Planning a holiday getaway this year but worried about the crowds? We get you. Jam-packed airports and overbooked flights are still the reality for many Canadian travellers in 2022, and nothing can put a damper on that holiday spirit more than a terrible travel day. But you’re in luck, because there are ways around it.
We’ve crunched the numbers and discovered the quietest days to book your winter holiday this year. Whether you’re looking for warm winter destinations in December and January or a thrilling city break in Europe, here’s a breakdown of what we predict will be the calmer days to jet off and start your much-needed getaway this holiday season.
And for a little extra dose of travel inspiration, we’ve added a section at the end with our top hotel recommendations in some of the most sought-after destinations around the world.
Busiest times and quietest days to travel this holiday season from Canada
Our data reveals that Canadian travellers are looking to set off for their holiday vacations between December 12-21. Specifically, December 12, 13, 16, 18 and 21 have the highest search volume, which likely means that those will be the busiest travel days of the holiday season. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, try not to book travel on those days.
While search volume for holiday travel dates starts declining from December 18 until around mid-January, there’s a slight increase on December 23 and December 25, so keep in mind that those dates will likely be busier. After Boxing Day, we see searches pretty steadily go down — so if you want to book a getaway to the stylish Soho 54 Hotel in downtown Manhattan or jet off to Paris and stay at the historic Hotel Acropole for a wee winter vacation (and not deal with massive crowds at the airport) the best time to book your trip is after the busy travel week of December 18-25.
Once we welcome the new year, the travel chaos really starts to fade, making it an ideal time to book a quiet winter getaway.
How about a New Year’s getaway to Orlando? Take the kids to the Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations for some much-needed sun and fun this January. Or pack your swimsuit and take an adventure to the Philippines! Stay at the gorgeous Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa in Bohol and really pamper yourself on your warm winter getaway this year. Need more ideas? Keep reading.
Need a hotel to stay at this winter holiday season?
On top of analyzing the busiest and quietest travel days for Canadians this holiday vacation season, we’ve also pulled the latest Skyscanner data on Canadians’ top-searched cities worldwide. So if you’re looking for a hotel in one of our favourite destinations for a vacation this winter, keep these quieter travel periods in mind to book the best available dates and snag some great hotel and flight deals along the way.
The Gate in London, England
Great reviews, stylish settings, close to all the major sights – what more could you want in a London hotel? This cozy accommodation is perfect for a winter getaway to the Big Smoke. Featuring a bar and restaurant on-site, a gym, free WiFi and more, you’ll be just a short distance from the Sky Garden, Tower Bridge and other major attractions in the city.
Metropolitan Hotel in Vancouver, BC
Centrally located in downtown Vancouver and rooms for less than $200 CAD a night, you can’t go wrong with a stay at the Metropolitan Hotel. After a day of exploring the city, warm up by taking a dip in their indoor pool with views of Vancouver’s business district, and sample local flavours at Diva, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. For your convenience, the hotel also has a fitness centre, spa services and free WiFi throughout the property.
Lemon Tree Premier in New Delhi, India
New Delhi on your mind? The top-searched city in Canada for this holiday season is in fact New Delhi, so we’re going to suggest a stylish hotel stay at the Lemon Tree Premier. Located close to the Delhi International Airport, you can rest and unwind while in transit to or from your next destination. With rave reviews from travellers and an affordable price point, it’s an amazing hotel choice in New Delhi.
HM Playa del Carmen in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Sure Canadians love Cancun, but we’re going to pitch Playa del Carmen as your winter holiday destination this year. This bustling beach city just an hour’s drive from Cancun has a great mix of beach, fun, food, and amazing hotels to rest and rejuvenate. This includes the HM Playa del Carmen, located smack dab in the middle of town. Whether you want to spend your winter vacation days poolside or hit up one of the nearby beaches, this hotel has all the amenities (and amazing service) you’ll need for a winter vacation in the Mexican Caribbean.
The Salil Hotel Sukhumvit 57 in Bangkok, Thailand
Truly escape the Canadian winter this holiday season and book a stay at this gorgeous hotel in Bangkok. Stay in world-class style and comfort without the hefty price tag here at the Salil Hotel in Bangkok. Featuring a rooftop pool, an amazing restaurant, cafes, a teahouse and a bar on-site, you’ll have plenty of ways to fill your days on your winter holiday. Another bonus is that the hotel is located in the Thong Lo district in Sukhumvit, where local Bangkokians and the international world come together, making for one of the most fascinating and eclectic neighbourhoods in Southeast Asia.
Ready to book your (quiet) winter vacation this holiday season?
Get the best travel deals this winter season! Start searching for flights in the box below and let the deals ring in.
More holiday travel inspiration for Canadians
- Escape that winter chill with these warm places to travel to in December
- Cozy Canadian hotels to stay at for a winter vacation
- Here’s how to find a great deal on a flight
