This Canadian airline can take you to the U.S. and the Caribbean for less than $200

February 28, 2022 No Comments

Swoop is adding non-stop flights to five new destinations this summer — New York, Chicago, Nashville, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

In addition to serving five new destinations, it will also extend its current seasonal services to San Diego, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, St. Pete-Clearwater, Orlando (Sanford) and Phoenix (Mesa) into the summer season.

In total Swoop will serve 11 U.S. destinations with flights from its three main Canadian bases in Toronto, Hamilton, and Edmonton.

Bert van der Stege, head of commercial & finance at Swoop, said that: “As part of our planned growth in 2022, we’re excited to be adding five new popular U.S. destinations to our network. As Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost carrier, we are growing our fleet, expanding our network, and adding service to existing destinations to ensure we are ready to meet Canadian’s pent-up demand for travel experiences south of the border.”

In addition to the new U.S. destinations, Swoop previously announced it will begin service to 10 new Canadian destinations bringing the airline’s total number of destinations served to 33 this summer.

Swoop’s announced U.S. expansion comes as the ULCC reports significantly increased domestic passenger numbers and record bookings, on par with pre-pandemic demand.

The airline expects to see that pent-up demand trend extend to U.S. leisure travel this summer as more than 30.5 million fully vaccinated Canadians look to resume their transborder travel habits.

For more details, including pricing, click here!

This luxury train will take you to 14 magical destinations across Europe in style

January 26, 2022 No Comments

More than 150 years ago, Georges Nagelmackers turned a dream into a reality when he launched the first luxury Orient Express train. Soon, Orient Express will head back on track to offer travellers an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most beloved countries: Italy.

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita will welcome its first passengers in 2023. Six trains will embark through several iconic itineraries across 14 regions and beyond, including three international destinations from Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split.

A magical stopover in Rome will feature the very first Orient Express Hotel, Minerva, scheduled to open in 2024.

The concept for the new Orient Express La Dolce Vita trains pay tribute to “La Dolce Vita”, a historical period of glamour, joie de vivre and artistic fervour in Italy during the 1960s.

With support from Accor, La Dolce Vita train’s official hospitality partner, and thanks to the partnership with Trenitalia and Fondazione FS Italiane, the journey invites passengers to travel through more than 16,000 kilometres of workable railway lines – 7,000 kilometres of which are not electrified and are vestiges of Italy’s storied history.

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita offers a new way of experiencing the country: an environmentally-friendly adventure where forgotten roads are explored, hidden treasures discovered and where architectural triumphs take centre stage.

Designed by Dimorestudio, the global architectural and design studio founded by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran in 2003, the Orient Express La Dolce Vita train embodies the Italian art of living and all its beautiful traditions with a more contemporary spirit of travel.

The train’s sumptuous decor will adorn 12 Deluxe cabins, 18 Suites, and one Honour Suite and restaurant, all boldly celebrating the craftsmanship, design and creativity of the 1960s and 1970s.

In collaboration with renowned local and international chefs and sommeliers, travellers will experience five-star service on board, savouring the beauty and excellence of “Made in Italy” through award-winning Italian wines and exclusive haute cuisine.

Before departure at the Roma Termini station, the Orient Express executive lounge will welcome passengers offering them a selection of refreshments in a convivial and elegant space, complete with dedicated services and staff to assist them.

The itineraries have been chosen to create unique travel experiences, all capable of awakening our five senses. Most will start in Italy, revealing the wonders of the Alps, the bucolic countryside, or the paradisiacal beaches of southern Italy. In addition, three dedicated itineraries will take you through eight countries, linking Rome to Paris, Istanbul, and Split.  

You can finally fly around the world in 24 days on a Four Seasons private jet

January 25, 2022 No Comments

As travellers look forward to embarking on long-awaited adventures, leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announces the 2023 departures of African Wonders, a family-friendly Private Jet journey; Timeless Encounters, a returning favourite itinerary; and International Intrigue, a 24-day adventure, following record interest in the Four Seasons Private Jet 2022 line-up.

Travellers interested in booking the luxury adventure of a lifetime are invited to click here for a closer look at the exclusive journeys to some of the world’s most captivating destinations on offer.

With all-time high demand and unprecedented sellout pace, the expertly curated itineraries will allow Four Seasons passengers to seamlessly explore a collection of bucket-list destinations, removing the stress of multiple commercial flights, layovers and delays. More opportunities await as the full line-up of 2023 itineraries is announced in the coming months.

African Wonders, Seven Awe-Inspiring Destinations Over 13 Remarkable Days

Experience the majestic landscapes of Africa on a magnificent 13-day family-friendly adventure, ideally timed over school breaks for a holiday to remember. From exhilarating wildlife excursions in Rwanda to the ancient pyramids of Egypt, travellers of all ages will experience an enriching blend of natural wonders and stunning city adventures.

 The African Wonders itinerary is a family-friendly adventure that begins in 2023.

Two African Wonders journeys are planned for 2023. The first is scheduled to take flight December 28, 2022 – January 9, 2023 and is currently wait list only, with the second departing in August 2023.

August 1 – 13, 2023 – Athens, Greece – The Pyramids, Egypt (day trip) – Serengeti, Tanzania – Mauritius – Rwanda – Victoria Falls, Zambia (day trip) – Johannesburg, South Africa

Begin the trip of a lifetime by exploring the historic heart of Athens on a private guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon. Next, visit the ancient Pyramids of Giza in Egypt to explore curiosities that have captured the imaginations of visitors for millennia. Celebrate magical moments with a torchlit dinner in the savannah, complete with sundowners and live entertainment in Serengeti National Park under the protection of Masai warriors.

In Mauritius, explore the island’s protected lagoons by kayak, snorkel through the coral reefs, or take a cooking class with an expert Four Seasons chef. In the lush forests of Rwanda, embark on a gorilla trek with local scientists and veterinarians caring for the country’s endangered primates. Enjoy a day trip to Zambia’s Victoria Falls, known to locals as “the smoke that thunders.” Conclude with a final stop and farewell brunch in Johannesburg before heading home, or continue on to another captivating destination.

As part of the African Wonders journey, additional activities can be tailored to the interests and age of each guest in concert with Four Seasons concierge teams in each destination.

The African Wonders Itinerary includes a visit to the pyramids of Egypt.

An Enduring Favourite: Timeless Encounters, An Around-the-World Journey in 24 Days

The longest-running Four Seasons Private Jet journey is back, featuring a showcase of spectacular natural beauty, enduring cultural traditions, inspiring urban experiences and iconic wonders.

April 17 – May 10, 2023 – Oahu, USA – Bora Bora – Sydney, Australia – Bali, Indonesia – Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, Thailand – Taj Mahal, India (day trip) – Dubai, UAE – Florence, Italy – London, England

Starting off in Hawaii, embark on a spiritual journey to the westernmost tip of Oahu to hear tales from a revered storyteller followed by a traditional hula. Enjoy a guided snorkel safari in Bora Bora before jetting off to Australia to go backstage at the Sydney Opera House.

Take a batik painting class or go rafting on Bali’s longest river and enjoy visiting Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, the former capitals of the ancient Lanna kingdom in Thailand, offering transcendent temples, jungle landscapes and a culture of enduring traditions. Enjoy a day trip to the Taj Mahal without long lines and airport transfers courtesy of a private airport in Agra.

In Dubai, savour spectacular sunset views over the Arabian Gulf from the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. In Florence, sample the region’s exquisite cuisine and enjoy a private viewing of Michelangelo’s David. Finally, celebrate a journey well-travelled in London by heading backstage for a show at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

A stop in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is part of the Timeless Encounters itinerary.

Seeking Out Serenity: International Intrigue, Nine Destinations, One Remarkable Journey

March 3 to 26, 2023 – Seattle, USA – Kyoto, Japan – Hoi An, Vietnam – Maldives – Serengeti, Tanzania – Marrakech, Morocco – Budapest, Hungary – St. Petersburg, Russia – Paris, France

Experience cultural immersion on a spectacular voyage across four continents. From a glimpse inside Russia’s lavish imperial past to a samurai sword lesson in Kyoto, this is a journey designed to stimulate the senses.

The abovementioned departures follow three sold out Private Jet itineraries in 2022: World of Adventures 2022, Ancient Explorer September 2022, and Ancient Explorer October 2022. However, space remains on Uncharted Discovery 2022, an all-new expedition through the enchanting southern hemisphere exploring the rugged wonders of Antarctica, the mysteries of majestic Machu Picchu, and the vibrant rhythms and flavours of South America.

Visit fourseasons.com/privatejet for more information and book today.

Taking Off In New Directions

November 12, 2021 No Comments

The company has been steadily broadening its sky-high presence, happily willing to connect with southern Ontario residents who plan to travel near and not quite so near.

FlyGTA, which operates out of Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport, began by carrying people between Toronto and such Ontario locales as Niagara, Muskoka and Waterloo, airborne service that allows travellers to avoid the Toronto area’s often famously bad traffic.

FlyGTA CEO Chris Nowrouzi acknowledges the pandemic has created challenges for his company but also delivered some selling points.

PRIVATE BECOMING POPULAR

“Needless to say, using private jets for both essential service and leisure travel became more popular,” he states of a form of transportation that minimizes the contact passengers have with other people en route to their destination.

Planes in FlyGTA’s fleet can each carry eight passengers.

Nowrouzi notes FlyGTA – which has been offering private aircraft charters for over 6 years — decided to create a tour operator division, combining private jet service with stringent safety protocols to offer vacations he says lead to major time savings.

LOW-RISK LUXURY

The company has set its sights on offering what Nowrouzi describes as “low-risk, luxury destinations” in the Caribbean.

Among choices FlyGTA decided upon was a 007 package that has a private jet carry clients to Jamaica, staying at Goldeneye, the oceanside retreat of Ian Fleming, who wrote the James Bond novels.

Goldeneye is now a luxury retreat that enables guests to see Fleming memorabilia.

Nowrouzi reports “some of the greatest” Bond novels were written at Goldeneye.

He says going from carrying people to and from points in southern Ontario to taking clients to destinations in the Caribbean marks a major advancement for his company.

But carrying clients through Caribbean airspace is not the most distant service FlyGTA can undertake, he notes.

“We are able to fly anywhere in the world,” Nowrouzi proudly states.

Story by Ian Stalker

Adventure awaits aboard Tradewind Voyages’ Golden Horizon

November 12, 2021 No Comments

The world’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel, Golden Horizon, will have its guests remembering a time when the sea beckoned for all those seeking to abandoned dry land for an adventure at sea. A near replica of the 1913-built ocean vessel, France II, the Golden Horizon retains the charm, adventure and romance of an historic ship. And it attracts like-minded adventure seekers for a sailing experience that will allow guests to connect with the elements of the natural world.

The ambience on board is relaxed, casual, elegant and without unnecessary formality – an environment that encourages guests to return time and time again and to share their stories and experiences. All of the Golden Horizon’s 140 cabins are outside facing, providing breath-taking views and evoking the luxury and facilities expected of a boutique cruise ship, but retaining the charm, adventure and romance of a truly historic sailing vessel.

Powered by its billowing sails, the tall ship will follow the sun as much as possible, providing guests with the chance to discover a new-found freedom and the time to connect with the beauty of the natural world. In fact, Tradewind Voyages makes it clear that on its cruises, it intends to spend as much time as possible using the Golden Horizon’s sails, rather than using its main propulsion engines. And its Captain will endeavour to plot courses using the local winds and currents to give guests a true sailing experience and adventure on every voyage.

From May to October 2022, Tradewind Voyages’ Golden Horizon will be based in the Mediterranean before repositioning to the Caribbean for winter 2022 season. It will operate three new collections — Western Mediterranean, Central Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean (including Greece and Turkey) – for its Mediterranean summer season 2022. The extensive program will offer 22 different voyages and include visits to Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece and Turkey.
(tradewindvoyages.com)

The sky’s the limit

July 7, 2021 No Comments

Not even a global pandemic can prevent Toronto’s FlyGTA Airlines from spreading its wings.

The aviation company, which operates out of Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport, is indeed preparing to broaden its operation at a time when many travel companies have been virtually idle. FlyGTA first made its mark carrying people to points near to Toronto, such as Muskoka, Niagara and Waterloo, enabling them to avoid the notoriously bad traffic out of the city. 

FlyGTA CEO, Chris Nowrouzi, concedes this year has created obstacles for his company but adds that it isn’t preventing FlyGTA from branching out. “Challenge has been the word of the year,” he states.  “After the initial shock and lockdown, we slowly started bouncing back, then got very busy! We moved from some plans that were in the works for the leisure travel market, toward utilizing the advantages we have while airlines went into standstill. Needless to say, using private jets for both essential service and leisure travel became more popular.

“So this put us into a position to utilize our tour operator arm, and create available packages. We’ll be opening bookings in December, working on distribution to the travel agents, and giving the new program a jumpstart.”

So just what is in store in FlyGTA’s immediate future? Well, Nowrouzi says his company will be able to cater those who are intrigued by the tales of a super-spy. “We are combining our private jet service, safe travel protocols, and major time savings with low-risk, luxury destinations in the Caribbean. For example, our 007 package will have your bubble flying down to Jamaica in our private jets and staying at the GoldenEye luxury villa, where some of the greatest James Bond stories were created! It’s celebrity status at a price that’s reasonable.”GoldenEye was the oceanside retreat of Bond creator Ian Fleming and is now an upscale resort.

FlyGTA has been offering private aircraft charters for approximately 5 years, and the new vacation program is launching in December for the holiday season. All FlyGTA aircrafts can carry 8 passengers, and the company has over 10 planes in its fleet.

 The sky’s the limit when it comes to taking clients to desired destinations. “Our optimal range is North America, and our most attractive options are to the Caribbean Islands,” concludes Nowrouzi. “But we are able to fly to anywhere in the world.” 

Story by Ian Stalker

TAKING THE HIGH ROAD

July 24, 2019 No Comments

 

What’s worse than the bumper-to- bumper summer traffic heading north from Toronto on a Friday afternoon? The car is cramped, tempers flare, kids melt down, everyone’s hungry, and we’re not even past the city limits yet. What should be a 90-minute drive turns into a mind-bending, patience- testing three-hour crawl. Well, what if I told you there’s a better way? This May long weekend — the unofficial start to summer and the official start to cottage season — instead of taking to the highway, I boarded a 40-minute flight from downtown to Muskoka. I could get used to this…

11:25 AM After a quick and friendly check-in, I take a seat in the comfortable lounge at Fly GTA Airlines at Billy Bishop Airport. With free WiFi, ample magazines, and complimentary refreshments, I take a few moments to relax before heading out on the tarmac.

11:51 AM Unlike traditional flights, as soon as all the passengers are checked-in, we can board the plane. Staff are eager to assist with luggage, if needed. A brief welcome from the pilot, seat belts buckled, and we’re ready to go!

11:56 AM Time for take-off. Nothing quite like an aerial view of Toronto’s incredible skyline. On board, I meet fellow passengers and cottagers from Lake Rosseau, Michael and Shea. It’s also their first time flying north for the weekend. “This couldn’t be easier,”exclaims Michael. “Better than traffic.” My thoughts exactly.

12:10 PM Soaring just above the clouds now. A signal is spotty at this altitude, but I did manage to get in a few business texts, with pictures, of course. Sitting back, enjoying the scenery, I feel relaxed already. What a start to the long weekend!

12:17 PM There’s no mistaking the enormous, deep blue of Lake Simcoe. I can almost taste cottage country now.

12:26 PM Zipping past the cottage- country traffic starting to build on Highway 11.
12:32 PM The scenery grows ever more familiar, as we enter deeper into cottage country. Lakes dotted with islands and windswept trees: Muskoka’s rugged landscape starts to take shape.

12:36 PM And, in no time at all, we’ve landed at Muskoka Airport. I’m impressed with the service, the ease — what a stress-free way to start the weekend. Back on the ground, I ask Michael and Shea if I might see them again on another flight this summer. “Oh yes, the value of your time and decreased stress level is worth it, it’s a no-brainer,” Michael replies. FlyGTA Airlines (flygta.com) offers flights to Muskoka Thursday through Tuesday throughout the summer months. Check back often for rates and scheduled flight times. Need a ride? FlyGTA can also arrange for airport transfers. I, for one, will be taking this route as often as possible.

Hope to see you on board!

Story by WENDY MCCLUNG

The Suite Life

April 1, 2019 No Comments

Whether you call it your home away from home or your own private oasis, living “the suite life” is a breeze with Celebrity Cruises.

With suite accommodations setting the standard for modern luxury, Celebrity offers unparalleled comfort and convenience, as well as exceptional amenities and exclusive on-board experiences from personal butler service to private restaurants and lounges.

Celebrity’s spectacular Penthouse Suite, available across its fleet (with the exception of Xploration and Xpedition), offers 1,291 square feet of indoor space and comes with a separate living area, Baby Grand piano and private veranda, complete with whirlpool and lounge seating. Guests can unwind in modern living spaces or soak up the experience in a marble master bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower.

Celebrity also indulges every suite guest with an array of special services and amenities, including butler service; Luminae, a private restaurant for suite guests only (available on all Millennium, Solstice and Edge Class Ships); and Michael’s Club, an exclusive lounge with dedicated concierge. Suite guests also receive complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining; unlimited dining and preferred seating in specialty restaurants; fully stocked mini bar daily; complimentary Premium Beverage Package; unlimited Internet; and reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights.

Taking the cruise experience to the next level are exclusive features like priority check-in, embarkation, debarkation and port tendering; priority luggage delivery; Celebrity’s eXhale bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets and a pillow menu; Bulgari luxury bath amenities; fresh flowers delivered daily; and complimentary laundry service twice per cruise.

     Celebrity’s newest vessel, Celebrity Edge, transforms the suite class experience even further with its outward-facing design and introduction of The Retreat, an exclusive resort sanctuary indulging guests with a spacious outdoor lounge area with plush, stylish furniture, sundeck, full-sized pool and hot tub, dedicated butlers, and restaurant – all complimentary. This is a special space available 24/7 for beverages, gourmet bites and live entertainment. The Edge’s new suite options include the Edge Villa, Celebrity’s first two-storey suites offering 950 square feet of split-level splendour, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living, with one bedroom and two bathrooms and the Iconic Suite perched above the bridge for panoramic views. With two king-sized bedrooms, two full baths, and enough indoor/outdoor living for six guests, this is the the ultimate in indulgence at sea.

Find a suite spot of your own, visit www.celebritycruises.com, call 1-888-283-6768, or contact your travel agent.

Story by GREG COATES

Non-Stop luxury To Asia

April 1, 2019 No Comments

Longest flights in the air by Singapore Airlines

Our planet is massive, and there’s no way around it without spending many hours in the air. But  Singapore Airlines is taking some of the sting out of the transcontinental, transoceanic travel experience. It’s called the AIRBUS A350-900 ULTRA LONG RANGE, an airplane specifically designed to bridge
the gap between North America and Asia as quickly as possible.  Of course, the best way to accomplish the briefest possible travel time is to stay in the air and avoid connecting flights. This plane is capable of flying further in commercial service than any other, and Singapore Airlines is the first airline to deploy the aircraft. Singapore Airlines will launch nonstop  services between Singapore and New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco this fall. With a flying time of up to 18 hours and 45 minutes, these will be the world’s longest commercial flights.

Passengers will be treated to an inflight experience that includes an improved air circulation system and cabin pressurization to a lower altitude, as well as higher ceilings, larger windows and 16 million LED lighting options to allow for optimal inflight rest. Passengers will also have access to videos in the inflight
entertainment system that have been created with the participation of award-winning Canyon Ranch, a leading wellness brand. These focus on ways to maintain health and wellness during the flight with described, illustrated exercises.

The inflight menu has also been advised by Canyon Ranch with those same wellness goals in mind. For instance, passengers in business class can look forward to enjoying prawn ceviche and lavosh with orange, cucumber, grapefruit, cilantro, scallions, and bell pepper, as well as braised pork with citrus and white bean cassoulet with spinach The lie-flat seats in business class are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving all passengers access to an  aisle. Don’t forget to download the myKrisWorld app before take off, allowing you to create playlists of your favorite movies and music before you board. In addition, the system bookmarks your content, so that a program cut off at the end of a flight can automatically resume at the same spot during the passenger’s    next SIA flight.

Get on board and relax! Book your next trip on Singapore Airlines at singaporeair.com.

Story by Ted Davis

To The Nahanni And Beyond

September 7, 2018

Nahanni National Park, UNESCO’s First World Heritage Site, is one of Canada’s largest and most magnificent nature reserves. Accessible only by air, it borders on a portion of the Mackenzie Mountain Range. The South Nahanni River flows through the deep canyons, past steaming hot springs, across alpine tundra, and past Rabbitkettle, a 30-metre-high mound of fragile limestone layers of tufa.

The mystique surrounding the Gold Rush holds irresistible allure. Planes land on the shores, allowing visitors to step into the scenery, while river trippers portage around. Abundant wildlife – including Dall’s sheep – wander the plateaus and diverse terrain. Experience first-hand flight-seeing on a journey into some of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery of untamed rivers and jagged mountains. Simpson Air, the first air charter company in Fort Simpson, offers fly-in and fly-over day tours, charters for a “plan your own tour,” or canoe rental and fly-in fishing gear rental. Whatever your dream wilderness experience is – canoeing, kayaking, rafting, mountain climbing, hiking, wilderness lodging, Northern Lights viewing – Simpson Air can make it reality.

A must-do stopover is the Nahanni Mountain Lodge at Little Doctor Lake, nestled at the foot of the Mackenzie Mountains where they rise from the Interior Plains. The original lodge was home to pioneers Mary and Gus Kraus who passed it on to Ted Grant, chief pilot and owner of Simpson Air, to preserve and promote their passion for this majestic land. Cast off in a motorboat to explore, or grab a canoe and paddle to the river. Throw in a line and fish for dinner. Enjoy the sandy beach and shallow waters or hike up the back of the grand buttresses through “the gap.” This historic homestead is ideal for families, groups, or your own private getaway. A unique stay with lodging, tour choice, and airfare for up to 12 guests.

Fort Simpson, the oldest established trading post in the Mackenzie Valley, can be reached by air via Yellowknife. Local services include all the basic amenities to support your journey. Reserve online at http://simpsonair.ca or talk to us about your wilderness dreams at 1-866-995-2505 or [email protected].