∼ How She Travels by Kathy Buckworth
There are many factors which can influence what becomes a “trend” in travel; from political situations, weather, fear of terrorism attacks, infectious diseases, and costs. For Canadians, traveling inside our great country has never been more appealing, and it aligns perfectly with some of the top travel trends emerging for 2016.
Experiential Travel:
More and more, it is becoming less about the particular location (in terms of popularity and recognition), and is becoming more about the activities you do when you get there.
Fitness & Health Travel:
Many people are discovering that their vacation is the perfect time to refocus on themselves through increased fitness or focus on health and nutrition. Come backfrom your holiday feeling better than when you left.
Multi-Generational Travel:
As fit Baby Boomers retire, they are taking their time and money to indulge in traveling with their kids and grandkids. Resorts and cruises are a common destination, but many are also renting homes and cottages and exploring their own countries together.
Volun-tourism:
This has been growing for years, increasing in popularity as Gap Years became more common in Europe, and now in North America. But it’s grown outside the student population and many families and adults are taking either a day or two out of their trips to third world countries to help out, or planning entire holidays around making the world a better place.
River Cruises:
One the domain for an older crowd, river cruises have exploded in popularity in Europe and other parts of the world, as they become known for their fantastic cuisine, and the ability to really discover a destination while your luxurious “hotel room” floats along with you. So, how are Canadians able to take part in these trends in stay in the country? There are a few ways to easily work in Experiential, Fitness & Health and Multi-Generational travel plans without leaving our borders. The Flight Network recently published their Top 50 Tours in Canada; everything from sea kayaking to visiting polar bears, dogsledding, city experience tours and more. It’s a great place to start thinking about your next Trendy Trip.
From East to West, here are some to consider planning for in 2016:
Uncorked tours, Saint John, NB
Segway Ontario, Toronto, Ontario
Free Spirit Tours, Heathcote, Ontario
Caroule Montreal on Wheels, Montreal, Quebec
Frontiers North, Churchill, Manitoba
Snowy Owl Tours, Canmore, Alberta
Spirit of the West Adventures, Heriot Bay, B.C.
Okanagan ATV Tours, Peachland, B.C.
Tofino Sea Kayaking, Tofino, B.C.
Northern Tales, Whitehorse, Yukon
Thinking about something more for a multi-generational family with young ones?
The Fairmont Chateau Montebello in Quebec (about an hour’s drive from Ottawa) is the world’s largest log cabin, originally founded as a private club in 1930. Today families flock to it year round, particularly in the winter when they can enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, even curling. Then maybe a spa and a fantastic meal to round out the day. Loads of kid friendly activities for all ages makes this a great spot for young and old to get away. Have older kids who are looking for adventure and fitness? Check out Kicking Horse Ski Resort in Golden, BC. Home to deep champagne powder, with a vertical of 4,133 feet and 120 runs, this mountain has something for every level of skier. Challenge yourself, and your kids.
For information on Volun-tourism opportunities, visit http://www.projects-abroad.ca/voluntourism/ or other accredited organizations.
River Cruise information can be found at http://www.cruisecritic.com/river/ for reviews of the different types and destinations.
Kathy Buckworth
Author, I Am So The Boss Of You (Random House)
Chief Family Advisor, PCFinancial & PCPlus
Columnist, SiriusXM Canada “How She Travels”
Columnist, “Parent Hacks” Post City Magazines
Travel Feature Writer, Metro News