Virtuoso lists 2023 travel predictions for Canadians

March 29, 2023 No Comments

Virtuoso has identified when, where and why upscale Canadians will be venturing in 2023.

In Virtuoso’s 2022 Brand and Travel Trends Research, conducted in collaboration with YouGov, more than 500 Canadian travellers were surveyed. The majority – 75 percent – listed relaxation and disconnecting as the primary incentive for taking a leisure trip, followed by adventure, which is almost twice as important for Canadians than for global travellers (41 percent versus 25 percent).

Additional revelations include an affinity for sunny destinations, expedition cruises and a willingness to spend big and stay longer.

Warm weather getaways

Virtuoso’s study showed 61 percent of travellers preferred beach vacations, followed by city exploration (47 percent). Canadians are equally as likely to travel to Europe as they are to travel within their own country, and they showed a preference for the Caribbean or West Indies (36 percent versus 20 percent globally) and Mexico (30 percent versus 16 percent globally), which is likely due to a desire to escape to warmer climates during the winter months.

Reasons for family travel 

Canadians indicated the most popular ways to travel are with a spouse or significant other and multi-generational family travel.

Travelling with school-age children is consistently popular. Interestingly to note while heading into March Break, over half of those surveyed believe travel is important to the development of children under 18.

Spending big and staying longer

Relative to 2019, travellers plan to spend 12 percent more in 2023 and the anticipated annual spend for Virtuoso-advised travellers in 2023 is even higher at $20,000 CAD per person.

While Virtuoso clients took about the same number of trips in the past year as other travellers, Virtuoso-advised travellers took longer trips, spent more nights in hotels, rentals and cruises, and skewed more towards international trips.

Top travel destinations for 2023

Virtuoso tapped into its data warehouse of more than $63.6 billion (USD) in transactions to determine the top destinations of 2023, as determined by Canada-based travellers: 

  1. Mexico – Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos
  2. Canada – Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary
  3. United States – Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas
  4. Dominican Republic – Punta Cana, Puerto Plata       
  5. United Kingdom – London
  6. Jamaica – Montego Bay
  7. Italy – Rome, Venice
  8. France – Paris, Nice
  9. Australia – Sydney
  10. Portugal – Lisbon, Faro

For more information on how to connect with a Virtuoso travel advisor who can turn travel dreams into reality,  visit www.virtuoso.com.

 

Here’s what Canadian travellers can expect in 2023

January 27, 2023 No Comments

CheapOair.ca has looked into its crystal ball to share some of the top trends that Canadian travellers need to be aware of in the coming year.

The tourism industry rebounded in 2022, reaching 70% of its pre-pandemic levels globally, however, the year was not without its own challenges, as travellers were met with staffing issues, long airport waits, and cancelled flights.

Will travel in 2023 continue to bring new challenges and opportunities? Taking into consideration the continuing inflation, fluctuating fuel costs, and global instability, CheapOair.ca anticipates that 2023 will see further surprises for travellers.

Here are some of the top travel expectations that Canadians should be aware of:

New Domestic and International Flight Routes: Let’s start with some good news: a number of domestic and international airlines are planning to add new national and transatlantic routes to their schedule.

United, Air Canada and Porter are a few of the airlines that have already announced new routes and increased flight frequency. The increase is, in part, due to markets reopening and travel demand recovering particularly with stronger demand for transatlantic flights.

Daniel Hayter, Senior Product Manager for CheapOair.ca, noted that: “We are seeing more airlines be aggressive in launching and promoting new in-demand routes, which help give more options to consumers. With over 500 airline partners, CheapOair.ca will be on the forefront of offering these routes for eager Canadian travellers.”

Rising Airline and Airport Fees: Forecasts for 2023 show that travellers might want to prepare for slightly more expensive flights and fees for the new year. Despite the new routes and frequency listed above, airfare prices are expected to rise moderately for North American flights and further for international destinations. The expected airfare price rises can also be attributed to inflation, rising fuel costs and capacity issues.

In fact, Toronto Pearson International Airport announced that starting Jan. 1, 2023, it was increasing its aeronautical rates and airport improvement fee (AIF), which could impact the cost of flight tickets further.

Hayter observed: “With the light recession being predicted for early 2023 and the continuing inflation, it stands to reason that rising costs would trickle down to travellers.”

And he continued: “To combat rising flight costs, CheapOair.ca offers our Price Match Promise. If consumers find a lower price (including taxes and fees) for the same flight itinerary offered by and available for booking on a major competing online travel agency (OTA) web site the same day of their booking, CheapOair.ca will match that lower price by refunding the difference in price.”

European Travel Visa Requirements in Late 2023: As of Nov. 23 2023, Canadian citizens will be required to complete a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) application prior to boarding any aircraft, sea carrier, or coach vehicle headed for Europe – this includes travellers who will be passing through or connecting through Europe enroute to their final destination outside of Europe.

ETIAS is being implemented to pre-screen visa-exempt travellers travelling to any of the over 22 Schengen member destinations including France, Germany, Spain and Italy, and 4 non-European Union countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The decision has received unanimous support from all the EU member countries. Further information on ETIAS and the application form can be found at https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-form-application

Said Hayter: “What this means for Canadians is whether you are planning to travel to or even just connect through Europe, you will need to apply for ETIAS and go through the security screening process in advance. While this may seem like a hurdle for travel planners, it is important to note that this will be mandatory.”

Go to www.CheapOair.ca for more.

High-end travellers willing to pay more for sustainable trips, survey says

January 20, 2023 No Comments

A major new report by World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group, together with Deloitte, reveals a heightened appetite for sustainable tourism amongst consumers, with 69 per cent of travellers actively seeking sustainable travel options.

In this follow-up report, WTTC joined forces again with global travel service provider, Trip.com Group and its major consumer brands Trip.com, Ctrip and Skyscanner, with additional data sourced from Deloitte, to analyze the trends that shaped the Travel & Tourism sector last year and will continue to do so over 2023.

Rise in sustainable trips

The report, “A World in Motion: Shifting Consumer Travel Trends in 2022 and Beyond,” shows that sustainability is a key element of the travel agenda, with travellers eager to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable tourism.

According to a survey included in the report, three-quarters of travellers are considering travelling more sustainably in the future and nearly 60 per cent have chosen more sustainable travel options in the last couple of years.

Luxury travellers willing to spend

Another survey also found that around three-quarters of high-end travellers are willing to pay extra to make their trips more sustainable.

Last year, following more than two years of travel disruption, travellers made clear their wanderlust is very much alive, with a 109 per cent increase of international overnight arrivals, compared to 2021.

According to the report, last year consumers were willing to stretch their budget for their holiday plans, with 86 per cent of travellers planning on spending the same amount or more on international travel than in 2019, with U.S. tourists leading the list as big spenders.

But 2023 is looking even better in terms of travellers’ spend. Despite concerns about inflation and the cost-of-living crisis around the world, nearly a third (31 per cent) of travellers said they intend to spend more on international travel this year than in 2022.

A major comeback

Additionally, according to Deloitte’s ‘Global State of the Consumer Tracker,’ last year more than half (53 per cent) of global consumers surveyed during the summer said they plan to stay in a hotel over the following three months.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The demand for travel is now stronger than ever and our report shows that this year we will see a significant bounce back. 2023 is set to be a very strong year for travel and tourism.

“Sustainability is top of travellers’ agenda, and consumers highlight the value they put on protecting nature and traveling responsibly.”

“The Asia-Pacific Region, with its rapidly growing middle-class and dynamic economies, is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth of the industry and take its place as a leader in the global tourism economy,” added Jane Sun, Trip.com Group CEO. “I’m optimistic about the positive momentum for the global resumption and growth of travel in 2023, primarily driven by mainland Chinese consumers, which will help accelerate worldwide recovery and development.”

Scott Rosenberger, Deloitte Global Transportation, Hospitality & Services Sector Leader, said: “Travel is rebounding from the pandemic while innovating and meeting the demands of more modern alternative travel-types, sustainable travel, luxury travel, and much more.

“Even the rise in inflation-driven financial concerns is not slowing the pace; incredibly travel is being prioritized and flexible/remote work arrangements are creating new opportunities. We are actively engaging with our clients as they embrace these new trends and create memorable experiences for consumers.”

Other findings revealed in the report include:

  • 2022 sun and sea package holiday sales are estimated to be up 75 per cent compared to the previous year
  • Last year during the summer, international arrivals in European sun and beach destinations were just 15 per cent below 2019 levels
  • According to WTTC’s recent ‘Cities Economic Impact Research’, in 2022 visits to major cities are expected to see a 58 per cent year-on-year increase, less than 14 per cent below 2019 levels
  • Luxury holidays will prove particularly popular, with sales of luxury hotels expected to reach $92 billion by 2025 (compared to $76 billion in 2019)
  • In a survey, nearly 60 per cent of travellers said they were either already paying to offset their carbon emissions or considering it if the price was right

To access more information and read the report in full, please click here.

Luxury cruise line partners with Rocky Mountaineer for Alaska journey

January 18, 2023 No Comments

Luxury cruise line Cunard is offering guests the opportunity to experience the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer train when they sail through Alaska on Queen Elizabeth this summer.

Guests will be able to extend their Alaska voyage with either a four-night pre-voyage train experience or a three-night post-voyage package, depending on the sailing date. The three-night Rocky Mountaineer tour takes guests on an eastbound journey from Vancouver to Calgary, while the four-night train tour goes the opposite direction and gives guests an additional day of sightseeing in Banff, where the highlight is an impressive trip on the Banff Gondola.

Rocky Mountaineer pre- and post-cruise tours

  • The three-night post-voyage tours starts at $2,850 per person based on double occupancy, available on two Japan to Alaskavoyages (Q318A, Q319) and four Alaska voyages roundtrip out of Vancouver ranging from 10 to 11 nights (Q323, Q324, Q325, Q326).
  • The four-night pre-voyage tour starts at $3,250per person based on double occupancy, available on three Alaska voyages roundtrip out of Vancouver ranging from seven to 10 nights (Q321, Q322, Q323).

Panoramic views

Guests travelling on the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train – the only passenger rail service on this historic rail route – will experience expansive glass-dome windows and luxurious coaches. Breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes and winding canyons are offered from all angles.

Renowned for its GoldLeaf Service, Rocky Mountaineer offers an onboard dining room where guests can indulge in culinary delights inspired by the region with a new 2023 menu as well as full complimentary bar service.

Queen Elizabeth’s summer in Alaska will be a season full of adventure and discovery, with the onboard Insights program featuring experts from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, TV personality Bear Grylls, and famed explorer Mensun Bound, to name a few.

Other highlights on Queen Elizabeth include the bespoke Alaska Afternoon Tea, the elegant Ice White Ball and a new dining concept called Frontier, which offers a taste of Alaska.

 

Marriott planning to open 35 new luxury hotels this year

January 16, 2023 No Comments

Marriott International plans to introduce more than 35 luxury hotels in 2023, delivering the unique and meaningful experiences desired by today’s luxury traveller.

Boasting an unrivaled portfolio of luxury brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott, and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International continues to push the boundaries, reimagining travel with a globally inspired perspective that defines the future of luxury.

With an unparalleled footprint of nearly 500 luxury hotels and resorts in 68 countries and territories today, Marriott International is poised to further its position as the global leader in luxury hospitality with more than 200 luxury properties in the development pipeline. From Kenya to Singapore and Japan to Mexico, more than 35 new hotels are slated to open next year in sought-after and emerging destinations around the world.

The Ritz-Carlton

In 2023, the brand expects to open two new hotels in North America, including its first property in America’s Pacific Northwest region with The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, and The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie in Arizona’s coveted Scottsdale area.

Set above the city skyline, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, is slated to grow the brand’s footprint in Australia next year, while The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, is expected to deliver a new offering in the business district of this southwestern Japanese city. Ritz-Carlton Reserve anticipates expanding its exclusive portfolio in 2023 with Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve close to the historic Chinese valley of Jiuzhaigou and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located off the West Coast of Saudi Arabia and part of the country’s Red Sea project.  

St. Regis Hotels

In 2023 the brand expects to debut The St. Regis Kanai Resort, an enchanting haven nestled in a 620-acre nature reserve along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula with ocean views from every guestroom. In the year ahead St. Regisalso anticipates expanding its footprint in North America with The St. Regis Chicago.

The iconic brand is also slated to bring its acclaimed Butler Service and storied legacy to Belgrade and is expected to open its first two properties in Saudi Arabia by debuting a hotel in Riyadh and a resort located on its own private island within the Red Sea project. This past year also marked St. Regis openings in Qatar, India, Kuwait, and Indonesia.

W Hotels

Looking ahead to 2023, W Hotels anticipates debuting in Prague, Budapest, Edinburgh, Sydney, Macau, and Milan.

Also slated for later next year, W New York – Union Square and W Hollywood are expected to emerge newly transformed, embodying the fully reimagined W experience.

EDITION Hotels

EDITION Hotels is rapidly expanding internationally in 2023 with new openings planned across several regions, including the brand’s first properties in Italy, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.

With 15 hotels currently in the global portfolio, EDITION is projected to grow its personal and intimate hospitality experience to 21 total destinations by the end of 2023, with expected openings next year to include Rome, Riviera Maya at Kanai, Tokyo, Ginza, Singapore, Jeddah, and Doha.

The best places to travel in 2023

January 6, 2023 No Comments

The arrival of a fresh new year opens the door to endless travel possibilities. What’s hot for 2023 and where are clients ahead? OFFSHORE caught up with multiple travel industry professionals to get the inside scoop on what’s selling and what’s popular.

Tauck’s chief operating officer Jeremy Palmer sees a “continued rebound in travel as we move further past Covid.”

Not only will more people be “coming off the sidelines,” he believes that many who travelled in 2022 will be travelling again in the coming year.

“Europe is a traditional hot spot and it continues to do very well — despite some concerns about the Ukraine war in the eastern areas of Western Europe,” Palmer tells Travel Courier. “Within Europe we’re seeing great interest in both Ireland and Switzerland. Farther afield, our bookings to Japan are very strong, reflecting three years of pent-up demand there.”

For the time being, he says concerns about the economy haven’t had much of an impact on bookings across the North American market.

“People are largely setting aside any financial worries and they’re booking their upcoming trips with real excitement and enthusiasm,” he adds.

European destinations are also boding well for luxury travel advisor Kemi Wells, the founder and president of Wells Luxury Travel.

“Portugal continues to be a hot spot and great value for Europe,” she notes. “Croatia and Greece are still hotspots.”

Along with a lot of interest for Dubai, New Zealand and Scotland, Wells reports that expedition cruises are also strong.

“The other big one is Africa for safari,” she shares. “I have younger clients and families prioritizing wanting to make this happen.”

Overall, she’s cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.

“I know there are fears of the recession and we are all feeling the inflation, however, in the ultra-luxury space that my team and I work in, I feel like this bracket of clientele are not holding back and still are spending and are planning to spend in 2023 on these memorable trips,” she says. “Clients are not hesitating to pay our professional planning fees either, we now charge $125 an hour.”

As a whole, Jeff Roy, Collette’s executive vice president of revenue management and pricing, points to Europe for representing the tour operator’s highest volume of travel.

Some of the hottest itineraries for the year are: Greece Island Hopper, Italy’s Amalfi Coast to Puglia, Sicily and Its Isles/Old World Sicily & Malta, Discover Tuscany and Irish Splendour.”

Notably, Roy says tours in Costa Rica and the Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park option are also doing well.

“Aside from Europe, we’ve seen travellers head to explore Africa,” he notes. “Our Colours of Morocco and Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls, & Botswana Small Group Explorations tours have been specifically popular there.”

From Antarctica and Central America to the Galapagos and Hawaii, Bruce Fougner, the president of Lloyds Travel, says adventure travel destinations and expedition cruises are coming in hot. Active land itineraries like trekking the Camino de Santiago in Spainare also doing well. Notably, he says clients are no longer putting of bucket list trips. 

“The time may be limited to travel to small bucket list destinations where crowds are currently not as regulated — Angkor Wat, Petra and the Serengeti come to mind — and places that either require a permit or are controlled such as Machu Picchu, Egyptian Ruins, and visits to the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda, will soon become even more difficult to access and will require serious advance planning,” adds Fougner.

For clients looking to get away from the crowds, he suggest booking in the off season.

“Or look to countries farther afield, in Europe… look to Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania and Latviafor amazing value,” he says. “For those looking for a beach and adventure vacation, Costa Rica offers much better value than Hawaii; Porto over Paris for great dining and culture; Hanoi instead of Bangkok and Split Croatia instead of Rome.”

Meanwhile, Darci Murray of Personal Travel Management, is seeing demand across destinations that allow travellers to step back in time.

“Morocco is really popular. Admiring the methodical process of making rugs… the tanneries and the traditional tea services that take place. Hearing the mosque bells and the sound of prayer,” she says. “Jordan, Turkey and Tanzania are also popular destinations.”

BY: ANN RUPPENSTEIN

This city is the priciest Canadian NYE destination, survey says

December 28, 2022 No Comments

The city of Mont-Tremblant, known for its popular ski resort, is the most expensive destination in Canada for an overnight stay on New Year’s Eve this year, according to a survey by Cheaphotels.org.

The survey compared the cost of accommodation this coming Dec. 31 across 20 Canadian destinations. For each destination, the price for the cheapest available double room was recorded. Only centrally-located hotels rated at least three stars and with generally positive guest reviews were taken into account.

Mont-Tremblant emerged as the clear leader with a rate of C$ 880 for the least expensive room. Compared to regular winter rates, that’s an increase of almost 300 per cent. Whistler, North America’s largest ski resort, ranks as the second most expensive destination with a rate of C$ 658, while Banff completes the podium with a rate of C$ 563.

Significant price increases for New Year’s Eve were also seen in Niagara Falls and Halifax, which rank fourth and fifth in the survey with rates of C$ 465 and C$ 422, respectively. When it came to the largest Canadian cities, Toronto (C$ 375)and Vancouver (C$ 325) came out as the priciest, while Calgary (C$ 175) and Ottawa (C$ 193) were substantially cheaper.

The following table shows the 10 most expensive destinations in Canada for hotel stays this New Year’s Eve. The prices shown reflect the rate for the cheapest available double room in a centrally-located hotel, rated three stars or more. A comparison with regular winter rates is also included in brackets.

1. Mont-Tremblant C$ 880 (+284%)
2. Whistler C$ 658 (+29%)
3. Banff C$ 563 (+233%)
4. Niagara Falls C$ 465 (+285%)
5. Halifax C$ 422 (+227%)
6. Jasper C$ 381 (+231%)
7. Toronto C$ 375 (+175%)
8. Quebec City C$ 353 (+117%)
9. Niagara-on-the-Lake C$ 335 (+31%)
10.Vancouver C$ 325 (+170%)

Luxury tourism is expected to bring in $1.574 billion by 2028

December 26, 2022 No Comments

According to a recent report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global luxury travel market is expected to reach $1,574 billion by 2028.

Exclusive and one-of-a-kind experiences and highly individualized services are linked with luxury travel. The sector is being driven by rising expenditure by affluent tourists who want to see undiscovered places and have novel experiences.

The industry has been developing as a result of the rising trend of short vacations as well as the worldwide expanding tourist industry.

Given that spending on art, restaurants, culture, guides, and athletic events by luxury travelers is essential to the local economies of the places they visit, luxury travel plays a significant role in the distribution of wealth around the world. Travellers are searching for flexible schedules that combine entertainment and relaxation in order to build their own special experiences.

Emerging trends

Numerous tourists, especially wealthy ones, are drawn to the growing popularity of cruises, yachts, and small ships. One of the most prominent customers in this market is thought to be High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs). As a result, businesses in the sector have been focusing more on luxury water-based travel, like cruises.

Additionally, the prevalence of internet research has grown dramatically over time. During the forecast period, high-tech (smart) rooms are expected to fuel demand for luxury lodging and travel, offering guests total control over how they use their accommodations and choose to travel. The industry is expanding as a result of rising internet usage and the availability of social media. Also, the number of travel tales shared on social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and blogging platforms has multiplied.

For more information about this report, click here.

Top Chef Canada winner visits the Caribbean’s culinary capital

November 25, 2022 No Comments

With an abundance of fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients and talented chefs, the Cayman Islands is a destination that is home to a fantastic restaurant scene.

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is using a newly crowned culinary heavy hitter to promote the destination’s culinary scene.

The department held a recent Toronto lunch where the food was prepared by Tre Sanderson, who was recently announced as the winner of the Food Network Canada’s 10th season of Top Chef Canada.

The Caribbean’s culinary capital

Sanderson has visited the Cayman Islands, getting a first-hand look at what the department of tourism labels “the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.”

It marked the first time the popular show filmed an episode internationally.

“As the culinary capital of the Caribbean, we knew that we would be able to provide a unique location for the chefs and production team — with a variety of experiences that showcase the international influences, amazing ingredients and cuisine, island flair and sophisticated infrastructure that sets us apart from other destinations,” Raymond Mathias, who oversees the department’s Canadian office, told the Toronto gathering.

“We were amazed by the creativity of the four remaining contestants as they competed in a variety of challenges across heritage and hospitality sites in Grand Cayman, and explored the farmers’ market, local fish shacks, recreated a garden party reminiscent of events at Cayman Cookout and Taste of Cayman, and even managed to find a few moments to enjoy our glorious beaches.”

Camana Bay Farmer’s & Artisans Market

Dining options in the Cayman Islands also got the thumbs-up from Eric Abboud, vice-president of Insight Productions, producer of Top Chef Canada, who praised the destination for having a “great restaurant scene.”

Mathias, noting it has been nearly three years since his department hosted an event in this country, told those on hand that “we look forward to seeing you in the Cayman Islands again very soon.”

Mathias also congratulated Toronto-based chef Sanderson — who prepared the food served — on his win.

An emotional Sanderson in turn told the gathering that being named Top Chef Canada was a “special moment” for him.

STORY BY: IAN STALKER

Photos courtesy of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and Food Network Canada

Gift Guide: Our top 5 picks for luxury travellers

November 18, 2022 No Comments

From stocking stuffers to last-minute splurges, cross off the travel enthusiast on your shopping list with a little help from our Holiday Gift Guide.

Carry-On Closet

Designed in collaboration with tattoo artists Veronica Mallo, Emily Conley, and Megan Massacre of NYC’s Grit & Glory salon, the new 2022 limited edition Solgaard ‘Touch of Rose’ Luggage Collection is now available in Solgaard’s full range of three suitcase sizes, including the flagship Carry-On Closet (20”) and Carry-On Closet Plus (22”), and Solgaard’s larger Check-In Closet (Trunk). Solgaard’s new Carry-On Closet doubles as a mini closet, complete with several built-in garment organizing cubes. All suitcases feature a sustainable interior lining made with Solgaard’s proprietary SHORE-TEX fabric made from ocean-bound plastic. 

$315 USD, www.solgaard.co

Winter Boots

Where refined meets rugged, Cougar’s newest winter collection has a wide range of stylish yet practical boots for everyone. For the outdoor adventure enthusiast, snag a pair of the Swinton leather waterproof boot. Available in black/gum, black, and brown colour combinations in sizes six through eleven, these mid-height leather Chelsea boots feature a rounded toe and are completely waterproof. The thermoplastic rubber outer sole provides an anti-slip grip and the polar plush lining keeps your feet cozy, making the Swinton boot the perfect transitional footwear from autumn to winter. 

$200, cougarshoes.ca 

Tunic 

Featured in Vogue Italia and spotted on the Vancouver Fashion Week runway, Nanaimo-based design house Ay Lelum fuses storytelling and cultural preservation through fashion. Using multigenerational family artwork of Coast Salish artists, they create wearable pieces from natural fibers. Opening their first store in Nanaimo in October, visitors can view and purchase stunning couture, along with items such as The Spindle Whorl Pillow, starting from $95, featuring a spindle whorl motif by artist William Good. The popular sustainably made tunic is soft and cozy, perfect for keeping your loved ones warm during the winter. Available in teal and red, sizes run from XS to 5XL .

Starting at $245, aylelum.com 

Wireless Mobile Printer

Travel memories are meant to be shared, not tucked away on your phone’s camera roll! Display your favourite travel photos around the house with the help of Kodak’s pocket-sized printer, which easily connects to any iOS or Android smartphone, tablet or similar device via Bluetooth. Available in white, the printer eliminates the need for clunky ink cartridges and instead, features a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery that prints cute and compact up to 25 2”x3” prints on a full charge.

$119.99, amazon.ca 

Fanny Pack

Perfect for stashing your keys, cash, and mobile phone, MNDRN’s Remy fanny pack is a stylish twist on an old wardrobe staple. Handmade in Bali by local artisans, the bag is designed using genuine leather and is available in black, sand, tan, or taupe. The convenient strap can be adjusted around the waist as a bag, cross body or off-the-shoulder accessory for any and all adventures, hands-free.

$222, mandrn.com