Ideas where to vacation if not at WDW

[Lesverts]

My most recent major trip was 4 weeks in New Zealand and Australia. Really enjoyed it and had a lot of memorable moments. Did not see everything. But the biggest highlights for me:

Taking the ferry to Weiheke and doing a tour of all the vineyards. The ferry over was beautiful (and really reminded me of parts of the Great Lakes) and the wine was great. Just a really nice day. Also Christchurch was the standout. The trolley around town, the people. The wine. The restaurants. The food was so varied and good. The drive to Mount Cook was also incredible and so was the train ride through the mountains. If you are a LotR fan there is so much to see.

Melbourne was just amazing. Toured the Melbourne Cricket Ground and everyone got a real laugh at the Canadian being there.

 

[DnA2010]

I think we want to plan the trip to the Maritimes we've been pondering, but were going to wait till daughter was older, but heck, no time like the present! We've been reading Anne of Green Gables, so may investigate this sort of trip, any Maritmers on this board?

 

[AnnaS]

DH's cousin (couple and friends) from Toronto just spent a week in Jamaica.

You have so many choices - $$ & what type of vacation are you looking for. Good luck searching and happy planning!!!

 

[boogienights]

Africa! Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zimbabwe...all fabulous countries to visit. Rent a camper and explore. Real safaris beat WDW Kilimanjaro Safari all day every day.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I think we want to plan the trip to the Maritimes we've been pondering, but were going to wait till daughter was older, but heck, no time like the present! We've been reading Anne of Green Gables, so may investigate this sort of trip, any Maritmers on this board?

If planning on visiting PEI this summer, I would start booking accommodations now. We visit every summer and we book a year out. Especially in Cavendish where Anne of Green Gables is located. It's a small town with mostly camping and cottages. Charlottetown would be the city option with regular hotel chains, malls, restaurants, etc.

 

[DnA2010]

If planning on visiting PEI this summer, I would start booking accommodations now. We visit every summer and we book a year out. Especially in Cavendish where Anne of Green Gables is located. It's a small town with mostly camping and cottages. Charlottetown would be the city option with regular hotel chains, malls, restaurants, etc.

Good to know, thank you! flights are currently super expensive, but I'm still going to look anyways, as still better than travelling to the US

 

[Rogue1677x]

I've been to Iceland (van camping) and it was an amazing experience. Japan is such a contrast if the old and new, it's a shame I haven't been able to get back in so long.

My daughter ranks our cross country trip around Scotland as her favorite, particularly with Isle of Skye.

A lot comes down to budget and interests, but there's so many places to see and things to do. Personally for me, I would run at the chance to go to New Zealand.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I've been to Iceland (van camping) and it was an amazing experience. Japan is such a contrast if the old and new, it's a shame I haven't been able to get back in so long.

My daughter ranks our cross country trip around Scotland as her favorite, particularly with Isle of Skye.

A lot comes down to budget and interests, but there's so many places to see and things to do. Personally for me, I would run at the chance to go to New Zealand.

A friend of mine is in Japan now. It looks amazing!

 

[PetePanMan]

Tough to provide any meaningful advice without more info on your interests and constraints (e.g. costs, trip duration etc.) so I’m assuming this more a protest post (which is fine). Obviously there are many incredible places in Canada and around the world. Not sure where you live but come out to BC west coast and rent an RV to tour around. Or…we have had great recent trips over last few years to Spain, Portugal, Italy and Japan. All amazing but pricey

 

[deanimal]

We are travel lovers who like to mix a US Disney trip in every 2-3 years with lots of other destinations. We have decided to skip the US for the next few years so we're also looking at alternatives.

The most obvious destination for people who love their "Disney fix" is the international parks. We've been to Paris and Tokyo and loved both; in fact we may love the Tokyo parks more than the original US ones! Our next trip to Japan starts in just a week and we're beyond excited to go back. We are currently roughing out the idea of visiting Hong Kong and maybe even Shanghai in 27 or 28 and will likely include Paris Disney in our next Europe trip.

We're also planning to sub our next winter trip to California for Mexico. We are not resort people but both Mexico City and nearby Peubla look like great options with good museums, restaurants and historic sites.

Another option for people who like the all inclusive ease of Disney is cruising. There aren't a lot of options close to Canada for home ports, but there are quite a few cruises leaving from San Juan (a US territory, I know, but they didn't get to vote so I don't feel too bad visiting) and a few from Colon, Panama. Disney cruise line has Asian and European itineraries if you really want to stick with Disney and there are also Disney cruises leaving from Vancouver in summer. They do go to Alaska, but I guess you could just stay on the boat for the week and technically you haven't set foot over the border (?).

I love the idea of Costa Rica; we may sub that into our plans for spring break in a few years. It does suck that it's so hard to get to from Vancouver, especially if you want to avoid transferring in the US, but maybe more direct flights will open up as more and more Canadians are looking for new travel destinations.

Happy travels!

 

[mort1331]

Good to know, thank you! flights are currently super expensive, but I'm still going to look anyways, as still better than travelling to the US

There is a large bnb on the island and all the maritimes. Even before airbnb,,they were and are regulated there. If your up to it..drive i stead of flying,,,great spots to stop and explore all along.

 

[Aladora]

I love the idea of Costa Rica; we may sub that into our plans for spring break in a few years. It does suck that it's so hard to get to from Vancouver, especially if you want to avoid transferring in the US, but maybe more direct flights will open up as more and more Canadians are looking for new travel destinations.

Happy travels!

So we just got back from Costa Rica and we flow from Vancouver via Toronto. There is also the option of flying AeroMexico from Vancouver which stops in Mexico City.

 

[DnA2010]

There is a large bnb on the island and all the maritimes. Even before airbnb,,they were and are regulated there. If your up to it..drive i stead of flying,,,great spots to stop and explore all along.

I would love to drive, but we are from BC and just won't have enough time off work available

 

[Honeypot]

We just got back from Costa Rica and both my husband and I fell in love with that country! So much so that we are seriously investigating buying an investment property there that we can rent out for most of the year and then stay there when we go back.

We just had the same experience! Just got back on Sunday, and had spent the last few days of the trip discussing the possibilities of investing in a place there. Not sure if we will actually do it, but we are definitely thinking about it.

 

[Honeypot]

OP, there are so many great places to go it depends on what type of vacation you are looking for, for how long, budget...If you are looking for theme parks, besides the international Disney parks, you could check out Tivolii gardens (Denmark) or Europa park (Germany). There is cruising in Europe, Disney or otherwise, if you want to see a few different places, but have things kind of planned out for you. Beach vacations, Mexico is an easy option. We just got back from Costa Rica and loved it. In the past few years, we have also enjoyed a driving vacations in Ireland and Croatia. This summer we are going to Greece. The world is your oyster

 

[mort1331]

I would love to drive, but we are from BC and just won't have enough time off work available

What you dont get 4 weeks off?..lol..i have done the drive from Toronto to Vancouver...its long

 

[MrsDanielle]

I’ve said it before, but I have travelled extensively throughout Canada, and have visited every province and territory expect for Newfoundland and Labrador and NWT.

The most memorable holiday Ive ever taken was to Churchill, Manitoba. Now, if your idea of a great vacation includes nature, wildlife and adventure tourism I’d highly recommend going. I went in August for the belugas. I kayaked with them, and had dozens surrounding me and ‘playing’ with my kayak and my paddles. It touched me deeply. I also snorkelled in the
Churchill River (wore dry suits) saw a mother polar bear and her cubs, seals, terns, and other birds.

We also visited one of the most northern forts in Canada, the Prince of Wales Fort. Went berry picking with an Inuit elder on the tundra, and gazed at the northern lights without dealing with any light pollution.

It was truly a great adventure!

 

[MrsDanielle]

I apologize for my double post !

 

[Canadian Tom]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I think this would be a good time to close this thread. Thanks again, Canadian Tom

 

[MrsDanielle]

Tbh I really enjoy this thread ! It’s been giving me some ideas on where to go next ! I’ve always wanted to check out Costa Rica…