Canadians bid adieu to summer this past weekend, and from here it's just a hop, skip and a Santa Claus away from the holiday vacation season.
Many will begin planning their winter vacation soon, especially the 51% of Canadian bargain hunters who hope to get a great deal by booking more than a month ahead of time.
If the thought of another Canadian winter is almost too much to bear, travel expert Andria Mitsakos has some cures for winter woes at the globe's most exclusive winter getaways:
DECEMBER: Polo in Barbados -- Colony Club Hotel, a part of Elegant Hotels Group and a former colonial club situated in St. James near the Barbados Polo Club. This timeless retreat kept its sophisticated charm which extends to all 96 guestrooms and suites. See colonyclubhotel.com.
JANUARY: Skiing in Courchevel, in the French Alps. The five-star Hotel de Charme Les Airelles, nestled in the heart of the Jardin Alpin in the French Alps, is designed in the spirit of the grand chalets past. This old world style hotel is one of the most famed ski destinations in the world and is ideally situated at the foothills of the mountain with effortless access to the pistes via Gloriette and the Relais des Skieurs. airelles.fr.
-- NICOLE FEENSTRA IS CANOE.CA'S TRAVEL EDITOR
