The top 5 non-US destinations for Canadian snowbirds this winter

More Canadians are looking beyond the United States for their winter escape. With a weaker dollar and shifting travel preferences, our travel insurance team says destinations like Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico offer sunshine, culture and value – plus the comfort of reliable healthcare and expat communities.

With winter approaching, now is the time to secure your ideal destination before availability fills up.

Acera Insurance’s Maria Delaney, Director of Lifestyle Travel, shares the top five non-US destinations that Canadian snowbirds are booking for the winter instead.

1. Culture meets convenience in Europe

When planning your winter away, Europe provides plenty of variety for you to choose from. Whether it’s renting a condo on the Portuguese coast, a villa in Spanish wine country or a chalet in the Swiss Alps – you can choose your own adventure.

Spain and Portugal in particular are becoming big draws for snowbirds looking for a destination outside of North America. The Mediterranean climate, architecture, cultural activities, good healthcare, incredible food and strong expat communities are why many Canadians are electing to spend their winters there.

An added bonus of wintering in Europe is that once you’re there, it’s fairly easy to move around and explore if you want to. There are cheap flights with many budget European airlines and a strong rail network that make travel around the continent more affordable.

While the euro remains strong, many Canadians find that off-season rental savings make Europe an affordable and unforgettable choice. It’s also the off-season, so long-term winter rentals should be more affordable than the summer rates.

2. Adventure seekers are choosing Japan

Japan is renowned for its vibrant culture, architecture and seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. There you will find serene gardens, ancient shrines, bustling metropolises and cutting-edge technology.

While not a traditional destination when people think about escaping Canada for the winter, there has been an increased amount of interest in Japan over recent years. This is primarily due to a weaker yen which offers more favourable exchange rates against the Canadian dollar. Canadian snowbirds can also stay in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.

The snow is often the main draw for visitors in northern Japan during the winter. If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, areas like Hokkaido and Nagano are globally renowned destinations for skiing, averaging over 10 metres of snowfall each season.

Japan’s extensive railway system makes it easy to visit staples like Tokyo and Kyoto or the gorgeous Japanese countryside. For milder winter weather, Osaka has average temperatures around 5 – 10°C in the winter months.

Don’t forget about the food! Japan is known for it’s amazing and varied food scene. You can get an amazing meal for as little as $10.

3. Say “G’Day” in Australia

The flights may be long, but they’re worth it. In recent years Australia has become an attractive destination for Canadian snowbirds looking to experience beautiful weather, incredible beaches and diverse wildlife. It’s also helpful that Australian summers are during Canadian winters.

While the cost of living is not necessarily cheap, an attractive exchange rate helps to make snowbirding in Australia more affordable – especially for more long-term stays.

The Gold Coast in particular has become popular with Canadians due to its warm climate, stunning coastline, friendly atmosphere and abundance of recreational activities.

It’s important to note that you do need a visa to visit Australia. There are multiple visa options for Canadians that include:

• A Visitor Visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to three, six or 12 months depending on which one you apply for.
• An Electronic Travel Authority Visa, which will enable you to visit Australia multiple times over a 12-month period and stay for up to three months at a time.

4. Take in New Zealand’s striking beauty

Known for its amazing natural beauty, friendly locals and array of outdoor activities, New Zealand is becoming another hub for Canadian snowbirds.

The flight may be long, but like Australia, New Zealand experiences summer during Canadian winter. With a climate similar to British Columbia, New Zealand is ideal for hiking, cycling and camping.

Canadians can stay for up to three months without a visa, and a favourable exchange rate helps making renting vehicles and booking long-term accommodations more affordable.

5. Affordable and accessible Mexico

A classic for a reason due to it’s affordability, culture, beaches and direct flight options – even from smaller Canadian cities – are why Mexico is the second most popular Canadian snowbird destination.

With it’s varied geography, amazing food and mix of colonial cities, tropical beaches and gorgeous mountain ranges, there is something for everyone. Plus, the exchange rate makes it affordable to set up shop for the winter.

Snowbirds can stay for up to 180 days without a visa. The slower pace of life, quality healthcare access and strong expat communities continue to be a big draw for many snowbirds looking for an affordable and easy escape.

Don’t forget your travel insurance

Before you book your trip this winter, don’t forget to factor in your travel medical insurance. Some important tips to remember when buying your travel insurance include:

• Not all policies are created equal – so focus on the coverage provided not just the premiums.
• If you have a pre-existing condition, focus on policies tailored to this.
• Remember to disclose all medications and long-term conditions. Failure to do so could leave you underinsured in the event of a medical emergency.

No matter which destination you choose, Acera Insurance helps you travel with certainty and peace of mind. Acera Insurance has partnered with TuGo, one of Canada’s top travel insurance providers, to offer an online self-serve option for travel insurance where you can purchase coverage in just a few minutes.

If you have more complex needs, our advisors can help you find the right coverage. Reach out today for a quote.

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