Last Updated on November 15, 2024 by tripcentral
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1. African Safari
Time of year, animal preferences & more (wine, beach, geography) will determine when & where you should go (Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, etc)
Safaris provide unparalleled opportunities to see Africa’s “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in their natural habitats and explore some of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The convenience and structure will give you peace of mind. Several top destinations are known for their incredible wildlife, diverse landscapes, and unique safari experiences. Kenya and Tanzania are two of the most iconic safari destinations. Flights from Canada to Kenya and Tanzania typically involve one or more layovers, as there are no direct flights from Canadian cities to Nairobi (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). Flights from major Canadian hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal usually take between 17 to 25 hours, depending on layover duration and route. Kenya is home to the Masai Mara, famous for its incredible wildlife sightings. Visitors can also experience cultural encounters with the Maasai people and see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino). A visit to Amboseli National Park allows views of Mount Kilimanjaro. On a Tanzanian safari, for those looking for a challenge, guided hikes can take you up its slopes. Spend the night at a lodge by a watering hole. Have a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be awoken at night by a small bell allowing guests, in a hidden blind, the opportunity to view the animals up close. A top highlight in Kenya & Tanzania would be The Great Migration (Jul-Oct) when herds of animals, wildebeests, and zebras, travel north in search of better grazing grounds and water sources. This is also the most popular time of the year to visit. January to March is also a good time to consider and it is also the dry season with fewer tourists. A perfect add-on to your Safari is a stopover in Mombasa, Kenya’s vibrant coastal city. It is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili-Arabic heritage. Mombasa offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. The best time to visit Mombasa is during the dry seasons, from December to March and July to October. As African safaris are, in most cases, a bucket list experience, an escorted tour of Kenya or Kenya & Tanzania is the best way to ensure you don’t miss key experiences and learn from experts who can guide you safely through the bush. South Africa is another very popular destination for an African Safari. Flights from Canada to Johannesburg or Cape town in South Africa typically require one or more layovers, as there are no direct flights from Canadian cities. Depending on the number of stops and the length of layovers, total travel time ranges from approximately 16 to 24 hours. South Africa combines world-class wine regions, stunning coastlines, and breathtaking safari experiences. The Kruger National Park is the country’s flagship safari destination offering the opportunity to spot the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. It is ideal for first-time safari-goers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. For travelers seeking a combination of wine tasting and safari, South Africa is one of the few countries where you can experience both with ease. Many escorted tours will offer both in one trip. A popular itinerary begins in Cape Town, where travelers can explore the city and nearby Winelands, followed by a journey to the Eastern Cape or up north to Kruger National Park. After savoring wine country, a short domestic flight can transport you to a safari lodge within a matter of hours, making the transition from vineyard to savanna seamless. The best time to visit South Africa for wine and safari is during the dry season, from May to October.
Canadian Citizens require a VISA for travel
2. Morocco
Featuring a kaleidoscope of colours, unique architecture and shopping. Experience both desert and sea as you embrace the welcoming Islamic culture, food & music.
Morocco is an adventure that’s a little different, and easy to get to with short flights, similar in time of those to Europe, and non-stop options from Montreal and Toronto to Casablanca and Marrakech. It’s becoming an increasingly popular destination—especially for Quebecers and now more travelers from across Canada are discovering the unique charm and unforgettable experiences that only Morocco offers.
Morocco is a fantastic alternative to a spring or fall getaway in the Caribbean or Mexico. For the best experience, plan for at least a week to ten days to dive into this magical country. Guided coach or private tours are ideal for covering all the highlights, as the distances between cities like Casablanca, Fez, the Sahara Desert, and Marrakech can be a bit long.
The markets, medinas, palaces—each offers unique, authentic Moroccan experiences! Stay in a charming Riad, ride a camel, or take a 4-wheeler out to your luxury tent for an unforgettable night under the stars in the Sahara. These are experiences you won’t want to miss!
Many tours blend Morocco with Spain and Portugal for a taste of Morocco. For cruise lovers there are several Mediterranean and Atlantic itineraries that include featured stops in Morocco. These stops will give you a glimpse of Morocco’s charm, culture, sample some local dishes and quickly soak up the vibrant atmosphere – al within a day long excursion!
No visa is needed for Canadians travelling to Morocco – just a Canadian passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
3. Egypt
One of the cradles of civilization, 7 wonders of the world, architectural mystery, history and antiquities. A Nile cruise to Aswan and Luxor.
Egypt’s tourism suffered, particularly amongst the relatively few North American travelers, after the Arab Spring from 2011-2013. Overall, tourism fell by about 1/3. It has now recovered to the number of tourists in 2023 vs 2010. Safety is an issue in Egypt, and why taking a tour of Egypt is really the only way to go. This is not a “wing it” destination. To say you will feel uncomfortable in Cairo on you own, meandering about is an understatement. Unless you speak the language and know the customs, you are far better to stick with a big names in coach touring. The coach tour companies also sell Nile river cruises. The exception to taking a tour would be a Nile river cruise offered by a western cruise line and a pre-post stay purchase through the cruise line with representatives in the hotels they sell. For a taste of Egypt, there are some Mediterranean itineraries that call on Alexandria and a small number to Port Said (Cairo), where you could experience the highlights for a day. Nile River cruises are pricey. The ships are half the size, they are a luxurious offering, and include excursions. They have limited supply, high demand, and many logistical and operational challenges with infrastructure, water levels and security measures. You want to visit Egypt to see the antiquities and immerse yourself in its history, and because it is in limited supply, it is offered in a luxury manner rather than mass market. Everyone dreams of visiting the pyramids, Luxor, and meandering down the Nile – being Cleopatra for a day in a luxury spa on a river cruise. And that’s an amazing but expensive endeavor! If you strictly want to see the Pyramids and Alexandria, you can pick up a winter season quick 5 night tour while you are in the Mediterranean neighborhood. It is hot hot hot in the summer, so most people like to travel December to February for milder weather. It gets as hot as you will want it in March and April, and you should probably avoid May-Oct. There are beach areas along the Red Sea, popular with Europeans, but less common for Canadians, also because we have so many closer beach destinations to choose from than flying all the way to Egypt. That said, a custom itinerary could end with a beach stay bolted on to an off the shelf tour or cruise.
Canadian Citizens require a VISA for travel
4. Japan
Tokyo is a large, modern, clean, pulsating city. Venture out for immaculate ancient sites, landscape, Mt Fuji. Unique food and culture.
Hold on to your wallet, but it’s worth it. This is a highly dense, modern, and urban destination, with the price tag that goes with it. The experience has people raving for years after. Clean, modern, ancient, interesting, busy, serene, culture shock – all words describe a trip to Japan. A tour is a great way to experience Japan with less culture shock and worry about language. Many Canadians are intimidated by our own big cities, or places like New York or London. This is even another level up. Many Canadians visit Japan by extending a business stay. Others have some connection and reason to visit. For pure holidays, this is expensive, far, and exotic. There are cruises that sail from Tokyo and Osaka or ending there, so a pre or post stay for a cruise is a great way to see Japan. These cruises attract a majority of Asian clientele making your cruise experience not the same as your typical Caribbean cruise. The language and food is often adapted to a local clientele. A cruise is a great way to see Asia – from the familiarity of Western food and accommodations, Americans, Canadians and Brits, mixed with a good dose of Japanese. These cruises are often one way, sailing between ports such as Tokyo and Singapore. Popular times for visiting Japan are our spring and fall, with summer being warmer and more humid than Canada. Winter is milder, cheaper for sure but still cold. The distance, even from Vancouver, makes Japan a two week trip for most, or in combination with other points in Asia for a longer trip.
5. Thailand
Warm & welcoming weather & people, beaches, & food. Buddhist culture & history, forest. A perfect introduction to Asia for the Caribbean tired.
A “must do”, especially if you love Thai food and a sunny vacation. Once you are there, Thailand is affordable, welcoming, interesting, and has warm weather. Best time to visit is November through February when it’s warm 28C to 32C in Bangkok and 15C to 20C in the north like Chiang Mai. March and April are warmer with more humidity, and the rainy season is May to October, with the most rain occurring August to October. A classic Thailand tour would involve 3 nights in Bangkok and perhaps a beach stay 2-3 hours away from Bangkok. The most popular is Pattaya (lively, nightlife, watersports) or Jomtien Beach (family friendly) or many others 2-4 hours from the city. A flight up to Chaing Mai for a few nights will bring rolling hills of thick forested areas, temples, and a deeper dive into a slower Thai culture. Another short flight can take you to Phuket, an island in the Indian Ocean, where you can choose resorts that are more isolated or closer to the bustling tourist area loaded with shops, nightlife, and entertainment. Taking a tour of Thailand is a great way to see more of the country, its antiquities, its culture. Multi country tours including Cambodia and Laos are also an option for those who have been before or looking for a longer trip. You need a couple of weeks to make the long flight worth it. There are a small number of cruises that sail from Laem Chabang, near Pattaya, or that disembark there. Visiting Thailand on a cruise stop as part of a larger itinerary really only gives a cursory view, and Bangkok itself is a 90 minute drive from the port. Flights to Bangkok from Canada are now augmented by Air Canada returning direct flights from Vancouver, but one may find connections through other Asian countries more affordable. A visa is not needed for a connection of less than 24 hours through China, as many of these carriers have competitive fares. Thailand is not a place to rent a car, and self-exploration without a tour is not wise unless you are highly adventurous. English is not widely spoken outside of front desks and tour guides.
Ancient rural living along the Mekong river, to teeming cities. A nation survived French colonialism & 20th century conflict – culture intact.
6. Vietnam
Ancient rural living along the Mekong river, to teeming cities. A nation survived French colonialism & 20th century conflict – culture intact.
For many Canadians, a trip to Vietnam will be about as exotic as it gets. This proud country is a two week trip in itself, although some may explore parts of in conjunction with other parts of Southeast Asia. For most, a tour of Vietnam is the best way. An English speaking tour director along with English speaking local guides, coach transportation, accommodation, entrance fees, and many meals, makes this a worry free way to see the country without the hurdles of language and the unknown. This is not a “wing it” destination. If one were to drive from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh city in the south, it would take 30-35 hours over 1700km. Flying time is 2 hours. A cruise along the Mekong river can vary in quality, with most western run cruise companies doing it in luxury. The Mekong ships are smaller than European river cruise ships. The pace is slow, and the scenery more rural than river cruising in Europe. The country is “behind” in economic development and tourism infrastructure, but quickly catching up. As such, its cities look somewhat like Bangkok did 20+ years ago, with a mix of old and new buildings, and a chaotic mix of motorbikes. The culture is unique, with French colonial influence still present in the cuisine, street food, and local customs. The north of Vietnam (Hanoi) has four seasons, with daytime temperatures between 10C-20C in winter, dipping occasionally to near freezing at night. Summer (May to August) is hot and humid, and rainy season in July and August. In the south (Ho Chi Minh or Saigon), the dry season is Dec to Apr with temperatures 25C-35C, March and April being the hottest months. Rainy season really kicks in June to September. Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An) has dry season Feb to Aug with hot temperatures 30-35C. Rainy season is Sept to January with very heavy rains in October and November. As such, Vietnam is a complex destination and why taking escorted tours makes the most sense. There are cruises that stop in various ports in Vietnam, which may be a good way to introduce it for a further in depth touring experience. Few cruise ships embark or disembark from Vietnam, other than the Mekong river cruises. While it is possible for us to customize a trip to Vietnam, it is not common, with most Canadians opting for a fully escorted experience.
Canadian Citizens require a VISA for travel
7. Turkey
Fascinating street life, amazing food & hospitality, vibrant markets teeming with spectacular displays and people watching. Weather & history.
If you like good, hearty, tasty food, warm people, good weather, antiquities, and a dash of exotic culture, Turkey delivers in many ways. It is also very affordable once you get there. The best way to see all it has to offer is with a full tour of Turkey. This is not a place to rent a car and venture on your own. Istanbul is an easy pre cruise stay or post cruise stay, and many Mediterranean and worldwide itineraries embark or disembark here. It is a big city with a lot to see. Plan on 3 nights or 2 nights without jet lag. The city is compact and walkable. It is teeming with street life, nightlife, shopping, restaurants and sights. Beyond Istanbul, many cruise lines make stops in Turkey, the most popular of which is Kusadasi, offering a lovely seaside setting, ancient history and cultural experiences. Cruise stops in Turkey are almost a tease, beckoning visitors to return. English is well spoken in tourist settings, but amongst the population, it can be a challenge. The universal hand gestures do work. It is very hot in the mid of summer. Visit Turkey in the spring and fall to have less stifling heat and a more enjoyable experience.
8. Dubai
A trading hub transformed into luxury, witness diversification from oil into an urban spectacle of high-end hotels and luxury shopping.
The best way to explore Dubai is as a stopover to an exotic destination beyond. There are direct flights from Toronto, so stopping for a few days to break up the trip is perfect. This is a modern city, striving to be even more modern and more luxury. If you like high end shopping, gleaming modern buildings and cityscape, amazing weather, stop in Dubai. It is very hot in the summer – stifling. It is pleasant during winter and pools are heated. The sun is striking! A variety of exotic cruises sail from Dubai or sail into Dubai, making it an excellent pre or post stay. Overall, if you need to travel to the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or the Indian sub-continent, paying a little more for a manufactured stopover in Dubai is the best way for Canadians to knock this off the bucket list. Or that exotic cruise that would otherwise look too exotic for you, a pre or post-stay in modern Dubai is a fabulous contrast. 3 or 4 nights in conjunction with a stop or a cruise pre or post will do it.
Canadian Citizens require a VISA for travel
9. Ireland
Experience cultural connection to North America, stunning seaside cliffs, rolling landscape, lively pubs, literary & historic landmarks.
6 hours away, a founding mix in North American culture, Ireland’s landscape mirrors Canada’s eastern coast. The key to a great visit is getting around to see the sites in the country and seaside as well as experiencing the people. This is best done by a tour of Ireland, or by renting a car and self-exploration. Driving on the left on narrow winding roads is not for everyone, nor is planning out the itinerary, so while touring has some initial sticker shock, remember this is accommodations, a tour director, local guides, shared transportation throughout, entrance fees, and some meals. There are some vacation packages to Ireland offered that include airfare, transfers and tours, or car rentals worth looking at. Cruises sail from Ireland and also sail to Ireland. Some cruises explore the British Isles and a few ports in Ireland or en route during a transatlantic cruise. It’s possible to book flights to Dublin or Shannon, arrange a car rental and accommodation and do a self exploration based on a tour itinerary that you like. We can help you put it together in advance. Spring, summer, and early fall are the most popular times to explore Ireland. Winter is milder than Canada and great deals can be had if you don’t mind the cold and gloomy sky. The six hour flight makes a week a possibility, but most visit for more than a week or in combination with British Iles or a pre or post cruise stay.
10. Portugal
Colonial history, tiled sidewalks of Lisbon, street life, buildings. Relax seaside & beaches in sunny Algarve. Wine in Porto & Duoro.
Portugal offers four season travel to Canadians, but spring, summer and fall are most popular. Winter in the Algarve is better than home, with above freezing and low teens temperatures and sunny skies – perfectly fine if you are not expecting swimming weather. Tours of Portugal are offered as short highlights, in depth tours, or combined with Spain and Morocco. A warning that a tour of Spain and Portugal, popular decades ago, really hits only the highlights and leaves one wanting more of both. Flights to Lisbon are offered year round but increase during spring through fall. We have vacation packages to Portugal that bundle flights, accommodations and tours or car rental. If you are doing only a city stay in Lisbon, a car rental is not necessary, but getting out and beyond is best by tour or car. Driving is not difficult outside Lisbon (they drive on the right and signage and driving culture is easy). If you are thinking of visiting the Azores, it’s really a separate trip. These islands are home to the ancestors of many Portuguese Canadians, and spring and summer direct flights offer an easy 5 or 6 hour flight to these isolated Atlantic Islands. Repeat travelers may fly into Porto instead of Lisbon for a more focused stay, but the limited direct service has most opting for direct flights to Lisbon and driving or touring to Porto. Many cruises sail from Portugal, or start elsewhere and end in Portugal making this a wonderful pre or post cruise stay. Some transatlantic cruises offer fabulous value and a wonderful way to explore Portugal as a pre cruise stay sailing back in the fall, or a post cruise stay sailing over in the spring. As well as ocean cruises, Portugal offers river cruises on the Duoro.
11. United Kingdom
Beyond London, family heritage perhaps, ancient, Roman, Celtic & British history. Quaint towns & villages namesakes for North America. Seaside.
There are many non-stop flights to the UK including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Glasgow. Seasonally, you may find additional non-stops to smaller airports, but less than their used to be. Much of the post war visiting friends and relatives traffic between Canada and the UK has vanished as the generations got older. Nevertheless, there are still many family connections and heritage where Canadians want to explore the UK beyond London or other big cities. A tour of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or some combination is a popular and relaxing way to do this. Your shared transportation, lack of driving on the left, accommodations, tour director, local guides, entrance fees and some meals are all included in the price of tours. There are many cruises that sail from the UK or end into the UK as well as British Isles cruises where the majority of ports of call are in the UK. It is also possible to book flights and accommodation separately and use rail or car rental, but this is more logistics and planning.
12. France
Get out of Paris! Normandy for WW2 history, Bordeaux for wine, Cote d’Azur for warm seaside, or drive around Provence. Multiple trips ideally.
France can be pricey. Keep this in mind when looking at tours of France versus other lower cost countries. Distances can be large, accommodations more expensive, as well as restaurants. That said, service is good, and everything clean and reliable, even in the 3 star category. We have vacation packages in France that bundle flights with accommodations and touring designed to give great value. Driving outside Paris is fine, as it is right hand side, well signed, and we are trained with some French signs! Navigating other large cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Nice can still be nerve racking for most tourists. English is not a problem in tourist areas and young people understand and speak it well. Exploring beyond Paris involves a lot of distance which is why tours and car rentals are best, allowing stops between major cities, unlike trains that tend to be city centre to city centre. There are many cruises that sail from France or to France, such as Marseille, Bordeaux, and Nice to name a few ports aside from Le Havre and Cherbourg closer to Paris. Most Canadians visiting France will exceed a week, unless in conjunction with another European country. In general, a two week stay in Europe is common, and France combines well with many countries such as England, Holland and Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy or Switzerland.
13. Spain
A tourism giant offering diversity: warm beaches, relaxed days & lively nights in Costa Del Sol & the culture of Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville.
The most frequent flights to Spain are into Barcelona (where many cruise ships sail) and Madrid. Other cities in Spain will require connecting flights. Tours of Spain are a great way to see the highlights and really explore the diverse regions and cultures in Spain. Most European tourists will explore Spain region by region, but our longer flight means a preference for seeing more regions. Costa Del Sol is along the south coast and offers many beach hotels along the Mediterranean. Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville offer more culture. We have vacation packages to Spain that include airfare, transfers, accommodations and some touring. Most Canadians visit for 10 to 14 days or more if concentrating only on Spain. There are many cruises that sail from Spain, including Barcelona, Valencia and more. These can be round trip cruises or one way cruises from other cities in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe, as well as seasonal repositioning cruises from the Caribbean and North America in the spring or back in the fall. If you combine a transatlantic cruise starting or ending in Spain, one might explore the Canary Islands and other interesting ports while extending the stay in Spain. Winters are mild in Costa del Sol, but warm enough for swimming in the spring, summer and fall. It is hot hot hot in the summer months, making Spain more attractive in the spring and fall, unless you are seeking the beach in the Costa del Sol.
14. Rhine River Cruise
Endless castles, picture perfect towns & villages, wine, shopping, all at a relaxing pace & unique river perspective that’s not possible by car.
There’s a period of cruising on the Rhine where breathtaking views of castle after castle form the highlight of any Rhine river cruise, no matter how long a duration. Working from this highlight out, you can take short cruises, one week cruises, or longer in conjunction with other European Rivers. Amsterdam and points in Germany are common starting and ending points, other than itineraries further away in Switzerland or along the Danube. If you have to pick only one European river cruise, the Rhine is a safe recommendation. It’s accessible and easy to package with a pre or post stay in Germany or Holland, including a great pre-post stay to visiting friends and family, a conference or business trip. Sticker shock is often attached to the price of these cruises. Remember, these are EU countries with EU labour laws. Meals are excellent and fully inclusive. Wine and beer are included with meals. Ships dock centre city, which is not cheap, but also offer easy access to explore town and city centres without additional taxi fares. Many river cruise companies include excursions in their price, some in every port, and some with free bike rentals. The business model of river cruising does not include gambling, retail and other money making business found on ocean ships. Even the bar is quieter, with many going to bed relatively early after a full day of touring. This is a civilized way to see the city centre of many European cities otherwise only attainable by car rental or coach tour, and, no packing and unpacking while changing hotels! Rhine river cruises run almost year round with even some clever Christmas marketing. Generally, Canadians prefer to visit in spring, summer or fall. These ships are small and in demand, so booking early is critical.
15. Amalfi Coast
Cliffside cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants & cafes. Stunning views of the Mediterranean. A boat trip to isle of Capri. Combine with Rome.
The Amalfi coast is magical. If you love walking, viewing the seaside from cliffside vistas, enjoying restaurants and cafes, you’ll love this seaside Italian experience. Something about it just slows you down. Most common for Canadians is to take a tour of Italy that includes a visit to the Amalfi coast. You can concentrate on this area for a more regional tour than trying to see too much in Italy. Coach operators have the advantage of buying power of hotels and the shared nature of the transportation, host and guide, make this a great way to see the area. You’ll relax vs driving tight streets and relatively congested traffic, and finding parking. Rental cars are the other way, but you need to be prepared to plan and invest time in navigating and parking. The drive is 4ish hours from Rome airport. Accommodation here can be very basic or outlandish – there is quite an extreme for quality and view. Spring and Fall are great times to travel to Amalfi to avoid very hot weather and crowds in the peak summer holidays. Winter is an option – it generally stays above freezing but December and January can be rainy. There are many towns to explore such as Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and many more. And of course, there’s the magical visit to the Isle of Capri, visible along the Amalfi coast. Smaller niche cruise lines may start and end in Amalfi, but these are pricey and rare. Many visit Amalfi on a cruise stop which just scratches the surface, but, this cruise stop is better than never, and you can decide for yourself to return.
16. Iceland
Geography on steroids. Volcanoes, geysers, stunning craggy scenery. Midnight sun in summer, Aurora Borealis in winter. 5.5 hours from Toronto.
The flights to Iceland are only a bit longer than Vancouver or Los Angeles, and what a world of difference. You can book a tour of Iceland and compare various operators on our website, or, use these tours as a guideline for what you’d want to do locally if you drove yourself. Another option is to stay in Reykjavik and do day tours from a city hotel. The distances covered will be shorter – you’ll see highlights, but less remote attractions vs a tour. Cruise ships visit Iceland, some on just a single stop to and from Europe and the US, or some with a couple stops and other sites such as Greenland and more. Canadians are used to winter driving, but visiting during the winter months can be difficult for driving and the sun sets very early. Pricing is very low during winter and a great way to explore its winter life, if you like that kind of thing, but most Canadians visit during Spring and Summer.
17. The Alps
Picture perfect villages nestled in these storied mountains, best explored by car from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France or Italy.
The Alpine countries are all highly developed high-cost tourism destinations. Be prepared for some sticker shock when looking at tours in Switzerland or the French, Italian, German or Austrian alps. These are ski villages and towns in the winter, and breathtaking tourist spots in the summer months. The spring and fall off season provide good value with cooler but not freezing temperatures. Alpine skiing aside, something few Canadians do versus skiing in Canada, trips to the Alps by Canadians are typically part of a larger itinerary in the milder months, and therefore are part of two week or longer vacations. Flights to Zurich, Basel, Munich, Geneva, Salzburg, or Milan are popular ways in. Tours of Switzerland or the nearby regions in France, Italy, Germany or Austria are the common ways to experience the Alps. Generally, a 3 or 4 night stay in the area is enough to take it in. Renting a car is another option, but some are unnerved by twisty roads on inclines and signs in foreign languages. Other than a specific tour of Switzerland, consider tour itineraries that include the Alps, or bolt on a side trip from a nearby European city for a few nights.
18. Tuscany
Visit wineries, restaurants, countryside in a slower paced way and unique accommodations. Stay in Florence for an art and cultural experience.
Food and wine lovers are drawn to Tuscany for the Chianti and Val d’Orcia regions. Florence is the big city of museums featuring the works of Michelangelo and Da Vinci, art galleries, Renaissance architecture, opera, and urban culture. Siena is the medieval town with a completely different local and traditional vibe. Pisa is also in Tuscany, 6 kms from the Mediterranean (actually Tyrrhenian) home to the famous leaning tower. As this sits between Rome and Venice, Tuscany is often on grander tours of Italy, and depending on the length of the tour, may skim the highlights, or focus on a regional experience. A tour director, luxury coach, and local guides will seamlessly deliver the complexities of driving, rural and city driving and parking logistics, and be expected at wineries. Needless to say, it’s nice to not have to drive when exploring wine country. Canadians can make the mistake of trying to cram too much into a trip to Italy. It’s really many trips, and choosing the right region for your own interests is the key to the best experience. You can set sail on a Mediterranean or Transatlantic cruise from Livorno or ending in Livorno, and create a pre or post stay in Tuscany. You would fly into Florence or Pisa, although, there are no direct flights from Canada. The alternative is to combine Rome with Tuscany. A train would be 2 to 4 hours depending on high speed or regional train service, and by car, a 3.5 hour trip. The non stop flight to Rome is often more attractive, and why tours that start and end in Rome that include Tuscany are good sellers. It is certainly possible to book flights into Rome or Florence or Pisa, rent a car, and help you with accommodation in different areas of Tuscany.
19. London
History around every corner: Britain’s sprawling empire, our Canadian heritage, WW2, music & pop culture. Foreign yet familiar for Canadians.
Flights to London operate non-stop from many airports in Canada, to several times a day from Toronto. The frequency and timing even make London a long weekend or quick week trip vs somewhere else in North America. It’s a year ‘round destination, more popular with tourists in the spring, summer and early fall, but a more affordable price on flights and hotels makes even a winter stay in London attractive. Consider that many of the attractions in London can be indoors, and winters are mild. This is a destination where a car is a liability because parking is so expensive and driving on the left in congestion is not most people’s desire. London is a starting and ending point for many tours of England and the UK, and even tours that visit continental Europe. There are many one-way tours that start or finish in London and other parts of Europe. Cruises do not sail right into London, however many ocean voyages begin or end in Southampton, Portsmouth, or Dover, all cities in the south of England a short train ride away. You can easily arrange a pre or post stay in central London with direct train service, and start or finish your cruise in Europe, the British Isles, or transatlantic crossings of many types. Cunard offers regular transatlantic sailings between England and New York during spring, summer and fall, and many transatlantic repositioning cruises are excellent value. This is a city to visit again and again, since it is so steeped in culture and entertainment. Seldom is one trip enough.
20. Paris
Stay for 3 to 7 nights. Cafés, restaurants, shops, museums, history, grand boulevards, a seine cruise at night, Moulin Rouge, Eiffel Tower.
There are multiple non stop flights to Paris from Toronto and Montreal, making this a possible easy week or even shorter duration. Most visitors opt to stay 3 or 4 nights in Paris before a tour of France, or in combination with another European city or London. Rail connections are easy between Paris and other points in Europe, as are easy one-way flights. It’s possible to bolt on a pre or post stay in Paris with almost any European trip, or manufacture a connection while en route somewhere else. There is so much to see and do that one can return many times and still not see all the highlights. One can also enjoy a pre or post tour stay in Paris, as many tours begin or end in Paris. We also have flight included packages that offer a week in Paris with sightseeing, or broader itineraries exploring France with great value. River cruises on the Seine are popular allowing for a pre-post stay in Paris. Ocean going cruises are a bit further afield in Le Havre, Honfleur, or Roen, all of which are an easy train or coach trip. Paris is a city where a car is a detriment. The attractions are all over the city, best explored using the Metro. As a result, there are really few bad or inconvenient places to stay in central Paris. Popular times are spring, summer and fall. Winter offers great value on flights and hotels, with relatively mild winters and many indoor attractions.
21. Amsterdam
Canals, unique architecture, art, history, & party time. Walkable – day and night attractions. Anne Frank Huis, Rijksmuseum, Red Light District.
There are many flights to Amsterdam that are non-stop from across Canada, year ‘round. We also offer vacation packages that include flights, accommodation and some with additional sightseeing. KLM being a world airline, Amsterdam is a convenient stopover on a longer journey almost anywhere, and a common way to explore this amazing city and culture. In addition to a stopover connection, adding Amsterdam on to any European trip as a pre or post stay is easy. There are frequent train connections to all European cities as well as one-way flights that make this quite easy. Amsterdam itself is a good 3 or 4 night stay, but even two nights before a cruise is worth it just to get the feel of it. English is widely spoken and understood – Canadians will feel quite at home, other than perhaps, the signage. You can find many European tours that stop in Amsterdam or the Netherlands briefly, or, tours of Holland and Belgium. Many Rhine river cruises start or end in Amsterdam, and even longer ones that include the Danube. Ocean cruises sail from Amsterdam to worldwide destinations, or sail back to Amsterdam. Exploring Holland outside Amsterdam is easy, either by train or car rental. Driving culture is quite similar to large Canadian cities.
22. Rome
Explore the ancient history and cradle of European civilization. Slow down for street life, restaurants, cafes & people watching.
There are daily flights to Rome from Toronto and Montreal. Aside from visiting friends and family, Canadians are mostly staying in Rome as a pre or post for tours of Italy. Cruises sail from Civitavecchia, a town approximately 90 minutes drive away from a pre or post stay in Rome, and as well, sail into Civitavecchia from elsewhere, making Rome a great finish to a wonderful cruise. Most will prefer 3 or 4 nights in Rome to properly see the highlights although a 2 night before a tour can also work. You can also easily stay a week and fully explore it on a much more relaxing pace. There is so much to see in Italy that a two or three city trip connected by rail and no car rental or exploration of the countryside is also possible. There is no really bad or inconvenient place to stay in central Rome, as the city is walkable and sites are spread around. We would advise against staying in the suburbs – you will miss the meandering walkability of Rome if you do that – a key part of its charm. English is well spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. It’s a long flight to Rome – 9 or 10 hours depending on headwinds, so most visitors go for a total trip of minimum 10 days and averaging two weeks or a bit more. We also sell flight included vacation packages that include accommodation and day trips, full touring or car or trains packaged up with other cities.
23. Venice
Romantic gondola within the canals. Tiny squares, architecture, cafés, restaurants, music. A pre-cruise visit or combine another region.
The most common stay in Venice for Canadians is a pre or post cruise stay for cruises sailing from Venice, or cruises ending in Venice. Staying on the island is quite expensive and should be booked well in advance. It is common for tourists to stay in other areas off the island and commute in to explore its compact city centre. Venice is a common stop on a tour of Italy, and there are many combinations of city and countryside. This is no place to rent a car, unless picking up in the suburbs and leaving! Direct flights to Venice are seasonal, offered from Toronto or Montreal on select departure days in high season. While winters are relatively mild, few Canadians visit at this time. A two or three night stay is common before a tour or cruise. Venetians have become a bit hostile towards “over tourism” especially since the number of visitors from cruises increased so significantly versus the available hotel stock. As such, Airbnb is popular but many will surprised at the accommodation versus a hotel or North American standards.
24. Prague
Picture perfect cobblestone streets. Gothic, Renaissance & Baroque architecture. Beer lovers. History. Great street vibe and café people watching.
Most flights from Canada to Prague will require a connection although Air Canada will offer a seasonal nonstop from Toronto. Prague offers a mix of historic charm, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty. Compared to Western European cities Prague offers excellent value in terms of accommodation, food, and entertainment. Prague is an excellent choice as a city to spend 3 or 4 nights at the beginning or end of a European River Cruise. Many locals, especially in tourist areas, speak English. Many of Prague’s main attractions, such as Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock, are free to visit. Traditional meals at local pubs are relatively inexpensive, and beer, which is an integral part of Czech culture, is famously affordable in Prague. Prices are higher in the Old Town area but still reasonable compared to Western Europe. You may choose to visit more of the Czech Republic on an escorted tour. Visting outside of Prague can offer a richer and more authentic experience of Czech culture, history, and natural beauty. See the fairy-tale town of Český Krumlov, straight out of the Middle Ages. Enjoy a spa treatment at the mineral rich waters at Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). Or visit Brno which also serves as a gateway to the Moravian wine region. Also popular is an escorted tour of Eastern Europe combining a visit to Prague with Berlin and Budapest. Vacation packages to Prague are also available including flights, accommodation and day trips. The best time to go on a Czech Republic tour is in May or September when the weather is mild.
25. Berlin
Big city steeped in history – Prussian origins, it’s dark Nazi past, post war division & cold war period, the fall of the wall & re-unification.
The post war division means that there are few Berliners and descendants living in Canada, and as such, flights to Berlin require connecting flights. Air Canada Rouge operated some direct flights during the spring and summer of 2017 through 2019, but post pandemic direct service is not restored. This fabulous city remains on many bucket lists simply because of its accessibility. Most people will see Berlin on a tour of Germany or multi country tours of Eastern Europe, including Prague, Budapest and Vienna. This sprawling mega city is right up there with London, Paris, and New York, loaded with culture. You may see cruise stops saying “Berlin” from some lines, but the seaport is actually a good “couple hours” away from Warnemunde or Rostock – don’t be fooled. Berlin is best explored as a pre or post stay to a tour or Baltic cruise or a custom planned itinerary. You need 3 or 4 days to do it justice, like many big world cities, although you can cram the highlights into 2 nights provided you are not jet lagged. Getting around is easy with an extensive train and subway system (S Bahn and U Bahn) and you will use this extensively to see various highlights of the formerly divided city. If you are out Germany or “Eastern Europe way”, Berlin being worked in is a good plan. If you are more into the West of Germany, this is a big distance – the train ride is 4 hours to Frankfurt while flights are just over an hour – very much like Toronto and Montreal.
26. Greece
The Parthenon, ancient history, weather, food, café meandering, crafts, bouzouki music. Athens & island hopping or cruising mid May to mid Oct.
There are non-stop flights from Canada to Athens several times a week during peak travel time, May through October with connecting flights via Europe available year-round. Although summer months are considered the peak tourist season, the shoulder season months, April to May & September to October are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. A well-rounded trip to Greece would usually include 3 nights in the capital Athens, combined with a visit to multiple of the Greek Islands by cruising or ferry & flights. No visit to Greece, especially for first-timers, would be complete without a short stay in Athens. Large, extremely busy, and chaotic, nevertheless it cannot be missed. A must-see are the Iconic sites such as the Acropolis & Parthenon. Visit world-class museums with limitless antiquities, shop for leather goods & delight in the Mediterranean cuisine. Fly or sail (by ferry or cruise ship) to the many Greek Islands for a decidedly different experience than Athens. Some of the more popular islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Crete & Rhodes all offer unique landscapes, vibes & sights to visit. A recommended itinerary would be to combine a short stay in Athens with Island hopping with 2 or 3 days on each island. Flight-included vacation packages are available that include accommodation and day trips, full touring, and Island cruises included. Although Greece is an easy destination to travel through independently, where English is widely spoken in tourist areas, escorted tours of Greece will maximize time by efficiently organizing transportation and itineraries that will allow you to see the most iconic sights in a short period. Cruising is an extremely popular way to see Greece. Spend 3 nights pre-cruise in Athens and then sail to the Greek Islands from the Port of Piraeus (30 minutes from Athens). You can also cruise to the Greek Islands as part of a larger itinerary on an Eastern Mediterranean cruise that may sail roundtrip departing from Rome or Venice or one-way beginning or ending in Athens.
27. Danube River Cruise
Dock city center in Prague, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna. Classical music, art, dance, history (Post Renaissance, WW1, WW2, Soviet times)
Many Danube cruises begin or end in Budapest, the heart of the Danube. Budapest is an excellent two night stay in advance or after a Danube River cruise. Some run from Budapest to Prague, others to Vienna, and some longer cruises combine both the Danube and the Rhine. A two-week river cruise is very long and a bit repetitive – almost too much. A better way to do it is to take each major river and divide it up with a pre and post stay on the start of the cruise to extend to a two-week vacation, or, breaking up the cruise into two segments with city stays between to avoid too much cruising at once. Sailing on the waterfront in Budapest, with the Parliament buildings and beautifully lit buildings is the highlight. If you are unwilling to do a full Danube River Cruise, you can do a coach tour of Vienna or Berlin, Prague and Budapest, and a short cruise in front of Budapest, day and night, to see the highlights. Something about the Danube and these Eastern cities brings a level of 19th century culture to life – the heart of classical music in this storied area from Vienna to Budapest.
28. Take a Cruise
The latest ships bust experience & stereotypes of the past. Tops in dining, service & entertainment while visiting new or familiar places.
Explore our amazing “cruise grid” (best viewed on a laptop or desktop) to compare in a big picture your options. The system finds great values and sorts them on top! You can search embarkation and disembarkation ports, lines, cabin types or any geography – including countries and cities. The more criteria you fill in, the better your results will be. We also have prepackaged prices with flights from Toronto and Montreal (if you are from another city – it will still give you an idea) for popular itineraries Canadians like at various times of year. Caribbean in the late fall and winter, Alaska and Europe and selected US embarkation ports in the spring, summer, and early fall. Our agents have access to all the best pricing and ability to figure out all the promotions and inclusions that cruise lines bamboozle everyone with. Some are a great deal, some, not so much.
29. Jamaica
Tropical climate, beaches, gregarious people, powerful music and food culture. Get out of the resort & take some tours. A must for everyone.
While Canadians love to get away in the colder times, Jamaica’s beaches are an attraction year ‘round. It can be more stifling in Eastern Canada’s humidity than Jamaica. It’s popular with honeymooners, couples, families – everyone. Hands down, vacation packages to Jamaica, particularly all-inclusives are the best way and biggest sellers. If you price out air only, hotel, and transfers separately, it’s more money. We aggregate all tour operator packages so you can compare at once. We decided to not split out Negril, Montego Bay, Runaway Bay, Whitehouse and Ocho Rios into separate destinations, so you can compare pricing side by side. Or, if you like to filter by hotel chain, you can compare them all at once. If you want to take a cruise and visit Jamaica, you can do this, but it is a bit of a shame – you can only really get a partial day of touring in, but it’s better than nothing. Some people are turned off from the experience of a lot of vendors at Ocho Rios port and the downtown area – don’t judge Jamaica only by that. You need to get beyond the ports of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay to see why people love it, and return again and again. It’s more affordable than other English speaking Caribbean islands. Average stays are 7 + days.
30. Riviera Maya
Beyond all inclusives are incredible cenotes (underground water caves), Mayan ruins, incredible snorkeling & diving, animals and culture to explore.
Vacation packages and all inclusives are the best way to do the Mayan. If you price the flight and resort separately, it’s almost always better priced. We decided to leave the areas of Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Porto Morelos as one large Mayan Riveria so you can compare all hotels at once. Most people stick to their resort and do a few tours. If you want to go out, consider Playa de Carmen, or the gated area of Playacar, where you can explore many restaurants, bars, and shopping. All inclusive visitors generally do not explore enough of what is available to experience. Average stay is 7+ days and it is a year ‘round destination, with popularity in the colder months from Canada. While you can cruise to Playa del Carmen or Costa Maya, the cruise stop is not really long enough other than to do one attraction (Tulum, Chichen Iza, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, etc). While you can buy flight only, (our search will check both Cancun and Tulum airport at once), most people only do this if they have time share.
31. St. Lucia
Twin pitons – iconic sugarloaf tropical mountains. Rainforest, tropical wonder, plantations, waterfalls, beaches. Drive or tour beyond the resort.
One of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean (excluding Castries which is a typical Caribbean city), vacation packages and all inclusives to St Lucia are the most popular and best value ways to visit. Airlines give their tour divisions favourable airfare that you cannot buy as air only, and they negotiate with resorts and transfer companies to give you great value. Compare them all at once on our website. You can also buy flight only and book hotels separately. Even if you’ve taken a package vacation, rent a car for a day or two and explore, or take a few day trips to really see this amazing island. You can visit it on a cruise, but you will only be able to see one highlight during a port of call – but it’s also a great way to be introduced to the island to see if it is worth a full week or longer visit in the future.
32. Costa Rica
Hike in the rainforest, explore the Arenal Volcano. A sun destination with beaches & so much more for self drive exploration, or tours.
Costa Rica is a popular request, but most people do not realize that it is not a “beach destination”. While there are decent beaches at some all-inclusive resorts, there are better beaches elsewhere. One goes to Costa Rica to leave the resort and explore. All-inclusive resorts are still very popular with Canadians and great value. Many stay at all inclusive, while leaving the resort a few days in a 7+ night stay to explore the amazing geography. There are tours of Costa Rica that will allow you to spend more time seeing and experiencing all that Costa Rica has to offer, without the burden of driving and arranging everything. These are fully hosted, locally guided, and very convenient. Booking flights, booking accommodations separately and a car rental is not for everyone. If you are going to the Arenal Volcano, the car needs to be a decent size to handle the incline. Luggage space is also a consideration when travelling with more than two people. Cruises depart from Costa Rica and are another way to explore with a pre or post stay. Rainy season is May – November, and September and October are very heavy rainfall. December to April is dry season and more popular for Canadians to correspond to our winter escapes.
33. Alaska
Forested wilderness, glaciers, animals, the Gold Rush opened roads making Alaska accessible for exploration by cruise ship, car, & tours.
The most common way for most Canadians to experience Alaska is cruising. There are two very popular cruise routes to experience Alaska. The Inside Passage cruise route primarily sails from Vancouver or Seattle roundtrip and takes you along Alaska’s southeastern coast, visiting picturesque coastal towns like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, offering a mix of lush landscapes, charming villages, and wildlife sightings. The Glacier Route can depart from Seattle or Vancouver on a one-way Northbound sailing and Seward or Whittier, with flights into Anchorage, or Southbound one-way cruises. This popular route focuses on the state’s rugged interior and is characterized by breathtaking views of towering glaciers, with stops in places like Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord. Passengers can witness calving glaciers, icy fjords, and pristine wilderness, often complemented by thrilling wildlife encounters, including bears and seals. To truly experience Alaska, you need to view the coastline and its interior. Cruise lines offer pre and post-cruise packages in Alaska that offer a deeper, more diverse experience. Anchorage does not have much to offer in the way of sightseeing. Denali National Park is 8 hours from Anchorage (taking the domed train transportation is suggested!) but it is the place to go if you really want to see wildlife! A 3 or 4-day stay in a lodge is a great add-on to your cruise experience. Visit Kenai National Park for a 2 or 3-day stay where you can engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, whale watching, etc. Alternatively, an escorted tour with expert local guides departing from Anchorage or Fairbanks will allow you a much more immersive experience. The summer months, from late May to early September is the prime season for most visitors. During this time, temperatures are mild, ranging from 12°C to 20CF. The shoulder seasons—early spring (April-May) and fall (September-October)—offer fewer tourists and some of the best deals on accommodations and activities.
34. Rocky Mountains
Majesty in our own country. Driving yourself, you’ll miss the scenery. A rail tour is the ultimate way. Combine with Vancouver or Alaska Cruise.
The Rocky Mountaineer Rail tour is the ultimate way to see the Rockies. Running between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper (yes, it is running again after the wildfires), the domed, glass ceiling luxury rail cars are packed with wealthy Americans, British, Europeans, and Japanese. Canadians make up a small percentage of the passengers. It is top notch luxury dining and seating. This once in a lifetime trip stops in Kamloops, Quesnal or Whistler, unlike VIA trains that travel overnight during the most scenic part of the journey.
If world class luxury is not in the budget, have a look at our tours of Alberta. Most navigate the Rockies in some way with many durations and various types of more affordable accommodation. The main advantage to a tour is that you will spend your time viewing instead of driving or being a navigator. Unless you take your own car across the country, a tour is an effective way to see the most in an affordable way. It can have a bit of sticker shock as the per person price includes accommodation, transportation, guides, some meals and entrance fees. You need to consider all of that when evaluating the price. Of course, you can always book a flight to Calgary, rent a car, and wing it – but we do not suggest that in summer peak season! Edmonton and Jasper are an option vs Calgary and Banff, or, both. Fly into Calgary and out of Edmonton.
35. US National Parks
Preserved by limited entry. Experience geographic wonders, outstanding scenery & wildlife. Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Zion & more.
There are a few ways to tackle the amazing US national parks. One, is to knock them off as you visit a state for other tourism – for example, plan a trip to California and consider visiting Yosemite. When in Las Vegas or Phoenix, check out the Grand Canyon, or, Zion National Park while you are in Vegas. Rocky Mountain near Denver, Shenandoah near Washington DC, Everglades near Miami. Alternatively, you can do a fabulous tour of multiple US National Parks in the American Southwest. This can be done by coach tour or car rental. The parks need to be booked early, the accommodations are limited and isolated, and often there is some distance between the park and a big city. The coach tours are a great alternative way to be sped into the park to see the highlights, while not worrying about all the details.
36. New York City
A weekend of pop culture, TV & movie settings, theatre, sports & concerts, attractions, history, shopping, harbour cruise & Liberty island.
A curated list of Manhattan hotels negotiate with Air Canada, WestJet and Porter to offer attractive rates packaged with better than published airfare. You can compare them all in our New York Packages system. You can buy flights to New York and book hotel separately. Consider a cruise from New York and a pre-cruise stay. Or, a cruise back to New York from another destination. Coach tours are available that include much more than New York City. Weather is similar to Toronto and Montreal, and therefore favoured for spring, summer and fall travel. Winter can be an amazing deal, the theatre and music is just as good, and Christmas shopping is wonderful in New York. A 3 or 4 night is the average stay, depending on whether attending a concert or sporting event. Those in Toronto or Montreal can do a 2 night duration comfortably with short and frequent flights.
37. New Orleans
Rare US French colonial “old city”. Southern culture, jazz, blues, Cajun country music. Spectacular food. A wild street party like no other.
Air Canada Vacations is currently packaging one hotel – the Sheraton on Canal street – it is well located just outside the French Quarter and an easy walk. The package rates are killer when you compare flight and hotel separately. You might be surprised how expensive flights can be, as there is little competition other than connecting flights. It’s also a big convention town. Take a cruise from New Orleans or take a cruise from elsewhere and finish in New Orleans – stay a few days. We also offer tours in Louisiana including New Orleans – and you can extend your stay pre or post. It is very hot and humid in the summer, so Canadians prefer Spring and Fall. Winters are mild compared to ours! Great low season deals in winter. Weekends are most expensive, as the French Quarter is busiest Friday and Saturday night and somewhat busy Sunday night. Weeknights are less busy – a great time to listen to great music and not be crowded with easier access to great restaurants. A 3 or 4 night is the most common duration, but longer works if you explore outside the city or cultural aspects.
38. Havana
Music, colonial architecture, the colourful Tropicana show…Cuban Pete’s home town! Hemingway’s hang out. Ride in a 1950s taxi. Cigars & Rum.
A package with negotiated hotels and unpublished flights and transfers is usually the best value. We recommend the European hotel chains like Melia and Iberostar, and in particular the Melia Cohiba hotel. A 3 night stay is typically enough, unless you have specific interests. It’s a year round destination, but Canadians prefer to avoid the summer when it’s warm at home. It can be packaged into a 7 or 14 night duration with Varadero, about a 2 hour drive away. Visitors come here for curiosity, music, architecture, and other cultural and historical interests. You can also purchase flight only and buy hotels separate.
39. Las Vegas
Entertainment “must do”, even if you don’t gamble. Big shows, luxury shops & restaurants, people watching, Red Rocks, Grand Canyon by helicopter.
So many people visit here that don’t gamble. The entertainment, outlet mall shopping, people watching, and attractions are worth it, gambling aside. Big production shows, top tier entertainments, sports, comedy and variety shows. Top chef dining or dive bars all within walking distance. Our Las Vegas packages are a great way to book. Airlines give their tour divisions better than published airfare, and their buying power is unmatched, unless you are an avid gambler, losing money at your favourite hotel – only then is it typically worth booking flight only and hotel separately. There are tours throughout the Southwest that have Las Vegas as a stop, or start or end here. Consider Vegas a launching point for a bigger exploration of the Southwest, or as a side trip from California (flights are cheap, short, and plentiful). Everyone has to go at least once, and with the changes that happen in Vegas, it’s more like everyone should go at least once every ten years!
40. California
Beyond L.A & San Fran lies a diversity best explored by car or coach. Yosemite, Napa, Carmel by the Sea, the stunning highway 101 coastal drive.
We’re spoiled with multiple daily non-stop flights from Canada to San Francisco and Los Angeles, with a smattering of service seasonally to Palm Springs and San Diego. The most popular time for visiting California is Spring, Summer and Fall. Winter months offer sunshine and above freezing temperatures, but apart from golfers, visiting friends and relatives and business trips, it’s not warm enough poolside. There are tours within California that are an excellent way to see the state. There can be a bit of sticker shock to these, but they are good value with centrally located hotels, hosted, guided, entrance fees and a lot of distance on the coach between cities and attractions that would otherwise be spent driving on a freeway, parking, etc. Many cruises sail from San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles to various places including Hawaii, Alaska, the Pacific Coast US, Mexican Riviera (Pacific side), South America, and Panama Canal transits to the Caribbean. You can also see cruises that end in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego for a post cruise stay. If you are one to self-explore, a one way rental between Los Angeles and San Francisco can be done, and by booking a couple of nights along the way to break up the drive, you can have a wonderful experience flying into one city and out of the other (try our multi-city flight search). Beyond the cities is amazing coast line, the wineries of Napa and Sonoma, quaint towns like Carmel By the Sea and Monterey, the beauty of Santa Barbara, and the opulence of Heart Castle. California is bigger than Germany and slightly more population as Canada. It’s a big trip, or a couple of trips while visiting Hollywood, Disneyland, Beverly Hills, the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz, Pier 39 and more.
41. Hawaii
Honolulu’s urban beach, Polynesian culture, active & dormant volcanos, rainforest, waterfalls, quiet beaches, tropical plants. A busy camera.
Hawaii is a tropical paradise known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant natural beauty. It is comprised of eight main islands—each with its own unique charm. The Four main tourist destinations for Canadians are the cosmopolitan island of Oahu; Maui with its stunning beaches and scenic drives; Kauai with its lush gardens & rainforests; and the Big Island’s dramatic cliffs and active volcanoes.
Honolulu Airport in Oahu is the starting point for most Hawaii vacations. Nonstop flights from Canada to Honolulu (HNL) are available from a few major Canadian airports: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Edmonton, particularly during peak travel seasons. For your first time visit we recommend at least a few days in Honolulu. This is a large city, with all of the dining and shopping options, with famous Waikiki beach. Visit the prime tourist attractions such as Pearl Harbour Memorial, Ala Moana shopping centre, Diamond Head. It is well worth it to rent a car and get out of the city. Visit the Polynesian Visitors Centre about 45 minutes away. Drive to the North Shore with it’s dramatic surfs and stunning beaches. We offer flight-included vacation packages including accommodation, car rentals, and day trips. A very popular Hawaiian itinerary will include Oahu, Maui, Kauai & the Big Island. There are many escorted tours that will include a stay in each island with transportation, meals and sightseeing included. Maui is the 2nd most popular island to visit in Hawaii. If you are skipping a stay in Honolulu, there are connecting flights year round from Canada. Non stop flights are offered seasonally (high season usually Dec-Apr) from Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. Maui offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Oahu. Known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and luxury resorts. It’s also known for whale watching in the winter months. Maui offers something for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. The 3rd island we recommend is Kauai. It offers a quieter, more intimate vibe compared to Oahu and Maui, making it a top choice for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those looking to escape the crowds. No stay in Hawaii is really complete without a stay on the The Big Island. Here you will fly into Kona where you can stock up at Costco and head to your condo or skipping Costco and heading to your resort. The big island is best explored with a car. Driving is easy. It’s best to spend 3 nights on the big island to see Volcanoes National Park (active, steaming earth), the lush tropical areas near Hilo, and a helicopter tour is expensive but well worth it, as it reaches places you cannot see by car. It will be burned into your memory forever. While you could stay in a more urban setting like Kona or Hilo, staying at a resort here offers stunning contrasts of black volcanic rock, deep blue ocean, and lush green trees. Geography lovers will find the Big Island a pinnacle destination. For Western Canadians, the Big Island is more accessible with direct flights from Vancouver, for Easterners, this is often a stop on a multi-island trip. The direct flights offer packages from Vancouver to the Big Island as a stand-alone destination with flights and accommodation, or with connections from across Canada. One thought – Hawaii’s weather is perfect year ‘round. You can visit Hawaii in the summer by combining it with a trip to Vancouver, and even an Alaska Cruise! It’s a six hour flight from Vancouver and a great option if you have friends or family in BC. There are cruises that start from Vancouver and end in Honolulu and visa versa at different times of year, and the slow journey across the Pacific is a different way to avoid the jet lag and cut the flying time a bit. There are also cruises between Los Angeles and Hawaii to achieve the same objective.
42. Peru
Walk the spiritual path of the Incas at the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu. Tropical plants on sugarloaf mountains. Lake Titicaca. Rainforest.
For sure, Peru is not a “wing it” kind of destination. The distances are large and the places to visit are quite remote. For this reason, most take tours of Peru that will highlight different areas, travel styles and accommodation quality. Hiking the Inca Trail is a 3 night camping endeavor with no vehicles to remove people who have thrown in the towel. While not overly taxing, it is only for those in good enough shape for all day hiking on inclines. Machu Picchu is always the highlight, and there are many nuances to itineraries that will affect enjoyment of this magical place. Some arrive during very crowded times and a cursory view, others hike in the early am before dawn for a quieter and longer experience before the buses arrive. Outside Machu Picchu is the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Cuzco. Beyond the Incas, one can visit the floating islands in Lake Titicaca, or the rainforests of the Amazon basin. Car rentals or self-exploration by public transit are for a rare breed of very adventurous tourists able to get by in Spanish. There are cruises that sail from Callao (Lima) or finish in Callao. These cruises are often one-way cruises to or from North America or cruises that begin in Santiago or other points, finishing in Lima. Lima itself is a large city and not much of a tourist draw, but a necessary and pleasant overnight before a tour or cruise. For this reason, Peru is mostly arranged by us as a tour or cruise with possible customizations for certain customers with specific needs.
43. Galapagos
Weird reptiles and animals illustrate evolution in the real world. An ecological magic land. Best done with small expedition cruise.
The unique wildlife in the Galapagos is the big draw. For this uniqueness, its isolation makes it appear on many bucket lists and simultaneously disappear due to the cost and access. One typically flies to Ecuador and then on to Baltra. Either a tour or cruise is the only realistic way for most Canadians to experience the Galapagos Islands. These expedition ships are small, for a more up-close view of nature in a one week sailing duration. You are a REAL adventurer if you want us to arrange a customized trip here. Recent political instability and gang activities in Ecuador has made the Galapagos less alluring, but Quito is less problematic and sticking with an organized tour or cruise reduces this risk. The solution is to simply transit Quito or Guayaquil and onward to Baltra – but this is a long haul. This trip might be worthwhile postponing for now in favour of others and an improving situation in the future for a nicer pre or post stay in Ecuador. Or, one can use Ecuador as a connecting point to the Galapagos only, and bolt a visit to Peru or the Amazon along with a week stay in the Galapagos.
44. Iguazu Falls
Imagine Niagara as an unspoiled national park, walking down amongst tropical forest to experience the falls up close. Add Rio and/or Buenos Aires.
Located between Buenos Aires and Rio, Iguacu (Portuguese (Brazilian) spelling) or Iguazu (Spanish – Argentinian side), the falls join Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay at one confluence of rivers. Unlike Niagara and other places, this is a national park and far less developed. It is pristine, and spectacular. People rarely go straight to Iguacu from North America- too many connections and too much jet lag. Two nights without any jet lag or odd flight times will work just fine here en route to other places. Spend the money on a hotel with views and location – of any place in the world to splurge, it’s here. You will truly enjoy the views and walking experience, vs only doing so by tour with many people. There are a few spectacular geographic wonders to visit, but Iguacu balances tourism with nature well. It is far less commercialized and really the icing on a South American trip, just as Victoria Falls is for Africa, or Niagara is for Aussies and Europeans visiting Canada and the US – without the overt commercialism. Best visited in our spring or fall. For maximum water flow, our winter, their summer is great, but there are more people and higher cost. Their winter, our summer is less water flow, less crowds, and less costly. Their winter weather is still mild with temperatures in the upper teens and low twenties Celsius.
45. Rio de Janeiro
One of the most beautiful natural urban settings. Meet the girl from Ipanema. Beach, culture, and Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado.
If there was one place in South America to visit, this is it. Rio is such a picturesque natural harbor, unique in the world. Add its Brazilian culture and it makes for a great mix. Canadians seldom do Rio on its own – it’s just too far. It’s often combined with Buenos Aires and or Iguacu Falls. Rio is a popular embarkation or disembarkation port for one-way cruises, making it a perfect pre or post cruise stop. The most common version is a cruise from Rio to Santiago, around Cape Horn – spectacular! It’s a long flight, due south, and there is no non-stop service. Rio has poor crime infested areas, so this is not a city to just wing it on your own and certainly not renting a car. Pre-arranged transfers from the airport to the good areas to stay, or as part of a South American tour are the best ways. In fact, exploration of the city is best done by pre-arranged tours for safety and ease of transport and language issues. English is NOT widely spoken at all, even in hotels beyond the front desk. If cruising or coach tours are not for you, we can assemble a custom itinerary of components with stays in other South American cities.
46. Buenos Aires
Sexy tango culture, amazing steaks, good wine, music, culture. Combine BA with Mendoza wine country, Chile, a cruise, or stunning Iguazu Falls.
Many have the wrong impression of Buenos Aires. Think Europe in South America. It is a “southern destination” but so far south that it actually starts to get colder. While nowhere near as cold as Canada, it is equivalent to being in southern Europe in winter (our summer). This reverse season is also attractive for most Canadians. Travelling in our winter brings instant summer in the southern hemisphere, and no, the toilets don’t flush counter-clockwise. A 3 or 4 night stay is perfect to feel the city, visit its restaurants and culture. English is not widely spoken. Americans scarce, Canadians even more so. A tour of South America including either Rio or Chile is a common way to combine Buenos Aires and make the long flight and cost worth it. Argentina is a huge country with much more than Buenos Aires. Venture outside to cattle ranching and wine country if you want to do a pure Argentinian vacation. We can make a customized itinerary or take pre-packaged options and add pre and post stays. Flights to Buenos Aires are not cheap, as competition is not fierce. Focus on our fall, winter (their summer) or early Spring to visit, or get great values in their winter (our summer) if you want to cool down, save money, and have a more “European” summer vacation.
47. New Zealand
A geo-wonder: mountains, fjords, glaciers, native forests, waterfalls, beaches, geysers, thermal zones, lakes. Maori culture & British heritage.
New Zealand is a large, diverse touristic destination. This geographic wonder will have you in awe and taking pictures the entire time. This is not a “stopover” on the way to Australia. The city of Auckland would be, but New Zealand is a stand alone two week plus vacation. It can be broken into two distinct trips bundled with other South Pacific or Australia visits, especially if you plan to go repeatedly to Australia to visit friends, family, or on business. Tackle the North Island on one trip, and the South Island on another. Either way, a tour of New Zealand is the best way to see a lot and worry little. Second most popular with Canadians, is a cruise that calls on many ports in New Zealand. There is a lot to see that is accessible from cruise ports, although limited time in port may leave you wanting for more, if you want to see more than highlights. A car or campervan is another option, or combination, but driving on the left on winding roads through scenic roads, gravel roads, single car bridges, and weather conditions in Alpine areas is not for everyone. If you are fortunate enough to know people who live there, combining regional touring or cruising with a friends or family stay is a real advantage. Cruises do start and end in Auckland, mostly heading to and from Australia to the west, or to and from French Polynesia or Hawaii to the east. If you have the time for a grand trip to the South Pacific, New Zealand is a must visit. If you are more a mountain and forest person with a more temperate climate in mind, versus a beachy and warmer experience in Australia – if you are tossing a coin as many Canadians do between them. Doing a bit of both, unless you have a lot of time would be a bit like doing California and the Rocky Mountains in the same trip. It could work, if you gave each destination the time it deserves.
48. South Pacific
Polynesian culture, beaches, reefs, tropical paradises. Explore by cruise, or as stopovers to Australia, New Zealand or beyond Hawaii.
If you live in BC, beach holidays in the South Pacific are the next logical step to Hawaii. For Eastern Canadians, the South Pacific as a beach trip is, well, a long way to go just for the beach. Particularly when the Caribbean beckons with a four-ish hour flight. Canadians often visit the South Pacific islands as stopovers on a longer trip to New Zealand or Australia. It costs a bit more to manufacture a connection in the South Pacific such as Fiji or Tahiti. Even more remote places such as the Cook Islands may have some allure, but, again, it’s a long way to go just to the beach. Go because of Polynesian culture and a slower and less Americanized experience like Hawaii. There are many cruises that embark or disembark from Tahiti (French Polynesia or Papeete) or Fiji. Often these are one way cruises from Australia or New Zealand, or from or to Hawaii. Both are amazing ways to experience the South Pacific by extending your stay. There are some multi destination tours, but these are rarely booked. If we are to customize a trip to the South Pacific for you using regularly scheduled flights (often through Los Angeles, San Franciso, Hawaii or Auckland), it can get pricey. If you are interested in Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia or cruising in this area, stopovers are the best way to experience the South Pacific without breaking the bank or doing a lot of flying just to stay in resorts.
49. Australia
The most exotic place like Canada, other than way better weather, weird accent & animals, and driving on the left. Great people & geography.
How can an entire continent be on the bucket list? Well, for Canadians, this is amongst the longest flights, and many do it only once, unless you have family, friends or business interest. So, planning your Australia trip involves looking inward at what you want to see before you book. Even if you are not interested in taking a tour of Australia, you can look at these itineraries to see how you might construct a customized trip. Remember, distances are big, you will spend a lot on excursions and tours, so be prepared for some stickers shock when evaluating tour prices. Most Canadians are unwilling to drive on the left with a rental car, but unlike the UK, at least the driving culture and roads are similar to Canada. This may make sense in some portions of an itinerary. Flights to Sydney or Brisbane are the most serviced cities from North America. Very likely, you should fly into one city and out of another, or a multi-destination trip. If you try and price this online, you are “stabbing in the dark”. It is better to talk with an experienced agent that understands the fare rules and routings, and works backwards to determine the best days to fly between cities. Sydney is a must see. It’s clean and familiar to Canadians, except that the weather is far better! A 3 or 4 night stay is a good idea, especially if you are jet lagged on arrival. Outside Sydney are the Blue Mountains, a stunning day trip. From here, one could choose Melbourne, if you’re looking for Australian wine, a more sophisticated urban experience, and a more temperate (Southern is cooler) climate. Weather is best compared to London in the mirror of seasons, where you can have four seasons in a day. Few Canadian tourists head to Tasmania, but if you are looking for a more rugged colder climate, more like the west coast of Ireland, some like checking off one of the most southern and remote parts of the world. A trip to Uluru or Ayers Rock or Alice Springs will bring a desert experience. This is a good 3 hour flight and very isolated with few choices of accommodation. You need to book early and look out, it is HOT. The Sunshine Coast (north of Brisbane, more like Naples Florida) or the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane (more like Orlando’s theme parks on the beach), Brisbane is a big city in a subtropical environment that can be a Canadian’s vacation, only staying in that area. Picture, Florida with Aussie culture. If you are willing to make two or three trips to Australia, a stand-alone trip to Brisbane area is popular, as well as a longer stay (our winter, their summer). Outer barrier islands are often looked into, but seldom booked, due to the low supply and high demand bringing high prices, but for low season. It’s a long way to go to the beach versus the Caribbean, so most focus their itinerary on seeing as much of Australia that is uniquely Australian. Nevertheless, a couple of nights in an island resort can be a nice relaxing break, but equally it could be in the Sunshine Coast. Cairns is a must if you want to see the Great Barrier Reef. More northern and tropical, Cairns itself is not a big city, but there are international flights directly into Cairns that can form a book-end of flights in or out of your Australian trip. The Northern Territory is tropical, isolated, and a long way from the major cities. If you’re a nature lover and looking for incredible geography, stunning night skies, aboriginal culture and off the beaten path, this can be added in to make a bucket list trip that most Australians themselves have not done. It’s comparable to how many Canadians may have visited Newfoundland (weather and other comparisons aside). Western Australia, and Perth are seldom on Canadian’s itinerary unless they know people there. It is probably one of the furthest places to fly from Canada. The weather is great, beaches stunning, and a visit to the desert is unforgettable. But it’s a long way! There are cruises that sail from Fremantle (Perth) or disembark there. Incorporating Perth into an overall itinerary makes more sense. In fact, overall, taking a cruise that sails from Australia or to Australia from another international destination is a great way to justify the long flight, especially on a subsequent trip to a different area not visited before. Tours or cruises involving both Australia and New Zealand require a lot of time. New Zealand is a stand-alone trip, and unless you are prepared to have at least a month long trip, combining the two can leave you wanting more. For example, there are many cruises that sail between Auckland and Sydney, and it is not unreasonable to do a pre and post stay in both cities for a nice trip. But, it’s a bit of a tease to be only visiting during ports of call and a pre/post stay in the city after flying all that way. It would be like Europeans or Australians doing a “Canada and USA” tour where they are hitting the highlights only – doable, but a lot of flying and only highlights. Australia, due to its distance and diversity, requires being able to articulate you and your travelling companion’s interests and this is best uncovered by an agent who’s been there to rough out an itinerary that meets your needs before getting into specifics.
Canadian Citizens require a VISA for travel
1 Comment
This list is full of incredible travel inspiration! I love how you’ve compiled a mix of well-known destinations and off-the-beaten-path gems. Each suggestion feels unique and offers something different—whether it’s the natural beauty, culture, or adventure. You’ve definitely given me some new ideas to add to my own bucket list! I can’t wait to start planning my next adventure based on your recommendations. Thanks for sharing such an amazing list!