TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The ability to travel and explore the world is a dream come true for many. It can be an exhilarating experience with new sights, people and food. But these trips, particularly the extended kind, can also bring on a less positive feeling… homesickness. The travel experts at Hotels.com™ are helping Canadian travellers find the comforts of home while abroad by using the latest Hotel Price Index™ (HPI™) to curate a list of local attractions in the five most popular international destinations for Canadians.
"While traveling to a new city can be thrilling, the unfamiliar can also be a bit overwhelming- particularly those not accustomed to long-haul trips," said Taylor L. Cole, APR, travel expert at Hotels.com. "By visiting attractions that celebrate or cater to your home country, travellers can get that comforting dose of home while still experiencing a different culture."
Top Five International Cities Visited by Canadians
- New York City, NY, USA: Average hotel rate - $267 per night
This city is a foodies' dream with something for every taste. If you're heading there in October, select restaurants have actually been known to offer Canadian Thanksgiving dinner. Meat-lovers will want to check out Mile End, a Canadian owned and run Montreal deli in nearby Brooklyn. If you're a hockey fan (and what Canuck isn't?), consider getting some tickets to see a local game. Almost half of New York's professional hockey players are Canadian, and according to Statista, the average cost of tickets is less expensive than many Canadian home games. For musical and comedic entertainment, look for seats to The Late Show for instance, where you can watch Canadian Paul Shaffer lead the band.
- Las Vegas, NV, USA: Average hotel rate - $126 per night
As the weather becomes colder here, the desert climate becomes more appealing. It's hard not to feel at home in October during Canadian Appreciation Month! The Monte Carlo Resort & Casino is a must-visit with special Canuck-themed menu items, including maple-syrup-and bacon-flavoured ice cream. No visit to Las Vegas is complete without checking out a show. Even though Canadian powerhouse Celine Dion has taken a hiatus, country crooner Shania Twain is still performing nightly at Caesars Palace. If the Ontario-born singer isn't your cup of tea, consider checking out one of the many performances from Quebec's own Cirque du Soleil.
- London, England: Average hotel rate - $257 per night
Canadians have a lot of ties to the country and a special place in their hearts for British Royalty, especially as the Queen of England is also our constitutional monarch. Buckingham Palace is a must-see and for some history check out the Canada Memorial in Green Park, which is a tribute to the Canadian and Newfoundland men and women who served in the United Kingdom during the First and Second World Wars. For Canadian grub, make sure to grab a bite at Maple Leaf bar in Covent Garden where you can indulge in poutine and a few pints of good ol' Canadian beer.
- Paris, France: Average hotel rate - $239 per night
If you get tired of exercising your French, The Great Canadian Pub is a slice of Canada in Paris and it's owned by two Canadian expats. Located close to St-Germain-des-Prés on Paris's Left Bank, sports lovers can get their dose of hockey, and cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy a tasty Bloody Caesar just like back home. If you're in the literary spirit, France's only Canadian bookstore, the Abbey Bookshop, is worth a visit. Located in an 18th-century townhouse, you can catch up on second-hand classics by Margaret Atwood and other Canadian authors.
- Orlando, FL, USA: Average hotel rate - $118 per night
It's just not attractions that'll make you feel at home in this city, it's also the residents. The entire state of Florida is a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds and Orlando, in particular, is an easy city to reach for Canadian visitors. Many airlines offer service in and out of the city, like Air Canada Rouge which, as of March, now makes six flights daily. Although there are few Canadian restaurants in the city, you can get your hometown fix at Disney World with a visit to Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion. With décor throwbacks to two of Canada's grandest hotels - the Fairmont Château Frontenac and Fairmont Château Laurier - guests will enjoy signature dishes including Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and Maple Crème Brûlée.
Whether you're crossing an ocean or the border, Canadian influences are all around. You don't need to let being homesick cut your adventure short, so keep exploring! Plus, save money along the way by signing up for Welcome Rewards™, the Hotels.com loyalty program that rewards travellers with a free hotel night for every 10 nights stayed.
About the HPI™
The HPI™ is a biannual report that looks at hotel prices in cities all around the world. The data is based on bookings made through the Hotels.com website and the prices listed are the actual prices paid by Canadians, not advertised rates.
About Hotels.com™ (http://www.hotels.com)
Hotels.com, L.P. also known in Canada as Hotels.ca) operates Hotels.com, a leading online accommodation booking website with nearly 325,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favourites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals.
© 2014 Hotels.com, LP. Hotels.com, Hotel Price Index, HPI, Welcome Rewards, The Obvious Choice, and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. CST # 2083949-50
Image with caption: "New York, NY, USA is the most popular international city for Canadian travellers. (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140917_C9139_PHOTO_EN_42798.jpg
SOURCE: Hotels.com
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