SASKATOON – Winter cruises to the Caribbean are definitely on the upswing, say staff at three prairie travel agencies.
While it’s not a major part of the business, there are more farmers booking cruises this winter than Cory Forrester has seen in her 15 years at W W Smith Travel Agency in Swift Current, Sask. People like the all-inclusive vacation for the relaxation and peace of mind from having paid for everything and not having to deal with accommodation and meal decisions, she said. Cruises average $200 a day.
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Also popular in her area are Hawaii, which older people regard as a safe holiday, and Mexico, Central and South America for the more adventurous traveller who wants to take advantage of the currency value. Fewer snowbirds are heading to Arizona and Texas or they’re staying fewer days because of the cost of medical coverage, Forrester said.
The States are still the top draw for tourists around the Camrose, Alta. area, said the Alberta Motor Association. While Mexico and Hawaii are still popular, there has been an upswing in cruises with many seniors trying it for the first time.
The favorite winter destination for farmers around the Selkirk, Man., area is Barbados. Tourists used to go to Hawaii but that’s been surpassed by the Caribbean island’s cheap cost, guaranteed good weather and favorable exchange rate. Cruises are on an upswing, said staff at Selkirk Travel, but only to hot spots in the winter. And young people go to Mexico.
