As travellers get ready for the holiday season, Hilton has released the most searched destinations by Canadians for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Warm weather locales continue to be a popular travel destination for the holidays, but those looking for an urban getaway are searching for stays in Las Vegas and New York City.
Here’s a look at the destinations Canadians are looking at the most:
- Hawaii
Whether looking to relax before 2025 or have a week filled with adventure – or both – Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort offers plenty of activities for the whole family. This holiday season will include pictures with and letters to Santa, ornament-making, choir performances and delicious holiday menus. Our five outdoor pools, the beach, as well as a starlight luau and lei making, will also promise this holiday week is filled with lots of memories. I’ve been past the hotel many times but have never managed to stay there.
2. Cancun
Step into the enchantment of a Venetian Carnival this New Year’s Eve at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort. Enjoy a day full of captivating shows, vibrant live entertainment, and poolside beats from a DJ. As night falls, the excitement builds with special surprises leading up to a dazzling midnight fireworks display.
3. Orlando
Start new holiday traditions this year at Conrad Orlando. The hotel is filled with holiday spirit thanks to Conrad Carolers, elf visits and guest room storytime, poolside holiday movies and reindeer games scavenger hunts.
Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.
4. Las Vegas
For travelers looking to recharge before New Year’s Eve, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas offers a few treatments that allow guests to disconnect and reduce mental stress. The Essential Stress Release treatment features a full body exfoliation and customized aromatherapy warm stone massage, followed by a face and scalp massage to encourage deep relaxation before heading out to the strip.
5. New York
If you’re looking to be part of the action on New Year’s Eve, Tempo by Hilton Times Square offers a series of rooms with ball drop views – a great place to view this iconic event but from the comfort of your room. Those wanting to take in the view live from Times Square can also purchase VIP access to the live ball drop, complete with security escort to and from the hotel’s private viewing area.
Data based on searches on Hilton.com in Canada from 1/1/2024 – 10/30/2024 for stays of five days or more between December 21, 2024 and January 3, 2025
AIR CANADA AND BARBADOS CELEBRATE 75 YEARS OF TOGETHERNESS
Hunte’s Gardens is one of my favourite spots on Barbados. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) celebrated the 75th anniversary of Air Canada flying to Barbados on December 3, 2024. The island destination wants to remind Canadian travellers of these 75 quintessentially Bajan things to do to soak up the culture and the vibes of the island nation.
- Relax on Carlisle Bay: Enjoy crystal-clear waters and soft white sand at this popular beach.
- Visit Hunte’s Gardens: Explore a lush tropical garden set in a sinkhole with classical music playing. (MAGICAL PLACE I TRY TO VISIT WHEN I’M ON THE ISLAND)
- Tour Mount Gay Rum Distillery: Learn about rum production and sample the world’s oldest rum brand. (FABULOUS EXPERIENCE)
- Snorkel with sea turtles: Swim alongside these gentle creatures in their natural habitat.
- Explore Harrison’s Cave: Take a tram ride through stunning limestone caverns.
- Surf at Bathsheba: Catch waves at this picturesque spot known for its excellent surfing conditions.
- Visit St. Nicholas Abbey: Tour a historic plantation house and rum distillery. (LOVELY SPOT)
- Stroll through Bridgetown: Explore the capital city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and shops.
- Attend a cricket match: Experience Barbados’ favorite sport at Kensington Oval.
- Enjoy Friday night fish fry at Oistins: Savor fresh seafood and local atmosphere at this popular event. (ALWAYS A FUN NIGHT)
- Visit Animal Flower Cave: Explore sea caves with natural pools and ocean views.
- Hike the Barbados National Trust Hike: Join a guided nature walk to discover the island’s flora and fauna.
- Tour Sunbury Plantation House: Learn about colonial history in a beautifully preserved great house.
- Swim at Bottom Bay: Enjoy a secluded beach surrounded by coral cliffs.
- Visit Andromeda Botanic Gardens: Wander through six acres of tropical plants and flowers.
- Take a catamaran cruise: Sail along the coast, stopping to snorkel and enjoy the views.
- Explore Flower Forest: Walk through 53 acres of tropical flora and panoramic views.
- Visit George Washington House: Tour the only house outside the US where George Washington lived.
- Go deep-sea fishing: Try your luck catching marlin, tuna, or mahi-mahi.
- Attend Crop Over Festival: Experience Barbados’ biggest cultural celebration (if visiting in summer).
- Visit Barbados Wildlife Reserve: See green monkeys, flamingos, and other animals in a natural setting.
- Tour Foursquare Rum Distillery: Learn about rum production and taste various rums.
- Explore Welchman Hall Gully: Walk through a tropical forest in a collapsed cave system.
- Visit Nidhe Israel Synagogue: See one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere.
- Enjoy water sports at Mullins Beach: Try jet skiing, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
- Tour Clifton Hall Great House: Visit a restored 18th-century plantation house.
- Explore Morgan Lewis Windmill: See the last intact sugar windmill in Barbados. (COOL SPOT)
- Visit Barbados Museum: Learn about the island’s history and culture.
- Go horseback riding on the beach: Enjoy a scenic ride along the coast.
- Take a submarine tour: See coral reefs and marine life without getting wet.
- Visit Gun Hill Signal Station: Enjoy panoramic views from this historic military outpost.
- Explore Farley Hill National Park: Picnic in the ruins of a grand mansion surrounded by mahogany trees.
- Tour Tyrol Cot Heritage Village: Learn about traditional Bajan life and crafts.
- Visit Orchid World: See thousands of orchids in a beautiful hillside setting. (BEAUTIFUL GARDEN)
- Go on a Bajan food tour: Sample local delicacies and learn about Barbadian cuisine. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
- Explore Folkestone Marine Park: Snorkel around an artificial reef created from a sunken ship.
- Visit Francia Plantation: Tour a working plantation and sample tropical fruits.
- Take a scenic train ride at St. Nicholas Abbey: Enjoy views of the east coast on a heritage railway.
- Attend a polo match: Watch this elegant sport at one of the island’s polo clubs.
- Visit the Barbados Concorde Experience: See a retired Concorde aircraft up close.
- Explore Speightstown: Wander through this charming historic town with colonial architecture.
- Go cliff jumping at Shark Hole: Take a thrilling leap into the crystal-clear water below.
- Visit Arlington House Museum: Learn about Speightstown’s history in an interactive museum.
- Take a sunset sail: Enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sunset from the water.
- Explore Holetown: Visit the site of the first English settlement in Barbados.
- Go scuba diving: Explore coral reefs and shipwrecks in the warm Caribbean waters.
- Visit Earthworks Pottery: Watch local artisans create beautiful ceramics.
- Take a scenic drive along the East Coast Road: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline. (SO QUIET AND PEACEFUL)
- Visit the Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum: Learn about the island’s cricketing heroes.
- Attend a tuk band performance: Experience traditional Bajan music and dance.
- Visit Cherry Tree Hill: Enjoy panoramic views of the Scotland District.
- Explore the Barbados Boardwalk: Take a scenic stroll along the South Coast.
- Visit Codrington College: See the oldest theological college in the Western Hemisphere.
- Go on a rum shop crawl: Experience local culture in traditional Bajan rum shops. (SO MUCH FUN)
- Visit Paynes Bay Fish Market: See fishermen bring in their daily catch.
- Explore Coco Hill Forest: Hike through a biodiverse forest in the Scotland District.
- Visit Chalky Mount Potteries: See traditional pottery-making techniques in action.
- Take a photography tour: Capture the island’s most scenic spots with expert guidance.
- Visit the Barbados Garrison Historic Area: Explore military buildings and artifacts.
- Go on a sunset cocktail cruise: Sip tropical drinks while watching the sun set over the Caribbean.
- Visit Hastings Farmers Market: Sample local produce and crafts at this weekly market. (BARBADOS HAS MANY GREAT MARKETS)
- Explore Hackleton’s Cliff: Enjoy stunning views from one of the highest points on the island.
- Visit the Barbados Horticultural Society: See award-winning tropical gardens.
- Take a Segway tour: Explore the island’s scenic spots on a fun, two-wheeled adventure.
- Visit Drax Hall: See one of the oldest surviving Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere.
- Go stargazing at Cherry Tree Hill: Enjoy clear night skies away from city lights.
- Visit the Barbados National Heroes Gallery: Learn about the island’s most influential figures.
- Take a scenic helicopter tour: Get a bird’s-eye view of the island’s beauty.
- Visit the Barbados Railway Museum: Learn about the island’s defunct railway system.
- Explore Barclays Park: Enjoy a picnic with panoramic views of the east coast.
- Visit the Barbados Olympic Museum: Learn about the island’s sporting achievements.
- Take a glass-bottom boat tour: See marine life without getting in the water.
- Visit the Mallalieu Motor Collection: See vintage cars and motorcycles.
- Explore Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station: Hike nature trails and enjoy panoramic views.
- Attend the Holetown Festival: Experience local culture, music, and food at this annual event.
A couple more from Jim:
Try a cutter sandwich, usually made from flying fish. Cutter’s is a wonderful spot near the luscious Crane Resort that also serves award-winning rum punch. You can also find food trucks near the Hilton Barbados in the southwest corner of the island.
For a place to stay, I highly recommend the above-mentioned Crane Resort. The Hilton is another nice property. I recently stayed at The 02 Beach Club, a lovely, all-inclusive property on the south coast.
The Crane Resort sits on a beautiful bluff in southeast Barbados. Photo courtesy The Crane Resort.
AIR CANADA ADJUSTS BASIC AND COMFORT FARES
Air Canada says customers who purchase basic fares from Jan. 3, 2025 onward will have to pay for carry-on bags for flights to domestic, U.S. and sun destinations. Carry-on bags also will have to be checked.
Basic fare customers will also have a seat assigned to them at check-in and will have to pay a fee to change their spot on the plane.
As well, Air Canada is adjusting its comfort fare category by increasing the number of free checked bags on international flights from one to two. That move also takes effect Jan. 3, 2025.
Air Canada says the moves are being made to bring AC in line with industry standards, and allow customers to have an “apples to apples” comparison when it comes to booking basic fare flights.
“These changes align the airline’s fare structure with similar fare offerings by other Canadian carriers and better distinguish its fare brands,” AC said in a press release.
Basic Fare Changes
For its lowest-priced, Basic fare for North America and Sun routes (including flights to and from the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Central America and Hawaii), customers selecting this fare class and travelling on tickets purchased on or after Jan. 3, 2025, will still be able to bring on board one small personal item, such as a purse or computer bag. But larger items, such as roller-board or duffel bags, or large backpacks, will have to be checked pre-security and standard fees of $35 for a first bag and $50 for a second bag will apply. Customers arriving at the boarding gate with ineligible carry-on items will be required to check this baggage for a $65 fee for each item.
Mobility aids, medical devices, and child strollers are exempt from carry-on charges for all customers. As well, Status members, Star Alliance Gold, and Aeroplan premium credit cardholders will continue to be entitled to one carry-on bag, and their other benefits will also continue to apply.
Airlines around the world have struggled with an increasing number of pax who want to avoid bag fees by bringing more carry-on bags on board. That slows down the boarding process and often delays takeoff.
Basic Fare Seating
The revised Basic fare will still include complimentary seat assignment at check-in for customers who have not paid a fee to select their seats in advance. However, beginning Jan. 21, 2025, customers travelling on the revised Basic fare who wish to change their seat from the one automatically generated at check-in will be required to pay for that change — with the fee determined by the new seat chosen.
For families or those requiring an assistant, Air Canada remains committed to seating these customers together as per its current policy, which also prioritizes seating travelling companions together. Status and credit card member benefits will also continue to apply.
Comfort Fare Changes
The carrier also announced it is increasing the checked baggage allowance for customers travelling worldwide on its Comfort economy fare. Under the new structure, Comfort fare customers who purchase their tickets from Jan. 3, 2025, onwards will be entitled to check two complimentary bags, where currently the fare permits only one checked bag.
Air Canada earlier this year introduced several improvements for customers in all fare categories, including adding free wine or beer and snacks on many flights. They’ve also worked to improve connectivity.
