January an inexpensive time for Canadians to travel
Posted Jan 14, 2011 12:44 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – Travel agencies report January is the cheapest winter month for Canadians to take a vacation.
Those looking to get away from the snow can easily get a deal on a Caribbean vacation, with some trips going for under $1,000 per person.
For example, travellers could choose “five star resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for $905 for one week, all-inclusive – that includes flight, hotel, and all you can eat and all you can drink,” said Brad Miron, Vice President of International Sales and Marketing for itravel2000.com.
He cites a strong Canadian dollar and less Americans travelling as the reasons for the low prices, in addition to increased capacity.
“Last year, WestJet had eight flights into Cancun. This year they have 28 flights,” he told 680News.
American cruise lines are blaming drug wars in Mexico for a drop in tourism, but Miron said the country is still a favourite getaway spot for Canadians, and there are currently excellent vacation deals for the Mayan Riviera.
“[The] third week in January, departures [for] five star hotel resorts are coming in at $619. We haven’t seen prices like this in decades,” he said. “In comparison to last year, that deal would have sold for about $1,400 or $1,500, so we’re seeing anywhere from 30, to 40, to 50 per cent off.”
“Mexico for us is growing at about 36 per cent year over year right now, because so many Canadians are taking advantage of the deals.”
If it’s not possible to get away this month, Miron said one particular week in February stands out as the best time to take a vacation.
“The week prior to the deadline for RRSP season usually is a great week because a lot of people will hold off that week because they’re playing with their finances.”
The deadline is February 28.
