With many Metro Vancouverites shifting their holiday plans away from the United States, a leading travel company has analyzed the new top destinations for travellers.
Flight Centre Canada has released data on the cities and countries with the most interest from folks living in the Great White North.
People flying from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) can visit many of the top Asian destinations for an even better deal, with top cities such as Bangkok costing less than other options on a direct flight with Air Canada.
Forty-two per cent of Canadians have expressed growing interest in the several destinations for family travel, "including experiences with a mix of adventure, nature, and cultural activities."
Popular options include:
- Nova Scotia (Cabot Trail & Peggy’s Cove) for scenic drives and whale watching
- Portugal (Lisbon & Algarve) for beaches, castles, and great food at "family-friendly" prices.
- Costa Rica for zip-lining, wildlife spotting, and beach adventures.
- Thailand (Chiang Mai & Phuket) for elephant sanctuaries and kid-friendly resorts.
- Mexico (Riviera Maya beyond the resorts) for cenotes, Mayan ruins, and interactive eco-parks.
- Ecuador (Quito & Amazon) for family-friendly wildlife adventures at reasonable prices.
Many Canadian travellers have a taste for the great outdoors, with 18 per cent of them seeking "thrilling destinations" for activities such as hiking, wildlife, and other outdoor experiences:
- Northwest Territories and Yukon - Travellers can see the bucket-list Aurora Borealis and go on Arctic wilderness adventures.
- Torres del Paine in Patagonia – Tourists can go on multi-day treks in stunning mountain scenery.
- Vietnam (Ha Giang loop and Sapa trekking) – These areas are ideal for motorbike routes and exploring rice terraces.
- Madagascar – The island has some of the world's most unique wildlife in its remote jungles.
- Norway (Lofoten Islands and Fjords) - The country has remote, stunning hikes and boat tours.
- Ecuador (Galápagos and Andean Highlands) – Travellers can go snorkelling with marine life and mountain trekking.
Most Canadians are budget-conscious while others are looking for luxury
Canadians are also looking for value when selecting their next destination. A whopping 96 per cent of Canucks prioritize costs when making their travel decisions, according to Flight Centre.
- Vietnam is lauded for its food, history, and vistas, with stays costing low prices.
- Mexico (Oaxaca and Guanajuato) is praised for its affordable culture, food, and day trips.
- Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) is considered Europe's top destination for value for food, wine, and scenery.
- Turkey (Istanbul and Cappadocia) is praised for its rich history and adventure at a low price.
- Colombia (Cartagena and Medellín) is another low-budget option, considered an "affordable tropical getaway with culture."
- Eastern European countries including Romania, Poland, and Hungary also made the low-budget list, coveted for "Fairytale towns" and castles for travellers on a budget.
Some travellers prefer a luxury option to a low-cost holiday. While they aren't the majority, 13 per cent of Canadian travellers look for "exclusive, high-end experiences with top-tier accommodations."
Examples of popular destinations include:
- Haida Gwaii - Travellers can stay in high-end eco-lodges with Indigenous cultural immersion.
- Torngat Mountains in Labrador - Visitors can take helicopter tours and luxury Arctic expeditions.
- Patagonia in Chile and Argentina - Travellers can enjoy luxury lodges with jaw-dropping mountain vistas.
- South Africa (Cape Winelands and Safari) – Travellers can see wildlife in private game reserves and stay in five-star lodges.
- Bali in Indonesia (luxury villas and wellness retreats) – Travellers can enjoy luxury accommodations "at a fraction of the cost of Europe."
- Maldives (overwater bungalows and private islands) – The Maldives is considered an "ultimate luxury escape" among sunny destinations.
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