So you want to go somewhere new this year but with so many options, narrowing it down can be overwhelming. Not to worry, we have you covered. We took a look at the destinations that saw the biggest increase in KAYAK searches to bring you 10 Trending Destinations for Canadians in 2019. All of these destinations saw an increase in KAYAK searches of more than 100% when compared to the previous year. From beach vacays to city adventures, here are the top places Canadian travellers are talking about.
Note: Our recommendations on how far in advance to book your flight are based on 2018 data. As always, if you find a good deal — no matter how far ahead of your trip you find it — book it.
10 Trending Destinations from Canada
1. Male, Maldives
Increase in KAYAK searches: 215%
The Maldives are on the top of many travellers’ wish lists. And while they’ve become increasingly popular, there was a whopping 215% increase in KAYAK searches this past year. Looking to make the trip? While it’s not cheap, our data shows you’ll find the best deals in April — less than half the cost of the median price for the peak season of July.
Break up lazy days on the beach with activities on the water. From snorkeling to water sports, there are tons of opportunities to get moving. Snorkel or dive the Banana Reef, where coral attracts all kinds of sea life.
While most of your time will surely be spent on the beach, don’t miss a wander around Male. Though many meals may be eaten at your resort, consider stopping at an authentic teashop in Male like Faseyha Point or Moon Cafe at least once.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | April ($826) | February ($281) | 3 months ahead ($1,362) |
| Most expensive | July ($2,120) | October ($690) | 1 month ahead ($1,589) |
2. Cartagena, Colombia
Increase in KAYAK searches: 193%
If you’re in the mood for a warm weather vacay with a side of culture, Cartagena may be just what you’re looking for. And you wouldn’t be alone. There was a nearly 200% increase in KAYAK searches for this South American hot spot.
Travel in October to find the lowest prices, but be sure to book well in advance — our data shows the best prices were found 6 months ahead of travel. There’s tons to do in this colourful coastal city, so split your time between the beach and the historic walled centre for the best of both.
The beach in fishing village La Boquilla is favoured by locals and is a great alternative to some of the more touristy area beaches. Spend your nights dancing in the Getsemani neighbourhood, which has plenty of live music on offer. For salsa dancing, visit Cafe Havana, while Alquimico is known for its custom cocktails.
Our advice? Don’t miss catching at least one sunset from an outdoor terrace, like the rooftop bar of The Movich Hotel.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | October ($625) | April ($145) | 6 months ahead ($532) |
| Most expensive | December ($996) | December ($219) | 3 month ahead ($778) |
3. Belize City, Belize
Increase in KAYAK searches: 175%
If a tropical vacation is what you’re after, Belize should be top of your list. With KAYAK searches up 175%, it may already be on your mind and for good reason. Airfare is more affordable than many tropical beaches (travel in November to find fares at some of their lowest).
If you’re debating an end-of-year trip, our data shows that airfare nearly doubles from November to December, so visiting in November will save you a significant amount of cash. While you’re there, the beach may be your priority, but don’t miss the Mayan ruins. Perhaps not as well known as the ones in Mexico, they’re similarly impressive. Head to Cahal Pech in the morning and you may just have the place to yourself.
If you’re looking to save, pass on upscale dining and enjoy the catch of the day served from street vendors. And when it comes to getting around, skip taxis and hop on a ‘chicken bus’ — the nickname for the brightly-painted converted school buses used as public transport.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | November ($412) | September ($188) | 6 months ahead ($480) |
| Most expensive | December ($810) | May ($256) | 1 month ahead ($604) |
4. Sofia, Bulgaria
Increase in KAYAK searches: 172%
Sofia is a laid-back alternative to some of Europe’s more touristy cities. But keep in mind, its undiscovered charm won’t stay undiscovered for long. In fact, we saw a 172% increase in searches this past year.
We found the lowest flight prices in February, so don’t discount a winter city break because of the weather. While it will be cold — think around 5 degrees — you can warm with a cup of the area’s local rakia, a fruit brandy, served warm with honey and black pepper. Find some of the best at Raketa Rakia Bar.
Walk along Vitosha Boulevard to window shop and scope out views of Vitosha Mountain, or take Bus 66 to the mountain itself. You’ll be there in less than an hour.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | February ($747) | July ($81) | 5 months ahead ($1,153) |
| Most expensive | July ($1,119) | June ($190) | 6 months ahead ($1,282) |
5. Edmonton, Alberta
Increase in KAYAK searches: 161%
Edmonton has something to offer travellers year round, but our data shows the most affordable flights are in February. That’s when the weather is extra cold — think highs of -3. But keep in mind, Edmonton is one of the best places in Canada to catch the northern lights from September to April. Head to Elk Island National Park for some of the best vantage points.
To escape the cold, duck into the West Edmonton mall — the largest in North America, complete with theme parks, indoor skating rink and not one but four movie theaters.
But if you’d rather skip the cold altogether, there are also some affordable flights to be found in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall (under $300). Whatever the season, spend an evening at Mercer Tavern. Located in the Warehouse District in one of the city’s oldest buildings, the warm pub-style restaurant offers locally sourced ingredients and great craft beer.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | February ($215) | January ($193) | 1 month ahead ($25) |
| Most expensive | December ($346) | March or April ($235) | 6 months ahead ($436) |
6. Martinique
Increase in KAYAK searches: 158%
The popularity of this French-speaking Caribbean island is on the rise, and we’re not surprised. Hit the beach in November when temperatures can still reach 30 degrees and data shows flight prices are at their lowest.
Visit the southern part of the island for warm water and white sand beaches. Active travellers can jet ski and kite surf, while less active travellers can enjoy the sun while remembering to flip over at regular intervals.
For a look back into history, along with views of the active volcano Mount Pelee, head to Saint-Pierre in the north. It was once the island’s main port until it was destroyed by the 1902 volcanic eruption. A tourist train takes visitors along the steep hillside, but you can also hike one of the three established trails.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | November ($404) | June ($156) | 2 months ahead ($891) |
| Most expensive | July ($1,092) | April ($223) | 4 months ahead ($976) |
7. Dublin, Ireland
Increase in KAYAK searches: 154%
While Dublin has been a popular choice for some time, new flight routes are making Ireland even more accessible to Canadian travellers. Our data shows the most affordable flights in October. Lucky for you, fall in Dublin is pretty much ideal with crisp but pleasant weather in the mid-teens.
Tour the Guinness Storehouse and visit museums that range from the Irish Museum of Modern Art to the National Leprechaun Museum, if only to work up an appetite. Dublin offers up five Michelin-starred restaurants, including Chapter One and The Greenhouse, but make time for casual gems like funky cafe The Fumbally.
While a pint at iconic Temple Bar is a given, be sure to visit Vintage Cocktail Club, a speakeasy hidden within this popular pub — just ring the doorbell for entry.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | October ($552) | February ($101) | 2 months ahead ($733) |
| Most expensive | December ($1,077) | June ($302) | 6 months ahead ($801) |
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Increase in KAYAK searches: 151%
Croatia has a lot going for it — a mash-up of all the beach vibes, culture and good ol’ fashioned sightseeing you could ever need in one vacation. While it’s not cheap, we found the most affordable time to visit is in January. And with mild winters (around 12 degrees), the weather is pleasant for exploring. Just keep in mind, some businesses close during the low season.
Whenever you visit, get the best views (and photo ops) of Dubrovnik’s old town from the city walls. This is where you’ll get that classic aerial photo of the city’s iconic red roofs. Or, if you want to go even higher, ride the cable car to Mount Srdj to take in the city from above (bonus points if you go at sunset).
For local flavour, try a traditional peka dish. This signature Croatian meal is cooked for hours under a bell-shaped iron dome called a peka. Find flavourful versions at city restaurants Mlinica Ano or Konoba Dubrava.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January ($1,055) | December ($94) | 3 months ahead ($1,254) | |
| March ($1,628) | July ($468) | 1 month ahead ($1,346) |
9. Porto, Portugal
Increase in KAYAK searches: 116%
You may have written off Port as something your grandfather drinks at Christmas, but it’s time to reconsider this sweet red wine and its hometown. With a 116% increase in KAYAK searches over the past year, more and more travellers are taking note of this alternative to popular Lisbon. It can get pretty pricey over the summer, so travel in the off-season to save. We found the cheapest flights in February. You can also find flights for under $900 during the fall shoulder season to take advantage of pleasant weather — it can still reach the 20s — and lower flight prices.
Explore the banks of the Douro River with a stop at its baroque church, Torre dos Clérigos. Dine at riverside restaurants that serve local bacalhau (cod) and octopus salad like A Tasqinha, a cozy spot that won’t set you back.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | February ($747) | February ($100) | 2 months ahead ($964) |
| Most expensive | July ($1,119) | December ($213) | 5 months ahead ($1,033) |
10. Budapest, Hungary
Increase in KAYAK searches: 112%
If you’re looking for a European city break this year, Budapest is an attractive choice and is on the radar of more and more travellers (112% more, in fact). With the most affordable flights found in February, braving the cold can save you money. Lucky for you, Budapest looks its best under a fresh dusting of snow. Book that flight to Budapest only one month in advance to get some of the best prices.
While you’re there, ice skate on Europe’s largest ice skating rink — a frozen-over lake in the City Park — and take a ride on one of the city’s trams, which are decked out in fairy lights for winter. Our tip? Take the number 2 for an inexpensive DIY sightseeing tour along the Danube.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | February ($865) | January ($120) | 1 month ahead ($1,132) |
| Most expensive | July ($1,430) | April ($227) | 5 months ahead ($1,330) |
Ready to start planning? Start at KAYAK for all the information you need to plan your next vacation with confidence.
Methodology
For our Trending Destinations list, we considered flight searches conducted on the CA KAYAK site between 10/25/2017 – 10/24/2018 for travel from Canada occurring between 03/01/2018 – 02/28/19. To pick the top 10, we looked at flight destinations with the greatest year over year percent increase of the top 100 most searched-for destinations. Median airfare and hotel rates for destinations were based on travel dates 10/25/2017 – 10/24/2018. Our When to Book recommendations come from an analysis of median airfare as a function of months before departure. For smaller destinations or those without a major international airport, the closest major airport was used to source data.
