Iceland is one of five travel destinations with great value for Canadians this year, according to TravelZoo. Photo courtesy Icelandair.
The deal experts at TravelZoo have released their predictions of travel destinations that will give Canadians the best value in 2016. The list includes Iceland, Poland, China, Rio de Janeiro and the Dominican Republic, with some deals coming in at 60 per cent off regular prices.
Michael Duchesne, publisher for Travelzoo Canada, says the top factors for this year’s picks are the declining loonie and availability of extra flights.
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“Canadians are looking to go where the dollar will go further, making Rio and Poland very appealing. And all of the destinations on the list have increased flight options for Canadians, making airfares more competitive,” Duchesne says.
Take a look at TravelZoo’s list below before you plan a trip this year.
Iceland
Deal example: Flights from Toronto or Montreal to Reykjavik starting at $249 each way including taxes.
Why 2016 is the year to go: Icelandair services Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and Halifax and will introduce Montreal later this year while WOW Air plans to launch service this spring with prices at $99 each way. The new flights and increased competition will likely push down fares. Reykjavik is also a great layover option and gateway to the rest of Europe.
China
Deal example: Vacation packages to China, including flights, hotels, meals, tours and taxes for less than $1000 per person.
Why 2016 is the year to go: Fares from Canada to China have been on the decline in 2014 and 2015 and Travelzoo Deal Experts predict fares to hit an all-time low in 2016. Additionally, tour operators purchased bulk vacation package inventory in advance due to the declining loonie, which will result in more deals. Travellers should book early in 2016 as deals will diminish once the inventory runs low.
Poland
Deal example: Return flights from Toronto to Warsaw for $700, including taxes.
Why 2016 is the year to go: Poland is one of the only European countries that is still a good deal for Canadians due to the low cost of living. Travellers can pay on average $60 per night for a 4-star Kraków hotel and dine at the top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor – Restauracja Starka – for $32 per person including drinks.
Rio de Janeiro
Deal example: Return flights to Rio from Toronto for $640, including taxes.
Why 2016 is the year to go: Two factors make Rio de Janeiro more accessible and affordable for Canadians in 2016: the declining Brazilian real and a hotel room surplus as a result of the Olympic Games. Rio is one of the few destinations that offers a favourable exchange rate for Canadians as 1CAD = 2.86 BRL. More than 70 new hotels have also been built-in anticipation of the Olympic Games, increasing occupancy from 31,000 beds to 51,000 beds. Travellers will find the best deals post-games as the hotels look to fill the increased inventory.
Dominican Republic
Deal example: Week-long all-inclusive vacations with flights for $815 including taxes.
Why 2016 is the year to go: Low fuel costs and expanded flight capacity have helped cut the price of all-inclusive vacations to the Dominican Republic. Deals for travel in 2016 are discounted by almost 40 per cent from Toronto and 55 per cent from Winnipeg, when compared to similar packages in 2015. Additionally, Air Canada and Sunwing increased their weekly flights to Puerto Plata. And WestJet is expected to double capacity this June.
Are you now considering visiting one of these destinations this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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