Canadians to travel to these 5 destinations in 2020

TORONTO — For anyone hell-bent on travelling to the next ‘it’ destination, this list is for you.

According to the 2020 Canadian Travel Trends report, a study of 1,500 Canadians commissioned by Skyscanner, this year will be a big one for travelling Canadians, with 73% intending to hit the open road compared to the 66% who packed their bags in 2019.

Where will Canadians go in 2020? The data suggests five emerging destinations, as determined by year-over-year growth in bookings. They are:

1. Fort-de-France, Martinique (+386%)

The capital of Martinique is known for its stunning colonial architecture, tranquil parks and colourful markets, and has become a popular cruise destination. Its main attraction is Fort St-Louis, an imposing fortress that dates back to the year 1640, while the Grand Marché, a bustling covered market aimed at visiting cruise passengers, is also a must-see.

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Fort-de-France, Martinique

2. Málaga, Spain (+188%)

This picture-perfect port city offers photo opps at every turn, thanks to its golden beaches, hilltop citadels and classic Moorish architecture that juxtaposes with a modern skyline. Don’t miss the Soho art district for its art galleries, and be sure to sample delicious tapas paired with a glass (or two) of local wine.

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Málaga, Spain

3. Kahului, Hawaii (+104%)

Served by Kahului Airport, Kahului serves as Maui’s main shopping district, with big box stores and small boutiques lining Dairy and Kaahumanu Roads. But the town isn’t just about retail therapy – it boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) hosting over 1,800 events each year.

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Kahului, Hawaii

4. Porto, Portugal (+67%)

Art, architecture and wine – this perfectly sums up Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal. Its stately bridges allow for leisurely walks through cobbled streets, past quaint cafes and the beautiful Sáo Francisco Church, into the heart of the Riberia district, the city’s beating heart and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Porto, Portugal

5. Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe (+60%)

Located on the island of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe, this charming city boasts lively markets, including the Marché de la Darse, where visitors can watch fishermen sell the day’s catch directly from their boats at the harbour.

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Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe