by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 6:50 AM ET, Thu January 8, 2026
Skyscanner has released its latest Travel Hack Series.
Drawing on its global search data, the January edition highlights booking windows for popular sun destinations, identifies the cheapest routes from major Canadian cities and flags longer-haul trips seeing increased interest.
Timing Matters
For winter escapes to Mexico, Skyscanner says timing matters.
According to the data, travellers flying from Toronto to Cancun in February typically save the most when booking 11 weeks in advance.
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Departing during the weeks of February 9 or 22 can also be cheaper than travelling during peak weeks such as February 14 or 27.
Cheapest Routes for Canadian Travellers
Skyscanner’s February data also points to several destinations offering lower-than-average airfares this month:
* Toronto to Cancun, Mexico: Roundtrip flights starting from $407
* Ottawa to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Roundtrip flights starting from $447
* Montreal to Belize City, Belize: Roundtrip flights starting from $412
The findings suggest that Caribbean and Central American destinations remain among the most accessible winter getaways for Canadians watching their budgets.
Long-haul Routes Gaining Traction
Beyond sun destinations, Skyscanner says interest is growing in longer, experience-driven trips that lend themselves to road travel.
- Cape Town, South Africa is seeing increased attention in February, which coincides with peak summer conditions. Clear weather and warm temperatures make it well-suited to coastal drives along the Atlantic Seaboard, with stops at beaches such as Camps Bay and Clifton.
- Queenstown, New Zealand is also trending, particularly among travellers drawn to outdoor activities. Mid-summer brings long daylight hours and stable weather, allowing visitors to combine road trips with hiking, adventure sports and sightseeing.
- Madeira, Portugal is emerging as a quieter February option. Skyscanner notes that fewer visitors and mild temperatures create conditions for slower-paced drives through coastal villages, cliffs and volcanic landscapes.
Hotel Savings Hinge on Flexibility
Skyscanner’s data shows that hotel pricing in February can fluctuate significantly depending on travel dates.
While booking early can help, shifting a stay by a day or two, particularly to midweek, may unlock better rates in popular destinations.
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Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner Travel Expert, said, “Small shifts in when you travel can lead to better hotel deals, especially during popular periods when prices fluctuate day by day.”
The Skyscanner Travel Hack Series is published monthly and is based on aggregated search and booking data from Canadian users.
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