This year, Canadians are looking beyond the usual beach resorts by basking in the beauty of stunning landscapes and immersing themselves in new communities. According to data from KAYAK, interest in travel to Africa and Central America is soaring, with jumps of 17% and 12% respectively, compared to last year – a clear sign that long-haul, experience-driven getaways are on the rise.
Planning a getaway on a budget? We have good news! Average airfare is down compared to last year (down 4%), with popular destinations like St. Maarten, Martinique, and Cabo San Lucas down more than 20%. And for Canadians looking for ‘close to home’ adventures, Abbotsford, Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto all have flights under $350 this summer.
If you have your eyes set on long weekends, Victoria Day flights are 10% cheaper while Canada Day fares are down 8%.
Old Strathcona in Edmonton. Photo courtesy Tourism Edmonton
Whether you’re eyeing Victoria Day, Canada Day, or a last-minute August escape, KAYAK’s sharing some expert tips to maximize your vacation and minimize your spending:
- Skip the usuals. Tourist magnets like Toronto and Montreal = high prices. Look for underrated gems – think Kelowna instead of Vancouver, or Porto instead of Paris – for better prices, fewer crowds and a way bigger return on your travel budget.
- Catch the first flight out. Set the alarm. Early morning flights are usually cheaper, face fewer delays and give you more time in your destination. Save cash, save time and maybe even catch a mid-air sunrise.
- Don’t guess. Found a good deal? KAYAK’s Price Check tells you if it’s actually a steal. It shows how your find stacks up against price trends and live data. Data > drama.
- Beat the family rush. Travelling with kids? Dodge the most expensive weeks of summer – late June through early August – and aim for now through early June or late August instead. You’ll find cheaper flights, cheaper hotels and fewer meltdowns at security.
TOP DESTINATIONS FOR AMERICANS THIS SUMMER
St. Ives, Cornwall, England. Matt Jessop/Visit Cornwall Photo
International Medical Group has conducted a review of customer travel plans from the beginning of June to the end of August and predicts this summer’s top five international destinations for U.S. travellers will be:
- Mexico
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Dominican Republic
JIMMY BUFFETT LICENSE PLATES IN FLORIDA
I love this. The state of Florida has okayed a special Jimmy Buffett/Margaritaville license plate that features palm trees on a beach, a parrot and, naturally, a pair of flip flops.
FORT MYERS AREA SEES TOURISM REBOUND
Margaritaville Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach, Florida. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Lee County Florida’s tourism industry showed significant recovery in 2024 following Hurricane Ian, with a 15.5% increase in visitors and a 17.9% rise in visitor spending. The industry supported over 42,000 jobs and generated $3.1 billion in visitor spending, although some hotels are still recovering and 2025 has seen a decline in visitors due to fewer international tourists. It’s a fabulous part of Florida that includes Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva islands, Bonita Springs (my sister was there recently and loved it), and also Gasparilla Island, a delightful, quiet, throwback kind of place.
PORTER AIRLINES EXPANDS CANADIAN OFFERINGS
The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a Victoria, B.C., icon. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Porter Airlines has landed in Kelowna with nonstop service from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The schedule begins with five weekly roundtrip flights, increasing to daily roundtrip flights on June 23.
Porter on May 15 announced it will launch new non-stop service between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Victoria International Airport (YYJ). The new service is the only route connecting the two capitals. Flights begin with four weekly roundtrips, increasing to daily roundtrips on June 16.
The website simpleflying.com says Porter has cancelled its Toronto-San Diego service, and also has cancelled plans to fly between Montreal and Las Vegas. Those flights were set to begin in January of next year.
