Heike Milo - Senior Travel Advisor, CTC

08/30/2026

Dromoland Castle is one of Ireland’s most storied estates. Once the ancestral home of the O’Brien family (descendants of the last High King of Ireland), the 16th-century castle was transformed into one of Europe’s most luxurious destination hotels. It has hosted luminaries and legends, from presidents to the Beatles, and continues to innovate, especially when it comes to immersive experiences, world-class dining and wellness.

The Castle will close its doors November 2026 for 6 months for the largest redevelopment in its 63 years as a hotel. Planned to re-open in June 2027, the 16th-century property in County Clare—near the Cliffs of Moher and along the Wild Atlantic Way—will unveil a comprehensive transformation spanning accommodations, public spaces, wellness facilities, culinary concepts and cultural programming.

The project’s centerpiece will be a 3,200-square-foot, glass-enclosed Atrium that will debut in July, reimagining the castle’s historic courtyard as a year-round gathering space for morning coffee, afternoon tea and evening cocktails accompanied by live music. The 500-acre estate encompasses everything from its own sizeable lake and woodlands to three planted and inter-connected Walled Gardens. Guest days can be action-packed days, from hiking, fishing and row-boating to falconry, clay-pigeon shooting, archery and fishing.

08/29/2026

Atlas Ocean Voyages Europe 2028 collection featuring 37 Epicurean and Cultural Expeditions designed to reveal the continent's iconic destinations and hidden coastal treasures through immersive, destination-rich experiences aboard its intimate luxury expedition yachts.

The 2028 season introduces 12 new ports of call: Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France; Lavrion (Athens), Greece; Poros, Greece; Casamicciola Terme (Ischia), Italy; Boulogne-sur-Mer, France; Ostende (Bruges), Belgium; Fjällbacka, Sweden; Ystad, Sweden; Saaremaa, Estonia; Svolvær (Lofoten), Norway; Agropoli (Paestum), Italy; and Naxos, Greece.

Sailing from April through September 2028, the collection spans the Mediterranean and Northern Europe with itineraries that combine celebrated landmarks with boutique harbours beyond the reach of larger cruise ships. Guests can enjoy overnight stays, visits to 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, immersive Atlas Experiences ashore and more.

Guests will also experience yacht navigations through some of Europe's most spectacular waterways, including the Venetian Lagoon, the Corinth Canal, Norway's dramatic fjords including Trollfjord, the Guadalquivir River to Seville and the Garonne River into Bordeaux, experiences uniquely suited to Atlas Ocean Voyages' intimate yachts.

Atlas offers meaningful connections with no more than 400 fellow voyagers on board, nearly one staff member for every guest, dedicated staff and crew who share guests’ passion for discovery, personalized service inspired by genuine care and camaraderie, interaction with locals to discover the authentic character of a destination and exploration in small groups for immersive, enlightening experiences ashore. Atlas all-inclusive luxury yachts offering year-round expeditions to worldwide destinations.

08/28/2026

Friday funny....

08/27/2026

New flights from Calgary with Etihad Airways to the United Arab Emirates. Starting October 26, 2026 the nonstop service between Calgary and Abu Dhabi will begin. Flights will operate 4 days a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

This new service is Calgary’s first nonstop connection to the Middle East, and opens up more than 100 onward connections across Asia, Africa and the Middle East through Etihad's Abu Dhabi hub.

Business class features lie-flat suites with sliding privacy doors, in addition to wellness-focused touches, from antioxidant welcome drinks to expanded dietary options in its lounges.
Economy travellers can also look forward to a few extras. Travellers can expect a 31-inch seat pitch, 13-inch seatback entertainment screens, high-speed Wi-Fi and a choice of up to four meal options.

The new route is backed by partnerships with both Air Canada and WestJet. The carrier's codeshare agreement with Air Canada allows customers to book seamless itineraries while earning and redeeming Aeroplan points on eligible flights. An interline agreement with WestJet also allows travellers to connect on a single ticket with luggage checked through to your destination.

Please keep in mind that Canadian passport holders have a travel advisory in place to "avoid non-essential travel" to the United Arab Emirates due to the volatile security situation in the region.

08/26/2026

16 day Safari & Seychelles with Emerald Yacht cruises. Set off on an immersive safari through Kenya’s renowned game reserves before relaxing on a luxury yacht cruise through the Seychelles. You’ll spot Africa’s ‘Big Five’, connect with Maasai culture, discover dazzling beaches, and encounter fascinating marine life on this distinctive cruise and land journey.

Experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery with shore excursions, EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, and the EmeraldACTIVE program all included.
Meet and greet services on arrival
Return airport transfers
6 nights on safari on full board basis
Safari Transport in a custom designed 4x4 safari Land cruiser with an English-speaking guide.
All game drives
Park entrance fees
Unlimited supply of bottled water with refillable bottles
All tipping and gratuities
7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises luxury yacht
Airport transfers to and from the ship
The services of an Emerald Cruises Shore Excursion Manager
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
40 superb meals including 14 Breakfasts , 12 Lunches , 14 Dinners
Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner on the cruise and a bush dinner in the Masai Mara
While yacht cruising complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks & selected cocktails throughout the day

Departures January & February 2027 or February & March 2028. Itinerary offered Nairobi to Mahe or reverse. International flights not included.
Cruise tour + Balcony Suite with king bed onboard the yacht from C$ 18, 645 per person including port charges , domestic flights and taxes. (based on Jan.17 or 24, 2027 departures). Subject to availability.

08/25/2026

Vienna's Donaukanal runs about 17 km through the city. The Donaukanal is a former arm of the river Danube, now regulated as a water channel, within the city of Vienna, Austria. Unlike the Danube itself, it borders Vienna's city centre, Innere Stadt, where the Wien River flows into it. The south bank riverside footpaths east of the centre take you through a sliver of greenery that screens you from nearby traffic.

Paved, multi-use paths line north bank promenade west of the centre allows an escape from city stress.both sides of the water, popular for walking and cycling. There are numerous historic and modern bridges that cross the channel, making it easy to hop back and forth for custom walking loops. In summer, it's one of the most popular spots for outdoor dining, bars, and evening walks right on the water.

How to get there? Heiligenstadt station (on the U4) drops you very near the start of the Donaukanal in the northwest. Other options, in order as you move along the river:
Spittelau (U4 and U6)
Friedensbrücke (U4)
Roßauer Lände (U4)
The old town stations of Schottenring (U2 and U4) and Schwedenplatz (U1 and U4)

08/24/2026

Fiji - Castaway Island, Fiji will mark its 60th anniversary in 2026. The resort opened on Qalito Island on July 6, 1966, with four bures for fishermen staying overnight and is one of Fiji's longest continually operating beachfront resorts. Special celebrations will be held for past guests and governement officials in November 2026.

Castaway Island, Fiji is now operated by Outrigger Resorts & Hotels. Its reef conservation work began through its role as a founding member of the Mamanuca Environment Society. In 2025, the resort launched a Sculptural Coral Gene Bank with nonprofit Counting Coral. The marine-grade steel installation houses more than 500 selected parent corals to support regeneration of the surrounding reef.

Why stay on Castaway Island? It is a private island resort situated on a 174-acre island with lush rainforests, white sandy shores, vivid coral reefs and azure waters
Beautifully designed traditional thatched-roof bures (bungalows) with vaulted tapa ceilings and modern amenities. From paddleboarding calm waters to diving below the surface and exploring coral reefs, this resort offers a mix of activities for every type of traveler. They also have lots of “on-land” activities, which cover everything from beach-volleyball, tennis, cooking classes and even barefoot boxing classes. Guests can get back to nature and explore the island home through picturesque bushwalking trails.

08/23/2026

New hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand. The Avani Queenstown on Queenstown’s lakefront opens in September 2026. The former Oaks Shores Resort has been converted from serviced apartments into a full-service hotel.

The hotel will feature locally influenced interiors, social areas, a fireplace, private dining and flexible event spaces for small celebrations and larger gatherings. Wellness facilities will include AvaniSpa and the AvaniFit fitness center.

From 6am to Midnight, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, will serve local and seasonal produce through globally influenced menus. It will offer breakfast, lunch, high tea, apres-ski gatherings and evening a la carte dining.

Launched in 2011, Avani has over 40 properties across 5 continents offering premium city hotels, tropical resorts and retreats in nature with a focus on smart design, upbeat service and good value. Avani Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand.

Queenstown is a vibrant resort town on New Zealand's South Island, nestled along Lake Wakatipu and ringed by the Southern Alps. Famed as the adventure capital of the world, it is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping and offers world-class skiing, jet boating, hiking, and scenic vineyards.

08/22/2026

Across the souqs of Marrakech to the Sahara’s red dunes, Morocco is made for
adventure. Now, you can book your own room for just $99* on select tours with Intrepid Travel!

Morocco Uncovered 13 days - On this Comfort trip, admire the Roman ruins of Volubilis, go behind the scenes in Ait Benhaddou and discover the red dunes of the Sahara Desert.

Morocco Real Food Adventure 12 days - Clear your plate for a flavour-filled trip, where Amazigh, Arabic and European influences mix to create an adventurous culinary
medley.

Morocco Women’s Expedition 8 days - Join a women’s-only adventure for an unforgettable expedition to the remote and lesstravelled reaches of Morocco.

Intrepid small group trips are all about connection – but there are always times when you’d like a moment to yourself. Travel in good company and save on getting your own space. $99 Solo Supplement on selected Original and Comfort Morocco Trips. Offer ends November 3, 2026. Travel now until December 31, 2028!

08/21/2026

How to Spend a Perfect 24 Hours in Porto....

Perched above the Douro River and famous for its fortified wine, Portugal’s second-largest city wows with architecture, azulejos (ceramic tiles) and cuisine that speaks to the land and the sea.

From stunning architecture to cuisine inspired by the land and the sea, here are the best things to do in Porto.