2025 Travellers’ Top Picks: Where Wanderlust Leads Us
Every year, travellers around the world vote with their feet and their hearts—and Air Canada Vacations captures those favourites in the 2025 Travellers’ Top Picks. From turquoise-blue beaches to storied cities, these destinations span all the moods of travel.
Here’s a quick tour through the winning categories:
- Beach Vacation → Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
- Adventure Travel → Kauai, Hawaii
- Bucket List → Santorini, Greece
- Foodie Favourite → Naples, Italy
- Wellness → Bali, Indonesia
- Romance → Paris, France
- City Break → New York City, USA
- Hidden Gem → Singapore
- Arts & Culture → Rome, Italy
- Family → Honolulu, Hawaii
Each of these picks tells a different story of what people are craving today—whether it’s sun and sea, gastronomic discovery, deep relaxation, or a cultural immersion.
If you're planning your next trip, the Top Picks list can spark ideas you might not have considered. Want a blend of adventure and culture? Kauai and Rome could be your mix. Prefer a hidden gem for your next trip off the beaten path? Singapore awaits.
Canadians’ 2025 Dream Destinations: Top Picks Revealed
In 2025, Canadian travellers cast over 100,000 votes for their favourite places around the world—and the results are in. The Travellers’ Top Picks Awards from Air Canada Vacations showcase the destinations that captured imaginations across categories like wellness, adventure, culture, and more. (TravelPress)
What’s especially interesting is how these picks reflect both timeless favourites (think — Paris, Rome) and emerging, immersive travel trends (wellness, hidden gems). Below, let’s explore some of the highlights, plus travel tips to help you plan your next trip.
Top Winners by Category & Highlights
From serene beach escapes to vibrant city energy, here’s a curated snapshot:
Why These Picks Matter: Trends & Takeaways
1. Wellness is front and centre
Bali's crowning as both wellness destination and overall dream pick shows that travellers are increasingly seeking balance, reflection, and holistic experiences over simple sightseeing. (Travel Market Report)
2. Classic and modern appeal in harmony
It’s not just about escapes—Rome, Paris, and New York all made the list, reminding us that history, culture, and urban energy remain evergreen draws. (TravelPress)
3. Hidden gems rising
Singapore’s appearance signals interest in destinations that mix global sophistication with local culture.
It offers an urban canvas that’s compact, easy to move around, and full of surprises. (TravelPress)
4. Beach and nature escapes hold strong
Despite the pull of culture and wellness, travellers still flock to sea and scenery—witness Grace Bay’s win for Best Beach Vacation, and Kauai’s recognition for adventure. (Caribbean Journal)
Planning Tips for Your Dream Pick
- Look beyond peak seasons. Many of these destinations are gorgeous in shoulder or off-peak times, with lower prices and smaller crowds.
- Stay local where possible. Boutique guesthouses or locally owned hotels often provide more authenticity and support the community.
- Prioritize immersive experiences. Cooking classes, local ceremonies, or active excursions deepen your connection.
- Layer your trip. If flying far (e.g., Bali or Santorini), consider pairing with a nearby locale to extend value.
- Check visa, health, and travel rules. Always be aware of vaccination, entry, or visa requirements especially for international travel.
Where to Go Next (for You)
Which type of trip speaks to you most right now?
- Need rest, reconnection, and slow living? Bali is your sanctuary.
- Crave dramatic views and cliffside sunsets? Santorini is calling.
- Want vibrant city life, art, history? Rome or Paris await.
- Yearning for a mix of nature and culture? Combine Kauai with Honolulu or Singapore with a Malaysian side trip.