Canada-based itravel2000, a leading online travel retailer, has listed its top 12 destinations for 2012, based on online booking trends and consumer inquiries.
The list reveals a distinct interest in emerging destinations, as compared to last year. Traditional destinations such as Varadero, Cuba, and Orlando, Fla., are still mainstays, but destinations such as Aruba also have caught the attention of Canadian travelers this year, according to Jonathan Carroll, president of itravel2000.
Here's a list of its top 10 destinations for 2012.
Riviera Maya’s geographic proximity to Canada and good availability of flights makes it a choice of many Canadian travelers. A natural hot spot and a preferred destination for eco-adventure, it attracts both families and backpackers.
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People walk on a beach in Varadero, a 12-mile-long peninsula of white-sand beaches lined with resorts in the province of Matanzas around 135 kilometres (84 miles) from Havana May 5, 2010. Flight connectivity from Canada to this Caribbean beach paradise makes it a top destination for anyone visiting Canada.
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Punta Cana is a reasonably-priced tropical getaway and a favored Caribbean destination for its great beaches, golf courses and resorts.
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The beach in Cancun, Mexico
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Extensive beaches, beach resorts and eco-tourism opportunities are set to attract Canadians to Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.
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Orlando will be one of the busiest destinations for New Year's Eve.
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Adventure beckons families in Costa Rica with various attractions ranging from white water rafting, canyoning, hiking, biking and more. Costa Rica is a favorite among travelers for its beaches, eco-adventures, tropical golfing environment and culture.In picture: People swim in the Celeste river waterfall at Tenorio Volcano National Park in Upala, Costa Rica.
REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate
Cruise ships are docked at Nassau in the Bahamas. Bohemian culture, a laidback lifestyle, cruises, sandy beaches and outdoor activities in Nassau keep tourists engaged. With direct short-duration flights from Canada, this is quite a preferred destination.
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