by There’s a noticeable shift in how Canadians are travelling—and it’s shaping some of the most exciting itineraries we’ve seen in years.
Instead of quick getaways or multiple short trips, more travelers are choosing to go farther afield and stay longer. They’re consolidating their vacation time, their budgets, and their wish lists into one unforgettable, immersive journey.
Think fewer weekends in nearby cities… and more multi-week adventures across Europe, South America, or even Australia.
And leading the charge? Europe—especially destinations like Portugal, France, and the UK—where culture, cuisine, and effortless travel connections make it easy to extend your experience.
The “Go Big” Travel Mindset
After years of uncertainty, Canadians are embracing a “now is the time” mentality. Travel isn’t just about getting away—it’s about meaningful exploration.
We’re seeing travelers:
- Combining multiple weeks of vacation into one extended journey
- Prioritizing depth over distance (staying longer in each region)
- Choosing structured tours to simplify logistics
- Adding on independent stays for a personalized finale
This is where tour-and-cruise combinations—and tour-plus-stay itineraries—really shine.
Portugal: The Perfect Start—and an Even Better Finish
Portugal continues to trend for good reason. It checks every box: stunning coastlines, historic cities, incredible food and wine, and excellent value.
What’s especially appealing is how well Portugal lends itself to a two-part journey:
- Start with a guided tour to experience highlights like Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley
- Then transition into a slower stay, such as a villa or vacation rental along the coast
A Globus tour gives travelers a seamless introduction—complete with expert guides, curated experiences, and smooth transportation—before allowing them to settle in and live like a local.
The Power of Pairing: Tour + River Cruise
Another trend gaining serious traction is the pairing of land tours with river cruises.
Why? Because it combines:
- The cultural immersion of a guided tour
- The comfort and ease of unpacking once on a river ship
- A richer, more layered travel experience
One standout example is the Essential Britain with Paris extension, followed by an Avalon Seine River cruise to Normandy.
This journey delivers an incredible blend of iconic sights and deeper storytelling:
🇬🇧 Explore Britain with Globus
Start in the UK with Globus, discovering England and Scotland’s most famous landmarks and hidden gems—without the stress of planning or navigating.
🇫🇷 Transition to Paris
Continue to Paris, where you’ll have time to soak in the romance, cuisine, and culture of one of Europe’s most beloved cities.
🚢 Cruise the Seine with Avalon Waterways
Then, step aboard an Avalon Suite Ship and cruise through northern France to Normandy, experiencing:
- Historic WWII landing sites
- Charming riverside villages
- French countryside views from your panoramic suite
It’s a seamless journey—no guesswork, no logistical headaches—just one extraordinary experience layered onto another.
👉 Explore the itinerary:
https://agents.globusfamily.ca/travel/britain-sampler-with-paris-to-normandy/XGE5/?season=2026
Why This Style of Travel Works So Well
This “longer, farther, deeper” approach resonates because it solves some of the biggest travel challenges:
✔ Maximizes your time overseas
If you’re already crossing the Atlantic, why not make the most of it?
✔ Reduces travel fatigue
Fewer flights, fewer transitions—more time enjoying each destination.
✔ Balances structure and freedom
Guided tours handle the logistics; extensions and stays allow for flexibility.
✔ Elevates the experience
Layering destinations and travel styles creates a richer, more memorable journey.
Designing Your Own Extended Journey
Whether it’s a two-week European escape or a multi-part adventure across continents, the key is thoughtful planning—and choosing the right travel partners.
With Globus, Avalon Waterways, and Cosmos, travelers can:
- Start with expertly guided tours
- Add river cruises for a new perspective
- Extend their stay with independent travel
The result? A seamless, stress-free journey that feels both curated and personal.
Travel Less Often—But Travel Better
At Gravitate Travel, we’ve proudly partnered with the Globus family of brands for years, and it’s a collaboration we genuinely love—thanks to their exceptional service, thoughtfully designed itineraries, and consistently outstanding client feedback.
The trend is clear: Canadians aren’t just taking trips anymore—they’re crafting experiences.
Longer stays. Bigger itineraries. Deeper connections.
And whether you begin with a guided tour through Britain, glide along the Seine through Normandy, or unwind in a sun-soaked Portuguese villa, one thing is certain:
The journey doesn’t have to end—it can simply evolve.
Contact the team at Gravitate Travel about how we can help you plan your seamless trip with our valued partner Globus Family of Brands. Just click on the Let’s Talk icon in the top menu to use our handy booking tool to book a date and time with one of our travel professionals that works for you and your schedule.
