Frigid temperatures are getting people in Saskatchewan out of the house — and onto the beach.
Shaun Weber, the regional manager for CAA Saskatchewan, says the holiday season is one of the busiest for fair-weather fliers.
“Nothing motivates people more to book their travel than this 30-below, 40-below weather,” Weber told The Brent Loucks Show Thursday.
“People are eager to get out of here and enjoy the warm weather.”
Saskatchewan has been blasted with arctic air since before Christmas — leading to an increase in travel calls, according to Weber.
He noted the top destinations for the week leading into the New Year is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, followed closely by Cancún. Cuba is still popular for Canadians, along with a few Dominican destinations.
What’s new, Weber said, is an increased demand for cruising — especially in the Caribbean.
“People just want that care-free vacation,” he said, adding the most popular departures for that are out of Florida.
While 2017 proved a slow start for Caribbean vacations, worsened by a series of hurricanes in the summer, travel has now picked up.
“Aside from maybe a few less trees, all the resorts are in good shape,” Weber said.
As for ways to get away with less stress, Weber said travel insurance is a must. He also noted it’s best to leave plenty of time between flight connections and for heading to the airport.
“Always give yourself enough time. Two hours just in case things get held up,” he said, adding as more people travel, security screening time will also increase.