About Rachell Cowan Canino

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Rachell Cowan Canino has created 3272 blog entries.

Top 10 Caribbean Countries In 2026

Top 10 Caribbean Countries In 2026 If you’re planning a Caribbean getaway in 2026, a new ranking of the region’s most beloved destinations offers inspiration for every kind of traveler. Based on traveler reviews and engagement on Tripadvisor’s Caribbean destinations page, Top – Caribbean, these are the Top 10 Caribbean countries for 2026: 1. Aruba – Sun, Sand and Top Traveler Ratings Aruba frequently tops Caribbean destination rankings, thanks to its year-round sunshine, pristine beaches such as Eagle Beach, and visitor experiences that earn it Best of the Best distinctions from travelers. Less than 1% of listings globally earn this level of recognition. 2. Cuba – Rich History and Vibrant Culture Cuba’s blend of historic cities like Havana, world-class music and vintage charm continues to captivate visitors. Whether you’re discovering colonial architecture or enjoying local cuisine, the island remains a stand-out choice for cultural travel. 3. Dominican Republic – Beaches, Resorts and [...]

By |2026-05-11T13:50:24-04:0011 de May de 2026|Tourism|Comments Off on Top 10 Caribbean Countries In 2026

Sargassum Season Impacting Mexico’s Most Popular Beaches

Sargassum Season Impacting Mexico's Most Popular Beaches Quintana Roo is responding to what will likely be another strong sargassum season as authorities collect 25,000 metric tons of the stuff, with Playa del Carmen issuing a “red alert” on April 30. Sargassum is a red-brown algae that blooms in the warm waters of the Caribbean. As the waters continue to warm from early spring through October, large clumps of it can wash ashore, from Florida to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. According to Mexico News Daily, fifteen of the hardest-hit beaches in northern Quintana Roo have been designated as “red zones,” with millions of metric tons of sargassum floating offshore. Officials expect a 25% to 30% increase in sargassum collection this year, compared to last season’s 96,000 metric tons. According to Monitoring Center Director Esteban Amaro, the season began three months early, in January 2026. “Since it started in January, three months earlier than usual, it [...]

By |2026-05-11T13:40:41-04:0011 de May de 2026|Tourism|Comments Off on Sargassum Season Impacting Mexico’s Most Popular Beaches

Caribbean Tourism Organization presents 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Award Winners

Caribbean Tourism Organization presents 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Award Winners On April 30, 2026, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) unveiled the winners of the 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards, spotlighting top-tier innovation in the region’s journey toward sustainable and regenerative tourism. Honorees from Belize, Guyana, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos Islands were recognized for their leadership in pioneering sustainable tourism practices that protect the Caribbean’s natural and cultural assets. Established in 2000, the awards honor individuals, organizations and destinations driving positive change through environmental stewardship, community empowerment, cultural preservation and climate resilience. This year’s winners underscore the Caribbean’s continued leadership in building a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector. The awards were presented during CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize, where regional leaders, industry stakeholders and international partners gathered to share best practices and advance the sustainability agenda. Representatives of the winning organizations were present to accept their awards, including Craig [...]

By |2026-05-11T13:36:41-04:0011 de May de 2026|Tourism|Comments Off on Caribbean Tourism Organization presents 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Award Winners

Cayo Blanco: Another paradise near Varadero

Cayo Blanco: Another paradise near Varadero Cayo Blanco By: Yoanna Cervera If you're in Varadero, Cuba's premier sun and beach destination, it's hard to leave the comfort of the sand. With 20 kilometers of coastline, every visitor finds their ideal spot, and it's difficult to be tempted away. However, just a 45-minute boat ride offers an experience worth setting aside a few hours for: discovering another nearby paradise. We're referring to Cayo Blanco, an uninhabited islet about 15 kilometers long and barely 500 meters wide, located in the Gulf of Cazones, east of Varadero. Its name says it all: the whiteness of its fine sand and its pristine beaches are the main attraction. The island is part of the Cayo Mono-Galindo Ecological Reserve, created in 2006 to protect its biodiversity. Mangroves, the Cuban iguana, and endangered species like black coral coexist. The excursion begins with hotel pick-up. From there, [...]

By |2026-05-11T12:10:23-04:0011 de May de 2026|Outstanding news, Tourism|Comments Off on Cayo Blanco: Another paradise near Varadero

Gran Caribe focuses on authentic experiences at FITCuba 2026

Gran Caribe focuses on authentic experiences at FITCuba 2026 By: Rachell Cowan Canino During the virtual sessions of FITCuba 2026, the Gran Caribe Hotel Group presented its philosophy centered on the authentic experience of the destination, going beyond figures and data. In a message addressed to industry professionals, the company emphasized that Cuba cannot be truly understood until it is felt, and that its facilities are vibrant platforms for culture, gastronomy, and the sea. Among the most prominent offerings, Gran Caribe highlighted three options that combine nature, privacy, and authenticity. The Villa Los Pinos houses, located on the spectacular beaches east of Havana, offer privacy, comfort, and proximity to the capital. The experience is unforgettable in this unique beach setting, with the sea breeze, tranquility, and family atmosphere. Escaleras de Jaruco was presented as a destination of nature, vastness, and biodiversity, where fresh air, adrenaline, and freedom transform a visit into [...]

By |2026-05-11T12:08:05-04:0011 de May de 2026|Outstanding news, Tourism|Comments Off on Gran Caribe focuses on authentic experiences at FITCuba 2026

109 visits to Cuba: The story of Ursula, a Canadian who found a second family in the Caribbean

109 visits to Cuba: The story of Ursula, a Canadian who found a second family in the Caribbean By: Rachell Cowan Canino /Photos: Courtesy of the interviewee Some travelers have been to Cuba once. Others, five times. Some, 20. And then there's Ursula Kunstmann. She is 88 years old, speaks three languages, for decades her husband (who passed away two years ago) was her travel companion, and today she has made 109 visits to Cuba. The first was in the early 1980s, when the country was just beginning to open up to international tourism and the hotels available to Canadians could be counted on one hand. That's why, when she says "we" in this interview, it should be understood as a plural that still holds memories. "Let's get started," she writes to me before we begin, with the modesty of someone apologizing for her English—it's her third language—and the patience of [...]

By |2026-05-11T14:01:21-04:0011 de May de 2026|Outstanding news, Tourism|Comments Off on 109 visits to Cuba: The story of Ursula, a Canadian who found a second family in the Caribbean

5 places to visit in Mexico if you like adventure, nature and fewer crowds

5 places to visit in Mexico if you like adventure, nature and fewer crowds Mexico News Daily CEO Travis Bembenek shares his favorite, under-the-radar travel picks to beat the crowds while enjoying the best of Mexico's natural wonders. (Gobierno de Mexico) I am often asked about my favorite places to travel. In general, I think a very good destination with fewer tourists is much better to visit than a “great spot” mobbed by people taking selfies. I might sound a bit dated in saying this, but travel in the social media era baffles me. I am often astonished at people who seem to care more about their selfie than actually looking at and enjoying the place they are visiting. So many times, I’ve seen people spend significant time and energy trying to get the perfect photo (with themselves in it), and then simply move on to the next selfie spot. In [...]

By |2026-05-04T12:03:15-04:004 de May de 2026|Tourism|Comments Off on 5 places to visit in Mexico if you like adventure, nature and fewer crowds

Spirit Airlines has shut down

Spirit Airlines has shut down It was something you’d always see on Google Flights. Punch in an itinerary — Fort Lauderdale to San Juan, Boston to Cancun. Among the rows of airfares, one was always at the top – the Spirit fare. It was almost universally the cheapest. Now, that line is gone. At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the rhythm has changed in a way you notice almost immediately. The departure boards that once cycled through a near-constant stream of Caribbean flights — San Juan, Punta Cana, Aruba, Santo Domingo — now show noticeable gaps where those routes used to sit, and travelers who once treated those flights as routine options are finding a very different set of choices when they search. Spirit Airlines shut down this weekend, and the air industry is now processing the departure. On May 2, the carrier began an immediate wind-down of all operations, canceling every flight in [...]

By |2026-05-04T11:59:30-04:004 de May de 2026|Transportation|Comments Off on Spirit Airlines has shut down

Iberostar Cuba to Showcase Latest Innovations at FITCuba 2026

Iberostar Cuba to Showcase Latest Innovations at FITCuba 2026 Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts is set to take a prominent role at the 44th International Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2026, unveiling a range of new offerings and significant discounts for travelers across its portfolio. According to a press release issued this Friday, the Mallorca-based chain is inviting guests to immerse themselves in the diverse rhythms of Cuba, with a particular focus on Varadero. As the island's premier seaside destination, Varadero will be the centerpiece of FITCuba, as this year’s fair is dedicated specifically to the "Sun and Beach" segment. One of the chain's newest highlights in this iconic resort town is the Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul, which has been under the company’s management since January 1st. This 814-room all-inclusive resort is undergoing a comprehensive transformation to strengthen its local and international standing. The strategic repositioning includes asset renovations, the integration of cutting-edge [...]

By |2026-05-04T11:57:19-04:004 de May de 2026|Tourism|Comments Off on Iberostar Cuba to Showcase Latest Innovations at FITCuba 2026

Haiti, Dominican Republic announce restoration of Shared Airspace

Haiti, Dominican Republic announce restoration of Shared Airspace Haiti and the Dominican Republic have restored access to their shared airspace, the two nations announced Friday, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough after months of deteriorating relations driven by surging gang violence and criminal territorial expansion across Haiti. The deal was formalized at a border industrial park, where delegations representing both governments put pen to paper. The closure had originally been imposed in 2024 on the orders of Dominican President Luis Abinader, a direct response to spiraling instability in Haiti — a nation that shares a 243-mile (391-kilometer) land border with the Dominican Republic. A joint communiqué outlined that the accord is designed to "facilitate mobility, boost economic relations, and strengthen ties between the two countries," with commercial flights expected to resume as early as May. Both delegations cited growing international engagement as a decisive factor behind the diplomatic thaw. In a formal [...]

By |2026-05-04T11:54:00-04:004 de May de 2026|Transportation|Comments Off on Haiti, Dominican Republic announce restoration of Shared Airspace
Go to Top