By Michele Peterson
G Adventures expands Jane Goodall Collection
G Adventures is updating its exclusive Dr. Jane Goodall-endorsed collection of wildlife-focused tours for 2020 with adventures in Indonesia, Botswana, Belize, the Northwest U.S., mainland Ecuador, the Arctic and Antarctic, and more. The expansion adds 12 new tours to the Jane Goodall Collection (each selected with the endorsement of the non-profit Jane Goodall Institute of Canada) bringing the program of branded experiences to 20 trips in total. Since it launched, the Jane Goodall Collection has welcomed close to 15,000 travellers, raising awareness of the role people play in the well-being of animals and habitats. In 2015, Dr. Goodall gave her support to the G Adventures Animal Welfare policy which governs the small group tour operator’s more than 750 trips in more than 120 countries around the globe. gadventures.com
Havana celebrates 500th anniversary
Originally called San Cristobal de La Habana, the city of Havana, Cuba celebrates its 500th anniversary on November 16, 2019. In the 500 years since King Philip II of Spain granted Havana the title of city, Cuba’s capital has become the leading inbound centre for tourism on the island, itself home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, 14 national parks and 960 kilometres of white sand beaches. Anniversary celebrations include 4,500 renovation projects involving Havana’s historic buildings, businesses and landmarks including the lighthouse of the Morro Fortress and the iconic El Capitolio (National Capitol Building). Other highlights of the anniversary celebrations include the reopening of museums and attractions as well as special cultural events. gocuba.ca
Experience the magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
With its colourful lights, carollers, ice skating and festive fare, Christmas is a cheerful time of year at the Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, B.C. From the beginning of December to January 6, 2020 visitors can stroll through Butchart Gardens’ Twelve Days of Christmas display featuring greenery decked out with holly, ivy, winter berries and sparkling lights. Other yuletide traditions include skating on the outdoor rink, singing along with traditional carollers and listening to a brass band playing holiday classics. The festive spirit continues indoors with a seasonal afternoon tea featuring a selection of savoury and sweet treats or with hot chocolate and gingerbread by the crackling fire. butchartgardens.com
Soak-up sunshine in Panama City Beach, Florida
With the cold, dark temperatures of winter on the way, plan now to get some vitamin D — the sunshine vitamin— in Panama City Beach, Florida. Situated on the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and boasting 320 days of sunshine annually, Panama City Beach offers attractions for families, couples and groups including championship golf courses, luxury spas, sporting events, award-winning dining and diverse recreational activities. On the horizon for 2020 is the first condo construction to take place in Panama City Beach in 10 years. Calypso Resort and Towers’ Tower III will be located adjacent to Pier Park, offering striking Gulf views and convenient access to the beach, shopping and entertainment. It will also feature 250 executive units with both three-bedroom and one-bedroom floor plans. visitpanamacitybeach.com
Michele Peterson is an Ontario-based travel journalist who can be reached via michelepeterson.com
