Canada: the Affordable Vacation Destination

When people are planning their foreign vacation get away, there are many exotic locations that come to mind. The Bahamas and Europe are usually at the top of the list, but while they are exciting locations with plenty to do and see, they can also take a toll on your wallet. You may want to consider a location a little closer to home but still out of country. Let’s start with one that shares a border with our own. The northern part of Canada can be a wonderful location that offers exciting places to visit, friendly people and is much more inexpensive. In fact, Canada can be reached by airplane or car. And while it may take a lifetime, or a rich relation passing, to get to other exotic vacation spots, Canada can be visited without breaking your budget.

One of the best things about a Canadian vacation, besides the fact that everyone speaks English, is that you can drive to your location and save yourself the expense of a plane ticket. If you enjoy a plane ride, then that is definitely an option, but if you like the convenience and freedom of getting in your car and driving (think road trip) then this destination will fit the bill. Even though border security has tightened up in the last few years, it is still easy to get in to our Northern neighbors country. As long as you have nothing you are trying to hide, getting over to Canada and back again won’t be a problem.

When you compare the price of American lodging and entertainment to the Canadian prices, you may suffer from a little shock. But this can be changed if you are careful about the places that you stay and where you visit. The tourist traps will be in your bigger cities and, while these will be great places to visit while you are there, you might consider staying in a smaller city. Do your research and make a list of the places you want to visit. Check on the prices and then make an itinerary that fits your wants and your budget. The beauty of Canada is vast, so getting a chance to get out and enjoy the more remote areas of the country will be a treat. With a good mix of outdoor activities and other entertainments will create an even more budget friendly vacation.

While it may not be the first place you think of for a foreign vacation, you should definitely give Canada a try. With all it has to offer, it really is the perfect vacation destination for the whole family.  Do your research and with a little planning, you will have a vacation to travel Canada worth remembering.

Canadian Travel Tips

Choosing Canada as a vacation destination is a wonderful idea. With its varied landscapes, mountains, big cities and tourist locations, you will find a Canadian vacation has something to offer every member of your family. We’ve compiled a few tips if you plan on vacationing in Canada any time soon. If you are one of the lucky people that travel to Canada on a regular basis, you will still find something new in this list of tips for the Canadian traveler.

If you are visiting any new location, especially one in a foreign country, a travel guide is an invaluable tool for planning your travel itinerary before the trip. A travel guide is also helpful once you’ve made it to your destination, which is Canada in our case. A good travel guide will contain information on local attractions such as museums. A Canadian travel guide will also let you know what the good restaurants are, where you can lay your head at night as well as the hot spots for shopping. Invest in a quality travel guide on Canada, and your planning will go a lot smoother. Another good tip is to make sure you know the weather at the location you will spending time in. Try to get a good idea of what the high and low temperatures will be so you can pack clothing accordingly. Some spots in Canada will be more humid while your mountain ranges are going to be cool, if not downright cold, most of year.

To make your trip go smoothly from the beginning, be sure to investigate what paperwork you are going to need to cross the border in to Canada and be sure that you bring it. With the new, stricter laws on crossing borders you will have to have some sort of proof of identity in order to enter the Country. It isn’t a big deal, unless you try to get in without the proper paperwork. Because these laws are changing constantly, be sure to check the Canadian government website to know what you are going to need.

Do a little research and be sure that you understand the money that you will be using in Canada. They use the Canadian dollar, though some of your cities that border the USA will accept American money. It would be a good idea to carry money in the form of traveler’s checks in Canadian dollars. These will be accepted anywhere and will carry the same security as traveler’s checks in American dollars. To avoid offending your servers when you are in a Canadian restaurant, be sure you know the unspoken gratuity expectation.  If you are in a restaurant, you should tip 12% to 15% if the service was good. Tour guides as well as the bus drivers, are going to expect some tipping as well. $1 or $2 dollars will be fine. Follow these simple tips and your Canadian vacation will be one to remember.