Are you planning on packing your bags for a summer holiday? Some spots might be swarming with other Canadians.
Data from Google Flights reveals that the most-searched-for destination by Canadians for travel this summer is Paris. The French capital is consistently one of the world's most visited cities and one-way flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) started at a jaw-dropping $234 over the winter.
Travellers keen on snagging an Emily in Paris moment by the Eiffel Tower or journeying underground into the mysterious Paris Catacombs can still shave hundreds of dollars off the cost of a flight from YVR.
Paris will also host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, drawing even greater droves of tourists from around the world.
What other cities rank at the top of Canadian searches in Google Flights?
London, England also ranks high at the top of Google's search data. Thankfully, flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) are among the most affordable in Europe from YVR.
The English capital is home to many of the world's most recognizable attractions, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the National Gallery; it also offers expansive shopping options, a vibrant nightlife scene, and much more.
One-way flights from YVR to LHR started at $232 in January 2024 when WestJet dropped its prices.
Lisbon, Portugal is one of the world's fastest-growing tourist destinations. However, flights from YVR generally cost well over $1,000 round-trip, particularly over the summer. Flights under $1,000 aren't available until early October, starting around $900.
Japan continues to rank among the most highly sought-after travel spots for residents of the Great White North. Tokyo, its mesmerizing capital, offers everything from breathtaking temples and shrines to elevated dining experiences, exciting nightlife to peaceful gardens, and much more. Thanks to Zipair's new route from YVR, locals can enjoy round-trip, direct flights for a steal.
Rome, Italy rounds out the top five most searched cities by Canadians. Flights to the fascinating metropolis cost a pretty penny from YVR and there aren't direct options. Travellers will be hard-pressed to find round-trip airfare starting for under $1,000 at any time of year.
Are any trending destinations affordable or close to Vancouver?
Google Explore data says interest in “solo travel” hit an "all-time high in Canada in February 2024," with solo travellers keeping an eye on destinations like Vienna, Machu Picchu, Brussels, Vietnam, and Costa Rica.
Canadian couples had their eyes on romantic places like the Maldives, the Caribbean, Bora Bora, Cozumel, and Hawaii, while families were looking at Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Florida, Aruba, and Turks and Caicos.
While some of these destinations may seem exotic, packages to places like Costa Rica or round-trip flights from YVR to Turks and Caicos can be shockingly affordable.
But travellers aren't all planning trips far away.
According to Search trends, Niagara Falls and New York are the top trending “weekend getaway” destinations.
After New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando and Miami ranked in the top five trending destinations Canadians searched. All of these vibrant cities are serviced with ultra-cheap flights from YVR. Some of the round-trip options start at under $150.
Vancouver Island was also the top-searched destination for a “romantic getaway” in Canada.
The City of Vancouver was the top-searched spot Canadians searched to visit. (Maybe a staycation isn't so bad after all?)
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