Canadians booking up Cancun, Mexico in January: Skyscanner trending travel destination
There has been a 53 per cent increase in January flight searches from Canada to Cancun over the last month
Canadians are looking to get away from the cold winter weather, setting their sights on Cancun, Mexico, according to Skyscanner.
Information provided to Yahoo Canada revealed that Skyscanner has seen a 53 per cent increase in flight searches from Canada to Cancun in January, over the last month.
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Why is Cancun, Mexico, a trending destination for Canadian travellers?
A core 2024 travel trend is that Canadians are looking for "a dose of beach life," with three of Skyscanner's top 10 trending travel destinations for Canadians in 2024 being island destinations.
"January is one of the best months to visit Cancun," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destinations expert explained. "It is during the dry season, and has cooler temperatures during this time, so you can be sure you’ll be able to soak up a ton of sun without too much heat or rain."
"In December, Canadians flocked to Barbados – and with their sights now set on Cancun, it’s clear they’re seeking a sunny island retreat to escape the winter weather. During the day, travellers can embrace the beautiful beaches and browse the local shops. When the sun sets, Cancun takes a different form with its exciting and lively night life."
How much does it cost to go to Cancun, Mexico in January from Canadian cities?
Using Skyscanner search data for flights to and from Cancun from Canadian airports, the cheapest direct roundtrip flight from Toronto is from Jan. 20 to Jan. 24, which costs $217.
Travelling direct from Vancouver to Cancun, from Jan. 14 to Jan. 22, will cost $335, and from Montreal, a direct trip from Jan. 12 to Jan. 16 will cost as low as $300.
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4 expert tips on what to do in Cancun, Mexico
For music lovers heading to Mexico, Lindsay recommends the Zamna Festival, which runs until Jan. 13, with an impressive lineup of EDM artists.
"If you’re a music lover looking for a unique experience during your Mexico trip, make sure to take the quick trip to Tulum for this one-of-a-kind festival," she stated.
Travellers can also experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins.
"The ruins are one of the most important archaeological sites in Mayan history, with the Pyramid of Kukulkan at its core," Lindsay explained.
"About a 2.5 hour drive from Cancun, you can take a rental car or book a group tour. Or, if you want to stay closer to Cancun, there are a number of incredible Mayan Ruins to visit like El Rey Ruins, Yamil Lu’um Ruins, or El Meco Ruins. Whichever ruin you choose to visit, you will be immersed in the beautiful architecture and historic temples and structures."
For tourits who want to spend as much time in the water as possible, swim in the cenotes, specifically the largest underground river system in the world, Sac Actun.
"At the cenotes, you’ll be able to scuba dive and swim in the beautiful clear water and natural caves," Lindsay shared. "There are thousands of cenotes around Cancun, but Cenote Dos Ojos in Tulum and Cenote Azul in Playa del Carmen are a few of the most notable."
Additionally, don't miss out on a tequila tour when in Mexico.
For places to stay in Cancun, some of the top rated hotels and resorts include Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun, Le Blanc Spa Resort and Lotus Beach Hotel.
Tips for finding the cheapest flights
If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.
Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.
Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.
Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.
Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
