With March Break just around the corner, it looks like Canadians are looking to Asia for their travel this month, with Okinawa, Japan rising significantly in popularity, according to Skyscanner.
Information provided to Yahoo Canada from Skyscanner revealed that there was a 173 percent increase in searches for flights from Canada to Okinawa in the past month.
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Why is Okinawa, Japan a popular destination for Canadian travelers?
Looking at overall travel trends in 2024, Japan emerged as a favorite this year and eating authentic local cuisine is a popular activity for Canadian travelers.
“While Japanese cuisine is loved in Canada, the island of Okinawa is a diverse blend of local flavors that differs from the mainland, and local cuisine is said to contribute to Okinawans living longer and healthier lives than most of the world, which making it a sought-after destination for foodies,” explained Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner travel trends and destinations expert.
“Not only is Okinawa an amazing destination for local eats, but it’s also home to beautiful beaches, architecture and history. As March rings in spring and flowers begin to bloom, travelers can experience the breathtaking natural scenery that Japan is known for. “
How much does it cost to travel to Okinawa, Japan in March from Canadian cities?
Using Skyscanner search data for flights to and from Okinawa from Canadian airports, round-trip flights from Toronto that make just one stop are around $3,000.
Traveling from Vancouver to Okinawa, a round-trip flight in March will cost at least $2,600, and from Montreal, a two-stop flight will cost at least $2,100.
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3 expert tips on what to do in Okinawa, Japan
Travelers to Okinawa during the first part of the year should not miss the Okinawa Flower Carnival, which takes place from January to May and showcases the island’s flowers.
“The Higashi Azalea Festival, held during the first week of March, highlights over 50,000 brightly colored azaleas blooming throughout the Eco Park. The flower festivals will truly take your breath away,” emphasized Lindsay.
The Okinawa-wide Yachimun Ceramics Market in Onna Village is a great way to experience the colorful ceramics that Okinawa is known for.
“When visiting the island, be sure to visit the Okinawa-wide Yachimun Pottery Market in Onna Village, where you can shop for local pottery, visit pottery workshops, and learn more about the history and process of pottery making at the Ceramics Museum of Naha Municipal Tsuboya,” Lindsay said.
Visitors should also stop by Shuriyo Castle Park to experience the impressive Japanese architecture and historical sites.
Where to stay in Okinawa, Japan
Halekulani Okinawa is an elegant luxury hotel fronting a mile of coastline, and its amenities include five pools, including an indoor pool, the prestigious SpaHalekulani, and a variety of restaurants.
Hotel Nikko Alivila is a Spanish colonial style resort. There are five restaurants on the property, and activities include sailing, tennis and cycling.
Tips for finding the cheapest flights
If your flight costs are getting low, there are a few things Canadian travelers can do to ensure they get the best possible deal on their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when searching for flights more generally.
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Beat the crowds: For flights that fill up quickly, you should make sure you look at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option for flight dates.
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Set alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you’re hoping to travel to a specific destination or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal pops up. Skyscanner specifically has a price notification system for any cost changes.
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Consider “Everywhere”: If you’re hoping for a new adventure or some rest and relaxation but don’t have a specific destination in mind, Skyscanner’s ‘Anywhere’ search can be your new best friend to find the most affordable holiday destination possible.
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Flexible dates: There may be certain times when you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals really unfold when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day or a week can add up to significant savings.
