Canadian travellers choosing everywhere from Nova Scotia to Vietnam over U.S.

So where are Canadian travellers headed as travel experts notice a shift away from U.S. destinations during this sensitive time in Canada-U.S. relations?

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According to Flight Centre Canada, it depends on what you’re interested in.

The company found 42% of Canadians who are interested in kid-friendly experiences, with a mix of adventure, nature and cultural activities, are looking at Nova Scotia (scenic drives and whale watching); Portugal (beaches, castles, and great food at family-friendly prices; Costa Rica (zip-lining, wildlife spotting & beach adventures); Thailand (elephant sanctuaries and kid-friendly resorts); Mexico (Mayan ruins and interactive eco-parks) and Ecuador (family-friendly wildlife adventures without breaking the bank).

As for those 18% of Canadian travellers looking for hiking, wildlife and outdoor experiences, their destinations include Northwest Territories & Yukon (Aurora Borealis and wilderness adventures); Torres del Paine, the southern region of South America (multi-day trekking in stunning mountain scenery); Vietnam (motorbike routes and rice terraces); Madagascar (unique wildlife, remote jungles and epic landscapes); Norway (remote, stunning hikes and boat tours); and Ecuador (snorkelling with marine life & mountain trekking).

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For those 96% of Canadians who prioritize cost when making their travel decisions, they’re looking at budget conscious places like Vietnam (incredible food, history, and scenery for low prices); Mexico (affordable culture, food, and day trips); Portugal (Europe’s best value for food, wine and scenery); Turkey (rich history and adventure for less); Colombia (affordable tropical getaway with culture); and Eastern Europe (fairytale towns and castles for budget travellers).

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Of the 13% of those Canadians looking for luxury travel, their destinations are Haida Gwaii, B.C. (high-end eco-lodges and Indigenous cultural immersion); Torngat Mountains, Labrador (helicopter tours and luxury Arctic expeditions); Chile and Argentina (luxury lodges with breathtaking mountain views); South Africa (private game reserves and five-star lodges); Bali, Indonesia (luxury villas & wellness retreats); and Maldives (overwater bungalows and private islands).

“Though these shifts stem from challenges, Canadians’ love of travel remains strong,” said Flight Centre Canada in a statement.

The data was collected through two surveys conducted in collaboration with Flight Centre Canada.

The destinations listed are trends that were found through recent Flight Centre Canada bookings.

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