5 things to know right now about Marriott, Hilton and all the world’s largest hotel companies

Millions of FIFA World Cup fans won’t be able to attend the tournament in the U.S. if they can’t get a visitor visa. That was one issue raised this week by hundreds of travel industry professionals at the U.S. Travel Association’s annual Destination Capitol Hill conference.

Taking a cruise is relaxing, but making sure all your documents are in order for your sailing can be challenging, even more so for United States permanent residents who have a green card. The good news is that if you are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., you are allowed to travel outside the country and can go on a cruise with your green card.

For generations, visitors to Maine have flocked east to the rocky coastline, with its lobster boats and crashing waves, or west to ski resorts, peaceful lakes and mountains. Few ever set foot in Aroostook County, a remote northern expanse where residents are prone to suspect — not without reason — that no one south of Bangor even knows that they exist.

It might be surprising but Nova Scotia is one of the only destinations in Canada with its own wine appellation. Tidal Bay—a briny and refreshing white wine blend—has become one of the distinct flavors of the East Coast of Canada, not unlike lobster rolls or donairs, and although it’s easy to find a bottle of the stuff in most liquor stores in the province, tasting Tidal Bay straight from the source is way more fun.

In February, I finally checked off one of my top bucket list items — seeing the aurora borealis, better known as the northern lights.

Frontier Canada, a tailor-made tour operator, is unveiling its new lineup of 2024 itineraries focusing on Newfoundland, Quebec, and Ontario. The company aims to offer travelers unique experiences, including visits to remote areas such as Northern Quebec and the Forgotten Coast of Newfoundland. Additionally, Frontier Canada is launching social media campaigns highlighting Atlantic Canada and Ottawa.

On the heels of the big announcement that Hilton will acquire the boutique Graduate Hotels brand of properties in American college towns, Hilton shows no signs of slowing down. Record growth is fueling the largest pipeline of new hotels in its history, and the hospitality giant is adding new brands to its portfolio to fill gaps where it sees strong potential.

The solar eclipse on April 8, will be a celestial event. It will be visible from 15 states across the U.S., parts of Mexico and Canada. 

These cruises are going to be rare ones, Holland America fans. So get ready to book before they fill up.

Wherever you go to catch the total solar eclipse on April 8, those three or four minutes of daytime darkness — no matter how spectacular — might not be enough.

Travelers flying on Alaska Airlines have access to the best Wi-Fi in the skies in the United States, according to a new study.

Witnessing the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. But determining where to see the northern lights is a complex matter—actually encountering the majestic and alien-ish green and purple glow of the night sky is not only about location, but also timing (December to March is ideal in many instances; August through April in other parts), positioning (typically from latitudes 65 to 72 degrees North), and plain ol’ luck (a clear, dark, and cloud-free sky).