Including new travel advisories issued by the Canadian government, new flight features and getaways from Canada, and expert advice for where to travel this spring, here are the Canada travel stories you might have missed this week.
Canada travel advisories
Bahamas: The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for the Bahamas and is warning Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in the country due to high rates of crime, especially in Freeport and Nassau.
While violent crime has been decreasing in the Bahamas since 2018, there are still incidents of violent crime, particularly on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence, both of which are popular tourist destinations.
Travellers are advised to avoid Nassau’s "over the hill" (south of Shirley Street) and Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) areas, especially at night, stay alert while travelling in the country and avoid walking alone, especially after dark, as well as visiting deserted beaches.
The government also advises that tourists don't carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewellery and ensure that personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Indonesia: The Canadian government also updated its travel advisory for Indonesia to inform Canadians of a new tourist tax.
Starting February 14, tourists entering Bali will be subject to a new tax called the Love Bali Tourist Levy. The tax, which is (about $13) must be paid directly through the Provincial Government of Bali website and will be in addition to the visa fees paid to enter Indonesia.
Argentina: The Government of Canada is warning travellers heading to Argentina that forest fires in Los Alceres National Park in the Chubut Province are "significantly impacting air quality."
According to the Buenos Aires Times, the fire has been active for nearly a week and the flames have already burnt through 2,300 hectares of land.
Those travelling to an affected area in the country are advised to comply with evacuation orders, monitor local news and weather reports and follow the instructions of local authorities.
The best destinations to visit in March
Looking to escape the dreary Canadian winter weather? Skyscanner has released a list of the best warm destinations to visit from Canada this March.
"Taking a vacation in March means you’ll be in that sweet spot of escaping the Canadian cold while also travelling during the shoulder season," says the travel company.
For summer-like warmth, Canadians will want to head to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, one of the best warm places to visit in March, with beaches, nature escapes and temperatures around 25-28 C.
However, the Caribbean isn't the only option for Canadians looking for some warmth — if you're eyeing a European vacation, Skyscanner recommends Valencia, Spain, a port city in southeast Spain is surrounded by beautiful national parks and filled with colourful architecture, historic attractions and world-class festivals that reaches temperatures of around 20 degrees.
For a short trip, Canadians can head right across the border to San Diego, California, where you can soak in both the sun and the cutlure, and expect highs in the low 20s C (aka, Canadian summer weather).
A free flight to Iceland? Yes, please!
If you're planning to visit Europe this year, you can now add a free flight to Iceland to your trip.
Play Airlines, one of Canada's newest budget airlines that offers cheap flights to Europe, has announced that it is now offering stopovers in Iceland for no additional cost, allowing travellers to see two countries in one trip.
Travellers will be able to add a stopover of up to 10 days in Iceland before continuing on to their second European country.
The airline flies from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport to 34 European cities — so if you're planning a trip to Paris, France or Athens, Greece, why not make it a two-for-one and check out Iceland's incredible natural beauty on the way?
The best beaches in Canada
It may only be February, but if you're already dreaming of beachy getaways, these Canadian beaches should be on your radar.
The world's 100 best beaches were presented in Lonely Planet's new book, Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches.
The book features two Canadian destinations that may inspire some summer travel.
According to Lonely Planet, Chesterman Beach in Tofino on Vancouver Island is one of the best in the country, home to surfing opportunities and lessons as well as "views that will take your breath away."
"From misty mornings where the fog comes off the soft sand to the fiery skies in the evening as the sun dips below the cedar trees, you could spend all day here."
The only other Canadian beach on the list is on the opposite side of the country — Stanhope Beach in Prince Edward Island is where you'll find rolling sand dunes and gorgeous views without the crowds of the popular Cavendish and Brackley beaches.
With a floating boardwalk that offers views of the coast and a campsite, it definitely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
Is your city one of the best in the world?
A new list of the world's best cities in 2024 placed two Canadian spots among must-visit destinations this year.
TimeOut's list of the 50 best cities in the world in 2024 named Vancouver and Montreal as two of the best cities in the world right now.
Montreal was listed in spot number 29 out of 50 cities as one of the best urban destinations in 2024, thanks in part to its "old school European architecture" and "cutting edge cocktail scene."
"Come for the friendly, open atmosphere, and stay for the winter party. With an illuminated giant Ferris wheel, evening disco skating nights and free museum visits, you can't go wrong," says TimeOut.
Meanwhile, Vancouver was named one of the best in the world thanks to its festivals, like the Celebration of Lights and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, as well as its "exciting contemporary foodie scene."
Canadian airlines: Negotiations & new measures for passengers
Here's what you may have missed this week in Canadian airline news:
Flight attendants reject deal: Air Transat says a tentative agreement reached between it and its flight attendant's union has been rejected.
The Canadian Union of Public Employess, which represents 2,100 Air Transat flight attendants, says they have rejected a tentative agreement reached in January, but that the parties will return to the negotiating table quickly to resume discussions.
"Remuneration for hours worked on the ground before takeoff and after landing as well as the question of onboard staffing were the main sticking points," said CUPE in a news release.
Air Transat says that reaching a new agreement quickly is a "top priority" for the airline.
"Despite this unforeseeable event, this is not a strike notice, and our operations continue as planned," the airline said in a statement posted to its website.
Air Canada introduces new measures for passengers with disabilities: Air Canada announced this week that it is rolling out new measures to better serve customers with non-visible disabilities.
The airline said it had become the first in North America to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, a globally recognized program that uses the symbol of a sunflower symbol to identify customers with non-visible disabilities who may need additional support, help or a little more time.
"By choosing to wear the Sunflower lanyard, Air Canada customers can indicate to airline staff that they may require additional assistance, have specific needs, or simply require more time while travelling," said the airline.
Lanyards are available at check-in counters at Hidden Disability Sunflower member airports in Canada (which includes Pearson Airport, Vancouver International Airport and Winnipeg Airport) and on board all flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express.
Time to book a tropical getaway
Dreaming of jetting off to Cuba or Mexico? There are plenty of reasons to book an all-inclusive vacation from Canada right now. Here are just a few:
Jetlines Vacations: Toronto just got a new option for booking all-inclusive vacations. Canada Jetlines, a value-focused carrier that came into the scene in 2022, has launched Jetlines Vacations, a new vacation experience provider offering exclusive all-inclusive vacations to places like Jamaica and Mexico.
Jetlines Vacations offers all-inclusive vacation packages that include airfare on Canada Jetlines, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, and options for leisure activities, with flights taking off from Toronto Pearson Airport.
Last-minute vacation deals: If you're able to take a trip in February or March, Sunwing Vacations has tons of last-minute all-inclusive vacation packages at amazing prices. We've highlighted a few particularly good deals taking off from YYZ.
Air Transat sale: Air Transat is offering a discount on all-inclusive vacation packages with its "Come Back Changed" sale.
Travellers can get up to 40% off vacation packages to the south, including destinations like Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.
Don't wait, though — you'll have to book by February 5, 2024, to take advantage of the sale.
Happy travels, Canada!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class seats. Virgin Atlantic