Latest news with #EnjoyTravel
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
‘People are just scared': Timmins travel agent sees drop in U.S. bookings
While the United States was once a top travel destination for Canadians looking for sunshine, shopping, and seasonal escapes, those travel patterns are changing. According to Laurie Leonard, a senior corporate travel agent with Enjoy Travel in Timmins, American destinations just aren't drawing the same crowds anymore. 'I have noticed that my flights and stuff, even to Miami, Orlando, are not what it used to be. It's on a decline,' Leonard told TimminsToday. Leonard, who's been in the business for 25 years, said U.S. politics are a factor. 'When things started to go sideways with Trump being re-elected … and then when there was mention of tariffs, a lot of people took a step back,' she said. 'There seems to be a fear of tariffs. Just going to the States all in itself, the difference in the money, the safety issues, people just don't have the same feelings they used to.' Statistics Canada data show that in April, an estimated 4.5 million international arrivals — both returning Canadian residents and non-residents — entered Canada by air and automobile, marking a 15.2 per cent decrease compared to April 2024. It's the third straight month of year-over-year declines. Canadian-resident return trips from the U.S. by automobile fell to 1.2 million in April, a 35.2 per cent decrease compared to the same month in 2024. It marked the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year declines. Leonard said she's seen clients cancel pre-booked trips to the U.S. over what she calls a growing sense of uncertainty. Concerns range from fluctuating exchange rates to fears over border restrictions, particularly among snowbirds. 'One couple I had was concerned about talk that seasonal travellers would need to fill out extra forms and pay a new kind of tax. They just said no, we're not going to start paying extra fees,' she said. 'People I know have sold their mobile homes and aren't going back to the States to spend their winters like they were.' Leonard said she's had virtually no bookings for U.S. flights in the last two months, a dramatic change from past years. Instead, Canadians are looking elsewhere. Cruises, European getaways, and domestic trips are all on the rise. 'It's been a crazy, crazy season as far as destinations,' she said. 'I've had a lot of demand for cruises, and even more people are looking to travel within Canada. One family chose Lake Louise over a road trip in the States. The dad told me he'd rather keep his dollars in Canada.' There's also a subtle but growing shift in cruise habits. Where many clients once booked voyages out of Miami, more are now opting to sail from Vancouver, avoiding the U.S. altogether. 'An older client said, 'What if we travel to the States and then we can't get back into Canada?' It's the unknown. Trump comes up with the craziest stuff on a day-to-day basis. People are afraid of what might happen next,' Leonard said. While U.S. bookings are at a standstill, Leonard has also noticed a resurgence in another corner of the travel industry: the return of the travel agent. 'For a while, I saw younger people booking everything themselves online. But now they're realizing that if something goes wrong, they're on their own. Some of those sites are U.S.-based, and people don't want to deal with that anymore,' she said. 'Now they're coming back to the office, saying, 'I want a real person. I want someone to help me if something goes wrong.'' Leonard believes it would take a major political shift to reverse the current U.S. travel trend. 'For Trump not to be the president of the U.S., that's what it would take,' she said. 'People are just scared.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Popular Greenwich pub fights order to remove riverside seating
The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich is appealing an enforcement notice by Greenwich Council ordering the removal of its outdoor seating area which extends onto the Thames Path. The council argues that the pub's use of the riverside walkway for tables and chairs restricts access for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. It also claims the furniture adds visual clutter to the historic area, which sits within the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. The council said: 'We confident we'll find a sensible solution that doesn't stop people enjoying the pub's view, or using the Thames Path." The Trafalgar Tavern was built in 1837 and is a Grade II listed pub located directly on the River Thames. The venue's outdoor seating has long been a draw for locals and visitors, offering picturesque views across the water. It was recently named number 14 in Enjoy Travel's list of the 30 Best Beer Gardens in Great Britain with the extended seating along the Thames being a key highlight. The Trafalgar Tavern wrote on Facebook: 'Thank you to everyone who's voted for us as Best Beer Garden, Best Pub with Views and Best Pub to Sit Outside In – and to Enjoy Travel for naming us no.14 in their 30 Best Beer Gardens in Great Britain! 'It's an honour to be recognised for our riverside space – a spot enjoyed by generations and one of London's most iconic places for an al fresco pint by the Thames. 'Sadly, while visitors celebrate what makes the Trafalgar special, Greenwich Council has served an Enforcement Notice demanding we remove our outdoor seating, threatening a space that's brought joy to locals, tourists and the wider community for decades.' This section of seating is what is subject to the enforcement and is situated on a narrow part of the Thames Path which is a public right of way. The council says it has received complaints, and that the area must remain accessible to all users, including wheelchair users and people with pushchairs. Representations opposing the notice can be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate until June 12, 2025. Anyone wishing to comment must quote appeal reference APP/E5330/C/25/3364847 or case number 3364847. A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: 'We're really proud of Greenwich Town Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by millions of people every year. 'Tourists love the vibrant businesses and beautiful scenery, and we do too – that's why we're committed to making sure the area is as accessible as possible, for everyone to enjoy. "Whilst it's not always appropriate to comment on individual cases, we know that The Trafalgar Tavern is a much-loved, historic venue - but we have had some complaints about the extended outdoor seating onto the Thames Path, and so there needs to be a balance. 'The Thames Path is very narrow, and it's important that everyone can use it easily - including people in wheelchairs, the elderly or people with pushchairs. "There are planning policies in place that we need to follow, but we're confident we'll find a sensible solution that doesn't stop people enjoying the pub's view, or using the Thames Path."
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Britain's 30 best pub beer gardens in pictures – is one located near you?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN'S 30 best pub beer gardens ideal for sipping on a cold pint have been revealed. Nothing quite beats necking a glass or two of your favourite tipple in the sun, but some spots are worth going to more than others. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 21 There's nothing quite like sipping on a cold one on a sunny day Credit: Alamy has shared a list of the 30 best beer gardens across the UK well worth a visit. Punters can take a trip to The Bush Inn in St Hilary, south Wales, The Kingfisher in Bedford, or The Oast House in Manchester. We've listed off the top 10 to give you some inspiration ahead of the sunny weekend. 1. Lake View Garden Bar, Lake District 21 The lake View Garden Bar tops Enjoy Travel's list Credit: Topping Enjoy Travel's list is the Lake View Garden Bar in Bowness-on-Windermere. Found on the banks of the Lake District's largest lake, the elevated beer garden is the ideal location for spotting wildlife and catching some rays. It's situated slap bang in the centre of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty too. 2. The Treehouse, Alnwick 21 The Treehouse in Alnwick is ideal for those looking for an adventure Credit: Embrace your inner child and take a trip to The Treehouse in Alnwick, just south of Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Scottish border. The spot is located between Alnwick Castle, which was used to film scenes in the Harry Potter films, and stunning Alnwick Gardens. Punters can dine out in canopies at the tops of trees with the outer section of the pub lit up by fairy lights in the evening. 3. Fortune of War, Brighton 21 The Fortune of War is situated right on Brighton's seafront Credit: This historic pub in Sussex first opened during the latter half of the 1800s and is known for putting on jazz and reggae nights. Cheers and Beers: Europe's Top 8 Cities for Affordable Pints Punters can sip on a beverage at the seafront boozer and watch the sun set in the distance. There's a selection of pizzas and beers to choose from too. 4. The Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry 21 Take in picturesque views at this pub in Perthshire, Scotland Credit: This pub found in Perthshire, Scotland, was first built in the 18th century and first functioned as a mill. It even has a working waterwheel to this day. The beer garden is nestled to the side and back of the boozer, where customers can relax by the nearby stream. 5. The Wharf, Manchester 21 Lovers of a bit of hustle and bustle should take a trip to The Wharf in Manchester Credit: City dwellers will be a fan of The Wharf, which is located right in the centre of Manchester. The boozer comes with a bustling outdoor area which from time to time is home to live music performances. Sports lovers can take part in an old-school game of Boules as well. 6. The Victoria Arms, Old Marston 21 The Old Marston is found on the banks of the River Cherwell Credit: The Victoria Arms is based on the banks of the River Cherwell in Old Marston, Oxfordshire and dates back to the 16th century. Punters can take their pick from an array of hot food and soft and alcoholic drinks. The pub garden, backing onto the Cherwell River, also features a heated pergola, so is even worth a trip during the colder months. 7. The Black Bull, Yarm 21 The Black Bull has a massive beer garden with an array of seating to choose from Credit: The Black Bull is nestled in the market town of Yarm, North Yorkshire, with a huge beer garden on offer. Drinkers can take their pick from a range of seating including picnic-style benches to upmarket covered booths. The pub serves homemade food every day, as well as a range of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits. 8. The Pump House, Liverpool 21 The Pump House is the perfect stop for a Liverpool city break Credit: The Pump House is found in Liverpool's iconic docks offering some stunning views across the waterfront. After you've had a drink or two, the Tate Liverpool and Maritime Museum are just a few clicks away. 9. People's Park Tavern, Hackney 21 East London's People's Park Tavern is a leafy haven in the centre of the city Credit: Found in London's east end, the People's Park Tavern features one of the biggest and best beer gardens in the capital. The leafy spot is perfect for sipping on a cold one and is just a stone's throw from busy central London tourist spots. Punters can get to Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge in less than an hour. 10. Ben Nevis Inn, Fort William 21 Make a quick pit stop at the Ben Nevis Inn before or after scaling the famous mountain Credit: Based at the foot of Scotland's iconic Ben Nevis mountain, where better to drink in a glass of your favourite tipple than the Ben Nevis Inn. The pub was originally a stone-built barn to house cattle built in 1806 and is surrounded by miles of green fields. What other pubs made the list? Not making the top 10 list, but also featuring in Enjoy Travel's top 30 list were a host of pubs across the UK. The Oast House, Manchester, came 11th, known for its city centre location and surrounded by modern glass buildings. The Potting Shed, Crudwell, also featured in 15th, in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds and serving up delicious homemade food. Meanwhile, The Crown Inn, in the Lake District, sitting close by to Lake Ullswater, came in 21st. The Dove, in Hammersmith, London, featured in 24th, famed as the spot where a host of iconic bands have recorded live albums. The Canalhouse in Nottingham and Nag's Head in Malvern also came 28th and 30th in Enjoy Travel's top 30 list. See below for pictures of some of the other pub gardens that made the top 30 list. 21 The Oast House in Manchester is slap bang in the centre of the city Credit: 21 Sailor's Safety in Newport, Wales, sits right next to Pwllgwaelod Beach Credit: 21 Cutter's Wharf pub in Belfast is a perfect city centre pub Credit: 21 The George III Hotel in Penmaenpool is ideal if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle Credit: 21 The Dove in Hammersmith is perched on the bank of the Thames Credit: 21 This pub garden is next to the Lake Ullswater Credit: 21 Harry's Shack in Portstewart is the ideal haunt for some fish and chips Credit: 21 Enjoy a couple of drinks next to Loch Ness at The Dores Inn Credit: 21 The iconic Lion Inn in Blakey Ridge is popular among locals Credit: 21 The Potting Shed in Crudwell, the Cotswolds, has a pub garden well worth a visit Credit: Full list of pubs in Enjoy Travel's top 30 1. Lake View Garden Bar, Lake District 2. The Treehouse, Alnwick 3. Fortune of War, Brighton 4. The Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry 5. The Wharf, Manchester 6. The Victoria Arms, Old Marston 7. The Black Bull, Yarm 8. The Pump House, Liverpool 9. People's Park Tavern, Hackney 10. Ben Nevis Inn, Fort William 11. The Oast House, Manchester 12. Sailors' Safety, Newport 13. Cutter's Wharf, Belfast 14. Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich 15. The Potting Shed, Crudwell 16. The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge 17. The Dores Inn, Inverness 18. Dukes 92, Manchester 19. Harry's Shack, Portstewart 20. Crate Brewery, Hackney Wick 21. The Crown Inn, Lake District 22. The Kingfisher, Bedford 23. George III Hotel, Penmaenpool 24. The Dove, Hammersmith 25. Cold Town House, Edinburgh 26. The George & Dragon, Houghton 27. Urban Garden, Bournemouth 28. Canalhouse, Nottingham 29. The Bush Inn, St Hilary 30. The Nag's Head, Malvern Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? 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The Sun
08-05-2025
- The Sun
Britain's 30 best pub beer gardens in pictures – is one located near you?
BRITAIN'S 30 best pub beer gardens ideal for sipping on a cold pint have been revealed. Nothing quite beats necking a glass or two of your favourite tipple in the sun, but some spots are worth going to more than others. 21 has shared a list of the 30 best beer gardens across the UK well worth a visit. Punters can take a trip to The Bush Inn in St Hilary, south Wales, The Kingfisher in Bedford, or The Oast House in Manchester. We've listed off the top 10 to give you some inspiration ahead of the sunny weekend. 1. Lake View Garden Bar, Lake District 21 Topping Enjoy Travel's list is the Lake View Garden Bar in Bowness-on-Windermere. Found on the banks of the Lake District's largest lake, the elevated beer garden is the ideal location for spotting wildlife and catching some rays. It's situated slap bang in the centre of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty too. 2. The Treehouse, Alnwick 21 Embrace your inner child and take a trip to The Treehouse in Alnwick, just south of Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Scottish border. The spot is located between Alnwick Castle, which was used to film scenes in the Harry Potter films, and stunning Alnwick Gardens. Punters can dine out in canopies at the tops of trees with the outer section of the pub lit up by fairy lights in the evening. 3. Fortune of War, Brighton 21 This historic pub in Sussex first opened during the latter half of the 1800s and is known for putting on jazz and reggae nights. Cheers and Beers: Europe's Top 8 Cities for Affordable Pints Punters can sip on a beverage at the seafront boozer and watch the sun set in the distance. There's a selection of pizzas and beers to choose from too. 4. The Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry 21 This pub found in Perthshire, Scotland, was first built in the 18th century and first functioned as a mill. It even has a working waterwheel to this day. The beer garden is nestled to the side and back of the boozer, where customers can relax by the nearby stream. 5. The Wharf, Manchester 21 City dwellers will be a fan of The Wharf, which is located right in the centre of Manchester. The boozer comes with a bustling outdoor area which from time to time is home to live music performances. Sports lovers can take part in an old-school game of Boules as well. 6. The Victoria Arms, Old Marston 21 The Victoria Arms is based on the banks of the River Cherwell in Old Marston, Oxfordshire and dates back to the 16th century. Punters can take their pick from an array of hot food and soft and alcoholic drinks. The pub garden, backing onto the Cherwell River, also features a heated pergola, so is even worth a trip during the colder months. 7. The Black Bull, Yarm 21 The Black Bull is nestled in the market town of Yarm, North Yorkshire, with a huge beer garden on offer. Drinkers can take their pick from a range of seating including picnic-style benches to upmarket covered booths. The pub serves homemade food every day, as well as a range of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits. 8. The Pump House, Liverpool 21 The Pump House is found in Liverpool 's iconic docks offering some stunning views across the waterfront. After you've had a drink or two, the Tate Liverpool and Maritime Museum are just a few clicks away. 9. People's Park Tavern, Hackney 21 Found in London 's east end, the People's Park Tavern features one of the biggest and best beer gardens in the capital. The leafy spot is perfect for sipping on a cold one and is just a stone's throw from busy central London tourist spots. Punters can get to Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge in less than an hour. 10. Ben Nevis Inn, Fort William Based at the foot of Scotland 's iconic Ben Nevis mountain, where better to drink in a glass of your favourite tipple than the Ben Nevis Inn. The pub was originally a stone-built barn to house cattle built in 1806 and is surrounded by miles of green fields. What other pubs made the list? Not making the top 10 list, but also featuring in Enjoy Travel's top 30 list were a host of pubs across the UK. The Oast House, Manchester, came 11th, known for its city centre location and surrounded by modern glass buildings. The Potting Shed, Crudwell, also featured in 15th, in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds and serving up delicious homemade food. Meanwhile, The Crown Inn, in the Lake District, sitting close by to Lake Ullswater, came in 21st. The Dove, in Hammersmith, London, featured in 24th, famed as the spot where a host of iconic bands have recorded live albums. The Canalhouse in Nottingham and Nag's Head in Malvern also came 28th and 30th in Enjoy Travel's top 30 list. See below for pictures of some of the other pub gardens that made the top 30 list. 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 Full list of pubs in Enjoy Travel's top 30 1. Lake View Garden Bar, Lake District 2. The Treehouse, Alnwick 3. Fortune of War, Brighton 4. The Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry 5. The Wharf, Manchester 6. The Victoria Arms, Old Marston 7. The Black Bull, Yarm 8. The Pump House, Liverpool 9. People's Park Tavern, Hackney 10. Ben Nevis Inn, Fort William 11. The Oast House, Manchester 12. Sailors' Safety, Newport 13. Cutter's Wharf, Belfast 14. Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich 15. The Potting Shed, Crudwell 16. The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge 17. The Dores Inn, Inverness 18. Dukes 92, Manchester 19. Harry's Shack, Portstewart 20. Crate Brewery, Hackney Wick 21. The Crown Inn, Lake District 22. The Kingfisher, Bedford 23. George III Hotel, Penmaenpool 24. The Dove, Hammersmith 25. Cold Town House, Edinburgh 26. The George & Dragon, Houghton 27. Urban Garden, Bournemouth 28. Canalhouse, Nottingham 29. The Bush Inn, St Hilary 30. The Nag's Head, Malvern .
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Scottish road trip named among 30 'best places to visit before you die'
Scotland's North Coast 500 has been named one of the top places to visit before you die, alongside sites like Pompeii and Petra. Launched in 2015 by the North Highland Initiative, the loop which starts and ends at Inverness Castle has been described as 'Scotland's Route 66'. While acknowledging that the route is 'technically not a destination', Enjoy Travel put it 11th on its list. The website says: "Driving the North Coast 500 is an outstanding way to explore Scotland. The wild northern coastline, eye-popping views, ancient castles, country pubs and traditional villages make this road trip an adventure to remember. Read More: 'Bunch of f******': Anger as Youtuber lollipop man stunt holds up traffic on A9 More than 50 motorists caught in NC500 speeding blitz North Coast 500 motorhome ban moves closer after council committee decision "Wind through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, basking in the desolation, save for sparsely located country house hotels. The jaw-dropping odyssey is the UK's best road trip, spanning 516 miles and taking an average of 7 days." The NC500 joins some of the world's most famous sights on the list. Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, is also included as are the Grand Canyon, Petra, and the Great Wall of China. 30) Lapland, Finaldn 29) Banff National Park, Canada 28) Pompeii, Italy 27) Table Mountain, South Africa 26) Khao Sok National Park, Thailand 25) Acropolis, Greece 24) Grand Canyon, USA 23) Socotra, Yemen 22) Erg Chebbi, Morocco 21) Wulingyuan, China 20) Sandwich Harbour, Namibia 19) Pico do Ariero, Portugal 18) Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia 17) Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 16) Hà Giang, Vietnam 15) Raja Ampat, Indonesia 14) Iguazú Falls, Argentina & Brazil 13) Cappadocia, Türkiye 12) Whitsundays, Australia 11) North Coast 500, Scotland 10) The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador 9) Rio carnival, Brazil 8) Mount Fuji, Japan 7) Pyramids of Giza, Egypt 6) Great Wall of China, China 5) Okavango Delta, Bostwana 4) Geirangerfjord, Norway 3) Petra, Jordan 2) Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan 1) Sólheimajökull Glacier, Iceland
