Now that cold Canadian winter weather is in sight there’s no better time to pack your bags and book a trip.
Preferably to somewhere hot.
But with so many incredible countries to choose from, deciding on a final destination can quickly become a challenge in itself.
See also
- You can fly non-stop from Toronto to Cancun for $310 return
- You can fly from Toronto to Thailand roundtrip for $650 this winter
- You can fly from Toronto to Vancouver for under $380 for the holidays
Thankfully, KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, has forecasted the trending destinations where Canadians will be traveling to this holiday season – so for those trying to decide where to go, use this as your travel inspiration.
It turns out, Canadians are taking more time off this year compared to 2016, and most of us Canucks are planning to enjoy an average of 13 days off over the upcoming holiday season.
“When it comes to Canadian travelers, one trend we continue to see every year is their love for warm weather destinations- especially during the holidays,” says David Solomito, VP of Brand Marketing North America.
“When we looked at the most popular destinations for Canadians over the holiday season, Florida was a clear favorite with three out of the top five destinations in the sunshine state which isn’t surprising given its sunny skies and proximity to the east coast of Canada.”
So where exactly are Canadians jetting off to this winter?
Montego Bay, Jamaica
According to KAYAK, Montego Bay ranked number one on the top ten trending holiday destinations for Canadian travelers with a 53 per cent increase in searches compared to 2016.
Kauai, Hawaii
The beautiful island of Kauai was the second most popular winter travel destination for Canadians and saw a 49 per cent increase in bookings since last year. Canadians looking to escape the winter cold and relax on a white sunny beach, this might be the spot for you.
São Paulo, Brazil
Third on the list was the multinational city of Sao Paulo, which is not only the largest city in South America, but it’s home to some of the world’s most incredible art and dining options.
Cancún, Mexico
For Canadians looking for more wallet-friendly options, Cancún is the perfect winter travel destinations. According to KAYAK, Mexico is offering some of the best travel deals for the holidays, especially for those looking for last-minute getaways.
Singapore, Singapore
Fifth on the list is Singapore, which saw a 41 per cent increase in bookings this year. This is the ideal spot for Canadians who are passionate foodies, as there’s a mindblowing foodie culture here with a variety of street vendor eats to Michelin star fine dining options.
Kingston, Jamaica
Home to white sandy beaches, friendly locals, and incredible local cuisine, Kingston, Jamaica is another great warm weather travel destination for Canadians to consider this winter.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Another wallet-friendly hot spot for Canadians is Puerto Vallarta, the vibrant Mexican resort town. You’ll never run out of things to do here, as it’s home to dozens of nightclubs, restaurants, art galleries and some of Mexico’s best beaches.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is always a popular travel destination for those on the west coast, and it’s a welcoming escape during the winter months. Spend your winter break exploring Old Vegas, eating your way along the strip, catching a few shoes and testing your luck at a few slot machines.
Lima, Peru
Lima is a fascinating city and a treasure trove of history. Home to archaeological sites, elegant cathedrals and opulent palaces dating from Spanish colonial times, Lima is the perfect destination for those looking to spend their winter break surrounded by incredible culture.
Barcelona, Spain
Wrapping up KAYAK’s list is none other than Barcelona. This beautiful seaside city is home to incredible architecture, endless culture and a world-class drinking and dining scene.
KAYAK’s winter travel hack
For those who decide to jet off this winter, KAYAK recommends leaving on a Friday and returning on a Monday, for both international and domestic flights. Friday is typically the cheapest day to travel compared to any other day in the week, with Monday being the cheapest return date.