News that has caught Chris' eye in the Travel World

Expedia 2017 Multi-National Trends Report (August 23, 2017)

Canadians are great travellers according to a new study – Expedia’s 2017 Multi-National Trends report. We book longer vacations than the international average and we travel outside our own country more frequently. Canada is one of eight markets covered in this report, which includes USA, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, China and Australia.
On average, Canadians vacation for nearly nine days, over ten percent above the average for the group.
Over 60% of Canadians have Passports, compared to an estimated 36% of Americans. So it is perhaps not so surprising that just 18% of Americans say they prefer to vacation outside of their own country.
And perhaps also not so surprising is the fact that this report found that the top trip influencer for Canadian travellers is “deals and special offers”. So continue to check out my Deal of the Week! 

2017 hurricane season forecast (16 August, 2017)

The U.S.-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have re-issued its forecast for the 2017 hurricane season outlook with a significant jump in the predicted number of named storms and major hurricanes. They are now predicting a 60% chance of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, saying the season has the potential to be “extremely active” and could be the most active since 2010 when there were 19 tropical storms including 12 hurricanes.

The prediction is for 14-19 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes, and 2-5 major hurricanes. The Atlantic basin has already seen six named storms, including Arlene in April; Bret and Cindy in June; Don and Emily in July; and Franklin in August. Sounds like a family get together doesn’t it? Except that they are all unwelcome guests on the scene. My advice: although it is extremely unlikely that you will experience a major storm on your holiday, do take a look at your vacation company’s hurricane protection small print before you head south…or better still, before you book.

Le Boat launches cruises on the Rideau  (9 August, 2017)

Renowned UK vacation company Le Boat is planning to launch in Canada in 2018. Their latest 62-page brochure will be published this month covering the latest cruising experiences both in Europe and North America.

One of Le Boat’s key highlights in 2018 is its new and exciting route in Canada, which will be the company’s first cruising destination outside of Europe. Le Boat is relocating its North American headquarters to Smiths Falls, Ontario as it readies for the launch of a fleet of 16 vessels designed for multi-day outings along the Rideau Canal. It is also introducing two brand new boat models to accommodate larger groups: Horizon and Minuetto, with five and four cabins respectively.

These new boats will take self-cruise boating vacations on the scenic Rideau system to a whole new level. Le Boat is currently offering an Early Booking Discount to anyone booking selected 2018 trips now - for complete details, go to www.leboat.com.