Canadian World Traveller Spring 2019 Issue

Contiki’s Top 10 Destinations in 2019
Scotland
Come to Scotland for the spectacular
scenery, charming cities and fascinating history,
but stay for the unbeatable hospitality
(and the whiskey). Whether you’re walking
through the gothic, cobbled streets of
Edinburgh, gawping at the incomparable
vistas of the Isle of Skye or trekking through
the vibrant landscapes of the Highlands, this
wild and beautiful land will steal your heart
over and over again. Scotland has also seen
a spike in interest thanks to the cult following
of the hit TV series Outlander. It seems that
many millennials are looking to find their
own versions of Jamie and Claire somewhere
in the Highlands.
Contiki, the original travel company
offering epic global adventures for
18 to 35-year old’s, recently polled
young Canadians about their upcoming travel
plans in 2019 and today releases a list of
the top 10 destinations that are on everyone’s
travel radars. Where to next?
Jordan
Heaving with historical significance, spirituality
and soul, Jordan is a serene sanctuary in
a region of conflict. Ever since Jean Louis
Burckhardt stumbled upon the ‘lost’ city of
Petra in the 19th century – the jaw-dropping
ancient metropolis that’s carved into towering
red cliffs – this land has ignited the imaginations
of intrepid adventurers across the globe.
Often overlooked in favour of its more mainstream
counterparts – think Egypt and
Morocco – Jordan offers safe and easy travelling
thanks to its modern infrastructure,
inquisitive locals and modest size. But the
country isn’t just about the ‘rose-red city half
old as time.’ Boasting sweeping desert
panoramas, fascinating ancient monuments,
fantastic food and warm hospitality, it’s comfortably
one of the top travel destinations for
2019. More and more millennials are discovering
this gem and have returned to regale
tales of treasured memories spent in the
country – expect more to find out for themselves.
Sri Lanka
Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming
people, spectacular wildlife, rolling surf,
affordable prices, fun trains, famous tea and
flavourful food make Sri Lanka a hotspot in
2019. Sri Lanka is perfect for young
Canadians longing for a mixture of wildlife
adventure and beach time, but who tire of
being stuck in a buffet line at yet another allinclusive
resort in the Caribbean. With an
abundance of wildlife, from elephants to
tigers, Sri Lanka’s national parks are home to
some of the world’s top safari tours, while
there’s plenty of opportunity on the shimmering
North East coast to relax on a secluded
beach with a cocktail. It's the place many
haven't been to yet but should.
Japan
Japan is truly timeless, a place where ancient
traditions are fused with modern life as if it
were the most natural thing in the world.
While the country has always been a perennial
favourite, the ‘land of the rising sun’ has
recently seen an influx of Canadians with the
latest statistics showing a 10.8% increase in
Canadian visitors, thanks to direct flights
from Canada and word-of-mouth from family
and friends. Canadians are now beginning
to realize that this island archipelago
boasts some of the world’s most eclectic
cities, fascinating museums and countryside
that leaves all its visitors enraptured. A technological
hegemon on the one hand, but
also full of people who are polite to a fault
and generous too, Japan hits almost every
button. From its unique culture, food (oh the
glorious food) to contrasting landscapes
(from snow-capped mountains to coastal
beauties), expect an influx of visitors to Japan
in 2019 before the Olympics arrive in 2020
that will undoubtedly come with an increase
in travel costs and patience.
South Africa
Full of adventure, culinary delights and
rugged landscapes, South Africa has so
much to offer. Take a cable car up Cape
Town’s Table Mountain for the best view of
the city, embark on the famous Panorama
Route to Kruger National park where you
can spot Africa’s Big 5 and stand in awe of
the wonders of the world, Victoria falls. And
for those looking to surf, South Africa
(Supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay to be exact) has
the best right-hand ride in the world according
to experts. It’s no wonder why more and