Creativity and personalization are key to planning memorable travel, especially in uncertain times. Nothing should stand in the way of travel being a positive and enriching experience, even a trade war. Luckily, creative planning, a personal touch, and an entire world to explore means you can adapt to anything and always find value when you travel.
Canadian globetrotters and snowbirds should consider these 10 destinations during these turbulent times with the US. Each of these destinations offers incredible value across the board, is an excellent replacement for American staples like Florida and Arizona and can easily become your new long stay favourite escape if they're not already.
Australia
Goway has proudly led North American travel to Australia for Canadian globetrotters for 55 years. This vast and beautiful country always impresses us, from icons like Sydney and Melbourne to rising hotspots like the Gold Coast and Northern Territory. With the exchange rate sitting around $1 CAD to $1.11 AUD, Australia's world-class experiences become even more appealing. What could be better than snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, uncovering Melbourne's art scene, indulging in a Barossa Valley wine tour, or exploring the Outback without breaking the bank?
Bali
Bali, the Island of the Gods, offers not only great value for the Canadian dollar but also rich cultural, natural, and wellness experiences that are even more rewarding. In an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, Bali's picture-perfect beaches, jungle wellness retreats, and rich Balinese Hinduism culture elevate the island to one of the world's most enriching and sought-after destinations. Bali's year-round tropical climate allows you to enjoy its stunning landscapes, unique cultural traditions, and rejuvenating retreats at almost any time of the year. Culture enthusiasts, beach bums, wellness travellers, and nature enthusiasts will always find value in Bali.
Canada
In times of adversity and uncertainty, it's best not to overthink it. So, why not look for alternate destinations at home? Exploring this incredible country is one of the best and most rewarding ways to show your Canadian pride and support Canada during these times. Road trips are almost always more affordable than international travel. With summer quickly approaching, there's never been a better time to organize a trip to one of the several bucket-list-worthy national parks, from Banff to Jasper, Mont-Tremblant, or Yoho. Summer is also dominated by festivals like the Calgary Stampede, Toronto's International Jazz Festival, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada in Montreal. We'd also be remiss if we didn't mention the incredible winter experiences in the Great White North, from world-class ski resorts to polar bear safaris in Churchill, Manitoba, and sleigh rides in the Maritimes.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are another excellent year-round tropical getaway and a perfect replacement for beach getaways closer to home. The Cook Islands are one of the most affordable South Pacific island escapes, compared to icons like Hawai’i, Fiji, and Tahiti, meaning you'll have a little extra piece of mind while lounging on the beach or biking around Rarotonga. The Cook Islands' proximity to New Zealand and Australia also means you can easily add extra value to your trip by adding a quick visit to these two incredible destinations.
Morocco
Morocco's abundance of authentic cultural experiences and dramatic landscapes make it one of the most exciting and enriching alternate destinations. History enthusiasts can explore a millennium of the Islamic Empire in Morocco's four imperial cities, Fez, Marrakech, Rabat, and Meknes, while also indulging in delicious culinary experiences. Morocco's souks, medinas, and Berber villages add an extra layer of fascinating cultural experiences, while the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert set the stage for unforgettable adventures, including mountain treks and desert camel-back safaris.
Peru
Peru offers outstanding experiences from history, culture, gastronomy, and immersive nature activities at very fair prices. The capital city, Lima, is a premier destination for culinary experiences, and the city's collection of Inca monuments and 16th-century architecture only adds to the city's dynamic identity. Iconic sites like Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Lake Titicaca are all worthy reasons to visit Peru on their own. Still, the favourable exchange rate presents an incredible opportunity to combine these world-class sites in a single trip.
Poland
Adding Poland to your travel plans means adding extra layers of history, art, culture, and natural experiences to your European travels. Nestled between rugged mountain ranges and the Baltic Sea, Poland's cities showcase stunning medieval architecture, thriving arts scenes, and deep historical significance. Warsaw, painstakingly rebuilt after WWII, is an exciting capital with plenty of powerful immersive museums. Kraków, Poland's most popular city, boasts a well-preserved medieval center dating back to the 7th century, having largely escaped wartime destruction. A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, offers a sobering and profound reflection on the horrors of the Holocaust, an experience that leaves a lasting impact on all who visit.
Portugal
Canadian snowbirds looking for a new long-stay destination should look no further than Portugal. The Algarve in southern Portugal is home to some of Europe's best stretches of beaches great for surfing, kayaking, and swimming, and monthly rentals for long stays often cost less than similar options in Florida. Exploring the rugged coastline, centuries-old fishing villages, local markets, and delicious restaurants are comfortable year-round, with roughly 300 days of sunshine annually. The subtropical island of Madeira is another excellent option, with plenty of seaside resorts, mountain villages, a beautiful cloud forest, and a comfortable subtropical climate.
Thailand
First-time travellers looking for familiar comforts, extended stays, secluded beaches, and exciting activities will find endless joy in Thailand. There's plenty of value in travelling to Thailand beyond the cheaper prices. Cities like Bangkok offer plenty of opportunities to experience the energetic spirit of modern Thailand with Michelin-quality food stalls and fine dining experiences while immersing yourself in Thailand's rich Buddhist culture and ancient kingdom history. Island paradises like Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Phuket are great places to unwind in breathtaking tropical scenery or get active with adrenaline-pumping adventures like scuba diving, rock climbing, and hiking.
Tunisia
Tunisia is another pleasant year-round option. Beach lovers and history enthusiasts will love the northern coastal Mediterranean regions from June to October, while those who want to explore the Sahara will want to visit from autumn to spring when the temperatures are more enjoyable. Tunisia's 1,000 km (623 mi) of natural beaches and great value accommodations in towns full of fun nightclubs and bars make it a great destination to unwind and disconnect. Those seeking a bit more adventure must visit the desert sand dunes in the south or the Atlas Mountain range of the northwest.
Born to two parents who met travelling, Sael has always wanted to travel the world. Sael has hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, visited blue-footed boobies on the Galapagos Islands, stood on both hemispheres of the equator in Ecuador, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hiked the base of Uluru, surfed Pacific Ocean waves in Mexico, and skydived over the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. Meeting new people and sharing stories are some of Sael's favourite parts of travelling, and he hopes he can help ignite this passion for discovery in others.
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