Exiting the Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Oranjestad, you are immediately enveloped by heat, a humid average of 27°C that will stay with you until departure. The island is small. In under an hour, you can drive the country end-to-end. But despite its petite breadth, Aruba has layers of history and culture, formed by those who entered its shores on ships. Centuries of economic development carved the shoreline and shaped the island into the binary destination that it is now – a tropical paradise framed by deserted industrial structures.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This trip was partially hosted by Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort who did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

Home in Aruba: Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is set against the backdrop of one of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches, Eagle Beach. Neatly lined rows of yellow buildings with protruding windows shape a communal courtyard. A white picket fence frames the property rectangle into a dream dollhouse, plants and flowers accenting the yellow walls. Palmtrees, directional signs, and a bike route make it all feel like a small town with part-time locals strolling across the road, beachbags in hand. “This will do,” I jokingly think to myself, taking in the calm paradise views.

The resort is family-owned by the Dutch Van Schaijk family, who for 35+ years have been welcoming travellers and locals to their property with open arms. Over the years, the hotel grew by 23 rooms, always looking for opportunities to improve the guest experience. The rooms range from studios to one-bedroom suites and penthouses, and nearly all of them have at least a kitchenette. Here, hotel guests often become regulars, moving in for weeks at a time, stocking up their fridges, and making Aruba their seasonal family home. The resort team treats guests like family with wide smiles, ready to help with acitivites and dinners plans.

Current offer: Save 37% on a last-minute stay at Amsterdam Manor on Eagle Beach, and toast your arrival with complimentary welcome champagne. Book my March 25, 2026. Travel March 21-27, 2026. Reserve today | All available offers. 

One-bedroom suite at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

Outdoor pool at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

The context: Historic layers that make Aruba what it is 

The island was first occupied by Archaic people who arrived in canoes from the coast of South America thousands of years ago. By A.D. 900/1000, another group of Indigenous people, the Caquetios, settled on the island, building villages and cultivating crops. The Spanish came in the 15th century in search of precious metals and pearls. Having found none of those, they declared Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (the ABC islands) as Islas Inútiles – the useless islands. So when they left, they took the people. 

The Dutch arrived later, in 1636, making Aruba a Caribbean naval base during their eighty-year war with Spain. Recognising the local communities, they recruited Caquetios as farmers, selling meat and produce to other islands. After a brief British invasion (1806–1816), the island was returned to the Dutch in accordance with the Anglo-Dutch Treaty, officially making it a part of the Netherlands Antilles much later, in 1945.

Those early years gave rise to the Aruba Industrial period with the opening of The Lago Oil and Transport and the Arend Petroleum Companies. These were major refineries processing crude oil, bringing prosperity to the island for decades. Until they closed in 1985.

All these chapters in Aruba’s history, in one way or another, are still present in its culture and architecture. As we move through the island, sit on its beaches, and drink its perfectly clean tap water, the history is all around us, most notably seen in the Dutch colonial architecture. 

Bushiribana Ruins, Aruba, remnants of the gold-mining era on the island.

Bites, meals & Libations: From casual happy hours to custom dining experiences  

Situated far enough from high-rise hotels (though within walking range), Amsterdam Manor enjoys uninterrupted sunset performances from every angle of the property, every night. Observing my third flawless sunset I began to wonder what Aruba’s red flags might be. Are there hurricanes? When does it get cold? It does not. The island sits outside the Caribbean hurricane belt, so its only real fault is the constant wind. So we dress up to dine on the beach, where the worst-case scenario is seawater washing over your feet.

Set along this pristine shoreline is Passions on the Beach, perhaps the most romantic restaurant on the island. Breakfast and lunch are served on the terrace, but dinner tables are placed directly on the sand. Dressed in our favourite summer attire and beach-friendly sandals, we take seats around the table, struck silent by the views. Elaborate cocktails and cold wine commence the meal, followed by luxurious seafood and steak dishes with a live saxophone setting the mood. This isn’t your typical Sunday dinner, proposals are made here at least once a month.

Blueberry lemonade and a quesadilla at Horizons Lounge, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

Back at the resort, guests gather for more casual meals at Horizons Lounge, overlooking the hotel pool and the sea from a short distance. In addition to daily service, the lounge also hosts manager cocktail parties with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, hosts all-you-can-eat fajita nights, and offers sushi service. Every stay can be tailored to your group with custom dining experiences like traditional Aruban dinners hosted on the penthouse terrace, cocktail and sushi-making classes, and custom beachside events. 

Seated in the gazebo or along the bar, we’d share secrets and laugh at each other’s travel experiences over colourful tropical drinks like the signature Fofoti and hibiscus margarita. And on another night, we gathered around the bar, tasting sake and local spirits at the sushi-making class, cheering on each other’s rolls, perfectly illuminated by the setting sun. 

Chef Eva demonstrating the art of a perfect sushi roll, and restaurant manager Maurice, sprinkling final finishes for the cheering bar crowd. 

Private dining experience set up on Eagle Beach, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

Eagle Beach: The easy life by the Caribbean Sea

Across the island, there are over 20 public beaches, with sand so soft to the touch it feels like sugar powder. All beaches in Aruba are public with mixed amenities from adjacent hotels, family-owned restaurants, and public palapas available to beachgoers. Eagle Beach serves as an extension to the Amsterdam Manor resort with a restaurant, sunbeds, and a heart-shaped swing adorned with flowers – yet another picture-perfect spot to “put a ring on it”. For us, however, this trip turned into a perfect ladies’ getaway – one I’d welcome again any day.

From sunrise to moonlight, people are at the beach, reading in the palapa shade, sauntering the shoreline, aimlessly floating out in the sea, or cruising the turquoise waters on a jet ski. Between culinary and island adventures, I took an afternoon off to relax on the beach, intermittently reading, napping, and taking dips in the warm water. One could argue, it is the best way to waste a day.  

Along the shore, mixed greenery sets a picturesque backdrop. Curvy Fofoti trees with twisted trunks formed by the persistent winds are perhaps the most noticeable. Indigenous to the island, the Fofoti are treated with respect, and the ones on Eagle Beach are looked after by the Amsterdam Manor staff. 

Beach shop and a Fofoti tree on Eagle Beach, coconut ice cream in the shell as a daytime treat.

Sightseeing in Aruba: Lighthouses, ruins, beaches and cultural breaks 

The most common way to explore the island is with a Jeep tour, so backpacks and totes in hand, we climbed up into our De Palm Tours ride. Navigating curvy roads along cactus fields and beaches, we found our way to the California Lighthouse, known as the Hudishibana. Perched on high seaside elevation, the lighthouse, built in 1910, offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the island.

The next stop takes us to Alto Vista Chapel, surrounded by a flat courtyard with a low stone fence, cacti growing scattered along the perimeter. Built by the Spanish missionaries in 1750, this Catholic parish is still functional today. The Chapel borders the Alto Vista trail, a scenic 3-kilometre loop overlooking the shoreline. 

As we drive around, I notice a pattern of elaborately decorated car snack shacks near each popular attraction. Some have a few shaded tables, while others simply offer grab-and-go snacks, fresh juices, and cold beers. I suddenly regret my hearty in-room breakfast, wanting to taste the local offerings at each stop.

De Palm Tours Jeep tour guide Richie at the California Lighthouse, Aruba.

Moving further into the island, we disembark at Bushiribana Ruins, built in 1872 by the Aruba Island Gold-mining Company Ltd.. During the gold boom, Aruba produced an equivalent of 3 million pounds of gold, but once all production came to a halt in 1916, the structures were vacated and left to weather with nature. The ruins sit atop a cliff, overlooking the rocky shoreline, showcasing Aruba’s complex volcanic foundation formed over 145 million years ago. 

Seeing that I was in Aruba, a friend mentioned a ghost town, stressing that it is something I should visit. My brief inquiries into the matter yielded no results; this ghost town seemed to be a myth. But as we traversed through this spectacular dry rock, listening to Richie’s stories, I came to realise that the aforementioned ghost town is San Nicolas, today known as the art capital of the Caribbean.

San Nicolas began as a lively entertainment neigbourhood for Dutch miners. With their departure, the city became a ghost town, but was recently brought back to life by a local art foundation, ArtisA. This colourful neigbourhood is home to art galleries, cafes, guided street art tours, and the biggest art fair in the Caribbean, Aruba Art Fair. The streets of San Nicolas are an international art gallery you can explore on your own or with Tito Bolivar from Aruba Mural Tours, the man who steered the metamorphosis of this neigbourhood.

The final stop on our day tour is Baby Beach, on the Southern end of the island. A short drive from San Nicolas, the beach is a half-moon sandy bay with shallow waters as far as the eye can see, flat like a sheet of paper. My travel companions ventured out far into the sea, I could see them swaying in the clear blue water in the distance, dipping from time to time. I stood two feet in the water on shore, determined to capture the beauty of this beach on camera, task quickly proven impossible from the ground. So instead I sat on a hot rock contemplating the contradiction of the scenery – some of the bluest water in the world set against a clear, unbothered sky, remnants of an abandoned oil refinery in the background.

The big night out: Cocktails, dance moves … shots

Every lady’s night of shenanigans begins with a classy dinner. Having bid adieu to the sushi master, we moved to the garden terrace of a 100-year-old mansion, Quinta del Carmen. The house, built in 1916, was once a family home, a physician’s practice, and a refinery clubhouse. Today, it is a fine dining establishment in the heart of Oranjestad serving world-inspired cuisine, heavy on fresh seafood.

With the moon now illuminating the way, we hopped aboard a colourful bus for an Aruba pub Krawl with Kukoo Kunuku. Joined by a rowdy group of strangers, we were each given a branded sippy cup for bottomless on-board cocktails – a fruity rum mix called the Kukoo Kiss. For the following three-and-a-half hours, we drove around, stopping at some of the island’s favourite local bars and nightlife spots. Finding a unique vibe in each bar, we danced, laughed, clapped along, and sipped our way across Oranjestad.

Dinner at Quinta del Carmen, Aruba.

Out at sea: Aruba luxury lagoon cruise to Spanish Lagoon

If I have learned anything over many years of travel is that one must not follow a big night out with a boat tour, but the mind forgets the moments it wants to forget. Picked up by Pelican Adventures in the morning, we drove out to the Pelican Pier for a Luxury Lagoon Cruise.

The boat is a classic red schooner with white sails, with water hammocks to each side of the bow. At the centre is a spacious flatbed on which I spent most of my afternoon roasting, cheeks up to the sun. And at the back, out of the sun’s merciless heat, are benches and harvest tables where our gourmet lunch was served. 

Cruising along Aruba’s southern coast, we saw the skyline transform from low-rise historic buildings to high-rise hotel towers, beaches, and parks. Further into the sea, we passed small islands, an amusement park, abandoned docking areas, and villages. Surrounded by impeccable blue water cruiser dove into the sea one-by-one to snorkel across to the Spanish Lagoon, returning invigorated and welcomed by an open bar with lively music.

Aruba Luxury Lagoon Cruise with Pelican Adventures.

* * *

Aruba’s slogan is “One Happy Island!” and after spending a week there, I can see why that might be the case. Considered as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean (“So safe, it’s almost boring”), it is not a place for extreme adventure. People come here to relax and unwind, to enjoy a life of leisure in the sun.

Having entered the country with an open mind and minimal expectations, I felt welcomed, entertained, well-fed, and most definitely relaxed. Granted, my Kodak moments were formed through personal experiences and relationships I built on the One Happy Island. But yours can be too.   

Brown pelicans and seagulls on Eagle Beach, Aruba.

Practical travel advice

Visa requirements: A valid passport accompanied by a completed approved Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED Card). The ED card is a $20 Sustainability Fee, which you can apply for online. More information about travel regulations can be found on visitaruba.com.

Getting to Aruba: From Canada, direct flights to Aruba are available from Toronto (YYZ) with Air Canada and WestJet (5-6 hours). From the USA, direct flights (3-5 hours) are available with JetBlue, American, Delta, and United from major cities like Miami, New York (JFK/EWR), Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, Houston, and Philadelphia. UK travellers will have to connect in Amsterdam (KLM), though TUI Airways sometimes operates direct charter flights from London Gatwick. 

Drinking water: Tap water in Aruba is perfectly clean and safe to drink and meets the highest quality standard set by the WHO.

Money: The local currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), although US dollars are also widely accepted. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Some restaurants will add a service charge for larger groups service charge is not a tip for your waiter. 

Language: Aruba is an autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Local languages are Papiamento (Afro-Portuguese Creole language) and Dutch, although most people speak English, especially across the diverse hospitality world. 

Phone and internet access: You can purchase a physical SIM on arrival at the AUA airport or be prepared by installing an eSIM ahead of time. Read more about eSIMs. 

Packing advice: make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, a beach cover and a sun hat (ideally one that sits tightly on or has a tie), a folding or motorised mini fan, a few swimwear sets, evening attire, and a comfortable beach bag.

Book directly to take advantage of flexible special offers and exclusive perks at amsterdammanor.com. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

Alto Vista Chapel, Aruba.

The post Finding a life of leisure in Aruba with Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort appeared first on Paths to Travel.

New Brunswick Distillery is located in the small town of Bathurst, New Brunswick. The business is a passion project of Katherine Lanteigne and her husband, Michael (Mihai) Petrovici, fueled by a generational history in spirit making. With just over a year in production, the distillery has already received a Silver award for Best Distillery in NB by Excellence NB, People’s Choice Award (2025), and the Vodka Lemonade received the “Foodie’s Choice Award” by Food & Beverage Atlantic (2025).

Kateryna Topol: When did New Brunswick Distillery open? 

Katherine Lanteigne: We opened in July 2024. We are still very, very new, and as you could see at the NB Spirits Festival, we only had two gins because when we registered a few months ago, we only had those two products at the liquor store [the festival requires pre-approval of all showcased spirits]. But now we have more, including vodka, rum, and ready-to-drink beverages (RTD), so we are slowly but surely making our way into the market. 

It was an honour to be at the Spirits Festival, because there were only two companies from New Brunswick – First Light Distillery and us – and it is a whisky-focused festival, so making the cut was an honour. A few of our RTD products have put us on the map because they have been performing well in stores, which helped us catch the attention of the ANBL (The New Brunswick Liquor Corporation).

KT: Which is great support, I’m sure. As far as the concept for the distillery, your website mentions generations of spirit-making history, tell me about that

KL: My husband, Michael Petrovici, is from Eastern Europe, from Romania, and making spirits is deeply rooted in their traditions. It is still legal in Romania to make your own alcohol, so it’s very common for people to have a still in their garage or backyard. The earth in Romania is so fertile, it is insane. You walk on the streets, and there are apricot trees, blackberries growing in ditches, and hops climbing fences along the road. Here we are working hard to grow hops, and there they are basically a weed. So they have access to all this fruit so many of them make brandy. 

Michael’s parents have an orchard and since he was little, he was making alcohol with his father, grandfather, and uncles. And that’s still the case now, every time we go there, it’s like “batch 2025” there, it’s called Țuică, it’s plum brandy, a national alcoholic beverage of Romania, but you can make it with any fruit. This year, his family made apple brandy. 

We met here, our distillery is on Main Street, and we do have a few other businesses here: Kaffeine Espresso Bar and Au Bootlegger Pub, just beside the distillery. Michael was always saying it would be nice to create something, some products and spirits. Which was also very tactical for our pub. Working with a distiller, Chris Bartkow, we started with what most distilleries start with: vodka, followed by gin, because those two don’t need ageing. We now have two gins, including a London Dry gin called Leap Day London Dry, which we tested on Leap Day before we opened; it was a very special day. That was followed by vodka and the Lemon Lavender Gin, which we had at the Spirits Festival.

Left: Distiller Chris Bartkow; image by La Cave Media. Katherine Lanteigne at the Food & Beverage Atlantic awards.

KT: And those two go hand-in-hand because you need vodka to make the gin, right?

KL: Yes, exactly! And then we started making the RTD products, which I think is what gained us all the attention. Our Vodka Lemonade launched in April, and in the summer, it surpassed Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Smirnoff Iced in sales, which is when ANBL noticed us.

KT: Very cool! I don’t see them on your website, though …

KL: No, because we aren’t selling them online, we are having a hard time keeping up with the demand. 

KT: So it’s kind of like you closed a loop between your properties by opening a distillery, and you make beer as well? 

KL: We do make beer, but it’s mostly for our bar. There is so much competition in beer, so spirits are the main focus. We actually just launched Vodka Carbanerry, made with local cranberries, and it’s been very popular. 

KT: So you use a lot of local ingredients?

KL: We try to source as locally as possible, but things like lemons, you can’t get those here. We recently launched a new gin, called Arboré Gin, which uses all local ingredients. I go into the Acadian Forest with my family to forage throughout the year. It’s a very local gin which uses things like spruce tips, cedar bark, winter greens, and so on. Our first batch was only 69 bottles, which we sold in a week and a half. For this gin, it takes us a full year to gather all the ingredients because they are not available year-round. We’re in the middle of bottling the latest batch now, should be about 500 bottles this time.

KT: Very cool! What are some of your other sustainability initiatives?

KL: We have a few. Right now, all of the leftover stillage from production we send to local farmers, for example. We are also looking at creative ways to use the leftover botanicals from the gin, aiming to produce as little waste as possible.

All branding for the distillery is done by a local designer, Zoé Arseneau from Miette Design. Images by La Cave Media.

KT: Being located in the heart of Bathurst, you probably don’t have a lot of room to grow, how big is your production?

KL: We have one still, and to be honest, we are already feeling like we’re running out of space. It’s a three-story building, but everything happens on the main floor. There is also a tasting room there, so not a lot of room for production. For example, if we’re shipping 13 pallets of RTDs, we don’t actually have floorspace to store them, so we have to get creative. 

KT: So no immediate plans for expansion?

KL: Not right now, we don’t want to grow too fast, we need to look at trends and think through it all strategically to avoid being a one-hit-wonder.

KT: Totally makes sense. And people can visit the distillery?

KL: Yes, we have a tasting room, we do tours, and the space is available for event rentals as well. We are looking at hosting bigger tour groups in Bathurst, so working on fine-tuning those in the next few months. We will also soon have workshops, like a workshop on making your own gin – we have a six-station area upstairs, called the gin school, it’s already gathering quite a bit of attention because of the setup. 

Images by La Cave Media.

The post On the makings of a distillery with Katherine Lanteigne from the New Brunswick Distillery appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.

Aba-Ra!

108 Brick Ln, London E1 6RL, United Kingdom | map link
abara.co.uk

Georgian restaurant on Brick Lane, a neighbourhood famously known for Indian food. Georgian cuisine is rich and flavourful. Try the restaurant’s signature dishes, ajarian khachapuries (cheese-filled bread) and freshly made khinkali (dumplings). Make sure to accompany your hearty meal with a glass of Georgian wine, it is, after all, where wine came from.

Blacklock Shoreditch

28-30 Rivington St, London EC2A 3DZ, United Kingdom | map link
IG: @blacklockchops
theblacklock.com

The space is a renovated furniture factory, the industrial feel is still very much present. A modern British pub by design, this is a traditional chophouse with a hefty menu of meats with a wide selection of sides. As you wait for your main meal, pick a few single-bite snacks from the Pre-chop Bites menu. The beverage list is pretty robust and includes wine on tap. This restaurant is B Corp certified.

Chez Elles Bistroquet

45 Brick Ln, London E1 6PU, United Kingdom | map link
IG: @chezellesbistro
chezellesbistroquet.co.uk

A French bistro in Brick Lane. This is a small restaurant with a very homey feel. On the menu are French cuisine favourites like the French onion soup, snails in garlic butter, truffle cheese soufflé, mussels, duck, and steaks. In the summer, the team puts out a few tables outside, extending the casual feel to the street.

China Tang at the Dorchester

251 Tooley St, London SE1 2JX, United Kingdom | map link
IG @thedorchester
chinatanglondon.co.uk

Chinese restaurant at The Dorchester Hotel, London. The hotel has two Michelin keys, and the food reflects this. The menu is the best of Chinese comfort food, from dumplings to Peking duck served up with a white-glove flair. The bar menu is equally impressive, created by an award-winning bartender. The bar at Chine Tang is worth the visit just for the drinks.

Left: Discount Suit Company, image courtesy of the bar.
Right: China Tang table at The_Dorchester Hotel, image courtesy of the hotel.

Discount Suit Company

 29A Wentworth St, London E1 7TB, United Kingdom | map link
IG: @discountsuitco
discountsuitcompany.co.uk

A bit of a hidden gem cocktail bar, located below street level. The space used to be a tailor’s stockroom and was converted into a small bar. The lights are dimmed, the cealings is low, and the good vibes are flowing. The craft cocktail menu is amplified by the knowledgeable bar team, prepared to improvise a beverage to your taste.

East London Liquor Company (ELLC)

Bow Wharf, Unit GF1, 221 Grove Rd., Old Ford, London E3 5SN, United Kingdom | Google maps
IG @eastlondonliquorcompany
eastlondonliquorcompany.com

Distillery, bar, and restaurant with a wonderful outdoor space. Located in London’s East End, this is a popular spot with a fun vibe and a fantastic drink selection. They distil gin, vodka, and whisky, while rums are imported from Jamaica and Guyana. ELLC offers distillery tours for those interested in looking behind the scenes. The cocktail menu is a selection of carefully crafted drinks with simple names like “Gin + Asparagus” or “Tequila + Pumpkin”.

East London Liquor Company. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Muhib’s best in Brick Lane

73 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom | map link
IG: @muhibindian
muhibindiancuisine.com

On a street packed with Indian restaurants back to back, it can be difficult to choose one, but this one came recommended by the locals. On the menu are pages and pages of dishes from starters to Muhib’s specialities, to curries, masalas, dansak and pathia dishes, and much more. Everything is well seasoned and packed with flavour. Save your appetite and bring friends to share a few plates with.

Swift cocktail bars

A classic cocktail bar with locations in Soho and Shoreditch. The Soho location has an upstairs bar and a basement den. The upstairs is an airy and open space with a rich selection of cocktails, beers, and wine. Swift is also known for their scotch selection, which includes over 300 options from around the world. The downstairs at Soho has a very cool menu, one drink per page, each dedicated to a different celebrity. This menu is fittingly titled “Legends”. The cocktail selection is really interesting, for example, the ode to Hemingway is “Eden,” a silky and rich rum-based cocktail. Snoop Dog’s bevi, on the other hand, is a tropical and refreshing vodka cocktail called “Long Beach”. Swift is included in the world’s top 50 best restaurants. The Shoreditch is smaller and more laid back, but with the same high-quality service and expertly made craft cocktails.

Swift Soho. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Swans Bar at Maison Assouline

196A Piccadilly, London W1J 9EY, United Kingdom | Map link
IG: @maisonassouline
eu.assouline.com

Cocktail bar and cafe inside the Maison Assouline bookshop. As an Instagrammable spot, this bar gets quite busy, but if you happen to come across an open spot, take a seat for a tea or a cocktail break and enjoy the library vibes. Snacks and food are available to make it a complete lunch or dinner.

Swans Bar at Maison Assouline, images courtesy of Maison Assouline.

L’ETO Piccadilly

199 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HA, United Kingdom | Map link
IG: @letocaffe.official
uk.leto.delivery

L’ETO Cafe is hard to miss because of the cakes and pastries in the window. You can almost taste them just by looking. The interior is a classic cafe-style room where you can sit and enjoy your dessert with tea or coffee. Savoury lunch and brunch dishes are also an option. L’ETO has locations allacross the city, check which one is closest to you.

The Toucan

19 Carlisle St, London W1D 3BY, United Kingdom | map link
@thetoucansoho
thetoucansoho.co.uk

If you like Guinness, this is the place to be. Pouring more fresh Guinness daily than all of downtown Toronto, the Toucan is an institution. A small pub with an equally small area outside this pub spills out onto the street with tipsy patrons clutching onto dark pints. The Toucan is an institution.

Bonus: Secret Food Tour in SoHo

Book on secretfoodtours.com or GetYourGuide

One way to see and eat as much as possible during a short visit is doing a food tour with a local. The Secret Food Tours adventure through Soho is a fun walk through the neigbourhood filled with stories and many bites and sips. You will taste cuisine across multiple cultures, try gin, and end the evening in a very, very old bar that used to be a brothel.

Alternatively, you can See London on a panoramic gourmet food bus, while enjoying lunch or dinner.

Secret Food Tour in SoHo. Images by Kateryna Topol.

The post Where to eat and drink in London, UK appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Devour! A festival born from vision

In the early 2010s, iconic Nova Scotia chef Michael Howell and film industry veteran Lia Rinaldo, known for her leadership at the Atlantic Film Festival, shared a fundamental belief: food was more than just a matter of sustenance, and film was more than simple entertainment. With that, a seed was planted, and it was at this moment when Howell and Rinaldo embarked on a quest to create an experimental festival. 

The inaugural fest was small yet charming – indicative of Wolfville itself. But Howell and Rinaldo’s respected ranks in their respective arenas played a big role when it came to impact. Chef-led dinners, hands-on workshops, community gatherings, and culinary-inspired movie screenings injected immediate excitement, and word spread quickly about the festival’s authentic, wholesome flair. As time passed, many prolific names attended, including Sam Kass (former White House chef for the Obamas), and even Anthony Bourdain. 

2025 marked the 15^th anniversary of Devour! Guests come from far and wide not only to immerse themselves with feature films and flavours, but celebrate taste and storytelling in a community already known for its welcoming nature, and agricultural ethos. 

Images courtesy of Devour! Festival.

Why Wolfville & Devour! go hand-in-hand

Nova Scotia is already famous for its delicious experiences, including the Lobster Trail, Chowder Trail, Cheese Trail, and Good Cheer Trail. Beer and cider are big here, as is wine. The province’s viticultural roots date back to the early 17^th century, and today boasts varietals including Baco Noir and L’Acadie Blanc. Besides being home to the nearby Grand-Pre UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wolfville is considered to be the province’s agricultural heartland with everything from roadside farmer’s markets to coastal culinary experiences and wine tours – all featuring local flavours. 

When it comes to the big screen, Denton Hall on the Acadia University campus is home to galas and special events, while the Al Whittle Theatre, opened in 1911, is the hub for most of the 47 screenings that were shown in 2025. Its historic charm, and community initiatives to resurrect it complements the festival’s theme perfectly. Since reopening in 2004, it’s become Wolfville’s cultural hub and is very much woven into the heart of the town’s historic, and independent cinematic soul. Like Devour!, the theatre is a celebratory symbol of heritage, culture and place. 

Left: Image by Alison Slattery, courtesy of Tourisme Montréal. Right: Danny Smiles, Le Violon. Image courtesy of Devour! Festival.

Michelin-starred experiences

The 15^th edition of Devour! treated guests to both local culinary connoisseurs and Michelin-starred chefs from Montreal. Le Caveau restaurant played host to a curated three-course luncheon inspired by Bistro La Franquette’s Renee Deschene-O’Hagan and chef Elias Deligianis, while at Lightfoot Vineyards, acclaimed chefs Emma Cardarelli and Chris Pyne showcased seasonal, autumnal ingredients resulting in exquisite flavours. Workshops from Danny Smiles (Le Violon), Massimo Piedimonte (Cabaret l’Enfer), and sommelier Ryan Gray (Nora Gray, Elena, Gia Vin & Grill) were immersive, engaging, and informative. 

Chef Jean-Sebastien Giguere (La Cabane du Coureur) added a touch of home-grown sweetness to brunch thanks to his maple-infused delights. In the afternoon, Eastern Canada’s most talented chefs competed for most innovative poutine, while at the Wolfville Farmer’s Market, a lobster-themed ‘Fais-to-do’ blended street market energy with culinary celebration and communal dining fun. Every event, talk, and workshop reflected the festival’s aim of combining local flavours, tips and tricks, and storytelling with a personal touch.

Devour! global stature & Enduring legacy

What started in Wolfville has expanded globally. In 2019 alone, there were 19 satellite events, including throughout Canada, the USA, Germany, and Portugal. An increasingly popular spinoff takes place in the Bahamas. In February 2026, Green Turtle Cay will host the 6^th Annual Devour! The Beach, a tropical winter getaway that combines food and film with uniquely local experiences. No matter the location, each Devour! has one goal in mind: to celebrate the collective human experience, to go deeper with the aim of inspiring compassion with emotional, impactful storytelling through food and film. 

Devour! favourites

As a fan of food, film and the combination thereof, Devour! was divine! If the goal was to experience, savour and appreciate the finer, more detailed nuances of what it takes to create a masterpiece on a plate or on film, Devour! left me salivating and satiated. Sure, the dishes were delicious, the films moving, but I found myself impacted most when young directors excitedly shared spontaneous, unrehearsed exuberance about their latest film project, and when seasoned pros gathered young students together, and instructed them on how to best crack a lobster for diners unfamiliar with how to eat them (thank you). 

What struck the biggest chord was the 10^th annual Great Devour! Community Cajun Chicken Supper, supporting regional food banks in the Annapolis Valley.  “We’ll serve thousands of free meals to those who need it the most today,” chef Michael tells me. “It’s not only about inviting chefs and screening films, it’s about giving back to this community – healthy meals to food-insecure residents while promoting health and agriculture”. 

Author: Jim Bamboulis
@travelmammal

Jim Bamboulis is a content creator with 25 years of experience as a TV host and producer, Travel Journalist, and Podcaster. He has created travel and food videos for Lonely Planet and contributes to various international publications. Jim hosts the Fact Up Podcast, a travel show exploring destinations and local culture. He runs Mazee, a business offering Greek gift baskets and online cooking classes. A passionate traveller and outdoor enthusiast, Jim believes in balancing adventure with great food.

The post Inside Nova Scotia’s Devour! Food & Film Fest: Where taste meets story appeared first on Paths to Travel.

The event moves across the country, offering various destination marketing organisations (DMO) to showcase their destination and attendees to see more of the country or even visit a city they haven’t been to before. The itinerary naturally is also different year to year, depending on the host destination’s offerings and conference sponsors. However, attendees can always count on a lineup of professional development (PD) sessions, group activities and socials, and the infamous media marketplace.

The conference is open to trade/industry and media members who are able to participate in the event as attendees, volunteers, organisers, speakers, and sponsors. Media attendees can also opt in for pre- and post-tours – destination-hosted press trips taking them to see the geography beyond the conference centre.

The 2025 TMAC addition took place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and 2026 will take us to Richmond, British Columbia.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

Key notes for first-timers 

Conference-related emails will provide you with all of the information you need for planning. Each email also has a contact you can reach out to with questions or technical concerns, while the national Facebook group is a great resource for common questions brought up by other members. 

A few quick tips for TMAC first-timers:

• Follow the packing recommendations shared in the pre-conference emails and leave some room in your luggage for various swag.
• Some events have themes, and people are very serious about dressing for the theme. Plan those outfits ahead of time, or you might feel left out (imagine being the only person not wearing a Canadian tuxedo!) 
• TMAC team asks all first-timers if they are interested in having a conference buddy to help you orient yourself at the event. This person will be your resource throughout the conference, introduce you to other attendees and basically shapparon you at the First-Timers Welcome event.
• Attend your local chapter meeting to get to know the members within your geographic community.
• Do submit for awards. If you are media, each member is entitled to two free entries in the National categories. Additionally, there is a People’s Choice option, as well as Recognition Awards for more creative outputs. Industry are also eligible to submit for the People’s Choice and Recognition Awards. Read the awards guide carefully and follow the rules – they are there to make things fair and to not overwhelm the awards committee.

Tip from Katie Conklin
Senior Marketing Project Manager, Discover Halifax
2025 Conference Committee Chair
discoverhalifaxns.com | @discoverhalifax

“My biggest tip for anyone attending the conference for the first time is simple: attend everything. It’s the best way to make connections, build friendships, and feel fully immersed in the experience. It all starts with the First-Timers Welcome. This opening event brings all first-time attendees together, includes a welcome from the President, and offers a chance to ask questions and meet your “buddy” if you opted into the program. From there, try not to skip the events, dinners, or late-night activities. These are where some of the best conversations and networking moments happen. Don’t worry—there’s plenty of free time built into the itinerary so you can catch up on work or take a breather when needed.”

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Host destination dinner at Champetre County. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Tip from Jay Kana 
Owner, Modern Traveller & Modern Mississauga
Co-chair, TMAC Ontario
moderntraveller.ca | modernmississauga.com | @itsjaykana | @moderntraveller.ca

“There are no silly questions. Period. Full stop. Everyone had a first conference experience at some point and had questions. There’s a wealth of information presented to you in the months leading up to and at the conference, and it can be overwhelming. A question I asked at my first conference was in the hotel, and it was, “Can you tell me where the restroom is?” The person smiled and pointed above my head to the restroom sign. I laughed. She laughed. We laughed. You’ll always be encouraged to ask questions at TMAC conferences, and you’ll always get an answer.”

Conference events

The conference kicks off with a Welcome Reception, typically held in a unique location. This event has a keynote speaker, beverages and hors d’oeuvres, and works as your first networking opportunity to find someone you know or make new acquaintances. TMAC is better with friends and facilitates new friendships very easily. It’s a great way to start the week and get introduced to the destination.

Tip from Ashlyn George
Content Creator, Writer, Photographer, Speaker
thelostgirlsguide.com | @thelostgirlsguide

“First off, don’t be nervous. TMAC members are genuinely some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and you will make connections. My biggest recommendation is to take advantage of every opportunity and be intentional about meeting people. Sit with different people every meal, on tours, and don’t be afraid to walk up to someone and say, ‘Hey, I don’t think we’ve met yet.’ TMAC is an incredible opportunity to build relationships (and friendships) across the industry, and the benefits will come back to you tenfold. But it starts with putting yourself out there.”

Daily breakfast is offered at both hotels before the activities begin, often following an optional mindful morning event (yoga or meditation) at the host hotel. Lunches are provided at the conference centre and most dinners are associated with evening activities. As such, most of your meals are covered by the conference. Plan to spend some money on snacks and beverages if the limited alcoholic beverage tickets provided are not sufficient.

Every night, there is an optional after-hours party, an informal gathering of folks willing to stay up and socialise at a nearby pub or bar. While you might not want to attend every night, going at least once, be it just to fulfil your curiosity, is recommended. Every event is a networking opportunity, but it is also a chance to learn from others, make new friends, meet future collaborators, get to know magazine editors, and generally build long-term relationships in the industry. 

Tip from Jerry Grymek
Executive Vice President and Managing Director, LMA Digital
President, TMAC
lma.ca | @lmacommunications

“First-timers should know that the Marketplace is not the only time that you will get to meet with members. From PD sessions to local tours to dine around dinners over the 4 days, you will have ample opportunity to talk with different media and industry members and truly have deeper conversations. TMAC members are natural communicators, so they are always happy to speak. For the different dinners, try to sit at different tables so you can ensure meeting someone new. We are told time and time again that the TMAC Conference is one of the best for networking and for the cost.”

Media marketplace 

Media Marketplace is what most people come to TMAC for, it is a fantastic opportunity to get face time with destinations and travel organisations. The appointments need to be booked ahead of time and work both ways: trade can request appointments with media, and media can request appointments with trade. Keep a close eye on the booking system, popular destinations book up fast, and you might have appointment invitations waiting for you. It is okay to decline an invitation if it does not fit your goals, trade will decline yours for similar reasons. Make sure to complete your TMAC Conference attendee profile, it’s what the industry members will be looking at when booking appointments. 

Tip from Yashy Murphy
Travel Writer, Lifestyle Content Creator and Social Media Consultant, On-Air Personality. 
TMAC National Communications Committee member
parentingtogo.ca | @yashyanthi

“Bring a large, sealed mug filled with warm water and drop in a lozenge like Ricola. Sipping it during your 1:1 marketplace appointments keeps your voice warm, steady, and ready for back-to-back conversations.”

The media marketplace is set up in a large open room with trade seated the entire time and media travelling from table to table. A map of the seating chart will be shared with you via email and posted outside of the room. Appointments are 13 minutes long, with 2 minutes of travel time (15 minutes total). These few hours go by fast and can feel quite intense.

To make the most of these meetings, come prepared to speak to who you are and what you do, what you offer. The destination representative will speak to their focus, be prepared to tailor your request and offerings to address those needs on the spot. Bring business cards or prepare QR codes, people might not ask, but it’s better to be overprepared. 

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Dine around: St. Tropez Bistro, Saskatoon. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Tip from Davindra Ramnarine
Owner of goatrotichronicles.ca | @goatroti
TMAC Ontario Co-Chair

“First timers may leave the conference very positive about their meetings and may be expecting the offers to come flooding in, but they shouldn’t be discouraged if they don’t come right away. Use the conference to build long-term relationships. Destinations need to learn about you and your work before they reach out. Also, walk with lip balm and cough drops because you’ll need them for 2 days of meetings”

Personal development sessions

These sessions are spread across two days and divided into media, industry, or all members. The sessions cover a range of topics pitched by the community or brought forward by the organising committee based on feedback from previous years. The 2026 PD session schedule is already up, so you can plan ahead. Attendance is first-come, no need to sign up.

The closing keynote, typically takes place over lunch on the last day, in a way, is also a learning opportunity. Notable guests like writers, community leaders, and government representatives come to share their impactful stories and insights learned through years of experience. Next year’s destination is revealed at the closing lunch, so you won’t want to miss this event. 

Tip from Tania Kedikian
Vice President, DCI
TMAC Conference Chair
aboutdci.com | @aboutdci

“As the Chair of TMAC 2026, my biggest advice to first-timers is to trust the flow of the conference. Every element, from the PD sessions to the tours to those late-night socials, is designed with intention, so you’ll get the most out of TMAC by leaning into the rhythm of the week. Come with curiosity rather than expectations, because the moments that end up meaning the most are usually the ones you don’t plan. And looking ahead to Richmond in 2026, we’re building a program that truly reflects the spirit of the destination: warm, welcoming, and full of opportunities to connect. If you show up open to the experience, TMAC will surprise you in the best ways.”

Cocktails at the PARLoR cocktail bar, a family-owned and operated establishment with a green roof serving arguably the best cocktails in Saskatoon. 

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Opening reception at Remai Modern. Image by Kateryna Topol.

Host destination events  

A lot of your time will be spent on pre-planned conference events, but if time permits, use it to explore the destination on your own. My wishlist in Saskatoon included a few cocktail bars, which were a great opportunity to catch up with friends and get to know new people in a more intimate environment. 

Some of the host destination events are open to all attendees, while others are broken up into smaller groups. During conference registration, you will have an option to choose three local tours you are most interested in. The conference team will choose one for you, based on demand and availability. Saskatoon tours included Indigenous community visits, beer crawls, active adventures, and in my instance, a farm visit. A small group of us were shuttled out to Farm One Forty, where we spent time with farmer-operator Arlie LaRoche, who raises cows, pigs, sheep, and manages an amazing garden. The visit wrapped with a cooking demo and a cheese tasting.

Among other evening meals are dine-around and the local host dinner. Saskatoon local host dinner took place at Champetre County, a “breathtaking Ranch in St Denis”. Before sitting down for a large communal dinner, delegates had time to wonder about the ranch, take pictures, pet horses, and enjoy breakout conversations in a beautiful setting. The dinner at the ranch was served family style, with a few speeches and a musical performance by a local artist.

Dine around, on the other hand, is a more intimate gathering. Conference attendees are broken up into much smaller groups to either walk or take a shuttle to a local restaurant. My group of about ten people had the pleasure of dining at St. Tropez Bistro, owned by the same couple who operate PARLoR cocktail bar. An environment like this one is a great opportunity to really get to know people beyond your quick media marketplace meetings. 

The big event is the TMAC Awards Gala and Dinner. This is a formal seated, coursed dinner, with a black tie dress code. Award winners are announced throughout the meal, and once the official reception is over, people stay back to dance and mingle. 

Some years also include other evening activities, like karaoke nights and other fun socials. 

Tip from Jay Kana 
Owner, Modern Traveller & Modern Mississauga
Co-chair, TMAC Ontario
moderntraveller.ca | modernmississauga.com | @itsjaykana | @moderntraveller.ca

“Rest, rest, rest, rest, rest. There are meetings, seminars, more meetings, connecting with friends, making new ones, managing your schedule, evening events and more. If you’re sluggish and tired on the second morning, it can be difficult to re-energise yourself for the balance of the conference. Prioritise rest, whether it’s sleeping longer at night or power naps during the day when time permits, being well-rested is crucial. Instead of a third point, let’s call it a bonus point in addition to rest: drink plenty of water!”

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Local tour to Farm One Forty. Image courtesy of TMAC.

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Firepit at Farm One Forty and owner operator Arlie LaRoch; images by Kateryna Topol.

Pre- and post-tours

The pre-and post-tours selection is curated by the host destination. There are always at least three options before and after the conference to choose from. Much like with local tours, media members can pick three tours they are most interested in and will be placed into one by the TMAC planning committee.

These tours are essentially press trips hosted by regional destinations. They include accommodations, activities, and meals with an expectation that attendees produce a story about the destination.

Travel & Accommodations 

TMAC attendees can take advantage of discounts with major airlines within a specific travel timeline (inclusive of pre- and post-tours). Booking instructions and codes can be found in the emails.

Delegates are offered a discounted rate at the host hotel and an additional nearby hotel option. In Saskatoon, for example, the host hotel was Delta Hotels Bessborough, only a short walk away from the secondary option, Delta Hotels by Marriott Saskatoon Downtown. Bessborough is an older, castle-like property with intricate traditional finishes and tall ceilings. Delta Downtown, on the other hand, is a newer, only slightly smaller property with very similar amenities. Booking instructions can be found in the conference emails and on the TMAC conference website.

Upon arrival, all delegates are greeted by a local team and can take advantage of the conference shuttle, also available on departure. Throughout the week, a shuttle will also be available for all off-site events and activities. 

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Delta Hotels by Marriott Saskatoon Downtown room and view of the host hotel Delta Hotels Bessborough from the room window.

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In 2020, necessity encouraged us to explore locally, changing not only our destination but our mindsets. We rediscovered the value of staying close to home and have slowly pivoted from chasing countries to chasing meaning, igniting the “Reawakening of Local Escapes.” This reawakening is more than just a travel trend – it’s a return to our roots. We are looking for a deeper connection to our homeland, choosing sustainability and locality. A place where luxury isn’t loud – it’s thoughtful. Where design, community, and the land itself converge to offer something rare: a way to feel alive, right here at home, in Ontario.

In search of this new kind of destination, we journeyed two-hours from Toronto to visit ReLive Retreat, a sustainable nature retreat located in the Grey Highlands of Ontario, Canada.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

The discovery

Here, nestled in unspoiled nature, we found an oasis where design doesn’t overshadow nature, it complements it. Built with care and intention, ReLive Retreat currently offers five onsite stays, with seven more exciting concepts to come, each as unique as the landscape that surrounds them. Here, guests are invited to experience nature not as a backdrop but as a co-creator of comfort, peace, and inspiration.

The experience

Immersed in 72 acres of beautiful protected lands, this powered-by-nature property has a diversity of landscapes for guests to explore. Scenic hiking trails wind gently through ReLive’s forests, wetlands, and meadows, revealing thoughtfully placed reflection spots along the way.  A swaying hammock, shared wood-fired sauna and forest bath and outdoor lounges with picturesque views are just a few examples of these peaceful gems. A tranquil wilderness, guests are quietly reminded that luxury can mean connection or a safe space to breathe.

The Vision

In 2012, owners John Parker and Milena Vujanovic Parker set out on an adventure that would change their lives forever. Their vision: to create a space where nature and architecture respectfully conjoin. An escape where guests and their accommodations are immersed in the landscape that surrounds them. Unique in design, they envisioned a retreat that not only prioritised sustainability but ensured a low impact on the environment, without limiting architectural innovation. Thanks to Johnny and Milena’s mutual expertise in design and architecture, their dream began, and ReLive Retreat was born. A staycation idea for outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, or those just looking for a peaceful reprieve.

The Stays

A unique stay oasis, ReLive Retreat offers five one-of-a-kind nature cabins, each with its own distinct charm. From The Spruce Peak nestled among a white cedar coniferous forest, to The Dream Capsule with uninterrupted views of the stars, every space is designed with intention. 

Minimal yet sophisticated these stays give tiny living a new meaning here in Ontario – spaces to reconnect and reflect throughout all the seasons. All accomodations offer private amenities to sleep, lounge, cook, eat, and bathe. In addition to the shared experiences, each unique stay has its own private fire pits, outdoor showers, and more. 

Johnny and Milena share a deep respect for the environment and its resources and are influenced by design practices, like biomimicry, to guide their developments. And as a result, the land helps choose the location and inspires the design of each new space.

The Design

The architectural structures at ReLive Retreat are the embodiment of Milena and Johnny’s vision. The towering 27-foot Spruce Peak A-Frame, for example, mirrors the trees with which it resides. Stretching above the canopy, this exposed Douglas Fir timber-frame embraces its perfectly positioned home. Centred in a triangle of 3 majestic spruce trees, the A-Frame faces east/west, allowing both natural air currents and the sun and moons lighting to flow through. This thoughtful positioning reduces the need for man-made alternatives. 

Johnny and Milena shared that the foundations are all above ground, screwed into the land with zero impact on the environment. And with minimal waste in mind, they utilised leftover construction materials, such as cut-offs from timbers, to build outdoor lounge chairs and other decor touches. Each stay at Relive Retreat is a reflection of the nature that surrounds them that emphasising an interconnection and respect for all of creation.

The Future

Milena and Johnny are as warm and welcoming as the designs they create. When asked what they have in mind for the next steps, they shared: 

 “All of our future designs will embrace nature and will be unique on their own. They will have their own pocket of land to belong within and will have the best current nature systems integrated for amenities and utilities. And they will embrace rhythms of built form. From the sphere, to the triangle, to the honeycomb, and beyond. Forms within nature, that radiated out into patterns that create unique expressions, shapes, forms, colours and full experiences.”

* * *

The retreat is more than a getaway – the reawakening of local escape at Re-Live Retreat in an invitation to slow down and disconnect. It’s an opportunity to support local and highlight sustainable travel for our future and we can’t wait to return as each new chapter of the vision unfolds.

About the author: Jennifer Logan
cultivatetraveling.com | @cultivatetraveling

jenzjourneys.com | @jenzjourneys | Tiktok | YouTube | Facebook | MuckRack

Jennifer is a freelance writer, former columnist and digital creator from the Greater Toronto Area. She is the travel expert on the TV show Inside Durham where she shares ideas and tips about unique stays, airline travel, bucket list adventures and more!

Jennifer enjoys speaking at conferences/ events about travel and social media and has a social media community of over 85, 000 across multiple platforms. She was also recent finalist for the prestigious Bessie Award “Collaboration of the Year.” a reflection of her dedication to her craft.

A licensed drone pilot and scuba certified Jennifer enjoys sharing travel from a variety of perspectives to inspire others to live life to its fullest.

The post The reawakening of local escapes with ReLive Retreat appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Unlike airline-specific lounges, Plaza Premium lounges are available to everyone, but PPG offers more than lounges. The 360-degree airport experience includes 14 brands ranging from lounges to terminal hotels (Aerotel and Refreshhh by Aerotel) to ALLWAYS concierge services.

The post-pandemic travel boom has shown an increased interest in elevated travel experiences with passengers finding obvious (lounge passes) and creative ways (DIY charcuterie boards, martinis, etc) to add a dash of luxury to their journey. The current PPG campaign, Art of Travel, leans into this desire to make the end-to-end journey a complete experience with as few hiccups as possible. The Art of Travel “celebrates travel as more than just moving from point A to B.” PPG sees this complete journey as “a form of expression, discovery, and human connection”. Naturally, one way to reduce the stress of the travel day is to improve the quality of your airport dwell time with a visit to the lounge.

Cover image: Plaza Premium First, YVR. Image courtesy of Plaza Premium Group.
This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

Plaza Premium Lounge summer offers

• $10 Lounge Beverage Credit: All guests (walk-in or pre-booked) receive a CAD 10 credit voucher towards premium drinks with a minimum spend of CAD 20 
• 5-Visit Lounge Pass: Buy a 5-visit lounge pass for Canada and receive a $40 Yorkdale Gift Card 
• Each week until August 15th, PPL will also reveal a weekly offer on the Art of Travel homepage, where you can also find quite a few other offers. 

Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL)

All lounges offer a range of comfortable sitting spaces, two tiers of beverage offerings (included and premium), nursing rooms, free wifi, coffee, and hot buffet service. Quite a few of the lounges also have shower facilities. There are over 250 Plaza Premium Lounges in more than 80 airports worldwide. Each lounge is unique; some are smaller express-style lounges (YYZ domestic), while others are large with robust dining options and tarmac views.

The dining menu is different for each location, leaning into the local culture and culinary scene. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), for example, features Ontario-based brands like Matron Fine Beer (PEC), Sons & Daughters Winery, Paradise Grapevine, Jackson Triggs, and Molson. 

Heathrow Airport (LHR) lounge: bar, dining, and exclusive passenger lounge. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Plaza Premium First (PPF)

An elevated lounge experience with exclusive amenities like gourmet a la carte dining, live cooking stations, premium bar (top-shelf spirits, champagne, signature cocktails), and spa-like showers. There are only a few PPF lounges present in select global hubs like Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and most recently, Vancouver (YVR), the first North American location.

How can I access a Plaza Premium Lounge?

• Purchase a single-visit pass online or simply walk into the lounge. Pre-booking is strongly recommended because in peak times, lounges do get busy. To tackle the rush hour, PPG have implemented a waitlist system which works just as it does at a restaurant. 
• Credit cards: American Express, Capital One, and Visa all have partnerships with PPG, so check your credit card benefit inclusions for lounge access. 
• Airline partnerships: Lounge access is included with certain fares for Cathay Pacific Airways, SkyTeam, Star Alliance, Condor, and SAS (which comes with extra perks in some locations)
• Smart Traveller App: This is a PPG product and includes some complimentary lounge passes, lounge discounts, and other airport dining offers. The app also earns points, which you can redeem in the app marketplace. 

Both PPF and PPL are open to all travellers, with PPF access starting from CAD $110 and PPL from CAD $69 for 2-hour lounge access (tax excluded). Both lounges can be reserved online through the booking page or accessed via walk-in. Prices may vary globally.

Intervals lounge at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Image courtesy of Plaza Premium Group.

Elevated luxury & Services 

Travellers looking for door-to-door assistance for their journey can also take advantage of the PPG’s ALLWAYS Meet & Assist service. This service includes curbside pick-up and drop-off, assistance with immigration and security, baggage assistance, and even a personalised escort through the airport.

During a recent media event in Toronto, Pascal Bélanger (SVP, Americas) and Mei Mei Song (Chief Transformation Officer) spoke about the rising demand for affordable luxury and how PPG is working to address the changing market through technology and new luxury offerings. One of these recent luxury developments is a new bar concept called Intervals. Piloted at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), this lounge is focused on mixology. Guests can get a signature cocktail flight and single cocktails, even if all they have is 20 minutes to spare.

Accessibility & Sustainability 

Plaza Premium Group has big ambitions when it comes to ESG, focusing on diversity, equality, and inclusion, in addition to sustainable tourism through partnerships that promote environmental responsibility. Among key initiatives is a collaboration with the Accessibility of International Air Transport Association (IATA) focused on making travel universally accessible. 

One of the more recent sustainable initiatives is a zero-waste program piloted in Malaysia, led by Chef Vojtech Végh, a zero-waste advocate. PPG is also a strategic partner with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). IBCCES is the global leader in cognitive difference training and certification, aiming to support passengers with hidden disabilities, and 3,000+ PPG employees have already acquired this certification.

The post Plaza Premium Lounge bridges the gap between economy travellers and luxury travel experiences appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Cover image: Salt Spring Island. Image by Andrea Johnson, courtesy of Destination BC.
This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

Salt Spring Island: The artistic heart of the Gulf Islands

Salt Spring is famous for its vibrant arts scene, friendly locals and stunning natural beauty. This article is informed by multiple trips to this island, including a week-long stay, during which we chatted with artists, sampled local food and hiked quite a few trails.

Top things to do on Salt Spring Island

1. Visit the Saturday Market

The Saturday Market in Ganges is not to be missed. Over 140 local vendors set up shop from April to October. Find everything from handmade soaps to fresh goat cheese. Pair it with some crackers and a bottle of wine for an ideal picnic. The vibe of the market is lively, and chatting with the artisans was a highlight.

2. Explore local art galleries and studios

You can spend hours wandering through galleries and open studios. The Salt Spring Studio Tour is a must. Pick up a map and meet artists in their creative spaces. Activities like glassblowing demos and pottery workshops are available in this space.

3. Hiking, kayaking and beaches

Hike Mount Maxwell for epic views, bike along the bike routes, kayak along the coast, and relax at Beddis Beach. Rentals are easy to find in Ganges, and the trails are well-marked.

4. Camping

Some of the best camping in BC can be found on this island. The only thing to be aware of is that the camping spots get reserved almost immediately on their release date, leaving only a few walk-in sites, so plan accordingly.

Local’s tip: If you are with a larger group, you cannot go wrong with a group campsite. Most of these have an open view of the water, where you can see BC Ferries go past every few hours.

Where to eat and stay

Cafés and restaurants

Become a  regular at Barb’s Bakery for breakfast and indulge in made-from-scratch fare at Auntie Pesto’s. Don’t miss the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company to stock up for a picnic lunch.

Recommended accommodations

Stay in a cosy lakeside cabin or choose one of the many great B&Bs and boutique hotels around Ganges. Harbour House Hotel is a great option with full amenities, while The Cottage and Castle offer a unique local stay. Book early in summer as Salt Spring fills up fast. Camping, of course, is always an option for the more adventurous.

Pender Island: A nature lover’s paradise

Spend a few weeks on Pender Island, it’s a dream for anyone who loves the outdoors. This destination offers plenty of hiking, paddling, and dining options around the island.

Must-see attractions on Pender Island

1. Hiking Mount Norman

One of the most scenic hikes is up Mount Norman. The trail isn’t too long, about 1.5 km each way, but it’s a steady climb. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the top, and the panoramic views over the Southern Gulf Islands are absolutely worth the climb. Make sure to pack water to stay hydrated and a camera for those epic shots.

2. Kayaking and paddleboarding

Rent kayaks from a local outfitter at Port Browning Marina. Paddling along the calm coastline, you might spot seals, deer, bald eagles, and other local wildlife. The water is usually gentle, especially in the mornings, making it perfect for beginners. Paddleboarding is also super popular here because of the calm waters and the stunning views.

3. Exploring beaches and parks

Spend time in  Mortimer Spit and Medicine Beach. Both are great for picnics, beachcombing, and just soaking up the sun. The island parks, like Beaumont Marine Park, are perfect for a quiet afternoon surrounded by nature.

Dining and lodging options

Local eateries

There are many family-owned spots to try, including the local favourite,  Slow Coast Coffee, for breakfast. The vibe is friendly, and the coffee is strong. For dinner, check out the fresh seafood at The Hub.

Unique stays

Book a cosy cabin or one of the many charming B&Bs and glamping options, like Airstreams with hot tubs in the woods. Staying somewhere unique really adds to the island experience. Many places offer stunning views and easy access to trails and beaches.

Galiano Island: Adventure and relaxation combined

Galiano Island can easily become your favourite Gulf Islands destination for its perfect blend of outdoor adventure and laid-back charm.

Highlights of Galiano Island

1. Biking and hiking trails

Explore Galiano’s network of trails. Bodega Ridge Trail is a highlight, with sweeping views over Trincomali Channel. The trails are well-marked and range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Alternatively, you can rent a bike and cruise along the quiet roads, traffic is light, so it’s super relaxing.

2. Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park

Spend a few afternoons at Montague Harbour. The white shell beaches are perfect for picnics, and the sunsets are unreal. Kayak rentals are available, offering an opportunity to get closer to seals and otters while paddling.

3. Art and culture spots

Galiano has a surprising arts scene. Visit the Galiano Island Gallery and several roadside studios to see the full range. The local artists are friendly and happy to chat about their work.

Where to eat and sleep

Top restaurants

Make sure to visit  Pilgrimme to experience their farm-to-table dishes. For casual eats, the Hummingbird Pub is recommended for their fish and chips.

Cozy accommodations

Choose a waterfront cabin or one of the many cute B&Bs and eco-lodges. Book early in summer, places fill up fast.

Notes on getting around the Gulf Islands 

Ferries are the main way to get around the Gulf Islands. BC Ferries runs regular routes from Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Make sure to book ahead, especially in the summer. If you haven’t reserved, then always arrive early, as lines can get long. Bring snacks, check schedules, and pack layers because the weather changes fast out on the water.

Guest author: Isheeta and Shrey from the Travelicious Couple

traveliciouscouple.com | @travelicious_couple 

Remote workers and slow travellers since 2018, Isheeta and Shrey have explored all 7 continents while calling British Columbia home. Join them for slow travel inspiration, remote work tips, and deep-dive guides, especially across Canada.

Left: Galiano Island, image by Ben Giesbrecht, courtesy of Destination BC. Right: Gulf Islands ferry, image by @localwanderer.

The post Best Gulf Islands to visit in British Columbia appeared first on Paths to Travel.

My first trip to Tanzania as a solo traveller was 10 years ago and it took quite a bit of courage to book. Such a faraway country and so very different from where I call home. Yet, the eagerness to see wild animals in their natural habitat and experience the sweeping vistas on a Serengeti safari made me go for it without hesitation.

Travelling solo throughout Tanzania isn’t as dangerous or difficult as one might think and I personally found it one of the safer countries to visit in Africa. It’s pretty accessible and if you are prepared well and plan ahead, you can feel comfortable and confident once you land. My first trip was booked through a travel operator and that first visit gave me enough confidence to pursue all planning for the subsequent trips on my own. 

Solo female travel tips for Tanzania 

One: Book your trip with a trusted tour operator

If you opt for a solo safari Tanzania has a lot of tour operators to choose from. Pick a trusted company that you feel secure with. Look at their reviews and ask as many questions as you can before booking. A good tour operator will make sure you are safe at all times and arrange all transportation, from airport pick-ups to shuttles. I’ve travelled with G Adventures and BornWild. G Adventures offers affordable safaris as well-planned adventures. Even though camping was basic, it felt like a truly authentic experience hosted by friendly guides. BornWild is an adventure company I started after falling in love with Tanzania. We pride ourselves on offering great customer service and thoughtful travel experiences through every corner of Tanzania. 

Two: Share your itinerary with family or friends 

Share your complete itinerary with a family member or friend to make sure someone always knows where you are and what you are doing. Good practice for any travel. 

Three: Make sure you can use your phone

Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel in case of emergencies. You can purchase a local SIM on arrival or pre-buy an eSIM so you are set on arrival. 

Four: Don’t step into any unlicensed mini-cabs or taxis 

It is best to organise all transportation before you arrive. If, however, you need a taxi to pick you up from the airport or other transportation make sure you organise it with licensed firms or through hotels to ensure safety and security. Your accommodation staff can help with transportation to and from the airport and are always there to advise on getting to places securely. Hotel staff are also a great resource on which areas are safe and unsafe. Carry their number with you wherever you go in case of emergency. 

Five: Don’t go out after dark

Plan your day to be back at your lodge or camp before the dark sets in. Navigating your way through the dark unlit streets of Tanzania can be very dangerous if you are not accompanied by a group or by a local you know and trust. Tanzania is known for muggings and bag snatching so solo female travellers can be targeted.  

Six: Leave expensive items and jewellery at home. 

Theft is a common occurrence in Tanzania so keep any expensive items like phones, tablets, watches or jewellery out of sight when travelling. 

Seven: Don’t hold eye contact with the opposite sex

Men in Tanzania can often assume holding eye contact with women is a sign of romantic interest. If you prefer not to draw attention to yourself then it’s best to avoid maintaining eye contact with men you don’t know.

Eight: Avoid public transport as an added safety measure 

Using public transport in Tanzania is generally fine. However, public buses are known to be jam-packed at peak times which may leave you waiting a long time at the bus stops thus exposing you to potential threats. Travelling by bus also means you have to walk from the bus stop to your desired location requiring good knowledge of the area and the ability to be discreet if looking up directions. Factoring in unwanted male attention it might be worth skipping public transportation altogether. 

Nine: Dress appropriately 

Covering your shoulders, midriff, legs and arms is very important to respect the culture and avoid unwanted attention. 

Ten: Be aware of the crimes in Tanzania before you travel 

Tanzania is typically only affected by petty crimes such as bag snatching and mugging, however, sometimes crimes can be much worse including sexual assault, robbery, and carjacking. Being aware of these crimes will help you understand the region better. Check alerts for your destination on the official government websites (Canada, USA, UK) and do general research ahead of time. You can also register your travel plans with your local government as a precaution (example).

Guest author: Kate K.F.
bornwild.rocks | @bornwild_rocks

Kate K.F. is a keen traveller. She uses her love for Tanzania to create tailored safaris for her travel company BornWild. She has also created the ground-breaking African Lion Safari that bridges lion conservation with adventure travel. She also enjoys globetrotting with her family and seeing as much of the world as she can.

The post Tips for seeing Tanzania as a solo female traveller appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Atlanta Travel & Adventure Show

travelshows.com/shows/atlanta
Date: January 11-12, 2025
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Cost: Free, must apply for press credentials as active media.
Membership requirements: NA.

Programming: Learn the latest travel tips, trends and advice in 4 theatres located right on the show floor, and get the chance to meet your favourite travel celebrities including CBS Travel News Editor, Peter Greenberg, YouTube Travel Star, Drew Binksy and The Points Guy Columnist, Scott Mayerowitz.

Who is this event for: Trade, media, advisors.

Inclusions: Access to the tradeshow and programming as well as access to over ten thousand dollars in travel savings, trip giveaways, and exclusive show-only deals.

FAM/press trip options: NA

IMM

travmedia.com/immnorthamerica
Date: January 22-23, 2025
Location: New York, New York
Cost: Free, must apply as active media and be selected to attend.
Membership requirements: TravMedia.com, free.

Programming: TravMedia’s International Media Marketplace (IMM), one-on-one meetings, and a one-day summit.

Who is this event for: The travel industry, active media, broadcasters, and influencers.

Inclusions: Trade floor, appointments, summit.

FAM/press trip options: N/A

New York Travel & Adventure Show

travelshows.com/shows/new-york
Date: January 25-26, 2025
Location: New York, New York
Cost: Free, must apply for press credentials as active media.
Membership requirements: None.

Programming: Learn the latest travel tips, trends and advice in 4 theatres located right on the show floor, and get the chance to meet your favourite travel celebrities including CBS Travel News Editor, Peter Greenberg, YouTube Travel Star, Drew Binksy and The Points Guy Columnist, Scott Mayerowitz.

Who is this event for: Trade, media, advisors.

Inclusions: Access to the tradeshow and programming as well as access to over ten thousand dollars in travel savings, trip giveaways, and exclusive show-only deals.

FAM/press trip options: NA

TravelCon

travelcon.org
Date: March 14-16, 2025
Location: Tucson, AZ
Cost: $99 – $399 for creators, $699 for industry.
Membership requirements: NA

Programming: Expo, sessions, meetings with industry, meetups.

Who is this event for: Travel creators and industry.

Inclusions: Expo, sessions, meetings with industry, meetups. All-access creator pass has reserved seating and lounge access. Free 1-Year Access to Online Creator Community.

FAM/press trip options: Available.

Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show

travelshows.com/shows/san-francisco-bay-area
Date: March 15-16, 2025
Location: San Francisco, California
Cost: Free, must apply for press credentials as active media.
Membership requirements: NA.

Programming: Learn the latest travel tips, trends and advice in 4 theatres located right on the show floor, and get the chance to meet your favourite travel celebrities including CBS Travel News Editor, Peter Greenberg, YouTube Travel Star, Drew Binksy and The Points Guy Columnist, Scott Mayerowitz.

Who is this event for: Trade, media, advisors.

Inclusions: Access to the tradeshow and programming as well as access to over ten thousand dollars in travel savings, trip giveaways, and exclusive show-only deals.

FAM/press trip options: NA

Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show

travelshows.com/shows/washingtondc
Date: March 29-30, 2025
Location: Washington, DC
Cost: Free, must apply for press credentials as active media.
Membership requirements: NA.

Programming: Learn the latest travel tips, trends and advice in 4 theatres located right on the show floor, and get the chance to meet your favourite travel celebrities including Award-Winning Travel Writer, Director and Producer, Andrew McCarthy, CBS Travel News Editor, Peter Greenberg, Travel Guide Book Legend, Pauline Frommer, and NY Times Bestselling Author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, Patricia Schultz.

Who is this event for: Trade, media, advisors.

Inclusions: Access to the tradeshow and programming as well as access to over ten thousand dollars in travel savings, trip giveaways, and exclusive show-only deals.

FAM/press trip options: NA

WITS

witsummit.com/downtownnyc
Date: May 16-18, 2025, May 13-21 inclusive of FAM trips.
Location: New York, New York
Cost: Creator non-member $444, member $364; beginner BootCamp is $120, and industry is $1,199.
Membership requirements: Membership* is optional, on sale now for $9/month ($29 normally) for a traveller membership and $24/mo ($44 normally) for a creator membership. A 14-day trial is available.

Programming: Three days of sessions, tours, networking events, and industry meetings. I attended in 2024, here’s more on how WITS Utah went.

Who is this event for: Creative entrepreneurs, influencers, media, DMOs, and industry.

Inclusions: All sessions and workshops, media Marketplace, official parties and happy hours, tours and events, Sunday Brunch, and a ticket to the Bessie Awards.

FAM/press trip options: FAMs are multiple days and include overnight stays. Pre-conference FAMs are May 13-15, and post-conference FAMs are May 19-21. I attended two last year, they were maxed out at 5 people. Access by application.

AdventureELEVATE

events.adventuretravel.biz/adventureelevate/north-america-2025
Date: May 23-30, 2025
Location: Denver, Colorado
Cost: Free, must apply as active media, travel content creators, and broadcasters.
Membership requirements: NA

Programming: Content focused on building your business or brand in North America, establish connections with media, buyers, and suppliers from North America, learn about cutting-edge trends, access motivational talks, and business solutions, and join exciting outdoor activities.

Who is this event for: Industry and media.

Inclusions: Marketplace and media connect sessions, day of adventure, plenary sessions and accelerator workshops, and multiple networking opportunities. Approved media will receive:

• Official Media accreditation at ELEVATE and entry to AdventureELEVATE conference sessions and networking events (29-30 May 2025)
• Accommodations at the Hyatt Regency in Denver (4 nights total)
• Round-trip economy airfare to and from Denver and ground transportation and meals within the destination
• Day of Adventure in Denver: 28 May 2025. Travel costs to the destination will be covered for fully-hosted media with the requirement to participate in a Day of Adventure.

FAM/press trip options: NA

22nd Annual NATJA Conference & Marketplace

natja.org/conference
Date: June 2 – 5, 2025
Location: Palm Springs, California
Cost: Media cost is $799, industry cost is $1,599, there are also lower tickets available if you’d like to bring your partner.
Membership requirements: NATJA membership, by application, $200 USD fee.

Programming: The annual conference brings together NATJA media and destination marketing organization members, from all over the world, for three days of professional development, networking, and tours of the host destination. 

Who is this event for: Media, creators, and industry.

Inclusions:

• 3-Night Stay at Margaritaville Resort, NATJA coordinates hotel reservations on your behalf.
• Professional Development Sessions, Marketplace, and Networking
• Afternoon Tours and Press Trip Opportunity
•  All scheduled conference meals and Airport Transfers

FAM/press trip options: FAMs are multiple days and include overnight stays. Last year there were five post-conference trips, Access by application.

TMAC Conference and Media Marketplace

travelmedia.ca/tmac-conference-2025
Date: June 4-8, 2025, May 31- June 12 inclusive of FAMs
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Cost: CA + tax: Media Members $220, Industry Members: $1,400 plus tax.
Registration opens on February 3, 2025
Membership requirements: TMAC membership, by application, CA$225 + tax media membership fee.

Programming: Gathering of industry professionals, media experts, and travel enthusiasts as we come together to explore the latest trends, opportunities, and innovations in travel media

Who is this event for: Travel Media Writers/Creators/Photographers and Travel Media Industry Representatives.

Inclusions:

• Media marketplace, Professional Development Sessions,
• Local Tours, Pre and Post Tours
• TMAC Dinner and Awards Gala
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Onsite transportation

FAM/press trip options: This year there are local tours, media members can pick either PRE or POST FAM, this year there are 6 tours available.

IPW

ipw.com
Date: June 14-18, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: Free if approved. Media interested in attending IPW should submit their name and credentials for review to the International Advisory Committee (IAC) Chair in their region, along with several examples of recently published articles in accredited news outlets (within the past 12 months). Articles must be about travel within the United States. Info for USA-based journalists, info for international journalists.
Membership requirements: NA

Programming: IPW connects travel buyers and media with America’s top travel exhibitors through an efficient face-to-face show format with abundant business and networking opportunities.

Who is this event for: Working journalists and media.

Inclusions:

• Access to the IPW Online Press Room, offering comprehensive press materials, 30 days in advance of IPW and 3 months after.
• Exclusive Press Brunch and Destination Experiences on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
• Brand USA Media Marketplace activities on Monday, June 16, 2025.
• Opportunity to request additional appointments with exhibitors who did not participate in the Brand USA Media Marketplace.
• All meals and related functions.
• Year-long organization listing on ipw.com and online access to all registered exhibitors.

FAM/press trip options: NA

TBEX North America 2025

tbexcon.com/north-america-2025
Date: June 16-19, 2025, June 16-23 inclusive of FAMs.
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Cost: $597 CA for travel creator ticket, $897 for industry.
Membership requirements: NA

Programming: Inspiration, education, and serious business meetings, leave with actionable tips, tricks, and advice you can put into practice right away, networking opportunities.

Who is this event for: Media, creators, industry.

Inclusions:

• All Keynotes, Breakout Sessions, and Session Recordings.
• Pre-BEX Day Trips.
• Speed Networking.
• Sponsor Showcase Access and Evening Events.
• Any Included Meals, and Coffee Breaks.
• Access to Advanced Workshop Registration.

FAM/press trip options: FAMs are available by application, this year there are 10 post-event trips.

TBEX Summit America

tbexcon.com/summit-america-2025
Date: October 1-4, 2025
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Cost: Travel creator is $227, industry is $497
Membership requirements: NA.

Programming: Inspiration, education, and serious business meetings, leave with actionable tips, tricks, and advice you can put into practice right away, networking opportunities.

Who is this event for: Media, creators, industry.

Inclusions:

• All Keynotes, Breakout Sessions, and Session Recordings.
• Pre-BEX Day Trips.
• Speed Networking.
• Sponsor Showcase Access and Evening Events.
• Any Included Meals, and Coffee Breaks.
• Access to Advanced Workshop Registration.

FAM/press trip options: Pre-bex day tours are not yet announced.

IFWTWA Conference

ifwtwa.org/2025-ifwtwa-conference
Date: October 12-16, 2025
Location: Lafayette, CA
Cost: Member early bird by December 31 is $225, non-member is $359. After that, the costs go up periodically to $299 member and $399 non-member.
Membership requirements: IFWTWA is an International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, membership is by application, membership fees are $105 to $255 USD.

Programming: IFWTWA 2025 is a great opportunity for professional development and networking with each other and sponsors during the conference. In addition, pre- and post-trips as well as activities during the conference.

Who is this event for: Media, creators, and industry.

Inclusions: Not clearly listed, assuming event access and opportunity to apply for FAMs.

FAM/press trip options: Pre-conference FAM trips are available by application, last year there were 7 multi-day trips offered.

The post Which North American travel conferences should you attend in 2025 appeared first on Paths to Travel.