Travel Trends Archives - Page 3 of 4

A look at the world’s most powerful passports for 2024

January 8, 2024

An unprecedented six countries share the top spot with visa-free access to a record-breaking number of destinations on the 2024 Henley Passport Index, which is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Four EU member states — France, Germany, Italy, and Spain — join Japan and Singapore in boasting the most powerful passports in the world, with their citizens able to visit an astonishing 194 destinations out of 227 around the globe visa-free.

The two Asian nations have dominated first place on the index (which ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa) for the past five years.

“The average number of destinations travellers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, as we enter the new year, the top-ranked countries are now able to travel to a staggering 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, which sits at the bottom of the ranking with access to just 28 countries without a visa,” said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners.

Europe continues to dominate

South Korea joins Finland and Sweden in second place with visa-free travel to 193 destinations, and another four EU nations: Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and Netherlands — share third place with access to 192.

The rest of the Top 10 is largely dominated by European countries, with the UK climbing up two ranks to fourth place with visa-free access to 191 destinations compared to just 188 a year ago.

Australia and New Zealand passport holders both improve their ranking to sit in sixth place with 189 visa-free destinations, while the U.S. retains its seventh place with access to 188 destinations without requiring a visa in advance.

It has been a decade since the U.K. and the U.S. jointly held first place on the index in 2014.

Countries climbing the ranks

The UAE remains the biggest climber on the Henley Passport Index over the past decade, adding an impressive 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014, resulting in a massive leap of 44 places in the ranking from 55th to 11^th position.

Ukraine and China are also among the top five countries with the most improved rankings over the past 10 years (a net total gain of 21 places each), and both have climbed a further two ranks in the past year.

Ukraine is now in 32^nd place with 148 visa-free destinations and China is 62^nd on the ranking with access to 85 destinations without a prior visa (compared to just 44 in 2014).

While Russia has seen a net gain of 24 destinations over the past decade, its visa-free score and ranking has barely shifted since 2017, and it now sits in 51^st place with access to 119 destinations.

Affluent travellers will pay more for these 10 things

January 5, 2024

A new survey by Opinium Research for Kensington Tours reveals the habits of some of the world’s most affluent travellers.

Using data provided by 400 adults, whose household income is above $250,000, shows that travellers in this demographic are inclined to pay extra for exclusive benefits, such as insider access to destinations, no waiting in lines, and a seamless travel experience.

Luxury travellers crave a seamless travel experience, and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Key findings

Considering that two thirds (66 per cent) of luxury travellers report having felt frustrated due to waiting in too long of lines while travelling, it’s no surprise that nearly seven in 10 luxury travellers (68 per cent) report that they are willing to pay a premium for the ability to skip lines, avoid crowds, and experience private tours.

Other offerings that luxury travellers would pay a premium for include personalized, bespoke trips tailored to their wants and needs (66 per cent), one-stop planning (62 per cent), and insider access to exclusive events (56 per cent). Insider access and no waiting in lines top the list of affluent traveler priorities.

Respondents also reported that their travel experiences would be somewhat or greatly enhanced by offerings typically provided by a luxury tour operator, such as access to popular attractions with no wait times (81 per cent), privately guided tours without the crowds (78 per cent), access to exclusive, world-renowned events (74 per cent), and access to insider experiences not traditionally available to the general public (72 per cent).

Additional key takeaways

Other findings from the survey included:

Luxury travellers take more trips, and they are longer: A significant portion of luxury travelers (38 per cent) report taking three-to-five trips annually, while 28 per cent take six-to-10 trips, and a notable 14 per cent embark on more than ten trips each year and most of them average two weeks or more (57 per cent).
They turn to a travel professional: 72 per cent of survey participants expressed their intention to enlist the services of travel experts for their upcoming vacation planning.
Intergenerational travel continues to remain a priority: The popularity of multi-generational travel experienced a significant boost in the wake of the pandemic and continues to thrive, with 82 per cent of those surveyed intending to increase their family travel this year.
Been there; done that; affluent travellers want to see something new: A significant number of respondents (89 per cent) plan to explore new destinations in 2024 with Switzerland, Norway, and Portugal named as top destinations.
Travel pain points: The most prevalent challenges and pain points include locating appropriate accommodations (41 per cent), steering clear of tourist traps (38 per cent), and coordinating activities (38 per cent).
More space, increased privacy, and added exclusivity are in high demand: More than 50 per cent expressed interest in distinctive experiences such as luxurious villa stays featuring in-house amenities and private yacht expeditions.

Go to https://www.kensingtontours.com for more.

These are the top 10 places to go in 2024

December 20, 2023

With more people looking to travel to “traditional” destinations in a new way —think giving back, or exploring local cultures and making deeper connections— G Adventures has listed the most popular spots for 2024.

G Adventures’ founder, Bruce Poon Tip, says travellers have changed over the past three years and are now looking for deeper, more meaningful experiences. He notes that while they may be travelling less frequently, they’re staying longer in a single destination. “While they are there they want to connect with local people and their cultures, and to experience community tourism in its purest form,” Poon Tip says.

“We’re also still seeing a lot of travellers checking off those big ‘bucket list’ trips, with many making up for lost time, and they’re keen to stay active when they travel – that’s why we’re seeing such huge growth in some of our most iconic locations,” he added.

Where to go in 2024

Packed with the best destinations travellers can enjoy in 2024, the Where To Travel list focuses not just on meaningful community tourism experiences, but also places which have new and noteworthy reasons to visit.

Travellers can’t get enough of Japan since it reopened, with the land of the rising sun also seeing rising bookings. G Adventures reports a 134 per cent increase in bookings for 2024, and this trend is set to continue with the launch of the small group adventure operator’s Geluxe Collection of premium active trips.

The new Japan itinerary includes hiking the remote Michinoku Coastal Trail, which was constructed after the tsunami to bring community tourism back to Iwate. G Adventures is the first major operator to offer this hike.

GET THERE: G Adventures’ Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail trip is priced from $10,299pp for an 11-day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Travellers will discover villages outside Kyoto by foot, as well as hiking up to the Unotori shrine in Fudai, Iwate, to witness a unique cultural performance that has all but died out in other parts of Japan.

The numbers don’t lie. Portugal has seen stand-out growth with traveller numbers tripling since 2019 and up 33 per cent compared to 2022. Affordable and accessible, with fantastic food, culture and history, there are plenty of reasons to want to visit this European gem.

New direct flights to Porto from Toronto with Azores Airlines will also give travellers more options to get there from summer 2024. We say go before it gets even more popular, as its star looks set to continue to rise.

GET THERE: G Adventures’ Highlights of Portugal itinerary is priced from $1,749pp for a seven-day trip from Lisbon to Porto. On this trip, travellers will sit down to a traditional meal to the sound of a Fado performance by Portuguese folk music artists in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods, and immerse themselves in history and culture at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Monastery of Batalha, Coimbra University, and the picturesque town of Sintra.

Uzbekistan and the ‘Stans in general – have become quite the hotspot as people look to check off big ‘bucket list’ destinations and get further afield to lesser-known countries. Uzbekistan has seen a 53 per cent increase year over year, also usurping 2019 by 16 percent.

The stunning Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent is set to open its doors in April 2024, and joins the Center for Contemporary Arts, which was opened in 2019, as two new cultural hubs set to attract the attention of travellers.

GET THERE: G Adventures’ Highlights of Uzbekistan trip is priced from $2,179pp for a 10-day trip from Tashkent return. During the trip, travellers will head out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex, a pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, visit the remote Aydarkul Lake for a swim before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp, where they enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.

India has picked up the pace in the past year with bookings doubling between 2022 and 2023. G Adventures partnership with National Geographic means exclusive experiences are built into every itinerary. Canadian travellers have had their visas restored, so expect numbers to increase as India continues its return to pre-pandemic prowess.

GET THERE: A National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures North India Highlights trip is priced from $2,179 per person from Delhi return. In Jaipur, known as the “Pink City,” travellers will meet with a local historian and sociology scholar to learn about India’s complex social fabric and traditions, and discuss a range of topics from the country’s belief systems to its architecture.

Vibrant and colourful Mexico has proven more popular than pre-pandemic, helped by the introduction of new trips to the G Adventures portfolio.These include two new Geluxe Collection premium active itineraries, which put a fresh active spin on what has been seen as a more traditional ‘beach’ destination. Up 24 per cent than in 2019, and 28 per cent when compared to last year, Mexico continues to make consistent gains.

GET THERE: A 14-day Mexico: Central Mexico & the Yucatan Peninsula trip is priced from $7,849pp, travelling from Oaxaca to Tulum. Travellers will wander the cobblestone streets and markets of Oaxaca and devour mole in Puebla, before biking through agave fields and taking a break from the heat with a swim in a jungle sinkhole near Merida.

Another country that was late to reopen but has doubled its traveller numbers since 2022 is Vietnam, which is also a great value choice for families looking for adventure on their next trip. With tasty food, beautiful sights and friendly people, it makes a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about a different culture in a fun and engaging way.

GET THERE: A 12-day Vietnam Family Adventure is priced from $2,019 per adult and $1,799 per child, travelling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. This trip visits Oodles of Noodles, a G for Good project supporting former street youth where travellers help prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles.

As travellers have started flocking back to Europe, Greece has seen huge growth, up 90 per cent from 2019 numbers and 24 per cent year on year. One of the best ways to avoid the crowds and get amongst it with locals, is by boat.

Taking travellers to remote islands to enjoy local cuisine and culture, G Adventures’ Sailing programme epitomizes community tourism, making sure wealth is distributed to lesser-known locales while still taking in the highlights of the islands.

GET THERE: A 10-day Sailing Greece – Santorini to Santorini trip is priced from $2,499 per person, travelling from Santorini return. On-shore experiences include strolling through the markets of Syros, uncovering the beauty of the Venetian ruins in Paros hiking through the trails and paths of Sifnos.

Thailand also continues its epic comeback, and we can expect it to boom even more as travellers head there before the ‘White Lotus Effect’ takes hold, with filming for the third season set to begin in 2024. Up 76 per cent in traveller numbers year on year, Thailand is still a solid choice for young travellers and backpackers looking for an affordable escape.

GET THERE: The Bangkok to Hanoi: Chiang Mai, Night Markets & Streetside Bars Roamies trip in partnership with Hostelworld is priced from $1,199pp for a nine day trip from Bangkok to Hanoi. This trip includes a visit to Yimsoo Cafe in Bangkok that offers training and economic opportunities for people living with disabilities.

With Asia trending since its reopening, South Korea has also proven a welcome surprise in terms of its popularity, with numbers doubling in 2023 compared to 2019. Helped by popular culture – K-Pop and K-dramas – South Korea also offers a wealth of traditional culture, incredible food, and exciting experiences for travellers.

GET THERE: An eight-day Best of South Korea trip is priced from $3,449 per person, travelling from Seoul return. Travellers will see the highlights in and around Seoul plus visit folk villages, unique Korean temples, and the bustling markets of Busan, as well as learning about the sombre history of North and South Korea and taking an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two.

Another popular post-Covid destination is Italy, which is up 30 per cent from 2019 numbers, and 24 per cent year on year. With travellers looking to head to their dream destinations, it makes sense that perennial favourite Italy would be high on everyone’s lists. With G Adventures’ Local Living programme, travellers are taken off the road most travelled to really experience what it is like to live like a local.

GET THERE: An eight-day Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast trip is priced from $2,699 per person, travelling from Naples return. On this trip, travellers live like one of the region’s locals, discovering the small towns, mountain trails, and local customs of this uniquely beautiful place, tucking into bed at a converted 17th-century monastery home base.

For more information on G Adventures, please visit www.gadventures.com.

Two thirds of Canadians are going off the beaten path for 2024

November 29, 2023

A new survey by British Airways reveals that one in five Canadians are planning to travel more than ever before in 2024.

Notably the pandemic has made more than half of all Canadians want to travel more (58%).

A third (33%) of Canadians plan to explore new destinations and tick places of their ‘must visit’ list in the new year. While less frequent travel with longer holiday duration both domestically (23%) and internationally (23%) seems to be important going into 2024.

Going off the grid

Immersing in new cultures (29%) and trying new experiences for the first time (18%) are important criteria for Canadians planning their next adventure.

Almost two thirds (64%) plan to go off the beaten track to less touristy destinations when they plan their news years travel, with 1 in 10 planning to attend a major entertainment or sporting event.

The regions that Canadians plan to visit the most next year are Europe (42%), North and South America (28%) and Africa (13%).

Exploration and adventure are the top priorities when planning trips in 2024 (43%). More than 1 in 10 Canadians (12%) wanted to ditch their tech altogether and opt for a digital detox.

Social media influence

Social media remains a key influence for Canadian travel (28%), whereas film and TV locations proved to be the biggest influence for Americans planning their travel (22%).

However, of those Canadians planning travel to the UK, 52% say they have been influenced by actor Ryan Reynolds, and his ownership of Wrexham AFC.

For the winter 2023/2024 season, British Airways operates twice daily flights between Toronto and London, with daily flights from Montreal and Vancouver to London. Customers can connect to over 65 countries from British Airways’ home at London Heathrow.

Five trends upscale travellers are embracing for 2024

November 17, 2023

Global travel agency network Virtuoso says that its clients are prioritizing travel, despite inflation and global unrest. They remain insatiably curious and willing to pay for new experiences.

These findings come from the company’s 2024 Virtuoso Luxe Report, which included input from 2,000 travel advisors who shared their extensive knowledge, professional experience and client requests to offer insight into 2024’s top trends.

Five luxury travel trends

The Luxe Report identified five key trends upscale globetrotters are embracing in 2024.

New places

While preference for European favorites remains, the desire to visit dream destinations, under-the-radar locations or the drive to be “first” to a destination, has luxury travellers increasingly intrigued by the unexplored. The cultural richness of reemerging travel must-sees such as Japan offer unique itineraries for those seeking a departure from the norm.

Time to celebrate

Post-pandemic festivities continue with celebration travel making the list of top trends for 2024. Travellers are committed to sharing life’s most important moments with loved ones – travel with immediate family and multigenerational travel are also among the top trends.

Respecting the plant

Travellers are hyper-aware of the fragility of the world. Virtuoso advisors say clients are pushing geographical boundaries to witness nature in its pristine form for fear it will diminish or become inaccessible.

Greece, Morocco and Hawaii are also top-of-mind for travelers who want to support destinations recently impacted by disaster while remaining respectful of their recovery.

Small ship cruising

Favouring less-crowded, more intimate settings, small-vessel cruising is on the rise. River cruises remain popular for the casual atmosphere, proximity to major cities and wide-ranging itineraries.

Popular routes include the Danube River, Mekong River and the Nile. Adventure cruising is also trending due to increased accessibility to places like Antarctica, 2024’s leading adventure destination. And yacht charters are on the rise, offering privacy, flexibility and a customized experience.

Custom comfort

Increased demand for custom trips made easy, from exclusive-use experiences to booking half days at hotels to fit their needs, has today’s traveller maximizing comfort. Their desire to leave nothing to chance has increased motivation for using a professional travel advisor to simplify bookings and enhance the overall experience.

Survey shows this is how most Canadians love to travel

October 9, 2023

A new Sunwing Vacations survey has unveiled how Canadians choose to maximize their time on vacation and define their vacation personas.

More than one-quarter (27%) considering themselves “max relaxers” who like to lay low and relax while on vacation.

Similarly, another quarter (28%) describe themselves as “reserved vacationers” who tend to keep to themself and/or their travelling companions.

On the other hand, more than one-fifth (22%) liken themselves to “adventure hunters” who enjoy exploring new, fun activities on their vacations. Of particular note: this figure increases to one-third (34%) among younger Canadians between 18-34 years of age.

Meanwhile, 12 per cent of Canadians consider themselves “sun-seekers” who love nothing more than soaking up the sunshine on holiday, while one-in-ten (9%) consider themselves “social butterflies” who relish meeting new people, socializing and talking to fellow vacation-goers.

Among Canadians who intend to travel to a sun destination in the upcoming year, approximately one-third (30%) said they will maximize their time in destination by working on their tan by the beach or pool, while one-fifth respectively intend to indulge at on-site restaurants (20%) or head off of the resort property for fun adventures (19%).

Sun destination trends

As for who they intend to travel with on their next sun vacation, half (53%) of survey respondents indicated that they plan to travel with their partner or significant other, while one-quarter (28%) will travel with family members including their children or parents. Another 12% plan to travel with friends, while less than one in ten (7%) indicated they will be travelling solo.

Budget-conscious travellers

In addition, when asked what the most important factor is when booking a sun vacation, nearly half (45%) of those likely to travel say overall value for the money paid is their top consideration.

This is followed by the safety and reputation of the destination, cited by over one-quarter (28%) as being the most important consideration.

The survey was conducted in both English and French between September 22-25, 2023, with a nationally representative sample of 1,504 Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid forum.

Despite rising costs, safari tourism continues to dominate

September 8, 2023

New data indicates that travel to famous safari destinations continues to grow, despite rising trip costs.

U.S. travel insurance marketplace, Squaremouth.com, reveals that policy sales for destinations known for safari tourism more than tripled from 2020 to 2022, and breaks down how that trend is continuing through 2023.

Safari tourism trends

In addition to an increase in popularity, the price of safari tourism has also steadily increased year over year.

A handful of popular safari destinations are among the most expensive destinations, with trip costs surpassing $20,000.

Botswana averages the highest trip cost this year at $23,577 among safari destinations
The cost of travel to popular safari destinations has increased 12% since last year
At more than $1,000, safari travellers are paying more for their insurance policies in 2023 compared to the previous four years

Two bespoke sleep hotels open in Australia and Taiwan

June 21, 2023

Two new sleep hotels, operated by Emma — The Sleep Company have opened in Sydney, Australia and Taipei, Taiwan.

As more travellers seek out a truly restful experience during their vacation, these unique hotels provide a revolutionary travel experience on two different continents.

Sleep tourism on the rise

Sleep has become a recurring topic of concern and interest since the onset of the pandemic.

In a study conducted by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, it was discovered that 40 per cent of respondents reported a decline in sleep quality compared to the pre-COVID-19 period.

The global health crisis has undoubtedly affected people’s sleep patterns and highlighted the importance of restful slumber for overall well-being. By embracing sleep tourism, travel enthusiasts can now satisfy their wanderlust while also nurturing their physical and mental well-being. Sleep tourism fosters an appreciation for the importance of relaxation and rejuvenation, acknowledging the crucial role that sleep plays in sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Emma Sleep Hotel in Sydney

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the Snoreman, setting the tone for a memorable and sleep-focused adventure.

The Rest-Ception area provides a cozy space for guests to settle in and unwind, and an onsite snooze-ologist will be available to provide personalized 1:1 sleep consultations, offering valuable insights and guidance to optimize guests’ sleep habits.

Every room is kitted out with Emma’s mattresses and beds, and a sleep-inspired movie catalogue is available onscreen. Guests are also invited to select their perfect Emma pillow based on their preferences.

On the hotel’s roof terrace, the immersive experience continues with custom cocktails based on Emma’s sleep expertise. Throughout the hotel, a calming playlist provides the perfect ambient backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment.

For more information about the hotel in Sydney, click here.

Emma Sleep Hotel in Taipei

Emma is collaborating with Monka Hotel in Taipei to introduce the first Emma Sleep Hotel in Asia.

Situated close to the iconic Longshan Temple, the hotel underwent a complete transformation under Emma’s supervision. Not even the exterior of the building remains untouched — it was painted to resemble one of Emma’s iconic delivery boxes, setting the tone for the unique experience within.

Every room within the hotel is fitted with Emma products, ranging from the beds to the pillows, ensuring a truly immersive Emma sleep experience for all guests from beginning to end.

For more information about the hotel in Taipei, click here.

Virtuoso lists 2023 travel predictions for Canadians

March 29, 2023

Virtuoso has identified when, where and why upscale Canadians will be venturing in 2023.

In Virtuoso’s 2022 Brand and Travel Trends Research, conducted in collaboration with YouGov, more than 500 Canadian travellers were surveyed. The majority – 75 percent – listed relaxation and disconnecting as the primary incentive for taking a leisure trip, followed by adventure, which is almost twice as important for Canadians than for global travellers (41 percent versus 25 percent).

Additional revelations include an affinity for sunny destinations, expedition cruises and a willingness to spend big and stay longer.

Warm weather getaways

Virtuoso’s study showed 61 percent of travellers preferred beach vacations, followed by city exploration (47 percent). Canadians are equally as likely to travel to Europe as they are to travel within their own country, and they showed a preference for the Caribbean or West Indies (36 percent versus 20 percent globally) and Mexico (30 percent versus 16 percent globally), which is likely due to a desire to escape to warmer climates during the winter months.

Reasons for family travel

Canadians indicated the most popular ways to travel are with a spouse or significant other and multi-generational family travel.

Travelling with school-age children is consistently popular. Interestingly to note while heading into March Break, over half of those surveyed believe travel is important to the development of children under 18.

Spending big and staying longer

Relative to 2019, travellers plan to spend 12 percent more in 2023 and the anticipated annual spend for Virtuoso-advised travellers in 2023 is even higher at $20,000 CAD per person.

While Virtuoso clients took about the same number of trips in the past year as other travellers, Virtuoso-advised travellers took longer trips, spent more nights in hotels, rentals and cruises, and skewed more towards international trips.

Top travel destinations for 2023

Virtuoso tapped into its data warehouse of more than $63.6 billion (USD) in transactions to determine the top destinations of 2023, as determined by Canada-based travellers:

Mexico – Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos
Canada – Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary
United States – Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas
Dominican Republic – Punta Cana, Puerto Plata
United Kingdom – London
Jamaica – Montego Bay
Italy – Rome, Venice
France – Paris, Nice
Australia – Sydney
Portugal – Lisbon, Faro

For more information on how to connect with a Virtuoso travel advisor who can turn travel dreams into reality, visit www.virtuoso.com.

Here’s what Canadian travellers can expect in 2023

January 27, 2023

CheapOair.ca has looked into its crystal ball to share some of the top trends that Canadian travellers need to be aware of in the coming year.

The tourism industry rebounded in 2022, reaching 70% of its pre-pandemic levels globally, however, the year was not without its own challenges, as travellers were met with staffing issues, long airport waits, and cancelled flights.

Will travel in 2023 continue to bring new challenges and opportunities? Taking into consideration the continuing inflation, fluctuating fuel costs, and global instability, CheapOair.ca anticipates that 2023 will see further surprises for travellers.

Here are some of the top travel expectations that Canadians should be aware of:

New Domestic and International Flight Routes: Let’s start with some good news: a number of domestic and international airlines are planning to add new national and transatlantic routes to their schedule.

United, Air Canada and Porter are a few of the airlines that have already announced new routes and increased flight frequency. The increase is, in part, due to markets reopening and travel demand recovering particularly with stronger demand for transatlantic flights.

Daniel Hayter, Senior Product Manager for CheapOair.ca, noted that: “We are seeing more airlines be aggressive in launching and promoting new in-demand routes, which help give more options to consumers. With over 500 airline partners, CheapOair.ca will be on the forefront of offering these routes for eager Canadian travellers.”

Rising Airline and Airport Fees: Forecasts for 2023 show that travellers might want to prepare for slightly more expensive flights and fees for the new year. Despite the new routes and frequency listed above, airfare prices are expected to rise moderately for North American flights and further for international destinations. The expected airfare price rises can also be attributed to inflation, rising fuel costs and capacity issues.

In fact, Toronto Pearson International Airport announced that starting Jan. 1, 2023, it was increasing its aeronautical rates and airport improvement fee (AIF), which could impact the cost of flight tickets further.

Hayter observed: “With the light recession being predicted for early 2023 and the continuing inflation, it stands to reason that rising costs would trickle down to travellers.”

And he continued: “To combat rising flight costs, CheapOair.ca offers our Price Match Promise. If consumers find a lower price (including taxes and fees) for the same flight itinerary offered by and available for booking on a major competing online travel agency (OTA) web site the same day of their booking, CheapOair.ca will match that lower price by refunding the difference in price.”

European Travel Visa Requirements in Late 2023: As of Nov. 23 2023, Canadian citizens will be required to complete a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) application prior to boarding any aircraft, sea carrier, or coach vehicle headed for Europe – this includes travellers who will be passing through or connecting through Europe enroute to their final destination outside of Europe.

ETIAS is being implemented to pre-screen visa-exempt travellers travelling to any of the over 22 Schengen member destinations including France, Germany, Spain and Italy, and 4 non-European Union countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The decision has received unanimous support from all the EU member countries. Further information on ETIAS and the application form can be found at https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-form-application

Said Hayter: “What this means for Canadians is whether you are planning to travel to or even just connect through Europe, you will need to apply for ETIAS and go through the security screening process in advance. While this may seem like a hurdle for travel planners, it is important to note that this will be mandatory.”

Go to www.CheapOair.ca for more.