I have been thinking about this a lot and my top five I would say are Madeira, Portugal; Galapagos Islands, Ecuador; Mozambique; Slovenia and Western Australia.
Slovenia is somewhere I went in November, in the off-season and was blown away by its beauty. I think Canadians would love it. Being surrounded by Austria, Croatia and Italy, it is a small but mighty country with so much to offer. It has an amazing blend of cultures and their own flair, the scenery is magnificent, the hotels present great value and the food and wine is lovely, with a big focus on the farm-to-table concept with so many independent growers. You can be super active and immersed in nature too, mixed with the history and incredible castles – a true fairytale land… plus a gorgeous coastline. It would be easy to self-drive too.
Scandinavia is definitely getting more interest, already though, and I feel like it is being featured a lot.
Kemi Wells-Conrad, Founder & president, Wells Luxury Travel, Vancouver, B.C.
I think a noteworthy destination for 2025 would be Argentina, specifically Buenos Aires. I recently visited this stunning city at the end of a Swan Hellenic sailing and spent two days exploring the city, but I would have gladly stayed longer. It has a beautiful European flair, extremely friendly and kind people, and endless sights to explore. What I really appreciated was how affordable it was to dine locally. Anyone who loves red wine and high-quality beef would love dining around Buenos Aires – as it’s a fraction of the cost we see here in North America. For anyone who hasn’t been to South America yet, this would be the place to see!
Ashley Doell, Travel consultant, owner, Doell Travel, Warman, Sask.
I see more travellers moving away from the traditional all-inclusive resorts and embracing destinations that offer more value and immersive experiences. Southeast Asia continues to be a favourite, with destinations like Cambodia and Thailand with their beautiful beaches and culturally rich landscapes—all at a wallet-friendly price. Meanwhile, Belize and Costa Rica are capturing the spotlight with their stunning biodiversity, vibrant cultures, and accessible direct flights from many Canadian cities. These two countries are hot choices for those that want convenience, adventurous outdoor experiences and beautiful landscapes.
Val Burnett, Owner/travel consultant, Wanderlust Getaway, Lacombe, Alta.
Many 2025 travellers booked in early to mid-2024. The destination with the most steam is Morocco – notably by premium small-group-adventure tours. Destinations explored by small ships are once again popular. Way out in front is the Galapagos Islands, followed by Europe/river cruises, and the stunning Norway coastline.
Diane Manson, Travel, cruise & fine adventure consultant, Mountain City Travel, Kimberley, BC
