Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and for many Canadians, travel is on the horizon.
With the desire to reconnect with loved ones or explore new places, travel trends are showing some interesting shifts.
This year, snippets of data reveal over half of Canadian Thanksgiving travels are set to cross international borders, marking a significant change from recent years.
Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's trend and destination expert, stated, "This year, we're seeing more than half of travel will be international for Thanksgiving from Canada, that's a big shift from where we were a couple of years ago."
Top of the list, New Delhi stands out as the most sought-after destination for Canadians this holiday season.
While international travel is soaring, several domestic spots aren’t far behind, with Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver maintaining their popularity.
New York, London, and Los Angeles are also high on the wish list, showcasing the resurgence of long-distance travel.
Laura highlights, "These Thanksgiving travel trends for Canadians are representative of a broader pattern of travel ‘normalizing,’ including for trips farther away from home."
Asian destinations like Seoul are also gaining traction among Canadian travelers during this holiday season.
With rising travel ambitions, strategizing for the trip can make all the difference.
While holiday travel deals might seem elusive, travelers can still find opportunities if they keep their options flexible.
According to Lindsay, people are typically less flexible about where they can go during the holidays; maintaining some flexibility can help snag better deals.
If you're set on visiting relatives or friends, being open to traveling on less popular dates could save some cash.
For example, traveling on the morning of Thanksgiving and arriving by afternoon could offer better pricing.
Lindsay mentions, "If you're somebody who tends to be quite loyal to one airline for points, actually, that's not necessarily the best thing to do."
Exploring different airlines can lead to unlocking better deals, especially around busy holidays.
Understanding airfare fluctuations is also key — some prices rise dramatically based on demand and route specifics.
Airfare prices have been stabilizing, but booking early and setting up alerts is advised to secure the best rates.
The Canadian government recently eased several pandemic-related travel restrictions, giving travelers more freedom, which could impact this year's Thanksgiving travel.
"Throughout the pandemic, we've seen such an enduring love for travel," said Lindsay, capturing the spirit of wanderlust felt by many Canadians.
If staying closer to home this Thanksgiving is more to your taste, Canada offers numerous festive activities.
Jasper, Alberta, is buzzing with excitement for Thanksgiving weekend, featuring family-friendly adventures at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
With activities ranging from canoe tours to pumpkin carving and outdoor movie nights, there’s something for everyone during the long weekend.
The region’s stunning landscapes also provide plenty of hiking and biking opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Head over to Niagara Falls, Ontario, to soak up the beauty of autumn, where walking or biking along the Niagara River Recreation Trail is highly recommended.
For those seeking breathtaking viewpoints, the Skylon Tower observation deck, at 233 meters high, offers some spectacular views of the Falls.
British Columbia's Whistler is another favorite this fall, perfect for families and adventurers alike.
The autumn season presents ideal opportunities for sightseeing tours, ATV rides up Blackcomb Mountain, and even thrilling zipline experiences.
For travelers who prefer cultural experiences, Quebec City offers the picturesque charm of Old Quebec.
Taking a stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage site during fall can be particularly enchanting, especially along Dufferin Terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
This season is also great for wildlife watchers, with opportunities to catch the snow geese migration at Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area.
Whether it's the allure of distant destinations or the comfort of local adventures, this Thanksgiving season promises vibrant travel opportunities for every type of traveler.
Travel continues to evolve, especially as more Canadians express excitement about venturing beyond their borders.
The shifting trends underline the heightened urge for connection and exploration as might not have been evident just a couple of years ago.
With increased flexibility rewarded by better deals, Canadians are eager to embrace travel during the festive season.
So, whether you’re globe-trotting with family or basking in the fall foliage of Canada, Thanksgiving can be the perfect time to travel.
