Faced with a challenging exchange rate, tough border restrictions and the urge to try something different, many Canadians are purposefully skipping stateside in favour of these seven great value alternatives.
Mexico
Sun-seekers who traditionally would have headed to Florida or Palm Springs during winter are finding their tropical beach fix in Mexico. Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and lesser-known southern bay communities like Huatulco are bursting with beautiful coastline, amazing cuisine, and affordable tourism for Canadian travellers.
Since most major airlines fly directly from Canada’s biggest cities, you won’t have to endure America’s lengthy border stops or premium-priced resorts.
Portugal
Portugal gives you a mix of old-world history and coastline without breaking the bank like other countries in Europe. Travelers are booking flights into sunny Lisbon to visit their beaches or to venture to the volcanic Azores islands to swim in green crater lakes and natural thermal hot springs.
Portugal has become a new substitute for California as it has beautiful coastlines with a perfect year-round climate, epic surfing, and delicious seafood at a fraction of the price.
France
Instead of weekend trips to New York or shopping trips to Chicago, Canadians are travelling across the ocean for culture and fashion in France.
Popular spots like Paris are always bustling with Canadian tourists, but now smaller cities like Lyon are also experiencing a boom with Canadians. Affordable flight deals and its reputation for having the freshest pastries and Michelin star restaurants are attracting tons of Canadian visitors.
Dominican Republic
The Caribbean island has solidified its reputation as the preferred destination for families and couples looking for an easygoing resort vacation rather than an expensive trip to an amusement park in the U.S.
Places such as Punta Cana boast miles of white sand and turquoise water, and all-inclusive deals allow you to easily budget for your vacation before you leave. It’s a quick, hassle-free flight from eastern Canada for anyone looking to escape a chilly winter for a relaxing week.
Italy
Instead of travelling abroad for typical anxiety-filled road trips through the U.S., Canadians are embarking on cultural journeys through Italy.
Rome, Venice and historical cities in Sicily are seeing high rates of tourism from Canadians who are eager to see world-renowned architecture, art and taste traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Italy is providing more direct flights than ever before and is an accessible destination for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia continues to see a major spike in demand by Canadian visitors looking for a tropical island getaway without the overpopulated beaches found in other destinations such as Hawaii.
Known for its active volcanoes, lush rainforests and picturesque beaches secluded from the stresses of everyday life, Saint Lucia provides Canadians with the opportunity to escape to smaller, nature-focused surroundings while taking in premium island weather and luxury eco-friendly resorts.
Colombia
Colombia is quickly becoming a hot destination for adventure-minded Canadians looking for affordable south-of-the-border sunshine with a side of history.
Iconic tourist city Cartagena features brightly painted Spanish-style colonial architecture and squares with easy access to sparkling Caribbean beaches and islands. Now that packages are available directly from Canadian centres, Colombia is quickly becoming a family-friendly alternative to sun destinations in the southern U.S.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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