Author: Helen Barklam
Helen Barklam
Helen is a journalist, writer and blogger with more than 25 years experience. Helen has worked in a wide range of different sectors, including health and wellness, sport, travel, digital marketing, home design and business and finance.
Air Canada has announced it will resume direct flights from London Heathrow to Ottawa starting on 31 March 2025. The new Air Canada flights, which are set to operate four times a week, is a welcome boost for both business and leisure travellers, offering a direct connection to Canada’s capital after years of limited access. This announcement signals the airline’s commitment to expanding its transatlantic routes and meeting the growing demand for seamless travel between the UK and Canada. As the gateway to one of Canada’s most culturally rich and scenic cities, this new direct service promises to make Ottawa…
The Redwood Art Group, a leading force in fine art exhibitions and event production across the United States, has confirmed its much-anticipated return to Miami’s Wynwood Arts District this December. Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami, two of the longest-running fairs of Miami Art Week, will once again set the stage at the MANA Wynwood Convention Center from 4th to 8th December 2024. Marking their 14th and 19th anniversaries respectively, Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami will offer “Two Fairs Under One Roof”, with both events hosted at the expansive 150,000-square-foot indoor venue. Situated in the heart of Wynwood, renowned…
Travel booking platform RateHawk has announced a key appointment as it strengthens its presence in the UK and Ireland. Iain Raeper has been named as the Area Manager for Scotland, joining RateHawk’s growing commercial team. Raeper brings more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, having held senior roles in sales, business development, and partnership building across major companies including If Only, EFR Travel Group, and ONEE Luxury Travel. In his new role, Raeper will focus on acquiring new clients, supporting key accounts, and fostering relationships within the travel trade in Scotland. Chantal Tomlinson, RateHawk’s Head of Business…
Central Park has been crowned the most Instagram-worthy location in New York City, with more than 8.76 million posts celebrating its scenic beauty and cultural significance. This iconic green space, a National Historic Landmark since 1962, has starred in more than 230 films, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) and 13 Going on 30 (2004). Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel has conducted a study analysing Instagram posts tagged at key NYC landmarks, revealing the top ten most picturesque locations. Taking second place is the dazzling Times Square, with over 5.39 million posts. Known for its neon…
Rome has emerged as the most sought-after destination for UK travellers, according to new research analysing online search trends. The study, conducted by Dubai Tours & Tickets, examined Google search data for 140 cities worldwide over the past 12 months. Using seven popular search terms, such as “vacations,” “flights,” and “trips,” the research revealed which cities are generating the most interest from British holidaymakers. Topping the list is Italy’s capital, Rome, with an average of 50,570 searches a month by UK residents. The search term “Flights to Rome” accounted for the lion’s share of this figure, with 32,883 searches, confirming…
Villa Sea Princess Nika, part of the Lošinj Hotels & Villas collection, has been named a finalist in the International Award category at The Brit List Awards 2024. This prestigious accolade, hosted by Hotel Designs, honours the most influential projects and individuals in global hospitality design. Located in the serene surroundings of Čikat Bay, Villa Sea Princess Nika is a newly constructed marvel, combining classical architecture with modern luxury. Spread across three floors, the villa features seven lavishly appointed bedrooms, each with its own en-suite, embellished with fine stones. The interiors are graced with bespoke Italian furnishings from Martini, handwoven…
There’s more to Florida than beaches, alligators and amusement parks. A new study has revealed the top state parks to visit this autumn, with Blue Spring State Park in Orange City taking the crown as the best in Florida. The study, conducted by Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal, analysed thousands of Tripadvisor reviews, ranking parks based on the percentage of ‘excellent’ ratings and the presence of positive feedback such as “clean,” “relaxing,” and “amazing views.” From hiking to kayaking, these parks offer memorable outdoor experiences, making them ideal for visitors seeking a nature-filled escape. Topping the list is Blue Spring…
AI voice technology is transforming the way travellers plan and book their trips, and Priceline’s Pennybot is at the forefront of this evolution. For years, online travel booking platforms have relied on manual inputs, forcing users to spend time typing and navigating through multiple screens. With the rise of conversational AI, this process is being streamlined, making travel booking faster, easier, and more personalised. Scott Dylan, a technology expert and founder of NexaTech Ventures, examines how Priceline’s Pennybot is reshaping the travel industry and what challenges still lie ahead for AI voice technology. The Role of Pennybot in Transforming Travel…
A new study has revealed that Boccadasse, a picturesque village in Genova, is Italy’s most Instagrammable hidden gem. With over 137,000 Instagram posts, this charming location has captured the hearts of visitors and photographers alike. The research, conducted by travel experts Florence Tickets and Tours, analysed Tripadvisor’s ‘hidden gems’ category for over 100 of Italy’s most popular cities. By counting the number of Instagram posts tagged with each location’s name, the study aimed to identify the most photogenic lesser-known destinations in the country. Boccadasse, a former mariners’ village nestled at the eastern end of Genova’s main promenade, took the top…
The Olive Tree Restaurant in Bath has become the proud recipient of Somerset’s only AA 4 Rosettes. This recognition adds to the restaurant’s Michelin star. Only five restaurants across the UK were awarded the coveted 4 Rosettes at a glittering ceremony for the AA Hospitality Awards. Set within the award-winning Queensberry Hotel, The Olive Tree remains Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, and with this new award, becomes the only venue in Somerset to hold this sought after 4 Rosettes distinction. The AA inspectors praised the restaurant’s “highly seasonal and reliably inventive British cuisine, exquisitely presented, with every dish a delight to…