Weekly roundup
Toronto! Fall's looking brighter with these deals...
Hope everyone's having a October! You know what's great about this time of year? Everyone else is settling into routine, while the smart travellers are booking incredible deals for the months ahead. I just found three destinations that are perfect for different vibes, and the prices are making me also consider some spontaneous bookings.
Ready to see what caught my eye?
Balkan hidden gem
Destination 1: 🇦🇱 Tirana, Albania (47% off!) - A 1-week trip in December
Albania's capital is Europe's best-kept secret. This place is what Croatia was 15 years ago. It has colourful communist-era buildings turned into vibrant street art, incredible mountain views from the city center, and some of Europe's cheapest (and most delicious) food. Plus you're an hour from pristine beaches that nobody talks about.
Why now? December in Tirana is great because of the mild winter weather and near zero tourists. You'll literally have this incredible city to yourself.
The Deal: CA$767 roundtrip from Toronto (Dec 7-15)
47% savings – Usually $1400-1600
British Airways, 1 stop, 13 hours travel time (way better than the 18-20 hour options)
What's Special:
Mild Mediterranean winter – 12°C days, crisp but comfortable
Virtually no tourists – you'll feel like you discovered this place
Incredible value – full meals for $8, nice hotels for $40/night
Insider Tips:
Dec 7-15 perfect timing – Christmas markets starting, but no crowds yet
Stay near Skanderbeg Square – everything's walkable from the city center
Day trip to Berat – UNESCO World Heritage town just 2 hours away
Total Budget: CA$767 flights + $40-70/day (seriously, it's that cheap)
Fun fact: Tirana has more coffee shops per capita than any European capital – the café culture here is absolutely incredible!
Book here for Dec 7-15
Caribbean time capsule
Destination 2: 🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba (59% off!) - A 1-week trip in February
If you haven’t been, Havana is like stepping into a living museum where 1950s American cars share the streets with colonial Spanish architecture. What I remember from going there last was the salsa music that spills out of every doorway, mojitos costing $2, and the seeing the sunset over the Malecón seawall (which was absolutely stunning).
Why now? February in Havana is perfect dry season weather with a post-hurricane season calm. And those classic cars look even better in golden winter light.
The Deal: CA$342 roundtrip from Toronto (Feb 5-12)
WestJet, non-stop, just 4 hours of travel time!!
59% savings – normally over $800!
What's Special:
Perfect beach weather – 26°C days, 20°C nights, zero rain
Vibrant street life: Energy in plazas, open-air cafés, and neighbourhoods like Vedado and Centro.
Cuban cigars & rum: World-famous exports tied deeply to Havana’s identity.
Cultural immersion – Birthplace of salsa, son cubano, rumba; live music everywhere, incredible art scene
Insider Tips:
Feb 5-12 hits the sweet spot – perfect weather, manageable crowds
Book casa particulares – stay with locals for authentic experience
Bring Canadian cash – credit cards still tricky, cash is king
Total Budget: CA$342 flights + $50-80/day (Cuba's incredibly affordable)
Have you ever seen a 1957 Chevy cruising past a 500-year-old cathedral? That's just Tuesday in Havana!
Andean adventure
Destination 3: 🇪🇨 Quito, Ecuador (35% off) - A 1-week trip in December
Ecuador's capital sits at 2,850 meters above sea level, making it one of the world's highest capitals. But don't worry about the altitude – you're here for incredible colonial architecture, world-class museums, and it's your gateway to the Galápagos Islands (flights from Quito are like $200).
The Deal: CA$577 roundtrip from Toronto (Dec 4-10)
Avianca, 1 stop, 11 hours travel time (avoid the 19-hour United option)
35% savings – Usually around $900-1000
What's Special:
Perfect high-altitude weather – 21°C days, cool mountain nights
UNESCO World Heritage old town – best-preserved colonial center in South America
Galápagos gateway – add-on flights are ridiculously cheap from here
Volcano views – It’s surrounded by the Andes and ringed by dramatic peaks like Pichincha, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe. On a clear day, the skyline is unreal.
Insider Tips:
Dec 4-10 perfect timing – dry season just starting, great for day trips
Stay in La Mariscal – safe neighborhood with good restaurants and hostels
Take altitude seriously – drink lots of water your first day, avoid alcohol initially
Total Budget: CA$577 flights + $40-80/day in city (not including Galápagos add-ons)
Why December rocks: Perfect 21°C weather + dry season + ideal for Galápagos connections
Pro tip: Ecuador uses the US dollar, so no currency conversion headaches – and your money goes incredibly far!
Perfect timing for getaways!
While everyone's getting back into their September routine, you could be planning some incredible escapes for the months ahead. That February Cuba deal is perfect timing for when you'll actually need some sunshine.
Which one of these made you start thinking about your next vacation days? Hit me back and let me know!
Happy planning, and enjoy the rest of your week!