New Flight Centre booking data reveals the destinations defining where resilient Canadians will travel next year to reconnect and renew.
Based on Total Transaction Value (TTV) growth for bookings made in 2025 for 2026 departures—alongside new flight routes, tours and cruise offerings—three clear travel patterns are emerging.
Resilience – Travelling farther, smarter and with purpose
Top destinations: Albania, Colombia (+181%), Japan, Malta (+248%), Vietnam
Reconnection – From homegrown escapes to global rediscovery
Top destinations: Halifax (+609%), Türkiye, Morocco, Australia, Egypt (+184%)
Renewal – Travel wellness is no longer a luxury—it’s therapy for the soul
Top destinations: Costa Rica (+354%), Martinique (+966%), Guadeloupe, Belgium (+250%), Maldives (+321%)
The full Top 15 Destinations of 2026 list and data snapshot are included below for reference.
1. Albania – Europe’s hidden coast without the high costs
Emerging growth destination – new tour packages
Albania offers rugged beauty, cultural depth and Mediterranean calm—without the Western Europe price tag. Canadians are discovering it as a place to reconnect with roots, travel solo and explore freely.
2. Colombia – Colour, culture and cost confidence
+181%
Vibrant, diverse and budget-friendly, Colombia is proof that value travel doesn’t mean compromise. Travellers are finding reconnection through community, food and rhythm.
3. Japan – Mindful motion in a restless world
Emerging growth destination – greater air connectivity
Japan offers calm through culture—where ritual meets renewal. Canadians are drawn to its balance of structure, serenity and soul, from forest walks and onsen baths to ramen counters and tea ceremonies. With the loonie strong against the yen, Japan delivers both meaning and value.
4. Malta – Small islands, big meaning
+248%
Travellers are drawn to destinations with history, heart and walkability—a Mediterranean balance of meaning and manageability.
5. Vietnam – Journey with perspective
Emerging growth destination
Canadians are choosing Vietnam for its mix of value, authenticity and cultural depth—growth travel that feels good for the soul, not just the wallet.
6. Halifax, Canada – Homegrown renewal
+609%
More Canadians are choosing meaningful getaways that support local communities and businesses—proof that resilience starts close to home.
7. Australia – Reconnection down under
Emerging growth destination – greater flight connectivity
With new direct routes and deep cultural ties, Australia is calling Canadians back for longer, more meaningful journeys. From coastal road trips to reef dives and wine tours, travellers are rediscovering a sense of awe—and the dollar parity makes every adventure feel within reach.
8. Türkiye (Istanbul) – Where worlds meet and travellers reset
Emerging growth destination – new direct flights
At the meeting point of Europe and Asia, Istanbul captures the new spirit of travel—meaningful, mindful and rich in connection. With improved flight access and strong value from the Turkish lira, Canadians are choosing cultural depth over luxury excess.
9. Morocco – Adventure that grounds you
Emerging growth destination – new tour and cruise packages
Desert journeys, mountain villages and medina life are drawing travellers seeking perspective, not extravagance—a reset for mind and spirit.
10. Egypt – Ancient wonder, renewed discovery
+184%
Travel is becoming personal archaeology, and Egypt delivers both heritage and awe. Canadians are returning to the land of the pharaohs in search of connection, context and perspective.
11. Costa Rica – Wellness with purpose
+354%
Known for sustainability and “pura vida” living, Costa Rica is becoming a go-to for Canadians prioritizing mental reset and emotional recovery.
12. Martinique – French flair, accessible price
+966%
A surprise top performer—culturally rich, flight-accessible and euro-linked, Martinique offers wellness without the five-star markup.
13. Guadeloupe – The French Caribbean’s best-kept secret
Emerging growth destination – new direct flights
Less than five hours from home, Guadeloupe blends French flair with island ease—waterfalls, volcano treks and Creole cuisine included. A fresh alternative to Mexico, it’s where Canadians can unwind without going far or overspending.
14. Belgium – Europe without the sticker shock
+250%
Canadians are rediscovering Europe’s smaller capitals for their culture-to-cost ratio. In Belgium, art and history come without the price tag or crowds of its neighbours.
15. Maldives – Reset beyond the horizon
+320%
From overwater villas to reef-side meditation decks, Canadians are embracing slow luxury—choosing wellness experiences that restore rather than impress.
