Five best ski resorts in Europe
Whether you live in or outside of Europe, finding a ski resort that suits you can be overwhelming. Perhaps you want guaranteed snow, decent variety of accommodation and chalets, or getting the right mix of skiing, relaxation and partying. Is it family-friendly, are the pistes challenging or for beginners? Well, we’ve put together our top 5 ski resorts in Europe to help.
Most reliable
There is nothing more disappointing than heading to a ski resort and finding that there’s not enough snow. Val d’Isere, situated in the French alps is well known for being one of the most reliable resorts in Europe for snow cover. With its two glaciers, Val d‘Isere is any skier’s paradise and has a vast array of cruising pistes which cover almost 25 acres.
Although skiing is the focus of this European ski resort, the Folie Douce will bring you a fantastic après ski experience, so there are plenty of places to play hard too.
Best for scenery
If you’re looking for stunning views Zermatt in Switzerland definitely wins the award for being the most scenic, for it’s view of the famous Matterhorn mountain. What makes it really unique, is its ban on cars, meaning you can escape the traffic and pollution and really appreciate the fresh alpine air and quietness.
During the winter months, Zermatt provides 220 miles of slopes, which is enough to ski to Italy if you wanted, as the area is linked to Breuil-Cervinia across the border.
Best apres-ski vibe
For many, selecting a European skiing destination is more about the après-ski parties than the skiing itself. These days, many ski resorts in Europe during the winter months can be as crazy as Ibiza is in the summer!
If you fancy knocking back a load of Jägermeister, while dancing in your ski boots with your fellow skiers, then head to St. Anton, Austria. Due to its well-deserved reputation for after parties, St. Anton usually attracts a younger crowd and has a large variety of bars to choose from, both in the village itself and on the slopes, where music blares over the mountains.
And if you ever manage to actually get your skis on, St. Anton has over 160 miles of slopes, with plenty of variety for beginners, as well as for the more advanced skiers, so you won’t be disappointed.
Best choice of pistes
Les Trois Vallees in France is one of the largest skiing areas in the world and consists of three different ski resorts: Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. It consists of 600 kilometres of piste, 293 runs, two snowboard parks and 185 ski lifts, and the best time to go is earlier in the season to avoid queues!
If you’re looking for a family-friendly resort, Meribel is the place to go. It has been voted the best family resort in the Wold Ski Awards!
Best day trip resort
For those living in Europe and looking for a day trip, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is only an hour’s drive from Munich, Germany. The town is perfect for day visits, as it’s both very easily accessible and reasonably priced. The train from Munich provides fantastic deals on tickets to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and ski pass prices are also relatively inexpensive, so it’s not a problem if you’d like to return for another day.
Skiers and snowboarders of every ability can count on 15 miles of freshly groomed slopes.
Anne Wooley is Owner at Ski Cuisine.
Great New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world
Another year has gone and there were some incredible festivities around the world. If your New Year’s Eve ended in the usual anti climax of queues and busy crowds in the same bar you go to all year, then why not plan something different to see out 2017? If you fancy planning a more exotic finish to they year then these are the places to get booked into…
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Scottish capital holds three days of Hogmanay celebrations. Every year thousands of people from around the globe gather in the city on 30 December to kick off the festivities, which begins with a torch lit parade from Parliament Square to Calton Hill where fireworks set the sky ablaze with a magnificent show. The following night on New Year’s Eve yet more merriment is to be had with revellers gathering to partake in wild processions and parties throughout the city, which culminate in raucous renditions of Auld Lang Syne. Celebrations continue right the way through to New Year’s Day with outdoor concerts, ceilidhs in the Assembly Rooms and theatre all over town. The Balmoral is the grandest hotel located in the heart of the city centre, and there is no better place to recover from Hogmanay celebrations in world-class luxury.
Goa, South India
If sinking your toes into the warm sand and dancing under the stars until sunrise is your ideal way to welcome in the New Year, then head to Anjuna or Palolem on the coast of India’s good-time state. Traditionalists may say Goa’s parties are not what they used to be, but with fireworks and celebrations dotted all along the coast, it’s hard to beat splashing in the shallow waves whilst frolicking on the beach at the best of times, but New Year’s Eve is the greatest time of year to party in Goa. You can always end your week of enthusiastic partying with a spot of healthy living and yoga in a retreat up north before heading home. The Taj Exotica, equidistant from Anjuna and Palolem, is a quiet haven just 150 metres from the Arabian Sea where you can spend long, luxurious sun-drenched days.
New York City, USA
Times Square is an iconic place to see in the New Year and is somewhere everyone should experience once in their lifetime. See the ball drop, performances from world famous musicians and soak up the energy from the packed crowds. If you don’t like the thought of all those people crammed together, try one of the bars or restaurants overlooking the square (though you’ll need to get booking now and have plenty of $$ to spare!)
London, England
London has an overwhelming abundance of New Year’s Eve celebrations to choose from, but if you know where to go, you can spend the final few hours of the year in some of the sexiest locations, so you can be sure to count down in style. Every year The Ritz celebrates New Year with black-tie dinners accompanied by marching bands, with cocktails and Champagne flowing in the Art Deco bar. It is a glamorous and elegant evening which has been held every year since the 1920s. 35 floors above London’s dramatic and glittering skyline, Sky Garden is hosting a glamorous and elegant Great Gatsby themed soiree, with live music and guests dressed to impress. And of course there are the spectacular fireworks over the Thames, which never fail to delight, but there is no need to watch if from the banks of the river if you can join in the world’s biggest boat Party on the River Thames. Partygoers can watch the city fireworks between the Hungerford Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge, with fantastic views of the world famous firework display.
Sydney, Australia
If you want to be one of the first people around the world to see in the New Year then Sydney is the place to be. It’s the first major city to see in the celebrations and puts on a show worthy of that accolade. With two incredible fireworks shows in front of the beautiful setting of Sydney harbour, you’ll struggle for a more iconic start to a new year. If you want to go all out, it’s even possible to see in the New Year here and then fly to California and do it all over again (though you’ll need your own private jet!).
Hong Kong, China
Frenetic and intense Hong Kong celebrates New Year in a whirlwind and flurry of fireworks over the Victoria Harbour, which you can either watch from a traditional junk along the shoreline or from one of the city’s many world-class rooftop bars. But if you can’t make it over there for December, then there’s always Chinese New Year. The Chinese calendar combines both the Gregorian and lunar-solar calendars, so Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February. You can expect a cacophony of noise combining firecrackers, drums, gongs and cymbals, as well as traditional parades and lion dancers which add colour to the carnival atmosphere. An impressive evening firework display along the waterfront caps off the celebrations, illuminating the city’s skyline and surrounding mountains.
Berlin, Germany
The Berliners call New Year’s Eve ‘Silvester’, and unsurprisingly, they know how to party. The celebrations are set in Party Mile, stretching between the Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column which hosts food stalls, bars, live music and more up until midnight. Revellers then head off to bars and clubs around the city into the small hours and through New Year’s Day.
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Ideal for the hedonistic hippy revellers, the parties on Thailand’s islands are renowned and raucous all year round, but the mother of all of them is New Year’s Eve on Koh Phangan, home to the wild and world-famous full moon party. The parties start along Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin at sunset, and continue well beyond sunrise into the following afternoon. As rowdy and as hectic as it sounds, it’s best to go for civilised cocktails and dinner on the west side of the island, before joining the party just before midnight. It’s best to conserve your energy, and (if you’re up for it) head back to Sunset Beach for a dip in the sea at dawn to start the New Year off like no other. Escape to the northern reaches of the island and stay at the effortlessly stylish and peaceful Panviman Resort, a prime location hotel with stunning views across the Gulf of Thailand.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
It will come as no surprise that Rio hosts an incredible New Year’s Eve party full of Samba, sequins and sensational dancing. Head down to Copacabana Beach for ‘Réveillon’ where there is live music and dancing and incredible fireworks to cap off the night and see in the New Year. Celebrations go on into the night and moves to the bars and clubs around Rio once the beach party dies down. If you can’t make it to Rio for Carnival then this is undoubtedly the next best thing.
James Jayasundera is Founder and Managing Director of Ampersand Travel.
A Family travel guide to Oklahoma City
Feature image (above): Take a water taxi down bricktown’s mile-long canal. // © 2017 Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau
No longer just a pit stop on Route 66, Oklahoma’s capital city is on the rise thanks to a host of new amenities and attractions. For starters, the city has recently added a river walk, a landmark skyline bridge, an urban park and an aquatic adventure center. Plus, there’s a new downtown streetcar slated to open by late 2018. Combine this with the city’s rich heritage and down-home hospitality, and it’s easy to see why Oklahoma City is one of America’s best under-the-radar travel destinations.
First-timers should begin by exploring Oklahoma City’s western roots at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. In addition to showcasing a vast collection of western and American Indian artworks and artifacts, the museum houses a life-size, turn-of-the-century cattle town that’s complete with a railroad depot, blacksmith shop, livery stable and saloon.
Another must-see spot is Stockyards City, a historic district filled with western-themed shops, bars and restaurants. It’s also home to the world’s largest stocker and feeder cattle market. Stop by on Monday or Tuesday morning, when you can watch a few of the livestock auctions in action. And for country music lovers, there’s Centennial Rodeo Opry, a live-music venue that puts on family-friendly western shows every Saturday night.
Next up is Oklahoma City Museum of Art to see one of the largest collections of Dale Chihuly glass works in the world. Don’t worry about the kids getting bored; the museum keeps them entertained with hands-on activities and a variety of kid-friendly programs.
Speaking of art, there’s a venerable treasure trove inside the Oklahoma State Capitol building. It’s also the only state capitol in the nation surrounded by active oil rigs.
After checking off these places from the bucket list, head over to Science Museum Oklahoma, a massive 8-acre complex featuring more than 350 hands-on science exhibits. Visitors can learn how to drive a Segway, explore a miniature city, create their own inventions and even step into an artificial tornado.
And make no bones about it, The Museum of Osteology (The Bone Museum) is arguably one of Oklahoma City’s most popular as well as most bizarre attractions. This 7,000-square-foot emporium of oddities is stocked with enough skulls and skeletons to wow even the most jaded teens. Specimens run the gamut, from human skulls and two-headed calves to the skeletal remains of a 40-foot-long humpback whale.
If connecting with nature is more in line with a family’s style, look no further than Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the top zoos in the country offering more than 1,900 animals spread out over 119 acres of pristine gardens.
Those craving something more action-packed should visit Riversport Adventure Park, an aquatic playground for all ages that is located south of downtown in the city’s Boathouse District. Here, families can go whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding and tubing. And if water activities aren’t in the cards, there’s also ziplining, highspeed slides, climbing walls, bungee trampolines and a six-level obstacle course where clients can take an 80-foot freefall drop from the top.
Of course, the city’s most glorious outdoor space can be found at the I.M. Pei-designed Myriad Botanical Gardens, a 17-acre urban oasis in the heart of downtown. Highlights include a children’s garden and the 13,000-square-foot Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory complete with a sky bridge and 35-foot cascading waterfall.
When the sun goes down, locals and visitors alike head to Bricktown, an old warehouse area that’s been repurposed into a bustling entertainment district featuring restaurants, bars, shops and water-taxi tours along a mile-long canal.
Lastly, if traveling with older children, families should stop by Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which was created to honor the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.
Where to Stay
Colcord Hotel
Situated downtown within the city’s first skyscraper, this historic four-star hotel offers a free shuttle service throughout downtown. www.colcordhotel.com
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oklahoma City Downtown – Bricktown
Located within walking distance to many city sites, this modern hotel features an indoor heated swimming pool and an outdoor courtyard, among other amenities. www.ihg.com
Where to Eat
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
Featured on the Food Network’s hit television series “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” this Stockyards City icon has served everyone from past presidents to movie stars. www.cattlemensrestaurant.com
The Wedge Pizzeria
This is a local favorite offering terrific brick-oven pizza as well as gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. www.thewedgepizzeria.com
When to Go
Oklahoma City experiences a mild, climate throughout the year, with summers averaging 80 to 90 degrees and winter temperatures rarely falling below freezing. However, since it lies in Tornado Alley, there’s a chance for extreme weather between March and June. Aim to visit between September and November.
Getting There
Oklahoma City is served by the Will Rogers World Airport, located approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown.
Hawaii’s hottest offerings for the culture-seeking tourist
Whether it’s touring a famous palace in Honolulu or checking out Oahu’s newest luau, Travel Agent has a lineup of fresh, new offering worth pitching to clients seeking a little culture in Hawaii.
Queen Kapiolani’s birthday
The Friends of Iolani Palace, a nonprofit citizens’ organization, invites visitors to view the Iolani Palace in Honolulu by moonlight in honor of Queen Kapiolani’s birthday.
From December 29 – 30, the Iolani Palace will offer evening tours from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. each night, with the last tickets issued at 8:45 p.m. During the 2017 Queen Kapiolani Evening Tours, guests can take a step back in time and experience the palace as it was during the 19th century.
As the queen’s birthday takes place on December 31, the palace will be adorned with shimmering decorations and music will swell throughout the halls as it would at King Kalakaua’s holiday soirees.
To create an ambiance and atmosphere of court celebrations similar to those hosted during the height of the Hawaiian monarchy, entertainment will fill the rooms of the palace including pianist, Eric Shank and soloists from the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio of the Hawaii Opera Theatre serenading guests in the Blue Room.
In the Upper Hall, Puamana, Hoopono Wong and Kaiao Kaiao will perform songs written by Queen Kapiolani and Na Lani Eha, a name given to the four royal siblings – King Kalakaua, Queen Liliuokalani, Prince Leleiohoku and Princess Likelike – who were known for their talent at both composing and performing music.
Not only are the evening tours the only time guests can visit the palace at night, but it’s also a rare opportunity to ascend the famous koa staircase to the second floor and explore the palace to discover treasures of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
This year the exclusive evening tours will begin on Thursday, December 28, with a VIP experience limited to 300 guests, featuring captivating live entertainment and delicious food courtesy of Pili Group and Young’s Market Company.
Tickets for the Thursday, December 28, VIP tour experience is $95 for adults, $25 for children 5-12 years old, and free for 4-year-olds and under.
The tours will continue on Friday and Saturday evening with performances by Kamakakehau Fernandez, Kupaoa, Puamana, Iwalani Apo and many others, along with food for purchase courtesy of Burgers and Things.
A limited number of reserved tour times for $30 per person are available for the December 29 and December 30 evening tours. www.iolanipalace.org
Selling Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa’s New Luau
As part of our recent coverage of Pleasant Holidays’ “Elite Experience” event for top performing agents in Hawaii, Travel Agent got to check out Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa’s new luau, “KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.”
It launched about a year ago on Oahu and currently runs four times a week. The roughly three-hour show includes a narrative on the Polynesian voyage that brought the first ancient explorers to the shores of Ko Olina to go along with hula dancing, live music, fire twirling and even an appearance by Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Perhaps the most frequent question Travel Agent was asked since attending the luau last week was whether the show was an authentic luau or if it was instead character-driven. To that end, we should note that the appearance by Mickey and Minnie was very brief, took place in the middle of the show and didn’t take away from the authentic feel the luau provided.
Activities available for both adults and children include everything from lea making, Henna tattoos and poi pounding.
VIP passes, which include early entry, a buffet, premium seating and an open bar are $169 a person. General admission, which includes the buffet and a welcome drink is $129 for adults and $79 for children. Admission for children under three years old is free.
The experience can be booked through Pleasant Holiday’s Pleasant Activities division, which offers a selection of more than 2,000 tours, activities and excursions in Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Australia, New York and Las Vegas. Although it is open to the public, we were told availability is limited. www.disneyaulani.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Launches 25 New Cultural Experiences
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Hawaii is celebrating its 25th anniversary by offering guests 25 “Exclusively Kapalua” cultural experiences.
From sipping a Kapalua signature Mai Tai during the nightly sunset ceremony or enjoying a peaceful start to the day with a meditative walk around the Kapalua labyrinth, to immersing in the local culture with an Ambassadors of the Environment eco-adventure, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua invites guests to partake in these experiences available during their stay.
Additionally, the resort will be introducing signature items available for purchase where a portion of the sales will benefit a local charity.
A quarter of a century since it opened, this luxury resort is in the midst of several renovation projects, including the recent completion of brand new residential suites, the addition of beach front eatery The Burger Shack, soon-to-be complete guest room and suites enhancements, a refreshed pool and lobby lanai experience, and the opening of its new Kai Cafe marketplace concept.
To celebrate the anniversary, the hotel is also offering clients a new “Legacy of Aloha” package available to book through now through October 29, 2018 with travel dates through December 18, 2018.
Starting rate for the package is $693 per night. It includes $25 savings on a buffet breakfast for two at The Terrace, $25 spa credit or Ambassadors of the Environment credit and $25 savings on The Ritz-Carlton logo items.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua offers 463 guest rooms, including 107 residential suites, offering wood floors, flat-screen LCD televisions and Hawaiian-inspired artwork. www.ritzcarlton.com/kapalua25
The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas Unveils New Local Art Display in Lobby
Local artisans in Hawaii recently unveiled handmade works of art displayed at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas on Maui.
The art pieces, along with a corresponding olelo no eau, or Hawaiian proverb, are showcased within four pillars in the resort’s lobby and will be permanently on display for guests and the public to view and learn about the history and values of Hawaiian culture.
Each piece was created using natural materials and traditional methods that were passed down from generation to generation within each of the practitioner’s families.
The first pillar exhibits three kahili, or feather staffs. They were made by Kumu Kapono‘ai Molitau from koa wood and feathers. The second pillar is a collaboration between cultural consultant/practitioner Kekai Kapuand fisherman Gigi Gomes. This pillar showcases fishing implements, including a hinai (fishing basket), upena (fishing net), luhee (octopus lure), makau (fishing hooks), and auamo (carrying stick for transporting gourds of food and water).
The third pillar is a pealauhala (pandanus leaf sail) that was hand-woven by Pohaku Kahoohanohano. The fourth pillar displays a 300-pound kulani hakoi (stone bowl), with a mo o (lizard) sculpture and lauae (fern) engravings that took two years for Anthony “Hoaka” Delos Reyes to shape and carve by hand.
“It requires great skill and a lot of time to create these handmade pieces,” said Makalapua Kanuha, the resort’s complex director of culture, in a written release. “Nowadays there are very few people who practice these traditions to the level of these artisans, so we’re very fortunate to have their work here on display.” www.westinnanea.com
The Embassy Suites by Hilton opens in Kapolei
The Embassy Suites by Hilton opened in Kapolei in October. The newly built hotel is centrally located in town, and is well situated for access to Pearl Harbor, Kapolei Golf Course, Wet ‘N’ Wild Water Park and other attractions west of Honolulu. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to Ko Olina Beach and Lagoons and White Plains Beach.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei, owned by Kapolei Hotel Partners and managed by Western States Lodging, offers two-room suites, daily free cooked-to-order breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
“Our Oahu Kapolei property embodies the modern and inviting atmosphere Embassy Suites by Hilton is known for and more,” said Alan Roberts, global head of Embassy Suites by Hilton. “The central city location is ideal and gives guests the opportunity to experience Hawaii beyond the shore.”
The hotel offers 180 suites, some with ocean view lanais, an outdoor pool, whirlpool, fitness center and two on-property dining options.
Unrivaled views from the window seat
What matters more: the journey or the destination? When it comes to air travel, the tendency is to consider the former as merely perfunctory – necessary for the reward of arrival. However, as is often the case, this one is a matter of perspective, and the window seat offers the greatest one around. Read on for a list of flight routes guaranteed to impress even the most seasoned travelers.
Namibia Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) for a view of Namibia’s sand dunes
AvGeek Instagrammers will rejoice in the aerial views afforded through the windows on this flight. Expect to be in direct line of sight with Namibia’s famous rust-red dunes of five-million-year-old sand, or, on the rare occasion of a heavy rainfall, a turquoise lake caused by the flooding of nearby Tsauchab River. If a jaw-dropping photo of the dunes’ shadows is what you are after, ensure that this segment of the voyage falls during either early morning or late afternoon.
Maldives Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Malé International Airport (MLE) for a view of Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago
At Myanmar’s most southwestern stretch, along the country’s border with Thailand, lie the 800 islands that comprise the Mergui Archipelago. Nestled in the Andaman Sea and surrounded by coral reefs, the islands vary in size – from nearly imperceptible from the air to hundreds of square miles big. Deep blue oceans dotted with these pockets of verdant tropical rainforests can be observed at about two-thirds of the way through this voyage.
Tokyo International Airport (HND) to Osaka International Airport (ITM) for a view of Mt. Fuji
Passengers taking off from Tokyo Haneda Airport will be able to see Japan’s tallest mountain and crown jewel within 10 to 15 minutes of departure. Seats on the right-hand side of the aircraft offer the best views of Mt. Fuji’s caldera, the crater-like depression found at the peak of the mountain, and for a snow-capped peak, make the domestic flight from late fall to early summer.
Manhattan Anywhere to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) for a view of the Manhattan Skyline
The topography of Manhattan’s skyscrapers has astounded passengers for ages. Passengers can revel over views of the Big Apple as they pass over the harbor and the city’s five boroughs. Nighttime flights guarantee the most arresting panoramas of the city that never sleeps.
Iguazu Falls Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) to Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport (IGU) for a view of the Iguazu Falls
Before landing at Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport, passengers are privy to an unparalleled view of the world’s largest waterfall system, composed of 275 individual drops, which sweep over a 1.7-mile stretch. And if this natural wonder isn’t enough, passengers can snag a view of the modern ingenuity of the Itaipu Dam just moments before reaching the falls.
Rage in the air
By the time you read this, there will almost certainly have been at least one further example of the “new” cult of air rage. New in inverted commas because as all who travel regularly on aircraft know, it’s a phenomenon that has been going on for quite a while. It’s quite possible, though unrecorded, that Wilbur had an argument with Orville on the sands at Kitty Hawk, but we digress.
What is new is that passengers now come armed with mobile phones complete with video with which to record the incidents. It is a lesson too late in the learning for United Airlines, American, Delta and others who have been caught up in the latest turmoil but let’s hope the message is sinking in. One, the customer is always right; two, the customer is always right. Three, sometimes he (or she) isn’t and that’s when the training is supposed to come in. And four, tempting though it is, if you are a crew member, don’t lose your temper.
A glance at Google’s air rage news round-up is enough to show few airlines are immune. Among others, British Airways, easyJet and Flybe have had incidents recorded, though the severity of the cases varies widely and many examples are clearly caused by belligerence on the part of passengers rather than incompetence or unprofessional behaviour by the crew. The danger now, with lawyers having become involved, is that every incident is going to be recorded and analysed to death in the fond hope of securing a settlement from airlines who, first, don’t understand public relations and, secondly, misuse it. Cover-up is not an option, nor should it ever have been, but nor is over-egging the pudding to the degree we are beginning to see.
While comment and the number of incidents in the UK have been relatively restrained and UK airlines avoiding fanning the flames by maintaining a discreet silence, things in the litigation-minded US are different, with video and sometimes hysterical comment posted daily on social media. Fox News went so far as to quote a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which found air rage incidents are rare “but when they’re recorded on video, the public is quick to defend the passengers – and blame the flight crew”. There is also debate on whether there are more incidents or just more cases of mobile phones recording them.
One flight attendant quoted said the problem is the incident has already escalated when the cameras start recording. What isn’t seen is how it started. “They’re shaming us on the media, without knowing the whole story,” the woman said.
Sara Nelson, international president of the US Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, says almost all the tens of thousands of flights that take off every day are uneventful but “a lot of unresolved issues” are causing the recent incidents.
In comments that apply equally to the UK, she added: “There’s been a major change in the aviation industry. People are packed in closer together. Seats are closer together. Seats are physically smaller. Passengers are getting charged for their bags. They have to go through security, and they feel like their space is being intruded upon.”
But, she added, central to the misunderstandings was the public’s perception that flight attendants were simply servers in the sky. “Flight attendants are certified safety professionals, and the number one reason they’re there – in fact, the reason they’re required to be there – is for the safety, health and security of the passengers on the plane,” Nelson said.
With several airlines forced to merge as business dried up after 9/11, four major carriers now account for 80% of US domestic seats sold, according to the New York Times. Cutbacks have also produced smaller flight crews who find themselves trying to please more passengers burdened with less room and more irritating fees.
It’s all summed up by Heather Healy, a clinical social worker who works with the US flight attendants’ union and who estimated that before 9/11 she would see one in 12 flight attendants. Today, she said, she sees one in seven. “They need to be treated as the first responders they are,” she said. “Those considerations aren’t given to them. If we truly treated them the way they deserved to be treated, there’d be a lot less incidents.”
Canada’s new hotels worth checking
This has been a banner year for Canada. To start, it’s the nation’s 150th anniversary, as well as Montreal’s 375th anniversary; plus the New York Times named the entire country the No. 1 place to visit in 2017. On top of the annual events that keep our northern neighbors in good spirits all year long, the sesquicentennial brings special festivals, concerts, public art installations, free entry to all national parks, and more.
But can Canada’s hotels handle the increase in tourist traffic? Luckily, new and renovated properties have recently opened or will soon open in cities from coast to coast. Here is a rundown of what’s new in Canadian lodging.
Hyatt Place, Edmonton, Alberta
Officially opened in January 2017, the new Hyatt Place introduces a sleek, 13-story accommodation for downtown Edmonton. Itis the first of the Hyatt’s business-oriented brand to open in Canada, bringing 258 spacious rooms that each measure from about 400 to 1,000 feet. Aiming to accommodate business travelers with reasonable rates, it offers free Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast, 13,000 square feet of meeting space, and a market and bar. Designed by Edmonton architect Gene Dub, the new hotel will add a sleek, modern high-rise silhouette to the local skyline.
Crash Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is showing off its handsome, boutique side with the new Crash Hotel, opened last New Year’s Eve. Located downtown across the street from the Rogers Place arena, Crash is a boutique conversion of a hotel first opened in 1904. The new property features 71 affordable rooms and suites all uniquely designed, some with themes like the “HiFi” room, featuring a wall of vintage speakers. They also appeal to younger travelers with the option for hostel-style bunk-bed rooms with shared bathrooms, and “night owl” rooms located above the hotel’s hip Denizen Hall pub.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal, Quebec
Following a $140 million full-scale renovation, downtown Montreal’s Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth reopened in June 2017. Transformation of about 500 of the hotel’s 950 guestrooms were renovated in time for spring (with completion of the rest expected by the year’s end), along with redone common areas, a “business campus” with the option to connect several meeting rooms, a new on-site market, and new restaurant, bar, and coffee lounge.
Le Mount Stephen, Montreal, Quebec
A new Leading Hotels of the World property opened in summer 2017 in downtown Montreal. Housed in an early 20th-century social club’s historic neoclassical building, Le Mount Stephen operates 90 contemporary rooms, including “sky lofts” in the adjoining tower — all with floor-to-ceiling windows. The new hotel is home to three banquet halls that can accommodate up to 500 guests, along with restaurant Bar George, two cocktail lounges, and urban MBiospa.
Le Village des Écluses (The Village by the Locks), Montreal, Quebec
For truly uncommon accommodations, travelers can book at Montreal’s new Village by the Locks (Le Village des Écluses) complex, opened in May of this year. The “village” consists of 70 classic wooden boats, eight “oTENTik” tent-cabin rooms, and one wooden cottage outfitted like a small apartment. Located on the southern edge of Vieux Montreal, water-loving travelers and families will appreciate the unusual experience, and enjoy the picturesque, natural setting along the waterfront Locks Gardens.
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
The new Parq Vancouver is a LEED gold-certified complex opened this fall in Yaletown, at the south end of downtown Vancouver on False Creek. The massive project features 329 guestrooms and suites by JW Marriott, the first property for the luxury-boutique hotel brand in Western Canada. The new high-rise hotel will attract travelers who prefer modern architecture, plus harbor views, a new spa, six restaurant and lounges (including a private club lounge); and proximity to Gastown, Robson Street, and the city’s vibrant entertainment district.
The Douglas, Vancouver, British Columbia
Also inside the new Parq Vancouver is the Douglas, a member of Marriott’s high-end Autograph Hotel Collection. Like the adjoining JW Marriott — which connects via a 30,000-square-foot elevated park — the Douglas offers handsome interior design in an ultra-modern building, which also houses a casino, meeting rooms, and event spaces. As of fall 2017, the Douglas offers 188 luxury guestrooms. And along with the multiple eateries inside the JW Marriott, the Douglas’ restaurants are being developed by James Beard – nominated restaurateur, Elizabeth Blau; and her husband, award-winning chef Kim Canteenwalla.
Alt Hotel, St. John’s, Newfoundland
The newest of the Group Germain Alt Hotel properties opened in fall 2017 in the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial capital of St. John’s. The four-story hotel overlooks the harbor, and is situated near the convention center, Signal Hill, and the George Street commercial area. The eco-friendly hotel offers 148 affordable, stylish-yet-simple rooms, plus a fitness center, small market, and meeting spaces.
Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia
Spring 2017 brings the unveiling of a $40 million restoration of the landmark Victoria Fairmont Empress hotel. The 1908 Edwardian-style building saw all 235 of its guestrooms updated with modern details, as well as improvements to the Q at the Empress restaurant, Q Bar, and the hotel’s grand Lobby Lounge — home to famous daily Tea at the Empress service. The Willow Stream Spa also was refreshed as part of the project, as were the hotel pool, health club, and meeting spaces.
Trump International Hotel Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
The new 63-story mixed-use tower opened in February 2017, its twisted façade joining the Vancouver skyline as the second-tallest building. Located downtown in Coal Harbour, it includes a luxury hotel with 147 rooms, a spa, and a champagne lounge. Mott 32’s fine dining room serves Chinese cuisine, while Drai’s is the city’s first poolside lounge.