10 vacation destinations where the Canadian dollar is strong

South Africa

It’s a bit of a trek, but why not use the relatively strong Canadian dollar as an excuse to embark on an once-in-a-lifetime adventure? In addition to stunning mountain landscapes and sprawling beaches, there are plenty of activities to entertain the entire family. If you’re travelling with kids, check out the country’s largest game reserve, Tswalu, which has a junior ranger program that includes bush walks, fire-making lessons and bow-and-arrow craft sessions.

Russia

The Canadian dollar is still much stronger than the Russian ruble, which is why now is the time to explore one of the world’s greatest capitals: Moscow. The city is chock-full of history and exquisite architecture. While Moscow might not seem like a kid-friendly destination at first, you can keep your crew entertained with trips to the Moscow Zoo (and the exquisite Dolphinarium at the zoo) and the Moscow Cats Theatre. Yes, it's a long-running show full of cats that do handstands and aerial acrobatics.

Japan

The yen is weak, so it's within reach for Canadians to lose themselves in the bustling streets and bright lights of Tokyo and pick up unbelievably fresh fish at the Tsukiji Fish Market. If you’re travelling with kids, visit the kid-friendly exhibits at the National Museum of Nature and Science, the pandas at Ueno Zoo and the hands-on Legoland Discovery Center.

Iceland

The Canadian dollar is currently soars above the Icelandic krona. Escape from your everyday life in the country’s to-die-for landscape of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and glaciers. Icelanders are all about the communal swim, so make sure to check out the country’s largest swimming complex, Laugardalslaug, in the country’s capital, Reykjavík. It features indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, saunas and waterslides for the kids. Blue Lagoon, the world-renowned geothermal spa, also deserves a pit stop.

Brazil

Skip the States and keep flying south if you want to get the most bang for your buck. Sure, there are scenic beaches and national parks, but there’s also a great football culture, lively dance clubs and mouthwatering barbecue. If you’re visiting with kids, catch a football match at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro or visit the Jardim Botânico (botanical gardens) and hope a butterfly lands on you.

Turkey

Visit Istanbul to experience the best of European and Middle Eastern culture, all in one metropolis. Splurge on a hotel room that overlooks the gorgeous Bosphorus Strait and make sure to reserve an entire day for exploring the city’s awe-inspiring mosques like The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. If you’re bringing the kids, check out the Sea Life Aquarium, the Istanbul Toy Museum and the Princes’ Islands, where everyone travels by horse and carriage.

New Zealand

This island is a nature lover’s paradise. You’re going to need more than a couple weeks to explore the country’s waterfalls, volcanoes, ski slopes and caves. Daredevils can bungee jump off Auckland’s Sky Tower (and fall 192 metres down) or tour the active White Island Volcano. If you’re travelling with kids, visit the seal and penguin colonies on the South Island or take a family-friendly jet-boat ride in Queenstown.

Argentina

While almost at par, the Canadian dollar has a slight advantage over the Argentine peso—but Argentina's cheaper food, lodging and entertainment sweetens the deal. Rekindle your romance with your partner during a night out in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango, or taste the country's robust wine offerings in Mendoza. If you're visiting with kids, let them pick out souvenirs at Buenos Aires' Plaza Francia open-air market or take horseriding lessons for a taste of gaucho culture.

Mexico

Move over, Florida. With a favourable exchange rate for Canadians, Mexico is your new favourite destination for fun in the sun. The country offers everything from luxurious villa getaways to family-friendly resorts like Cancun’s Beach Palace. The all-inclusive grounds boast a kids’ club, free shuttles to a nearby waterpark, video game tournaments and a teen disco. If you want to get off the resort, check out Cancun’s interactive aquarium, complete with dolphin swims and a touching pool full of octopi and starfish.

Cuba

This old Canadian favourite is still a great place to explore on a budget. Soak up the old-world culture of Havana while sipping on some of the world’s best rum. Architecture geeks will love Old Havana, which is a UNESCO world heritage site full of neoclassical historic buildings. The island is remarkably kid-friendly, so take your brood and check out circus shows at the Carpa Trompoloco, lively baseball games in every major city and a crocodile-breeding farm in Boca de Guamà.