Top 10 cheapest places to travel from Canada

Methodology

To make our picks, we focused on two main things: the cost of the flight and the cost of food, accommodation and activities once you’ve arrived at your destination. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find locations that are both affordable to get to and also cheap once you’re there (unless you get a really good deal on a flight or a hotel package).

With that in mind, we’ve balanced out the list by picking a selection of both destinations that are affordable to fly to (and relatively affordable to explore) with some picks that may cost more to get to (like Thailand) but are incredibly cheap once you’ve arrived. Keep in mind that, in some cases, the farther you’re willing to travel (Southeast Asian spots like Indonesia and Thailand by and large still offer some of the cheapest food and accommodation options), the cheaper your daily costs will be. We have also prioritized destinations that have a well-established tourism infrastructure and would be welcoming for singles, couples or families.

Related: The best travel hacks to help you save money

1. Mexico

Mexico is well known for its perfect blend of warm climate, stunning beaches, great food and rich cultural heritage. Places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are popular resort areas filled with plenty of five-star retreats but equally as many budget-friendly destinations. Winter is high season for Canadians to visit the country so if you want the best deals, book your trip well ahead of time. The best time to check for bargains is between March to May when Mexico is not top of mind for most Canadians.

Three suggested attractions to visit:

1. Chichen Itza: Ancient Mayan ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
2. Tulum: Picturesque Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea
3. Xcaret Park: Eco-archaeological park with underground rivers, caves and cultural activities

2. Colombia

At one time not on the radar for most North Americans as a vacation destination, Colombia has become an increasingly popular choice, with fascinating cities, stunning landscapes and affordable prices. It also has a rich cultural heritage, displayed through its colourful colonial architecture, lively music and delicious cuisine.

Three main attractions to visit:

1. Cartagena: Colonial city with colourful architecture and historic sites
2. Tayrona National Park: Pristine beaches, lush jungles and ancient ruins
3. Medellín: The city is famous for public art and its annual flower festival, as well as its plentiful cultural attractions

3. Vietnam

Vietnam is a perfect example of a country that may cost a pretty penny to fly to, but once there, rewards travelers with incredible sights, affordable accommodation and cheap cuisine (I once had an amazingly fresh and fragrant bowl of Pho on a street corner for .75 cents). It has it all: dynamic urban centers, dense jungle forests, delicious cuisine, friendly people, a fascinating history and jaw-dropping landscapes all at budget-friendly prices.

Three suggested attractions to visit:

1. Ha Long Bay: UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of limestone islands
2. Hoi An: Charming ancient town with lantern-lit streets and tailor shops that make customized clothing for cheap
3. Sapa: Scenic mountain town with terraced rice fields and lovely villages. Visitors can trek through the countryside, staying in local homestays and experiencing the unique culture and traditions of these communities

4. Thailand

Like Vietnam, the flight may be an investment, but you’ll be amazed by the deals you can get on food and comfortable hotels. Thailand is known for its friendly locals, delicious street food, Instagrammable beaches and rock-bottom prices. The country offers a unique blend of ancient culture, modern amenities and natural beauty. The colourful, intricately built temples of all shapes and sizes are sure to inspire your spirit.

Three suggested attractions to visit:

1. Bangkok: Vibrant capital city with temples, museums, busy markets and some of the best street food you’ll ever taste
2. Phuket: Largest island in Thailand with beautiful beaches and water activities. It has a reputation as being over touristed (but there’s a reason so many people visit this stunning place). A less-touristed and more laid-back alternative is Krabi with gorgeous beaches, as well as incredible islands like Koh Poda
3. Chiang Mai: Cultural hub with ancient temples, night markets and elephant sanctuaries

5. Portugal

Another of the cheapest places to travel to from Canada is Portugal. Known as one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, it’s packed-to-the-brim with charming cities with ancient cobblestoned streets, world-class museums, stunning coastlines and delicious cuisine. The country is also home to many acclaimed wine regions, such as the Douro Valley and Alentejo, which produce high-quality wines at reasonable prices.

Three suggested attractions to visit:

1. Lisbon: Historic capital city with colourful neighborhoods, castles and bustling cafes
2. Porto: Picturesque city known for its port wine, historic riverfront district and picturesque Douro River
3. Algarve: The place where both locals and tourists go for breathtaking beaches, a laid-back pace, dramatic cliffs and quaint fishing villages

6. Indonesia

Indonesia offers diverse experiences and landscapes across its thousands of islands (it has over 17,000!), all at budget-friendly prices. The country's history is especially fascinating, with a mix of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity, creating a unique blend of customs, art, architecture and religious practices. The country has some of Southeast Asia’s best bargains for food and hotels.

Three suggested attractions to visit:

1. Bali: Island paradise with temples, rice terraces and beaches. Head to the popular town of Ubud to tap into the island’s artistic side
2. Borobudur: 9th-century Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site
3. Komodo National Park: Home to the famous Komodo dragons (the world’s largest lizard)

7. Cambodia

Cambodia, another of the cheapest places to travel from Canada, is rich in history and culture, and less touristed than some of Asia’s other, more beach-heavy spots. Ideal for the more adventurous, deal-seeking traveller, it boasts one of the world’s most mesmerizing sites: iconic Angkor Wat temple complex.

Three suggested attractions to visit:

1. Angkor Wat: Largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
2. Siem Reap: Gateway to Angkor Wat with vibrant night markets and cultural shows
3. Phnom Penh: Capital city with the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

8. Peru

Famous for Machu Picchu, an Incan ruin perched high atop the Andes Mountains, it's also rich in history, culture and delicious food all at budget-friendly prices. History and archaeological enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the rich Incan heritage, which can be explored through numerous archaeological sites and museums. Canada’s main airlines, Air Canada and WestJet, sometimes have deals on flights to Peru in the off season for less than $500.

Three suggested attractions to visit:

1. Machu Picchu: This iconic Incan citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can hike the Inca Trail or take a scenic train ride to reach the site.
2. Cusco: The former capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco is a captivating city rich in award-winning museums and restaurants. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with colourful buildings, lively markets and historic churches.
3. Amazon Rainforest: Peru's Amazon rainforest is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, as well as indigenous communities with unique cultures and traditions. Visitors can stay in eco-lodges, take jungle tours and spot exotic wildlife like pink river dolphins.

9. Dominican Republic

A perennial top pick for Canadians looking for charming, cheap all-inclusives, the Dominican Republic is peppered with attractive beaches, lush rainforests and interesting cultural outings at affordable prices. The country has an impressive pick of resorts designed for all interests and age groups, from singles looking to party, to family-friendly retreats.

Three suggested attractions to visit:

1. Punta Cana: Popular beach destination with resorts, water activities and acclaimed golf courses for those looking to practice their swing on a world-class course
2. Santo Domingo: Historic capital city with colonial architecture and museums
3. Samaná Peninsula: Natural paradise with waterfalls, beaches and whale watching

10. Costa Rica

Discover for yourself why Costa Rica is one of the most celebrated destinations on the planet. A nature lover's paradise with lush rainforests, stunning beaches and incredible wildlife, it also has unique interactive cultural activities all at wallet-friendly prices.

Three suggested attractions to visit:

1. Manuel Antonio National Park: Beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife. You can hike through the park's trails, spot sloths and monkeys and relax on the pristine white sand beaches.
2. Arenal Volcano: Active volcano with hot springs, hiking trails and adventure activities
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest: Unique ecosystem with hanging bridges, ziplines and wildlife

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FAQs:

What is the cheapest country to travel from Canada?

There is no “one” country that is the cheapest from Canada because airfares and hotel pricing are dynamic, so the cheapest depends on the time of year you hope to go and what kind of deals you can get on accommodation. Closer countries like Mexico and Costa Rica would have cheaper flights than far-flung locales like Thailand and Vietnam, but those countries offer incredible value for money once you arrive.

Where is the cheapest place to fly from Canada?

Some of the cheapest places to fly from Canada include Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Just be sure to look for deals and try to book months ahead of time and outside of high season for the best deals.

What is the best international destination from Canada?

The best international destination depends on each individual’s interests. However, places like Thailand, Vietnam and Portugal make for wonderful budget-smart picks with lots to see and do.