Retirement comes with one gift that money alone cannot buy: time. You are no longer locked into two weeks of vacation in July. You can travel when the weather is perfect, the crowds are thin and the prices drop. The question is no longer can you go, but where should you go, and when?
Explore Approach Tours’ all-inclusive seasonal tours across four continents
This guide walks through the best international destinations for each season, written specifically for Canadian travellers. Every recommendation considers direct flight availability from Canadian airports, comfortable climates for active retirees, cultural richness worth the journey and the kind of travel experiences that make for stories you will tell for years.
How to Use This Seasonal Travel Guide
We have organized this guide by the four Canadian seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall. Each section highlights destinations where the weather, cultural events and travel logistics align for an ideal visit. If you already know when you want to travel, jump to that season. If you are flexible, read through all four and let the destinations speak to you.
A few things worth knowing before you dive in:
- All temperatures are in Celsius, because we are Canadian after all.
- Flight times are approximate and based on departures from Toronto (YYZ). Add or subtract a couple of hours for Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal or Ottawa.
- Shoulder season refers to the weeks between peak and off-peak travel, when prices are lower, crowds are smaller and the weather is still lovely. As a retiree with flexible dates, shoulder seasons are your superpower.
Winter Escapes (December to February): Warming Up While Canada Hibernates
When the thermometer dips below minus twenty and the driveway needs shovelling for the third time this week, there is no better cure than boarding a plane headed somewhere warm. Winter is the most popular travel season for Canadian retirees, and for good reason.
Thailand: Temples, Beaches and Street Food in the Sunshine
December through February is Thailand’s dry season, with daily highs around 30 to 32 degrees and almost no rain. Bangkok’s golden temples glitter under blue skies, Chiang Mai’s night markets are buzzing and the beaches of Phuket are at their absolute best. The Canadian dollar stretches further here than almost anywhere else on the planet. A full Thai meal at a local restaurant costs under $5 CAD, and a traditional massage runs about $15.
Thailand also moves at a pace that suits travellers who want culture without chaos. Temple visits are quiet and reflective. Elephant sanctuaries in the north offer gentle, ethical encounters with these magnificent animals. And the food alone is reason enough to visit: fragrant curries, fresh pad thai sizzled in a wok right in front of you and tropical fruit you have never seen at your local grocery store.
Approach Tours’ 18-day Thailand and Phuket tour covers Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands with every meal, flight and experience included. You can also read more about the country’s cultural highlights in our guide to Thailand’s temples and cultural treasures.
Vietnam and Cambodia: History, Flavour and Halong Bay
Vietnam’s dry season runs from November through April, making winter an ideal window. Hanoi’s Old Quarter buzzes with energy, the limestone pillars of Halong Bay are best seen under crisp winter skies and the Mekong Delta offers a slower, greener pace. Pair Vietnam with Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, where sunrise over the ancient temples is a sight that never gets old, no matter how many photographs you have seen.
For Canadian travellers, Vietnam is remarkably affordable. A bowl of pho at a sidewalk stall costs about $2 CAD. Hotels, transport and entrance fees are all gentle on the wallet. Approach Tours’ 20-day Vietnam and Angkor Wat tour combines both countries into one smooth experience.
South Africa and Victoria Falls: Safari Season at Its Finest
South Africa’s summer (December to February) means long, warm days perfect for game drives in Kruger National Park. Animals gather around watering holes, making wildlife viewing spectacular. Cape Town’s beaches and vineyards are in full bloom, and Victoria Falls thunders with the force of the rainy season.
A South African safari is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype. Watching a lion family pad across the savanna at dawn or spotting a leopard draped over a tree branch is unforgettable. Check our Kruger weather guide for month-by-month planning, or explore all-inclusive South Africa safari packages from Canada.
New Zealand: The Adventure Down Under
While Canadians bundle up, New Zealand basks in its warmest months. January and February bring temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees, perfect for hiking through Milford Sound, exploring the geothermal pools of Rotorua or visiting Hobbiton in the golden Waikato sunlight. The country is safe, English-speaking and built for travellers who appreciate nature without roughing it.
New Zealand is a longer journey (around 20 hours from Toronto), but the payoff is extraordinary. Our guides on New Zealand’s best season and trip costs from Canada can help you plan. Approach Tours’ 20-day Epic New Zealand tour covers both islands with glacier landings, Maori cultural performances and a Milford Sound overnight cruise.
Browse all winter departure dates and destinations
Spring Getaways (March to May): Shoulder Season Gold
Spring is the retiree traveller’s secret weapon. Europe is waking up, Asia is colourful and prices have not yet climbed to their summer peaks. If you can travel in April or early May, you will find fewer crowds, better hotel availability and weather that is warm enough to enjoy without being oppressively hot.
Portugal: Pastel Villages, Port Wine and Atlantic Breezes
Portugal in spring is a dream. Lisbon’s cobblestone streets are lined with jacaranda blossoms in late April, the Algarve coast is warm enough for long coastal walks (18 to 22 degrees) and the Douro Valley vineyards are lush and green. Portugal is also one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, and direct flights from Montreal and Toronto make it easy to reach.
The food alone is worth the trip: grilled sardines, custard tarts fresh from the oven and glasses of vinho verde on a sunny terrace. Read our Portugal trip cost guide for budgeting details, or explore Approach Tours’ 15-day Portugal tour.
Greece and the Cyclades: Ancient Ruins Before the Crowds
Visit Greece in April or May and you will have the Acropolis nearly to yourself. Santorini’s whitewashed villages glow against blue skies without the cruise ship crowds that descend in July and August. Temperatures hover around 20 to 24 degrees, the sea is calm and the wildflowers on Crete and Naxos are spectacular.
Spring is also when Greek Easter celebrations fill the islands with music, food and fireworks. It is one of the most joyful cultural experiences in the Mediterranean. Approach Tours’ Greece and Cyclades tour includes island hopping, ancient sites and every meal along the way. For more on island travel, see our Greek islands cruise guide for senior travellers.
Morocco: Desert Warmth and Imperial Cities
March and April are Morocco’s sweet spot. The Sahara is warm but not scorching (25 to 30 degrees), the imperial cities of Marrakech and Fez are vibrant with spring energy, and the Atlas Mountains are green and walkable. Morocco offers one of the most sensory-rich travel experiences on the planet: the colours of the souks, the scent of spices, the sound of the call to prayer echoing across ancient medinas.
A highlight for many travellers is spending a night in a luxury desert camp under the Sahara stars, followed by a sunrise camel ride across orange dunes. Read our Morocco trip cost breakdown or explore Approach Tours’ 17-day Morocco tour.
Japan in Cherry Blossom Season: A Bucket List Experience
Late March to mid-April brings Japan’s famous cherry blossom season, or sakura. Tokyo’s parks turn pink, Kyoto’s temple gardens are breathtaking and the entire country celebrates with hanami picnics under the blossoms. It is one of the most photographed natural events in the world, and experiencing it in person is even more moving than the pictures suggest.
Beyond the blossoms, spring in Japan means comfortable temperatures (15 to 20 degrees), bullet train rides through misty mountain valleys and some of the finest cuisine you will ever taste. For a deep dive into seasonal timing, read our Japan best season guide. Approach Tours’ 17-day Japan tour includes ryokan stays, tea ceremonies and bullet train experiences.
Summer Adventures (June to August): Long Days and Green Landscapes
Canadian summers are short and sweet, but if you are willing to trade your backyard barbecue for a different kind of adventure, summer is the perfect time for Northern Europe, the British Isles and the Mediterranean.
Ireland: Forty Shades of Green
Ireland in summer is pure magic. Days stretch past 10 PM, the countryside is impossibly green and the warmth of the people rivals the warmth of the weather (15 to 20 degrees, which feels glorious after an Irish spring). Walk the Cliffs of Moher, explore ancient castles, sip a pint of Guinness in a pub with live music and let the stories of the locals carry you away.
Ireland is also one of the easiest destinations for Canadians. Direct flights from Toronto, Montreal and St. John’s mean you can be in Dublin in about six hours. English is spoken everywhere, and the country is compact enough to see a great deal in two weeks. Our guides on Ireland trip costs and all-inclusive Ireland tours from Canada cover the details. Approach Tours’ 16-day Ireland tour includes every meal, every entrance fee and a coach that takes you door to door.
Iceland: Land of Fire, Ice and Midnight Sun
Summer is the only time to visit Iceland comfortably. From June to August, temperatures reach 10 to 15 degrees, the midnight sun means nearly 24 hours of daylight, and the landscape is at its most dramatic: waterfalls thundering with snowmelt, puffin colonies nesting on sea cliffs and geysers erupting against bright skies.
Iceland is a smaller country, and a well-planned tour can cover the Golden Circle, the south coast and a whale-watching excursion in under two weeks. Read our best time to visit Iceland from Canada guide, or check our Iceland weather by month breakdown. Approach Tours’ Iceland tour covers it all.
Croatia and the Balkans: Mediterranean Without the Markup
Croatia has become one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations, and for good reason. Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops gleam above the Adriatic, Plitvice Lakes’ turquoise waters are warm enough for a dip, and the Dalmatian coast serves up some of the freshest seafood in the Mediterranean. Summer temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees make it ideal for coastal exploration.
What sets Croatia apart is value. Compared to France or Italy, your Canadian dollar goes further on everything from restaurants to accommodation. Pair Croatia with Slovenia, Bosnia and Montenegro for a Balkans journey that covers coastlines, mountain villages and centuries of layered history. Read our Croatia weather guide and Balkans travel guide for seniors, or explore Approach Tours’ Croatia and Balkans tour.
Italy: La Dolce Vita Under the Summer Sun
Italy needs little introduction. Rome’s ancient ruins, Florence’s Renaissance art, the Amalfi Coast’s cliffside villages and Tuscany’s rolling vineyards are all at their most vibrant in summer. Yes, July and August can be warm (30 to 35 degrees in the south), but early June and late August offer a gentler heat with fewer crowds.
For Canadian retirees, Italy combines culture, cuisine and comfort in a way few destinations can match. A gelato on a Roman piazza, a cooking class in a Tuscan farmhouse or a gondola ride through Venice’s canals: these are the moments that make travel meaningful. Approach Tours’ Italy tour handles every detail so you can focus on the experience.
Fall Escapes (September to November): The Retiree’s Sweet Spot
Fall is arguably the smartest time for Canadian retirees to travel internationally. Summer crowds have gone home, prices drop across Europe and the Middle East, and many destinations enjoy their most pleasant weather of the year. If you have the flexibility to travel in September or October, the world opens up beautifully.
See all fall departure dates and itineraries
Japan in Autumn: Red Maples and Golden Temples
Japan appears twice in this guide for good reason. If cherry blossom season in spring is poetry, autumn foliage season (koyo) is a painting. From late October through November, Kyoto’s temple gardens blaze with red, orange and gold. Tokyo’s parks are carpeted in fallen leaves, and the Japanese Alps offer hiking through some of the most dramatic autumn colour on earth.
Autumn temperatures are comfortable (12 to 20 degrees), the food is exceptional (this is mushroom and persimmon season) and the cultural calendar is packed with harvest festivals. Approach Tours’ Japan tour runs in both cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Peru and Machu Picchu: Dry Season Perfection
September and October sit at the tail end of Peru’s dry season, meaning clear skies over Machu Picchu, comfortable temperatures in Cusco (15 to 20 degrees) and fewer trekkers on the trails. The Sacred Valley is green and lush, Lima’s food scene is world-class and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca are a sight unlike anything else on the planet.
Peru is a destination that rewards curiosity. Between the Inca ruins, the Amazonian jungle fringe and one of the world’s great culinary traditions, there is enough to fill weeks. Approach Tours’ 14-day Peru and Machu Picchu tour covers the highlights with expert local guides at every stop.
Egypt: Ancient Wonders in Comfortable Heat
Summer in Egypt can reach 45 degrees, which is punishing for anyone, let alone travellers who prefer a comfortable pace. But from October through November, temperatures drop to a pleasant 25 to 30 degrees, making it ideal for exploring the pyramids, cruising the Nile and wandering the temples of Luxor and Karnak.
Egypt is one of those places that exceeds expectations. Standing at the base of the Great Pyramid, sailing past ancient temples on the Nile at sunset or exploring the treasures of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, you feel the weight of 5,000 years of human history. Our Egypt guide for first-time visitors over 55 is a great starting point. Approach Tours’ 18-day Egypt and Nile tour includes an Egyptologist guide throughout the entire journey.
Month-by-Month Quick Reference
| Month | Top Destination | Why This Month | Avg. High | Flight from Toronto |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Thailand | Peak dry season, warm beaches | 32 C | ~18 hrs |
| February | New Zealand | NZ summer, long daylight | 24 C | ~20 hrs |
| March | Morocco | Warm desert, green mountains | 25 C | ~8 hrs |
| April | Japan | Cherry blossom season | 18 C | ~13 hrs |
| May | Portugal | Shoulder season, jacaranda blooms | 22 C | ~7 hrs |
| June | Ireland | Long days, lush green landscapes | 18 C | ~6 hrs |
| July | Iceland | Midnight sun, puffin season | 13 C | ~5 hrs |
| August | Croatia | Adriatic warmth, coastal beauty | 30 C | ~10 hrs |
| September | Peru | Dry season, clear Machu Picchu views | 20 C | ~10 hrs |
| October | Egypt | Comfortable heat, Nile cruise season | 28 C | ~11 hrs |
| November | Japan | Autumn foliage peak | 16 C | ~13 hrs |
| December | South Africa | SA summer, safari and Victoria Falls | 27 C | ~18 hrs |
Travel Planning Tips for Canadian Retirees
Travel Insurance and Provincial Health Coverage
Provincial health plans cover little to nothing outside Canada. Before any international trip, purchase travel medical insurance that covers emergency evacuation, hospital stays and pre-existing conditions. Our guide to travel insurance for Canadian senior tours breaks down what to look for and what to avoid. With Approach Tours, $5 million in emergency medical insurance through Manulife is included in every tour price.
Direct Flights from Canadian Airports
One of the biggest advantages of travelling from Canada is the range of direct flights available from major hubs. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa all offer non-stop service to Europe, and many destinations in Asia, Africa and South America are reachable with just one connection. When choosing a destination, check direct flight availability from your nearest airport, as it can shave hours off your travel day.
Making the Most of Your Canadian Dollar
Exchange rates matter when you are spending two or three weeks abroad. Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia) offers the strongest value for the Canadian dollar, followed by Morocco, Peru and Portugal. Keep an eye on the CAD-to-local-currency rate when booking, and consider destinations where your dollar stretches further if budget is a priority.
Why Shoulder Seasons Are a Retiree’s Best Friend
Here is the biggest travel advantage retirement gives you: you do not have to travel during school holidays. Shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October in most destinations) offer lower prices, shorter queues, better hotel availability and weather that is often more comfortable than peak summer. Build your travel calendar around shoulder seasons and you will get more for less, every single trip.
Why Canadian Retirees Choose Guided Tours
Planning a multi-country, multi-week trip on your own takes time, energy and a tolerance for logistics that not everyone wants to deal with in retirement. All-inclusive guided tours handle the flights, hotels, meals, transportation and excursions in one transparent price, so you can focus on the experience instead of the spreadsheet.
A good tour also opens doors that independent travel cannot: a dedicated Group Guru who knows your name, local guides with deep expertise, skip-the-line access at popular sites and door-to-door car service from your home to the airport and back. For solo travellers, group tours also provide built-in companionship and safety.
Explore all Approach Tours destinations and departure dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place for Canadians to travel?
The best destination depends on the season. In winter, Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam) and the Southern Hemisphere (South Africa, New Zealand) offer warm weather and strong value for the Canadian dollar. In spring, Portugal, Morocco and Japan are ideal. Summer opens up Northern Europe (Ireland, Iceland, Croatia) and fall is perfect for Egypt, Peru and Japan’s autumn foliage. A Canadian retiree travel checklist can help you plan for any season.
Where do most Canadian snowbirds go in winter?
Florida and Mexico remain the most popular snowbird destinations, but a growing number of Canadian retirees are choosing Southeast Asia and Southern Africa for their winter escapes. Thailand and Vietnam offer warmer weather, lower costs and richer cultural experiences than the traditional snowbird circuit, all with excellent safety records and modern healthcare facilities.
What is the cheapest time of year for Canadians to travel internationally?
Shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October) consistently offer the best combination of good weather and lower prices across most international destinations. January, outside of the holiday rush, is also affordable for warm-weather destinations in Asia and Africa. The key is avoiding school holidays and peak summer weeks in Europe.
Is it safe for senior Canadians to travel internationally?
Yes. The destinations in this guide all have strong safety records for international visitors. The most important precautions are purchasing proper travel medical insurance, keeping digital copies of important documents and choosing reputable tour operators who handle logistics and local knowledge. Travelling with a guided group adds an extra layer of security and support, especially in unfamiliar regions.
