Travel Smarter: Set-Jetting, Holiday Travel & Scams to Avoid

Staying sharp on travel trends and watching out for scams makes every trip better, whether it’s your first or your fiftieth. Here’s what’s worth knowing right now. Here are some tips that are making waves right now — from the hottest new travel trend to scams you need to know about before you go.

The Trend Everyone’s Talking About: Set-Jetting

Set-jetting — visiting destinations because of their role in a favourite TV show or film — is one of travel’s hottest trends. HBO’s “White Lotus” has sent travellers to Thailand, Sicily, and Hawaii. “Game of Thrones” fans continue to flock to Dubrovnik, Iceland, and Northern Ireland. New Zealand remains the ultimate destination for Lord of the Rings devotees, with over 150 filming locations to explore across both islands, including the iconic Hobbiton in Matamata. If there’s a destination you’ve always wanted to visit that also happens to be a filming location, now you have the perfect excuse.

Holiday Travel Done Right

Some of the world’s best travel experiences happen over the holiday season. Munich’s Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz has been running since the 14th century. Edinburgh transforms into a magical winter festival city with ice rinks and Germanic markets. Sydney celebrates Christmas on the beach at Bondi. And a Caribbean cruise at Christmas gives you the feasts and family time without the cleanup — with the bonus of tropical warmth and professional entertainment.

Travel Scams to Know Before You Go

“Free” vacation offers always come with hidden costs and marketing seminars — avoid them entirely. Taxi drivers claiming broken meters should either use the meter or be replaced. Robocalls selling travel packages are illegal. Never accept accessories from strangers on the street. And if you’re driving abroad, obtain your International Driving Permit only from a legitimate source before you leave Canada. Your passport is valuable — keep it secure and report any theft immediately to the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate.

Keep It Simple: Work With Someone Who Knows

Travelling smart means staying informed. Working with a Travel Advisor keeps you ahead of trends, scams, and rapidly changing entry requirements — so your trip goes the way it’s supposed to.