Spring Travel Made Easy: Where to Go & How to Save

Spring is in the air, and Canadians are ready to trade winter blues for adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms in Japan, wellness escapes in Europe, or a last-minute March Break getaway, Expedia’s Spring Travel Outlook has you covered. With money-saving hacks and trending destinations, now is the perfect time to plan your next escape.

Where to Stretch Your Travel Budget

If you want to make the most of your travel dollars, Japan is a top choice. Lodging searches for Osaka (+75%) and Tokyo (+45%) have surged, thanks to their affordability and the upcoming cherry blossom season. Must-see spots include:

• Meguro River (Tokyo): A stunning path lined with 800 cherry trees.
• Tenryu-ji Temple (Kyoto): A UNESCO-listed temple with breathtaking Zen gardens.
• Kinshi Park (Tokyo): A lesser-known spot where locals enjoy cherry blossoms with a view of Tokyo Skytree.

Looking for more budget-friendly destinations? Portugal and Spain are also trending, with Porto, Lisbon, and Barcelona seeing a spike in popularity.

Wellness Escapes in Europe

For a more relaxing getaway, Europe’s spa retreats offer the perfect escape. Consider:

• Azores, Portugal: Sensi Azores Nature and Spa, with horseback riding, sailboat rentals, and secluded luxury.
• Madrid, Spain: The Bless Hotel features a high-tech wellness suite with immune-boosting sleep systems and a private jacuzzi.
• Loire Valley, France: Loire Valley Lodges, set in a forest, offers a Nordic spa, forest baths, and a chance to fully unplug.

Trending Spring Destinations for Canadians

• Osaka (+75%)
• Saint Maarten (+55%)
• Tokyo (+45%)
• Paris (+35%)
• Manila (+35%)
• Faro District (+25%)

March Break in Canada

If you’re looking for a quick getaway, domestic travel is on the rise. Some of the top picks include:

• Kamloops, BC (+80%): Skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and Indigenous cultural experiences.
• Charlottetown, PEI (+60%): Fresh seafood, waterfront walks, and local golf courses.
• Nanaimo, BC (+55%): Whale-watching, craft breweries, and the city’s famous Nanaimo bars.

Spring Travel Hacks

• Save up to 23% on flights by booking departures on a Friday instead of a Monday.
• Book international travel the week of April 8 to save nearly $79 on flights.
• Take advantage of Wave Season (January–March) for the best cruise deals, onboard credits, and free upgrades.

With so many great destinations and travel savings this season, there’s no better time to book your next adventure. —Vita Daily