A new Flight Centre Canada survey conducted by YouGov reveals 78% of Canadians agree adventure travel today is defined by discovery, not adrenaline. In fact, 91% say a trip can feel adventurous without any thrill-seeking at all.
For Spring/Summer 2026, Mexico, Canada, and the Dominican Republic continue to lead as Flight Centre Canada’s top destinations by overall booking volume.
However, the most notable growth is happening in the long-haul category, with demand rising significantly for Portugal(+57%), New Zealand (+52%), the Netherlands (+40%), and Germany (+32%). Australia also is very popular. Portugal is a terrific European destination, and reasonably cheap as well. I haven’t spent much time in Germany but I love the Netherlands, and have had great trips to both New Zealand and Australia.
A Segway tour of Auckland, New Zealand. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Canadians are becoming more confident in exploring once out-of-reach destinations like Greece, Argentina, and Colombia, as improved accessibility through tours, cruises, all-inclusive packages, and customized itineraries makes travel easier, officials said.
Flight Centre’s Big Red Sale HERE (on now through May 31) is one example of that, with strong uptake on long-haul and curated trips.
MORE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOURS
TC Tour Brands is expanding its guided tour offerings across Australia and New Zealand, with new itineraries from Trafalgar and Costsaver designed to help travel advisors meet growing client demand for one of the most sought-after long-haul destinations in the market today.
“We’ve seen Australia and New Zealand generating real momentum with advisors right now and we want to make it even easier to capitalize on that demand,” said Whitney Ramirez, SVP of Sales at TTC Tour Brands. “With more options from Trafalgar and Costsaver and a dedicated selling guide, advisors have everything they need to confidently recommend the right trip for each traveller.”
Bookings to Australia and New Zealand have increased +96% year over year, driven largely by North American travellers, with Canada bookings up +100%. Favourable exchange rates and trips priced from CAD$547 per day position the destination as a strong value proposition for clients, with demand expected to continue building into the region’s peak travel season from November through March.
An aboriginal guide at Uluru. Photo Courtesy Tourism Australia.
The new itineraries span both countries combining comprehensive journeys and regional experiences with a balance of included experiences and free time:
- Trafalgar highlights include the 17-day Untamed New Zealand, covering both islands and iconic experiences such as Stewart Island Milford Sound, and the 15-day Outback Adventure, an overland journey through one of Australia’s most remote and sought-after regions.
- Costsaver complements the offering with budget-friendly options such as Bucket List Australia and Bucket List New Zealand, providing advisors accessible entry points into the destination while maintaining structured itineraries and key highlights.
Speaking of Australia, Berkeley River Lodge in Western Australia, opened on Friday, May 1. Following a three-year refurbishment, the relaunch comes just five months after the property was hit by a category 3 cyclone – making it a truly remarkable comeback. I haven’t been to the Kimberley Region, but I’ve been to Western Australia on two occasions and absolutely love it. Here’s a story I wrote about my first visit, and another about my latest trip, which included a, wait for it, Flying Pub Crawl.
FOUR SEASONS TORONTO MICHELIN-STAR DINNER
Steelhead trout at Cafe Boulud at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. JIM BYERS PHOTO
- A six‑course tasting menu priced at CAD 695 per person
- Signature dishes such as Chef Galliot’s velouté de petits pois with verbena and Ossetra caviar and homard Canadien au vin jaune
- Chef Boulud’s refined presentations, including morue charbonnière à l’oseille and selle d’agneau farcie
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A seasonal finale dessert of framboise‑rhubarbe with olive oil biscuit and rhubarb ice cream
CALIFORNIA WORLD CUP TRIP
Outdoor dining at The Sanctuary Beach Resort in California.
With FIFA World Cup travel continuing to take shape as fans plan beyond match-day moments, thought to bring light to a California-driven itinerary anchored by L’Ermitage Beverly Hills and The Sanctuary Beach Resort, offering a seamless blend of city access and coastal reset.
From the energy of Los Angeles to the restorative rhythm of the Central Coast, this pairing reflects a broader shift toward itineraries that balance proximity to stadiums with immersive, place-driven stays, allowing travelers to experience California beyond the game itself.
Highlights of L’Ermitage Beverly Hills’ FIFA Travel Itinerary:
- Match-day access with elevated city living: L’Ermitage Beverly Hills offers a refined home base near SoFi Stadium, where guests can move seamlessly between game-day energy and the privacy of an all-suite retreat
- World Cup-inspired culinary programming: Limited-time offerings across Poza Rooftop and Costa Covo bring globally inspired food and beverage moments that extend the match-day experience beyond the stadium
Highlights of The Sanctuary’s FIFA Travel Itinerary:
- A scenic coastal reset between host cities: A tranquil Monterey Bay retreat ideally positioned for travelers moving between Los Angeles and Northern California match locations
- Proximity to Levi’s Stadium without the crowds: Just 14 miles away, offering access to Bay Area matches while maintaining a peaceful, oceanfront setting
- Highway 1 + slow-travel experiences: The drive becomes part of the journey, paired with beachside yoga, BOND’Fires, and ocean-to-table dining at Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette
I haven’t had the pleasure of staying at either property, but L’Ermitage earns remarkable ratings from guests, and I can personally attest to the beauty of The Sanctuary, which is located on lovely Monterey Bay. We have a family cabin not far from The Sanctuary, so it’s on my list of places to check out in California. Ditto for L’Ermitage.
