Staring into a fire deep in the woods. Watching the stars stretch over Arctic skies. Waiting on a frozen lake for a fish that may never bite. In Sweden, boredom isn’t a problem – quite the opposite, says Visit Sweden, which this winter is leaning into a quietly growing trend in wellness and travel: boredom as a form of luxury – where stillness and silence aren’t just accepted, they’re encouraged.
By Cindy-Lou Dale/ Safari travellers increasingly expect lodge cuisine to match the quality of wildlife and landscape experiences. Historically, lodge menus were modelled on European colonial food systems, relying on imported ingredients and generic continental dishes.
With 2025 nearly in the books, Rail Europe has parsed its bookings for the year and come up with some key insights on how North American travellers chose to explore the continent this year.
As travel advisors were discovering for themselves at the Jamaica Tourist Board’s annual ‘One Love Affair’ event, the island’s tourism minister declared that Jamaica had met its target of restoring tourism operations by Dec. 15, marking an impressive turnaround just over six weeks after the island was ravaged by Hurricane Melissa.
Egypt has revealed the revamp of two colossal statues of a prominent pharaoh in the southern city of Luxor, the latest in the government’s archaeological events that aim at drawing more tourists to the country.
They call it “coorie.” Based on the old Scottish word for nestling or snuggling, the concept today implies “embracing the great outdoors (no matter what the weather) and enjoying the cozy feeling of coming back to home comforts afterwards.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans Monday to double the number of visitors to the Niagara Region, with visions of multiple new casinos, a theme park, an observation wheel, an expanded airport and more.
The world’s tallest hotel has opened in Dubai. Featuring one of the world’s highest infinity pools with panoramic views of the emirate’s coastline, Ceil Dubai Marina represents a striking new landmark in the city’s skyline.
Christmas celebrations are slowly returning to the traditional birthplace of Jesus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank – a hopeful change in the Palestinian city that’s been reeling since war broke out in Gaza.
The federal government is renewing the Canada Strong Pass, starting this week (Dec. 12) and continuing over the holiday period through Jan. 15. It will once again offer free admission to national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada and a 25% discount on camping fees.
Zambia is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets and a safari lover’s paradise. With its vast wilderness, stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, Zambia offers some of the most authentic safari experiences on the continent. Home to 20 national parks, 36 game management areas, the country provides numerous opportunities to witness the Big 5 and beyond in their natural habitat
By Michael Baginski/ Visit Orlando and a dozen of its top theme park, attraction, hotel and transportation partners delivered a dose of Orlando sunshine to Hamilton and Toronto last week for the destination’s annual Canada trade mission, demonstrating that the destination has “not taken it’s foot off the pedal” when it comes to the Canadian market.
Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, along with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has gathered a list of trusted Canadian and US charities that have committed to supporting relief efforts in Jamaica, targeting the areas most impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Canadians’ prospering pipeline to The Bahamas continues to gain steam with the launch of new Air Canada nonstop flights from Halifax and Ottawa to Nassau. The weekly flights come just in time for the holidays – a festive season that notably includes colourful Junkanoo celebrations throughout the islands.
By Michael Baginski/ The Tourist Office of Spain celebrated an “amazing” 2025 for the destination out of Canada at an event in Toronto Wednesday night – a year that proved “even better than we thought,” according to the office’s Canadian director Isabel Martín Benítez.
After years of volatility and transformation, the Asia Pacific region’s tourism sector has not only rebounded but is entering a new phase of sustained growth, says the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). In its recently released annual tourism report for 2025, the association cites a near-complete recovery from the COVID years, underscoring the travel industry’s vital adaptability and resilience in navigating a dynamic global landscape.
Cuban culture thrives through time-honoured traditions that have shaped the island’s identity for generations. The blending of indigenous customs with Spanish influences has created unique experiences that continue to captivate visitors today. These deeply rooted cultural practices offer travellers authentic glimpses into the heart of Cuban society and the island’s history.
The iconic Vancouver waterfront fireworks festival that has been held for more than three decades has been cancelled indefinitely due to financial difficulties – news that Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim called “devastating.”
By Michael Baginski/ With new Air Canada flights to Guatemala from Montreal now flying high, there’s no reason now for Canadians not to discover the Central American country, hope Guatemalan tourism execs, who point out the Central American destination has it all – from beaches to ancient Mayan ruins and lush rainforests to active volcanoes.
By Michael Baginski/ The Aruba Tourism Authority is eager for Canadians to discover – or revisit – the destination dubbed “One Happy Island,” but with a caveat: a commitment to helping preserve the very reason they go there in the first place: white sand beaches, vibrant culture and history, and unparalleled outdoor activities.
Porter Airlines launched inaugural roundtrip service yesterday between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Nassau, The Bahamas. Seasonal service to Nassau increases to daily flights beginning Dec. 12, while nonstop service from Ottawa begins on Dec. 13, and Montreal on Feb. 5.
With three resorts now open, RIU Hotels & Resorts says all seven of its hotels in Jamaica will resume service before the end of the year overcoming the crisis caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
By Michael Baginski/ As Dominica’s game-changing cable car – the longest detachable cable car in the world at 6.6 km. – prepares to open in December, the Caribbean island continues to aim high when it comes to tourism and punch above its weight with respect to its tiny size.
Traditional Christmas markets opened across Germany on Monday, drawing revellers to their wooden stands with mulled wine, grilled sausages, potato pancakes or caramelized apples. And with memories of two deadly attacks on Christmas markets still fresh for many Germans, amid increased security.
Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, has had 70.1 million passengers already this year and is on track to break its own records again, officials said Wednesday. The rapid growth of passengers at the airport underscores Dubai as a key hub for East-West travel in global aviation and the need for its $35-billion project to build a massive, five-runway airport at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new tourism campaign, redefining luxury through the lens of personal healing, sustainability, and cultural connections for a new generation of travellers. With the “Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, TAT aims to position the Asian destination a place where travellers can slow down, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and nature in a world where speed, stress and uncertainty dominate daily life.
Cuba’s shores offers some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular and diverse beaches, each with its own distinct character and endless opportunities for exploration. From incredibly clear waters teeming with marine life to secluded stretches of shore that inspired literary legends, the island presents remarkable adventures for travellers seeking authentic Caribbean beauty.
The tiny Faroe Islands in the north Atlantic could be a poor choice for travellers with vertigo, seasickness or a fear of enclosed spaces. There are crumbling cliffs, sudden gale-force winds and hillsides so steep that even the sheep can tumble.
By Michael Baginski/ With December set to mark the 75th anniversary of the first Air Canada flight to Barbados (its first Caribbean destination), the airline is set to the host the 2025 edition of its Air Canada Race on the island with 20 qualified Canadian travel advisors set to take part in the five-day event starting Thursday (Nov. 20). Suitably it is the first island destination for the Race.
From Hawaii Five-O to Lost and Jurassic Park, there’s no shortage of movies and TV shows that have and continue to be filmed in Hawai’i. As such, there are plenty of familiar locations and landscapes that can be found around the islands that are certain to inspire film buffs, while adding a unique touch of Hollywood to the Polynesian paradise. Here’s a guide.