Travel is Back: Canadians Craving Quick Getaways, Island Vacations & Europe

June 28, 2021 ctn_admin

Contiki reveals Canadians are craving island escapes, travel this year and conscious travel experiences to welcome travel’s return.

“The day we’ve all been waiting for is here as Canada’s quarantine and travel restrictions are set to loosen in the coming weeks for fully vaccinated travellers,” Contiki officials said. “It’s finally time to dust off your passport and start putting plans into motion!”

Whether you’ve been thinking about your dream trip since the start of the pandemic, or simply don’t know where to start, Contiki has compiled the perfect wander-list to spark some serious inspiration. Based on data analyzed from over 10,000 unique searches, here are the top 6 travel trends and destinations among Canadian 18-35-year-olds.

1. Travel is BACK

It’s happening! Travel is back, and it’s not just a maybe. We’ve all been dying to get out of the house and start exploring again, and travel is about to return with a vengeance – but space will be limited. For the month of June, Contiki is seeing 115% more worldwide trips booked in Canada. With variable pricing, Flexible Booking policies in place and sweet savings of up to 20% off* for Canadians, there’s never been a better time to secure your spot on your dream vacation

2. Europe Reigns Supreme

While Canadian millennial and Gen Z-ers are still interested in local travel, Europe and Asia are topping the charts. For the month of June, the top five most searched for destinations were: (1) Greece, (2) Italy, (3) Canada, (4) Iceland and (5) Spain. Since news broke that travel restrictions will be easing, international destinations have risen through the ranks, with Iceland edging out Canada for spot #3, Thailand jumping into fourth and Canada rounding out the top five. In even better news, all of these destinations are open to welcome back fully vaccinated Canadians come July.

3. It’s Island Time

After a hectic year, it’s no surprise Canadians are prioritizing paradise to ease back into travel. Greek Island Hopping and Thai Island Hopping (East) are the two most popular trips trending among 18-35-year-olds. Conveniently, Greece has loosened its restrictions to welcome back travellers and Phuket, Thailand also recently announced it will be opening to fully vaccinated travellers.

4. Travel THIS YEAR

Since the start of the year, an overwhelming majority of Canadians (92%) have been planning their trips for 2022. However, given the exciting news, Canadians have shown they are ready to go and for the month of June, while 65% still plan to travel next year, 35% have booked for 2021. It may feel surreal, but travel this year is actually set to become a reality!

5. Shorter, sustainable mini-breaks

Shorter, more sustainable adventures are another emerging trend, as Canadians are seeking quick Detours to get off the tourist trail. Immerse yourself fully in a destination on a short, sweet rejuvenating break to reconnect with yourself – as well as with likeminded people with the same passions and hobbies as you. Whether you’re keen to learn the art of truffle hunting with Matteo and his trained pups in Italy, unwind with an Ayurvedic Wellness Retreat in Sri Lanka or learn to be a safari guide in Kruger National Park, you’re guaranteed to have the trip of a lifetime while positively impacting the people, places and wildlife you encounter.

6. Staycations

Some Canadians aren’t quite ready to hop on a plane to another country, and that’s totally understandable. Especially with so much to explore in our own backyard, Canadian millennials and Gen Z are searching for day trips and quick weekend getaways to hit up filming locations from Schitt’s Creek, visit the breathtaking Canadian Rockies or just to finally catch up with friends and family.

Canadians can rest assured travelling with Contiki is guilt and hassle-free, as the brand will be 100% carbon neutral by January 1, 2022, driven by its ethos to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. Contiki also rigorously evaluated its experiences, training and protocols to ensure travellers’ wellbeing expectations are exceeded in every way and was involved in defining global, standardized health and hygiene protocols as members of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Plus, its Flexibility Promise allows travellers to change travel plans up to 30 days prior to the trip’s departure date – fee free. 

To discover more enticing destinations and secure a spot on the trip of a lifetime for just a $99 deposit*, plus score up to 20% off your dream trip**, visit: www.contiki.com/Canadian-Travel-Sale.

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