Cheapflights.ca Looks Ahead to Summer

TORONTO--(Marketwire - Mar 27, 2013) - While spring has just sprung, many Canadians are already looking forward to and planning ahead for travel this summer. And, given this past winter, who can blame us? So the travel experts at Cheapflights.ca, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, have taken a peek at the site's data for destinations with the biggest percentage spikes in searches by Canadians looking for a June getaway compared to this time last year. This list, the Top Five Emerging Summer Travel Hot Spots, offers a heads up on some up-and-coming summer getaways. They may not be the most popular, yet, but they are gaining traction, so this summer may just be the right time to check them out while you can still get a great deal and avoid the crowds.

Below are the top three emerging destinations, all of which have seen over 100% spike in interest this year on Cheapflights.ca.

• San Jose, Costa Rica (travel searches up 137 per cent over 2012) -This capital city is an increasingly thriving destination in its own right with a fun and funky nightlife, a number of compelling museums and a popular food scene. However, its top draw may still be its role as the main hub for reaching the beaches and rain forests that beckon adventure seekers and eco-travellers. Costa Rica is investing in its tourism industry, ensuring lodging is in place to meet growing demands. While 2013 is shaping up to be a banner year for attracting tourists, so far the travel experience remains relaxed and uncommercial. Summer travel is off peak so it's a good time to bargain shop. Expect some rain but still pack your sunscreen!
  
  
• Cancun, Mexico (travel searches up 129 per cent over 2012) - Historically a major spring break hot spot, Cancun suffered a slight setback in popularity recently thanks to reports of violence (and before that swine flu) in parts of Mexico. However, the Yucatan resort town has been a relative safe haven for tourists and has pressed on with a steady stream of deals and marketing activity that have brought a big bounce in spring visitors and, now, a boost in interest for summer travellers. While it is hot, humid and inside the hurricane belt, Cancun boasts beaches and bars that are irresistible for many. So are the golf courses, world-class diving and off-season prices on flights and luxury hotels.
  
  
• Lisbon, Portugal (travel searches up 100 per cent over 2012) - Portugal versus Spain? It's a common online question for travellers seeking a summer getaway to Europe. While both destinations have their champions, the pro-Portugal crowd is quick to point out that Lisbon is an historic beach-front city with a mix of neighbourhoods and scenes, an active nightlife and great year-round weather. All in all, it's a lot like Barcelona but with a smaller price tag and a more laid-back style. Canadians seem to be catching wind of this summer seaside alternative, where they can experience the European vibe, an active festival season and steamy days (and nights) without breaking the bank.
  
  

To find out the next two hot destinations to make Cheapflights.ca's Top Five Emerging Summer Travel Hot Spots visit www.cheapflights.ca/travel/top-5-emerging-summer-travel-hot-spots.

About momondo Group
momondo Group is an online travel media and technology company that is driven by the belief that an open world is a better world. The group now serves travel search and inspiration to over 13 million visitors a month -- plus 6 million travel newsletter subscribers -- via its Cheapflights (www.cheapflights.ca) and momondo (www.momondo.com) brands.

Skygate began the sourcing of complex air-travel data in 1992, while Cheapflights pioneered the online comparison of flight deals for users in 1996 and momondo launched meta-search in the Nordic countries in 2006. 

The Group has offices in London, Copenhagen, Boston and Toronto, with a consumer base across 16 core international markets but users all over the world.

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