lime, a hint of jalapeño and turmeric blend together to form this spicy take on a marg. While this drink is zero-proof, it’s infused with organic reishi mushroom—a centuries-old ingredient that calms the mind and body. And we’ll drink to that!

Martini: Mixoloshe

A little lychee and a hint of sparkle make for a mean martini. For an extra fancy take, shake and serve in a martini glass, garnished with fresh strawberries or raspberries. Mixoloshe recently rebranded to SMASHD, and their line of non-alcoholic drinks are under 50 calories and sweetened with cane sugar.

Mimosa: Fauxmosa

Whether it’s for brunch or just because, Fauxmosa’s orange mimosa with turmeric tastes like the real deal. The addition of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes and a hint of apple cider vinegar lend a familiar sour slant.

Mojito: Noroi

A hint of tangy, summer raspberries pairs perfectly with the zestiness of lime in this mojito, produced by Quebec’s own Noroi Distillerie.

Moscow Mule: Edna's

Vancouver-based Edna’s blends natural ginger, fresh lime juice and whisky extracts—lending to an almost replica taste, with none of the alcohol content.

Negroni: Wild Folk

With a sparkling twist, WildFolk’s take on a negroni has a mix of smoky and bitter botanicals like grapefruit rind, juniper, star anise and grapefruit.

Paloma: Olé

A good paloma (tequila infused with grapefruit juice) should still provide a bit of a bitter bite—Olé’s version of a Mexican classic is sweetened naturally with organic agave nectar and real grapefruit juice, so there’s none of that sickeningly sweet aftertaste.

Peach Bellini: aelo

Just like a juicy Ontario peach in the middle of August, this bellini is bursting with flavour, and soda water for a fizzy finish. This one’s sugar-free, too—aelo uses Stevia extract to sweeten its drinks.

Sangria: Clever

Crafted in Canada and distilled in small batches, juicy notes of peach blend with the taste of bitter orange and lemon peels for a truly refreshing taste.

Spritz: Optimist Botanicals

An adaptation of one of summer’s favourite drinks, the Cali Spritz blends citrus notes of pink grapefruit and Mandarin orange with bitter herbs of bay laurel, sage, wormwood, gentian and dandelion root. Ashwagandha and schisandra are added to relieve stress and promote balance.

Whisky & Cola: Lyre's

The crisp taste of cola and sweet layers of caramel, toasted nut, cedary spice and rye come together in a can of Lyre’s American Malt & Cola. Perfect as is for cottage barbecue sessions or, for an elevated take, pour into a highball glass and enjoy with a generous serving of ice.

Whisky Sour: Spiritless

An old time favourite, this pour-over version of a classic whisky sour uses Spiritless’ Kentucky 74 non-alcoholic whisky, fresh lemon juice and a touch of cane sugar. Feel free to shake with an egg white and add ice, or drink it straight from the can.

Most Canadian families are spending $2,700 on their summer vacations

June 21, 2024 No Comments

Allianz Global Assistance (Allianz), a leading Canadian travel insurance provider, released the results of its Summer Vacation Confidence Study, which gauges travellers’ sentiments, confidence and intentions regarding their summer vacation plans.

This year’s survey, conducted in partnership with Ipsos, reveals insightful trends and preferences as impacts like inflation and pandemic recovery continue to influence consumer mindsets and travel patterns.

Allianz’s Summer Vacation Confidence Study found that summer vacation confidence is on the rise with 61 per cent of Canadians planning to take a trip this summer. Summer travel intentions are highest among those aged 18-34 (72 per cent confident) and families with kids (73 per cent confident).

The study also revealed that the average vacationing family intends to spend $2,728 on a summer vacation this year – which equates to roughly $24.9 billion collectively.

Key study highlights

More of Allianz’s Summer Vacation Confidence Study results:

  • Almost all Canadians who intend to travel (89 per cent) plan to obtain travel insurance (Allianz Vacation Confidence Study, November 2023)
  • Families with kids plan on spending an average of $3,519 on summer vacations this year
  • Most Canadians are travelling this summer for a leisure vacation to rest and relax (65 per cent) or to visit family and friends (46 per cent)
  • One quarter of those who say summer vacations are important are not confident they will be taking a summer vacation
  • 47 per cent of Canadians planned to travel this past winter (Allianz Vacation Confidence Study, November 2023)

For more information, visit allianz-assistance.ca.

The Canadian government just issued terror warnings for 9 European countries

June 12, 2024 No Comments

As the summer travel season in Europe heats up, the Government of Canada has issued a series of travel advisories for select countries in Europe, due to potential acts of terrorism.

The threat of terrorism in Europe remains ongoing, and attacks can happen anywhere at any time, though government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports, and other major tourist attractions like shopping malls, restaurants or public squares can be more likely targets.

Canadian travellers to Europe this summer are urged to exercise a high degree of caution in the following countries:

Belgium

As of June 4, travellers to Belgium are urged to exercise a high degree of caution due to ongoing threats of terrorism. While petty crime (purse snatchings, pick-pocketing, etc.) remains quite common in tourist areas, there has been an increase in violence, including stabbings and shootings, linked to the drug trade in Brussels and other major cities.

In February 2024, reported shootings have occurred in the commune of Brussels, in the Marolles neighbourhood, and around the following locations in the commune Saint-Gilles: Port-de-Hal, Gare du Midi, and Place Jacques Franck.

The Government of Canada reports that in Belgium, separate attacks causing multiple deaths and injuries have taken place, and that further attacks in Belgium cannot be ruled out. The Government of Belgium maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media and social media.

If you plan to travel to Belgium during this time, plan your travel accordingly. For more information, including safety tips on travelling to Belgium, click here.

Denmark

Denmark has been experiencing a heightened threat of terrorism since the beginning of August 2023, after multiple incidents of public desecration of the Qur’an in Denmark. Since then, extremists have called for retaliation against the country.

The Danish Security and Intelligence Service currently assesses the threat of a terrorist attack at level 4 (significant) on a 5-step scale.

Organized crime, including drug trade and gang violence has also been recently reported in the area of Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen. Christiana is a commune in the Christianshavn neighbourhood of Copenhagen that is known to openly sell cannabis, which remains illegal in Denmark. Photography is strictly prohibited, and tourists have been victim to assaults and robbery for failing to respect the rule.

If you plan to travel to Denmark during this time, plan your travel accordingly. For more information, including safety tips on travelling to Denmark, click here.

France

As of June 11, travellers to France are urged to exercise a high degree of caution, especially with the Olympic Games taking place in Paris from July 26 to Aug. 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8, 2024.

Public events will take place across France starting on May 8 and will continue until the opening ceremony. During the Olympic Games, France will have an increased presence of security forces and large crowds and public gatherings should be expected. Major disruptions to traffic and the flow of movement should also be expected.

If you plan to travel to France during this time, plan your travel accordingly. For more information, including safety tips on travelling to France, click here.

Germany

The Canadian government increased Germany’s security risk as of June 4, citing concerns around the UEFA EURO 2024 soccer tournament, which takes place from June 14 to July 14, 2024. Games will take place in 10 cities across the country.

Crime, such as theft, typically increases around major sporting events. Thieves often target tourists. Post-game celebrations and confrontations between opposing fans may lead to rowdy behaviour.

The Government of Germany maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Alert level changes are communicated through local media. Violent crime is quite uncommon in Germany, but crimes committed by far-right extremists against individuals belonging to ethnic, religious or political minorities due occur, and tourists are advised to take caution.

If you plan to travel to Germany during this time, plan your travel accordingly. For more information, including safety tips on travelling to Germany, click here.

Italy

As of June 4, the Government of Canada is advising Canadians to take extra security measures when visiting Italy, due to terror-related threats. As one of the most popular summer travel destinations for Canadians, large numbers are expected this season.

The Government of Italy maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Alert level changes are communicated mainly through local media. Enhanced security measures are also deployed in various strategic locations and transport hubs.

Travellers to Italy should expect an increased presence of police and military forces during holidays and in public places, including tourist locations and major landmarks. Upcoming public holidays in Italy include Ferragosto, which takes place on Aug. 15 and is observed across Italy.

If you plan to travel to Italy during this time, plan your travel accordingly. For more information, including safety tips on travelling to Italy, click here.

The Netherlands

The Government of Canada increased its risk level for travel to the Netherlands over ongoing threats of terrorism in the country.

The Dutch government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media. The current threat level for the Netherlands is level 4 (“substantial”) on a scale of 5. A level 4 rating means that “there is a real chance of a terrorist attack in the Netherlands” according to The Terrorist Threat Assessment Netherlands.

If you plan to travel to the Netherlands during this time, plan your travel accordingly. For more information, including safety tips on travelling to the Netherlands, click here.

Spain

In Spain, terrorist attacks causing deaths and injuries have taken place. The government of Canada insists that further attacks in Spain cannot be ruled out.

The Spanish government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media. The current threat level for Spain is level 4 (“high”) on a scale of 5.

If you plan to travel to Spain during this time, plan your travel accordingly. For more information, including safety tips on travelling to the Spain, click here.

Sweden

Since the beginning of 2023, there has been an increase in incidents of public desecration of the Qur’an in Stockholm.

On Aug. 17, 2023, the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) raised the national terrorist threat level from 3 (elevated) to 4 (high) on a 5-step scale. The decision is based on an assessment that the threat posed by violent extremists has increased and will remain heightened.

The Government of Sweden maintains a public alert system on terrorism. The Government communicates threat level changes online and through local media.

If you plan to travel to Sweden during this time, plan your travel accordingly. For more information, including safety tips on travelling to the Sweden, click here.

The United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, previous attacks have resulted in casualties. They have included random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions.

These incidents have occurred mainly in the London area but have also happened elsewhere. One of the most notable terror attacks was the London Bridge van attack on June 3, 2017. Eight people were killed and 48 were injured in a terrorist vehicle-ramming incident on the London Bridge.

According to the Canadian government, further attacks in the United Kingdom are likely.

The Government of the United Kingdom maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates terrorism and national emergency threat level changes online and through local media. The national terrorism and national emergency threat level is currently 3 (“substantial”) on a scale of 5. A separate threat level for Northern Ireland is currently 4 (“severe”) on a scale of 5.

If you plan to travel to the U.K. during this time, plan your travel accordingly. For more information, including safety tips on travelling to the U.K., click here.