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Hotel Spotlight – Casa Velas, Puerto Vallarta
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A breathtaking oasis in Puerto Vallarta, Casa Velas offers an exceptional experience defined by gourmet dining, personalized pampering, and unmatched serenity. This luxury all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotel—honored with the AAA Four Diamonds and Forbes Travel Guide Four Stars—showcases artistic touches and an ambiance of true exclusivity. As a proud member of esteemed consortia such as Preferred Lifestyle, Casa Velas invites travelers to indulge in a world where comfort, elegance, and attentive service come naturally.
Let’s create YOUR next escape! Contact me to book a consultation.
Unexpected Family-friendly Destinations
Having Wee ones in tow doesn’t mean you’re forced to limit your travels to all-inclusive...
What Travel Brings to Kids
The benefits of a family vacation run deep. That look of pure happiness on your kids’...
O’s Alaskan Adventure on a Queen
I have just returned from my summer Alaska cruise on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth. One of my...
A quarterly roundup of what’s new and notable in the world of travel.
CHECK-IN Make a Splash in CannesThe legendary Carlton Cannes, a stomping ground for the...
The Pros & Cons of Taking a Gap Year
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of dedicating a gap year to personal growth...
New Tech Gadgets for Summer Travel
Travel is all about technology, from GPS and Waze, to Airbnb and, well, airplanes. But...
What’s News
Remember that each destination can have its unique requirements and considerations, so adapt these tips to your specific travel plans. Planning ahead and staying informed will help ensure a safe and enjoyable international travel experience.
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The Latest Travel News
2025 Archive
2026 Archive
December 8, 2025
WestJet Spreads Holiday Cheer With Ronald McDonald House
Flying Air Transat? Here’s what customers need to know as strike looms
November 24, 2025
Canada Returned to Approved List for Chinese Group Travellers
Jamaica Hotel Reopening Schedule
October 20, 2025
Canada warns citizens with “X” gender passports about potential issues entering the U.S.
Beer, wine and Canadian treats now free on Air Canada flights.
Europe Entry/Exit System (EES)
WestJet seats in economy will no longer recline, to “preserve personal space”.
Canadians have new travel requirements for trips to Europe.
September 16, 2025
The World’s Largest Archaeological Museum Just Opened in Cairo
New European Entry System Affects Canadian Travelers: What You Need to Know
Canada Issues Travel Safety Tips for Canadians Going Abroad
August 14, 2025
EU to triple travel permit fee to 20 euros
US Announces New Visa Integrity Fee
Greece’s New Sustainable Cruise Tax
July 10, 2025
Canada to align with U.S. airport screening rules as TSA drops shoes-off policy
Visitors from Canada must pay a new tax in touristy Mexico region
WestJet’s new routes this winter
June 13, 2025
Air Canada among earliest adopters of Apple’s new boarding pass
Government of Canada new page for #cruise travellers!
May 22, 2025
Modernized Cuba E-Visa Starts July 1
Delta, Korean Air to strengthen partnerships with WestJet
Canadians Travelling to Japan on JAL Can Fly Free Within Japan
April 16, 2025
Guide to U.S. Registration Requirements for Canadian Snowbirds Spending 30 Days or More in the U.S.
Norway Proposes Tourist Tax to Ease Strain on Popular Destinations
Antigua and Barbuda Launches New Electronic Entry System
March 12, 2025
U.S. Issues Alien Registration Requirement for Month Long Visitors
January 13, 2025
China Now Allowing 10-Day Visa-Free Visits
2024 Archive
December 12, 2024
Air Canada’s digital identification system
Air Canada to introduce carry-on fees for basic fare passengers
New airport technology lets liquids, laptops stay in carry-ons | CBC News
Air Canada to offer fast, free Wi-Fi starting in spring 2025
November 13, 2024
New U.S. Department of Transportation “US DOT” Automatic Refund Rules
WestJet redesigns WestJet Rewards, increases spend thresholds, adds benefits
European Countries Implement Border Controls
October 16, 2024
US Customs and Border Protection raises Global Entry fees by 20 percent
Mexico’s Disputed Tax on Electronics Eliminated at Cancun Airport
Egypt Revoking Pre-Entry Visa for Canadians is ‘Such Welcome News’
September 13, 2024
Japan Will Begin Using US-Style Electronic Authorization Process
Air Canada Standardizes Check-In Cut-Off Time At 60 Minutes
A potential Air Canada pilot strike could impact your travel. Here’s what to do about it
August 8, 2024
Greece’s worst wildfire this year reaches edge of Athens
What Canadians need to know about consular services, with helpful links and more
July 17, 2024
These Canadian spots were just named some of the best islands in the world
CDC Sets New Rules for Bringing Dogs into the U.S.
Copenhagen rewards tourists with freebies for “sustainable behaviour”
June 19, 2024
Holding The Line: Border Services Workers Reach Tentative Deal
WestJet Reaches Deal With Encore Pilots
Passport Rules Adjusted for Canadians Visiting DR
May 16, 2024
Sunwing Vacations Launches WestJet Vacations Quebec
Air Canada Extends Suspension Of Israel Flights Through Early August
WestJet inaugurates non-stop service from Calgary-Iceland
April 15, 2024
Quintana Roo Authorities Warn About VISITAX Non-Payment, But Penalties Aren’t Clear
NEXUS Application Fee More than Doubles
Venice introduces new tourist rules for 2024, including an entry fee and limits on tour groups
March 13, 2024
Canadians Eager to Travel and Happy to Spend, Amex Study says
Germany strikes: Flight and train cancellations to cause travel chaos as transport unions walk out
Februrary 27, 2024
Greece legalizes same-sex marriage
American Queen Voyages shuts down, cancels future cruises
Lynx Air to cease operations, passengers told to seek refunds from credit-card providers
January 24, 2024
Experts Warn of High Sargassum Seaweed Levels in Mexico, Caribbean and Florida | TravelPulse
WestJet Adding 5 New Boeing 737 MAX 8 to its Fleet in 2025
Hawaiian Governor Pitches Tourist Fees and Vacation Rental Taxes
2023 Archive
December 7, 2023
Porter Airlines Adds Ottawa-Calgary Route
Porter, Air Transat launch joint venture
New US$5 Cruise Tax Proposed For Quintana Roo
November 7, 2023
WestJet announces changes to checked baggage and seat selection fees, effective Nov. 7
Travel Advisories – Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip travel advice
October 7, 2023
India has suspended visa service for Canadians.
Portugal Wins ‘Europe’s Leading Destination 2023’ At World Travel Awards
Disney to invest an average $25m a DAY for the next 10 years in parks & cruise lines
France turns to sniffer dogs to hunt for possible bedbugs on trains, subway cars
September 4, 2023
Jamaica’s New Digital Entry Process Starts Sept 1.
Cancun Visitor Tax Now Mandatory For All International Arrivals
Air Canada Slashing Routes out of Calgary in Face of Ongoing Pilot Shortage
August 15, 2023
Canada issues advisory against non-essential travel to Maui due to wildfires
When is it OK to Visit Maui Again? – A Rough Timeline (mauiguide.com)
Canadian Airlines Still Struggling with On-time Performance
July 19, 2023
Shortage of air traffic controllers causing delays, cancellations in Canadian airports
Travel Industry Adapting As Use Of AI Tools Set To Boom
June 13, 2023
New Canadian Passport Design Includes Stronger Security Features
Canada Ranks 7th in World for “Most Beautiful Country”
Plus-Size Travellers Hit Out at ‘Discriminatory’ Airline Seat Policies
Air Canada Agrees To Compensate Pax After Thousands Delayed Due to Recent Tech Issues
Viking introduces its 10th ocean ship, the Saturn
May 9, 2023
Disney announces end of theme park reservations, return of dining plans.
U.S. to end vaccine requirements for Canadians at land border, international air travellers.
GTAA confident Pax will have a better experience at YYZ this summer.
April 6, 2023
Giant Sargassum ‘Blob’ Heading For Florida & The Caribbean
All NEXUS Enrolment Centres In Canadian Airports To Reopen
WestJet pilots to vote on strike action after talks stall
Spain extends free train ticket ‘scheme’ until December 2023, possibly longer
March 19, 2023
What makes Canadian plane tickets so expensive?
WestJet Acquisition Of Sunwing Approved
BMO Confirms Agreement to Acquire LoyaltyOne’s AIR MILES Reward Program Business
February 8, 2023
U.K. to require electronic travel authorization
Canada Jetlines Receives CTA Approval For Flights To Europe, Caribbean
Media Appearances
catch me on:
The Informed Traveler Podcast
Listen to weekly travel trends, news, tips and deals with Onanta Forbes.
Listen to the Latest
February 7
Cruising to the Canary Islands
January 31
Being active in the Canary Islands
January 25
Working Remotely
2026 Segment Archive
January 18
Worst Behaved Travellers
January 11
O Cruising Africa Part 2
January 4
O Cruising Africa Part 1
2025 Segment Archive
December 28
Travel Destinations for 2026
December 21
Travel Headlines of 2026
December 14
Travel News
December 3
Back to Jamaica
November 25
Best Cruise Line Survey
November 23
O in PVR
November 9
Hurricane Melissa
November 2
Guided Tours vs DIY
October 26
Dark Tourism
October 19
Travel News
October 12
WestJet in the News
October 5
When AI Goes Wrong
September 28
Boomer Grandparents Funding Trips
Onanta in Montreal
Onanta in Newfoundland
Slow Travel
Explora Journeys
Travel News
Fake News!
Multigenerational Travel
O Exploring the Comox Valley
Canada Strong Pass
How to Handle a Travel Disruption/Disaster
Concerns about Overtourism
Latest travel lingo
Sunwing Integration by WS
Travel Freebies
Cruise Ship Beverage Packages
Hotels for Dogs
Rail Travel
Woman Solo Travel Trend
Onanta in South Africa
U.S. Travel
March 16
Cruising with O – What to expect when travelling during Ramadan
March 14
Interview with Zandele onboard Holland America port shopping
March 9
Cruising with O – Highlights of Sri Lanka and the Maldives
March 2
Cruising with O – Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia
February 7
Onanta in Australia – part 2
February 2
Onanta on HAL’s Zuiderdam
January 31
Onanta in Australia – part 1
January 26
Cancun Taxi Issues
January 19
Hotel Brands – Vacation Stay Rentals
January 12
What Canadians need to know for travel in 2025
January 5
Travel Recap for 2024
2024 Segment Archive
December 28
Onanta in Antigua – Review of Hammock Cove
December 22
Frommer’s 2025 travel destinations picks
Travel Blunders
Air Canada News
What makes a good travel companion?
Group Travel
Expedia 2025 Travel Trends
96 hours in NYC
Onanta in Azores and Maderia
August 18
Fall Trends
O’s Cruise on The Douro
Human Trafficking
January 29
Travel Trends for 2024
January 21, 2024
Icon of the Seas
January 14, 2024
What to Do if you think severe weather will affect your travel plans.
2023 Segment Archive
December 29
Onanta on the Viking Sea in the West Indies
December 10
Tips for Holiday Travel
December 10
Bag Tracking Devices
December 3
Taxes
November 26
Travellers and Airline Woes
November 19
BHTP’s 15 Safest Places to Travel in 2024
November 12
Is Mexico getting more expensive?
October 29
Onanta in Los Cabos. Interview with Zitlaly Patron, Director of Sales and Marketing, Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa
October 22
Essential Travel Gadgets
October 8
Best and Worst Airports in the World
October 1
O’s Adventure in the British Isles
September 24
O’s adventures in the UK Part 3
September 10
Travel News
September 16
O’s adventures in Cornwall Part 2
September 10
O’s adventures in Cornwall Part 1
September 3
Choosing Your Next Destination
August 27
Dress So You Don’t Stand Out Like a Tourist
August 20
Update on Maui Fires
August 13
Farewell to Alaska and tips to book your Alaskan Cruise
August 6
O’s Alaskan Adventure – Part 2
July 30
O’s Alaskan Adventure – Part 1
July 23
AI in Travel
July 16
Cruise line stats
July 9
Jet lag
July 2
How much to tip
June 25
Dress code for flying?
June 18
Tips on getting through airport security
June 11
Travel solo.
June 4
Why are hotels so expensive now?
May 21 Part 2
Onanta in Mexico: On site at Secrets Impression Moxche, Playa del Carmen
May 21 Part 1
Onanta in Mexico: Live from the Fives Beach Hotel & Residence
May 7
Pros and Cons of All Inclusive vs European Plans
April 23
Travel Scams
April 16
Travel Freebies
April 9
Booking an All-inclusive Cruise
April 2
Strikes, Strikes, and more Strikes!
March 26
Travel Advisor vs DIY
March 19
Sticker Shock
March 5
Roaming Charges increasing!
February 26
Hello Hawaii. O’s Travel Log
February 19
Unruly passengers
February 12
Resort fees
January 29
When to Cruise
January 22
Air Service Cancellations
January 15
Travel Delays
December 22, 2025 on CTV News
The most wonderful (and busiest) time of year at Calgary International Airport
December 5, 2025 in Travel Week
Canadian Travel Advisors Like What They See in Ocho Rios with Sandals Resorts
Click here to read the article
November 11, 2025 on CTV News
Measles Elimination Status Lost and How It Could Affect Travel to Canada
Click here to watch the clip.
Aired November 11, 2025
August 7, 2025 on CTV News Calgary
Calgary man shocked after Air Miles ‘retired’ 25,000 points from his account.
Click here to watch the clip.
Aired August 7, 2025
April 16, 2025 on CTV News Calgary
Cost of Living Strains Eased By Lower Prices on Gas and Travel
As for travel prices declining, year-over-year StatsCan data shows prices for travel tours declined 4.7 per cent in March and air transportation prices fell 12 per cent. The drop in travel prices coincided with decreased Canadian air travel to the U.S. Onanta Forbes, travel expert at Travel Time Inc., says a quarter of their clients are looking at other destinations other than the United States. “The demand for travel is still high. People are just redirecting their funds and where they’re going to go, at the end of the day, because people still want to travel,” said Forbes.
Aired April 16, 2025
November 28, 2024 on CTV News Calgary
Backpacker hotspot Vang Vieng is in the spotlight following six deaths blamed on tainted alcohol. On tonight’s CTV Calgary and CTV National News with Kathy Le CTV and Sandie Rinaldo, I shared some insight on being aware of your surroundings.
Aired November 28, 2024
November 15, 2024 on CTV News Calgary
Low loonie sparks concerns for some Alberta businesses, celebration for others.
Aired November 15, 2024
July 17,2024 on CTV News Calgary
Seeking unique experiences and lasting memories.
Aired July 17, 2024
CTV News Calgary at 5 & 6
The cost of renting a car in Calgary and at destinations throughout North America has skyrocketed. What’s going on? To find out more check out this CTV News story to hear my thoughts on why prices are going up and the benefits of booking your car rental ahead of time.
March 8 on CTV News Calgary at 6
With the possibility of travel resuming, governments are weighing the idea of issuing vaccine passports. @CTVAlesia reports on CTV News Calgary at 6pm including some thoughts from me.
Aired March 8, 2021
Questions about travel with the new government rules for Canadians?
@CTVInaSidhu chatted with me about what Canadian travellers are asking to consider on CTV News Calgary at 6.
