Photo by Judith Harrington
Even with the dollar lower this winter season, Snowbirds are still flying south.
In a recent report from TD Bank, it was found that travellers will still chase the southern sun despite the dollar’s loss against the American greenback.
People still want to get away says Chris Mayne, the General Manager of Mayne Travel in North Bay.
“The tour packages are priced in Canadian dollars so they are up to date with what to expect. So for someone wanting to spend about a thousand dollars, you won’t notice it much. Say for example, in Cuba, being so inexpensive, the change is almost insignificant.”
The tour price is the key to savings explains Mayne. “Places with tours in American dollars, say Barbados, can be a bit pricier. Some people prefer to pay for meals as they go.”
Mayne advises on the best value for the Canadian dollar. “People are still going to Dominican Republic and Cuba to get the best bang for their buck. For about the last decade, these two countries stand out with an all inclusive fly and stay for the week. All your meals and drinks are included. Some of those resorts might have cost hundreds of dollars more in another location.”
Even though this year is a bit warmer over last, Mayne notes that the numbers are still high of those seeking out the warmer temperatures. “If a winter vacation is part of what people want to do, at this point they are going to head away. Once Christmas is out of the way, people start to give a little more thought to getting away for a week in February or March and will make up their mind to do it in the next few weeks.”
If you are thinking of travelling March break, Mayne cautions that’s the busiest week of the year. He points out that people have been booking that week since last May and suggests calling as far in advance as you can.
