A new bucket list of dream destinations for Canadian holidaymakers has revealed Japan as the clear favourite, with holiday makers drawn to its alluring blend of neon‑lit cities, tranquil temples and exquisite cuisine.
In the latest survey carried out by Canadian senior travel operator Approach Tours, destinations Down Under ranked second and third with voters. Australia and New Zealand were a must-visit, offering the promise of sun‑soaked coastlines, dramatic outback landscapes and wide‑open adventure.
According to the results, Europe remains a perennial draw. Italy, Ireland, Greece and Portugal claimed the next four spots in the top 10, each offering its own irresistible charm for travellers – from Italy’s Renaissance cities and vineyard‑draped hillsides, to Ireland’s emerald countryside, Greece’s island sunsets and Portugal’s golden beaches and soulful fado culture.
The survey also highlights just how diverse Canadian travel tastes have become. South Africa and Scotland, two destinations with wildly different climates and cultures, polled side by side – one best known for safari plains and vibrant cities, the other for misty highlands, ancient castles and whisky trails.
Several newcomers made their debut on this year’s Approach Tours bucket list, signalling a growing appetite among holiday-makers for more far‑flung and nature‑rich adventures. The Galápagos Islands, Brazil and the Amazon, Chile, Finland, Jordan, Singapore and Hawaii all appeared for the first time, each offering Canadians something distinct – whether it’s wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, rainforest expeditions, Nordic winter magic, Middle Eastern history, futuristic cityscapes or volcanic island escapes.
The survey results have been released to coincide with the launch of Approach Tours’ new cruise offering, which complements its well established land tour holidays. To book, see: www.approachtours.com
