Winter Wanderlust: Tips for Every Travel Style
Knowing when to travel, where to go and how to get the best deals will sweeten your winter escape!
By Alexis Nicols
An all-inclusive resort with a kids club can be an ideal family vacation. | PHOTO: MVALIGURSKY/ENVATO
POPULAR WINTER GETAWAYS include everything from easygoing fly-and-flop beach resorts and family-friendly cruises to long-term warm-weather stays and early spring break escapes. Whether you’re looking to unwind completely, explore a new coastline or soak up sunshine for weeks at a time, there’s an option that fits your mood, your budget and your schedule. Wherever you go this winter, travel smart, travel prepared and enjoy every moment.
SMART TRAVEL TIPS: 1. Snowbirds Escaping for the winter requires advance planning. If you're looking for a long-term rental, the available options can dwindle quickly as trips get booked. Find your perfect winter home early — and if you find a favourite spot, rebook it each year. Many long-stay rentals offer a standing annual reservation, and you may find it comes with preferential pricing.
2. Solo explorers Double occupancy got you down? Resort packages are often designed for couples and families, but don’t let that hold you back. Keep an open mind, embrace your flexibility, and you may discover a great deal for a place you hadn’t even thought of. Before deciding where to go, take a look at the deals out there and consider experiences you might have if you’re open to trying something a little different.
3. Family travel Two words for parents: kids club. Make sure your resort has a good one and that it fits the needs of your kids. The right kids club will have you basking in me-time while the littles are entertained and enjoying child-friendly activities. Some resorts aim their kids club at younger children; others have options for pre-teens that can’t roam a resort alone, but require activities just a bit more mature than colouring.
You may want to explore the activities and opportunities at your travel destination, such as earning your SCUBA certification. | VIDEO: DALIU80/ENVATO
4. Timing Booking three to nine months in advance often means better availability and early-bird pricing for the high season periods — such as spring break. For the flexible traveller, last-minute flash sales can deliver amazing deals on flights, packages and more.
5. Activities Before you book, do a quick search to see if there are any activities or special events at your destination that might level up your winter escape. Carnivals, concerts, theatre, gallery openings, lectures, seminars — you never know what you might get to enjoy! You may even be able to take a horseback riding class, get SCUBA certified or have a once-in-a-lifetime experience during your travels.
6. Money matters Changing money at your destination can often yield the best exchange rate — but hunting for a place to do it can be a hassle. Airport exchange may be convenient, but be aware of the hefty fees. If you don’t want to carry cash, investigate travel-friendly credit cards with beneficial exchange rates and lower usage fees. If airport lounges are important to you, explore a card that offers you VIP access.
7. Go to the pros One of the best ways to simplify the booking process is to connect with a CAA Travel Advisor. These experts take the stress out of planning by helping you find great options, secure exclusive member deals and build a trip that matches your travel goals. Better still, they’ll make sure you’re protected with comprehensive travel insurance, so that unexpected issues like flight delays, lost luggage, or medical emergencies don’t turn your dream trip into a costly one.
Travel Insurance: Wander More, Worry Less Things can go wrong when you least expect it, no matter how carefully you plan. That’s why travel insurance is an important thing to have. It helps protect your health, finances and travel plans. Travel insurance isn’t just for international trips; your provincial health plan may not provide adequate coverage if you require emergency care while visiting another province.
Filling Coverage Gaps Medical costs for things such as ambulance services, prescription medications, or emergency dental care may not be fully covered, even within Canada. Relying on your credit card or provincial plan could leave you paying out of pocket. CAA Travel Insurance helps close those gaps, giving you extra protection and peace of mind.
Comprehensive Support Coverage includes more than health emergencies. It can help with trip interruptions, returning your vehicle if you’re incapacitated, or even assisting with replacing a lost prescription abroad.* CAA Travel Insurance handles the what-ifs so you can focus on the good stuff.
Exclusive Savings for Members CAA Members enjoy up to 15% off** travel insurance premiums. That includes 10% savings for Classic and Plus Members, and 15% for Premier Members — protect your travel budget and plan ahead.
CAA Travel Insurance is an Orion product underwritten by Echelon Insurance, a CAA company. That means reliable support and trusted service before, during and after your trip. With coverage tailored to your needs and 24/7 emergency assistance, you can travel confidently, wherever you’re headed.
* If part of a medical emergency, prescription medication is included. It excludes any medication you are currently taking for a known medical condition. If you lose your prescription, CAA can assist in getting it replaced by a pharmacist at your travel location. However, the cost is paid by the insured.
** Applies to CAA Members in good standing. 10% savings apply to the total premium, excluding applicable taxes for Classic and Plus Members. 15% savings apply to the total premium, excluding applicable taxes for Premier Members. Excludes web purchases and Visitors to Canada Insurance.