PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: 7 hotel rooftops and outdoor terraces for sensational summer sips

There’s nothing better than resting one’s weary feet for a libation while sightseeing. And it’s even better if it’s in a fabulous spot that shows off or enhances the destination, while providing amazing ambiance all on its own. With this in mind, we offer seven sensational venues for a summer sip on a global itinerary of top stops, ranging from Athens to Zurich, and Barcelona to Washington, DC, a few more in between.

HOW TO BE THE BIGGEST YACHT IN THE HARBOR

We’re docked amid the massive yachts of the super-rich, who compete to have the biggest and flashiest water toys. But sorry, boys, we have you beat. We’re aboard the impressive new mega-yacht World Traveller, 126 meters long and 7 decks tall. Like all good yachts she can sail into practically any port deemed worthy of its elegant presence, carrying a crew that’s almost one-to-one with its nearly 200 guests.

LISTENING IN: A Canadian Slug fest, still doing it without Doug

The late ‘70s and ‘80s was a golden age for Canadian bands, even if the success of many didn’t make it beyond our borders. But who can forget bands like Trooper, Prism, Streetheart, Chilliwack, Honeymoon Suite, and… the legendary Doug and the Slugs?

LOSE SOME. WIN SOME.: Rocked by Vienna cancellations, Swifties shake it off and flock to London

For Herve Tram, being a Taylor Swift fan isn’t just about the music. The 28-year-old computer network engineer from Paris sees himself as part of a community, one of the Swifties as they are known. So, when the pop superstar’s shows in Vienna were cancelled last week because of a terror threat, Tram took a small personal step: He gave away two extra tickets to her upcoming concerts in London to two fans who missed the chance to see their guiding light in the Austrian capital.

THE IN AND OUT CLUB: Posh Piccadilly hotel to revive historic London site

Cambridge House, the former In and Out Military Club, in Mayfair, London, will be managed by Auberge Resorts Collection, an award-winning portfolio of one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences when the historic property at 94 Piccadilly opens next year in the British capital.

GOING SOLO: 6 great single-minded offers and retreats

With solo travel on the rise – both on land and at sea, and increasingly by women – many travel suppliers are upping the ante with a bevy of offers and experiences that to cater to the growing travel demographic, and bely traditional punitive measures like single supplements. Here are six offers designed for those who content marching to the beat of their own drum.

CARNIVAL REVEALS THE PEARL OF CELEBRATION KEY

With the opening of Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island just a year away, Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled details about Pearl Cove Beach Club, which will offer a premium experience for guests 18 and older. Reservations for the exclusive retreat are now available through Jan. 2, 2026.

YOUNG AND RESTLESS: Insurance plan caters to young travellers

InsureMyTrip, a rapidly growing Canadian travel insurance comparison website, has launched a plan tailored specifically for travellers up to age 29. The all-inclusive TIPS Youth Premier Plan – underwritten by Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada – is designed to offer extensive benefits at a competitive price to young travellers.

HEATHROW EXPRESS OFFERS B2B BOOKINGS

London’s Heathrow Express has launched an online booking platform, designed specifically for B2B partners. The platform offers tour operators, travel advisors and DMCs a streamlined method to book Heathrow Express tickets at a corporate rate. They now have  the opportunity to offer Heathrow Express tickets as an additional option for their customers, enhancing their travel packages with the added benefit of incentives.

‘CROWNING GLORY’: First look at MSC World America’s The Harbour

From an aquapark to an 11-storey dry slide, thematic playground, ropes course and much more, MSC Cruises has revealed the latest details on attractions and experiences awaiting guests in The Harbour, dubbed “the crowning glory” of the MSC World America’s Family Aventura entertainment district.

SOMETHING IN THE AIR: Malaysia pioneers durian tourism

Tourism Malaysia has unveiled an array of tourism packages that spotlight the destination’s famous – and notoriously smelly – fruit: the durian – called by some the “King of Fruits.” The new publication, “Durian Tourism Packages 2024/2025,” features 62 packages from 27 local tour operators across 12 Malaysian states, blending the renowned flavours of fragrant durians with entertaining activities.

UNVEILING THE STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO TRAIL

Starting in October, nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts will have a new opportunity to discover Sweden on the Stockholm Archipelago Trail (SAT), a new 270-km hiking route through one of the world’s largest island groups with about 30,000 islands, islets, and skerries. There will be 20 sections of the route that reveal 21 spectacular islands where “pristine nature awaits.”

BLOW HARD: Tropical storm expected to hit the northeast Caribbean

Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Puerto Rico, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, St. Barts and St. Maarten. The National Hurricane Center said a disturbance in the Atlantic is expected to become a tropical depression late Monday before strengthening into a tropical storm as it approaches the northeast Caribbean.

DISNEY EXPANDS FLEET:

The Disney fleet currently consists of five ships – Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wish and Disney Wonder. The Disney Treasure will join the existing fleet this year, followed by Disney Adventure and Disney Destiny which will launch in 2025. An as yet unnamed fourth ship will launch in 2029. Over the weekend the Disney Cruise Line revealed it is ordering four more ships. The new order which will give DCL a fleet of 13 ships by 2031. 

BUG OFF: JFK unveils the future of baggage sanitation

The first-ever US Baggage Sanitization System has been introduced at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 7. Dubbed a “significant milestone in the travel industry’s ongoing efforts to combat the spread of infectious diseases,” the system offers a travellers a quick, turn-key solution to sanitize their baggage before bringing it home with them.

ISLAND-HOPPING IN THE BAHAMAS: Finding the one that’s the right fit

The Bahamas is composed of more than 700 islets, islands, and 2,400 cays. Of those, less than 40 are inhabited. From the well-known, like Nassau-Paradise Island to hidden gems like Ragged Island, each island promises a distinctive window into Bahamian life and culture. So where to go? Here’s a list of 16 unique islands – all of them worthy, in their own special way:

A GUIDE TO ACCESSBILE FLORIDA

The Sunshine State has made significant investments in improving accessibility for travellers. With extensive resources for people with special needs, visitors of all ages and abilities can participate in and enjoy experiences across the state. Here are just some of the ways Florida partners aim to help.

PRINCESS IS ALL-IN ON ALASKA IN 2026

Princess Cruises says its Alaska season for 2026 will be its biggest ever. Highlighted by the debut of the newest ship in its fleet, Star Princess, the program will feature eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations, with a robust roster of Alaska adventures by sea, land, or both.  

A REAL IMPACT: Will hailstorm damage lead to higher airfares?

Experts say airfares may go up in the immediate aftermath of a hailstorm that tore through Calgary last week, damaging planes at WestJet and Flair Airlines and upending travel plans for thousands of passengers. Hailstones as big as golf balls pummelled the airport tarmac, forcing both airlines to ground 10 percent of their fleets for repairs and inspections.

THE WORST IS YET TO COME: Mid-season hurricane season update

With the peak of the hurricane season “right around the corner,” forecasters continue to predict that 2024 will be a highly active hurricane season. Moreover, thanks to near-record sea surface temperatures and the possibility of La Nina, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s updated hurricane outlook says the season that could rank among the busiest on record.

OLYMPICS PUTS DENT IN AIR CANADA SUMMER SALES

Air Canada may be the official carrier of Team Canada, but that didn’t stop the Paris Olympics from hobbling its summer sales. Despite Canadians’ continued thirst for Mediterranean getaways, the airline’s transatlantic ticket proceeds suffered in its latest quarter as travellers from France and Germany opted to stay on the Continent to soak up the Olympics as well as Euro 2024, and many Canadians decided to avoid France during the Games.

SANDALS MASTERCLASS STILL IN SESSION

Sandals is reminding travel advisors that its Masterclass webinar series is still in session with five final classes still to come in 2024. Taking place in August – including Aug. 14 in Alberta – the two-hour live sessions are led by national training manager Lorna Richards and offer agents key strategies to help drive growth in their Sandals and Beaches Resorts business. 

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP: Ice Cream Museum mishap leads to lawsuit

A man who says he broke his ankle jumping into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream in New York City has filed a lawsuit alleging that the facility was negligent for not warning visitors that it is unsafe to jump into the p

ROUND-UP: Aug. 5-9, 2024

WestJet says the repercussions of a freak hailstorm continue to cause cancellations in Calgary, while NCL hailed members of the Canadian military with special rates in this week’s round-up. Among the other news, Canada is getting a new insurance player, Dubai tourism is going gangbusters, the Cuba tourist board is inviting adventurous agents on a FAM, and Olympic hero Summer McIntosh has a golden experience going through customs in Toronto.

IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE: Ontario drivers agree there’s no need for speed

When it’s time for drivers in Ontario to head out on the highway for summer holidays, or rev up that rental car, it would be wise to remember that a majority of the province’s own drivers admit to engaging in risky and unsafe driving behaviours, according to a recent study on dangerous driving conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO).

COLOMBIA CALLING: Air Canada Vacations unveils new guided tours program

Building on extensive flight access from Toronto and Montreal, Air Canada Vacations has introduced a new guided tours program for Colombia, featuring year-round tours and immersive experiences that cover the South American nation’s pristine coasts, natural marvels and colonial towns.

LOST IN TRANSLATION: The ups and downs of travel translation apps

Travelling to destinations where you don’t speak the local language can leave you lost in translation. Communicating in the local language helps advance cultural exchange and improves engagement with locals. Overcoming language barriers increases the ability of travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture.

TREE OF LIFE: How Maui’s beloved Banyan was saved after wildfire

When last August’s deadly wildfire tore through Lahaina on Maui, the wall of flames scorched the 151-year-old banyan tree along the historic town’s Front Street. But the sprawling tree – a beloved symbol of the town – survived the blaze, and thanks to the efforts of arborists and dedicated volunteers, parts of it are growing back – and even thriving.

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