Contiki, the travel company offering global adventures for 18- to 35-year old’s, recently polled young Canadians about their upcoming travel plans. Here are the top 10 destinations on young traveller’s radars this year.

Jordan

Heaving with historical significance, spirituality and soul, Jordan is a serene sanctuary in a region of conflict. Ever since Jean Louis Burckhardt stumbled upon the “lost” city of Petra in the 19th century – the jaw-dropping ancient metropolis that’s carved into towering red cliffs – this land has ignited the imaginations of intrepid adventurers across the globe. Jordan offers safe and easy travelling thanks to its modern infrastructure, inquisitive locals and modest size. But the country isn’t just about the “rose-red city half old as time.” Boasting sweeping desert panoramas, fascinating ancient monuments, fantastic food, and warm hospitality, it’s comfortably one of the top travel destinations agents will hear a lot of from their clients in 2019.

Agents can book their young clients on Contiki’s new 11-day Israel and Jordan Uncovered small group adventure that will transport them back to ancient times. Clients will visit the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative Society, a Contiki Cares powered by TreadRight project, connecting them to the area’s local traditions and customs before heading out to the desert on a 4×4 and getting up close and personal with Petra.

Sri Lanka

Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, spectacular wildlife, rolling surf, affordable prices, fun trains, famous tea, and flavourful food make Sri Lanka a hotspot in 2019. Sri Lanka is perfect for young Canadians longing for a mixture of wildlife adventure and beach time, but who tire of being stuck in a buffet line at yet another all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. With an abundance of wildlife, from elephants to tigers, Sri Lanka’s national parks are home to some of the world’s top safari tours, while there’s plenty of opportunity on the shimmering northeast coast to relax on a secluded beach with a cocktail.

Contiki’s new 10-day Pure Sri Lanka small group adventure will take young travellers all over the island, from national parks to beaches to the world-famous tea country. From roaming a spice garden and tea plantation, taking a morning Safari in Udawalawe National Park and visiting an Elephant Transit home, clients will get a true taste of Sri Lanka.

Scotland

Come to Scotland for the spectacular scenery, charming cities and fascinating history, but stay for the unbeatable hospitality (and the whiskey). Clients can walk through the gothic, cobbled streets of Edinburgh, admire the incomparable vistas of the Isle of Skye or trek through the vibrant landscapes of the Highlands. Scotland has also seen a spike in interest thanks to the cult following of the hit TV series Outlander. It seems that many millennials are looking to find their own versions of Jamie and Claire somewhere in the Highlands.

Agents can book their clients on a Scottish adventure on Contiki’s six-day Scotland trip that features all things quintessentially Scottish. For five bonny nights, clients stop at St. Andrews, the home of golf; spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster as they boat across the lake and gaze out the window in wonder as they cruise along the picture-perfect Whiskey Trail.

Japan

Japan is truly timeless, a place where ancient traditions are fused with modern life. While the country has always been a perennial favourite, the “land of the rising sun” has recently seen an influx of Canadians with the latest statistics showing a 10.8% increase in Canadian visitors, thanks to direct flights from Canada and word-of-mouth from family and friends. Canadians are now beginning to realize that this island archipelago boasts some of the world’s most eclectic cities, fascinating museums and countryside that leaves all its visitors enraptured. From its unique culture, food (oh, the glorious food) to contrasting landscapes (from snow-capped mountains to coastal beauties), agents should definitely book their clients now before the Olympics arrive in 2020 that will undoubtedly come with an increase in travel costs and patience.

Young clients can join Contiki’s 13-day Japan Unrivalled small group adventure where they’ll fall head over heels for Japan’s majestic mountains. Clients will experience traditional Japanese hot springs in Takayama, explore Kyoto the cultural hub of Japan by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and travel around Tokyo taking in all the bright lights and quirks, as well as eating as much sushi as possible.

South Africa

Full of adventure, culinary delights and rugged landscapes, South Africa has so much to offer. Take a cable car up Cape Town’s Table Mountain for the best view of the city, embark on the famous Panorama Route to Kruger National park where you can spot Africa’s Big 5 and stand in awe of the wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. And for those looking to surf, South Africa (Supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay to be exact) has the best right-hand ride in the world according to experts. It’s no wonder why more and more Canadians, especially millennials, have this country on their 2019 travel radars.

From seeing the beautiful city and beaches of Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain, to having a chance of spotting the Big 5 in two of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, and experiencing the adrenaline-filled activities of one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World at Victoria Falls, clients will embark on an adventure of a lifetime on Contiki’s new 11-day Cape, Safari & Falls small group trip.

Turkey

Turkey is poised as the next pick for millennials’ sailing holiday with friends. A land of remarkable diversity, Turkey is a melting pot of seething cities, colour, music and some of the best beaches in Europe. Framed by the Mediterranean and Black Seas, Turkey is a heady mix of visible history and inviting culture. Here, you can meander the pretty streets of Istanbul or Ephesus for boundless historical excavations and ancient Greek and Roman structures. Or if a sun escape is what you’re after, you can island hop from pure white beach to pure white beach. Turkey is an underrated travel gem that is as easy to access, thanks to direct flights from Canada, as it is to fall in love with.

Agents can book their clients’ dream summer sailing trip on Contiki’s week-long Turkish Sailing small group adventure where endearing seaside towns, shrubby mountain backdrops and private coves with shimmering blue sea await. Imagine being aboard a traditional Turkish gulet boat, eating home- cooked meals and lapping up sunshine between snorkels.

Belarus

Packed with natural beauty, Belarus, with its lively capital Minsk and sprawling national parks, is one of the hottest destinations to suggest to clients to visit this year. Rich in history, overflowing with unique culture and filled with warm and hospitable locals, Belarus is a survivor, emerging from a murky past to become a top travel destination.

For the ultimate gap year trip, clients can hop on Contiki’s 23-day Scandinavia & Russia Plus adventure where they’ll be able to explore Minsk in all of its manicured gardens and pretty water glory.

Mexico

For those willing to venture beyond the resort environment, Mexico sizzles when it comes to travel. From buzzing city to idyllic bay, this country has boundless biodiversity, kaleidoscopes of colour, overflowing natural beauty, ancient archeological sites and one of the world’s most vibrant cuisines. Wander through the spellbinding jungle ruins of Palenque, snorkel with turtles in Cabo Pulmo, or explore some of Mexico City’s up-and-coming and underrated neighbourhoods (such as Roma, as seen in Alfonso Cuarón new critically-acclaimed masterpiece). No matter what type of traveller your clients are, Mexico will have something to make them fall head over heels.

Serving up Mexico in all its glory over 14 days, guests on Contiki’s Mexico Grande small group adventure will be able to escape from the all-inclusive bubble and immerse themselves in adventure activities, water sports, cultural sites, an unbelievable variety of food, and a sizzling nightlife. Included experiences range from a walking tour of picturesque Guanajuato, indulging in some tequila tasting in Tequila, seeing the Ceboruco volcano, soaking up some sun in Cancun, and immersing yourself in Mayan history on a guided tour at Chichen Itza.

Slovenia

Looking at images of Slovenia is a bit like looking at teasers for a new Disney movie. But this is no fairy tale – it really does look like that in the flesh. Emerald lakes, enchanting forests, hillside castles, alpine panoramas and, oh yes, the food is delicious.

Clients with precious vacation time can maximize them on Contiki’s Eastern Trail trek where they’ll visit seven countries in nine days. Guests will be able to explore Lake Bled, possibly the most scenic lake in the world, with time to take a dip in the water before staying in Ljubljana with free time included to get cozy in any of the capital’s hundreds of cafés and lap up the endless local experiences.

Belize

Boasting the best parts of both Central America and the Caribbean, this underrated palm-fringed paradise is packed with treasures. Looking for a hike through the northern foothills of the Maya Mountains, where you’ll find faded relics of ancient civilizations? Or how about a cold cocktail on some of the most idyllic beaches in the world? If you’re looking to dip your toes in those crystal-clear waters, you’ll find one of the longest barrier reefs on the planet (outside of Australia), brimming with colourful marine wildlife.

Agents looking to book their clients on a tropical vacation this year can do so on Contiki’s 22-day Playas of Paradise small group adventure where guests will be able to take in the beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef. Clients will head off-the-beaten path to Caye Caulker where they’ll have free time to roam this tropic paradise in Belize – from doing a Barrier Reef dive, snorkelling, sampling fresh seafood with reggae in the background or simply napping in a colourful hammock. 

Find out more about Contiki’s adventures throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, South & Latin America, North America, Australia, and New Zealand at contiki.com or contact your local Business Development and Sales Manager.