Weekly roundup
Hey Toronto travellers! Here’s the standout deals this week…
Hope you're having an amazing week! Our AI thingy-mabob finished scanning thousands of fares and I just spent way too much time scrolling through some of them and found some absolute gems that I HAD to share. We're talking serious savings to three incredible destinations that are perfect for different vibes – tropical paradise, cultural immersion, and futuristic city exploration.
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Let's dive in...
A Tropical Paradise
Destination 1: 🇺🇸 Kahului, Maui (56% off!) – A 1-week trip in December
Maui's main airport town might not be the flashiest spot on the island, but it's your gateway to everything magical about Hawaii's second-largest island. There’s some really cool volcanic landscapes, the famous Road to Hana, and some of the world's best snorkelling right at your doorstep.
Why now? December in Maui is perfect whale watching season begins + you get the holiday magic without the summer crowds. Also these prices from Toronto are absolutely insane.
The Deal: CA$420 roundtrip from Toronto (Dec 1-8, Dec 5-11, or Dec 11-17)
What's Special:
Humpback whale season officially starts in December
Perfect weather – 25°C days, 20°C nights
Holiday decorations with a tropical twist (palm tree Christmas trees!)
Insider Tips:
December 5-11 trip gives you weekend flexibility
Pack layers for Haleakala – sunrise temps can hit 5°C even in December
Travel Time - Honestly, the WestJet deal feels better since the travel time’s way shorter. With Air Canada you’d be stuck with like 13 hours of layovers in total, which could be fine if you wanna camp out in the lounges and get some work done on your laptop.
Total Budget: CA$420 flights + $120-180/day on island
Have you ever done the Hana Highway drive? The waterfalls alone are worth the winding roads!
A tropical paradise
Destination 2: 🇱🇧 Beirut, Lebanon (35% off!) - A 1-week trip in November
Lebanon's vibrant capital is where ancient history meets cutting-edge nightlife. You get to see Roman ruins right next to trendy art galleries, traditional souks alongside rooftop bars, and quite possibly the best food scene in the Middle East. It's a city that's been rebuilt multiple times and somehow gets more interesting each time.
Why now? November in Beirut = perfect weather + an amazing flight deal from YYZ. This is seriously underrated timing.
The Deal: CA$1,081 roundtrip from Toronto (Nov 6-14, Nov 13-20, or Nov 27 - Dec 4)
Royal Jordanian, 2 stops, 16 hours travel time or Egyptair, 1 stop, 14 hours travel time
35% savings – Usually $1400-$2000
What's Special:
Mediterranean November – 20°C days, crisp evenings
Amazing food scene – hummus, tabbouleh, and kebabs that'll ruin you for everywhere else
Rooftop bar season – perfect weather for Beirut's famous nightlife
Insider Tips:
Nov 27-Dec 4 spans weekend to weekend – perfect timing
Try Em Sherif for upscale Lebanese or Tawlet for farm-to-table
Exchange money at jewelers – better rates than banks or hotels
Total Budget: CA$1,081 flights + $50-80/day in city
Quick cultural note: A little Arabic goes a long way – "Shukran" (thank you) will earn you instant smiles!
A tropical paradise
Destination 3: 🇨🇳 Shenzhen, China (48% off) - A 1-week trip in November
Shenzhen went from a fishing village to futuristic megacity in just 40 years – Shenzhen is known as China's Silicon Valley with a skyline that looks like it's straight out Blade Runner. It's where tech innovation meets incredible street food, and where you can hop on a 14-minute train to Hong Kong for the ultimate two-city adventure.
Why now? Shenzhen November in Shenzhen = ideal weather + an incredible flight deal. Plus you're 30 minutes from Hong Kong!
The Deal: CA$1,090 roundtrip from Toronto (Nov 13-19, or Nov 20-27)
China Eastern/WestJet combo, 2 stops, 29 hours travel time
48% savings – Usually around $1500 sometimes as high as $2500
What's Special:
Tech capital energy – Known as the Silicon Valley of China - Major tech inovations over there.
30-minute high-speed rail to Hong Kong – Get to experience two countries in one trip
Incredible value – luxury feels affordable here
Insider Tips:
Nov 13-19 has best timing – avoids most travel day hassles
Download a VPN before leaving Canada – you'll thank me later
Stay near Futian – central location, easy Hong Kong access
Total Budget: CA$1,090 flights + $60-100/day in city
Why November rocks: Perfect 24°C weather + clear skies + easy Hong Kong combo
Pro tip: The high-speed rail to Hong Kong takes 14 minutes. FOURTEEN MINUTES. Faster than our TTC or subways by a long shot!
That’s it for this week.
A quick question for you: Which of these three destinations suprised you most? I’m always curious about what catches your eye! Reply and let me know, I read every single response and your feedback helps me pick better destinations for future newsletters.
Safe travels and happy planning!
P.S.
Share this with your most spontaneous travel buddy - they’ll thank you later (and probably drag you along on one of these adventures)!