Canadians as a whole love their vacations. In fact, one study found that a majority of Canadian workers prefer more vacation time over a modest pay raise. Some stay within the country, visiting historic sites or friends and families. Others, meanwhile, try and see the rest of the world with trips to exotic beaches or far-away cities. If you're in the latter category, the world is practically your oyster. But here are a few ideas that just might result in the holiday of a lifetime: Paris With the euro becoming increasingly stable, now might be the time to book that European getaway. Paris is the perfect destination, especially given the mutual history between Canada and France. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are huge attractions, but why not explore places outside the typical tourist traps? That includes the historical district of Le Marais, afternoons wandering in the Buttes-Chaumont Parc and a visit to the Canal Saint Martin. For those feeling homesick, there's always The Great Canadian Pub, which features hockey games and several Canadian-brewed beers. It's also within walking distance of the iconic Cathédrale Notre Dame. Las Vegas Maybe it's the sun or the endless craps tables, but Canadians seem to be flocking to Las Vegas. As many as one-third of Canadians have been to Vegas sometime in the past, and another 72 percent told surveyors they'd eventually visit. Enjoy a bit of art and culture with a walk through the Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which changes decorations and themes almost every month. Originally hailing from Montreal, the gymnastics escapade that is Cirque Du Soleil now has several shows operating across the Vegas Strip. Or, get a firsthand look at Vegas' rich history with a visit to the Neon Museum, which features signs from several vintage casinos. New York City Similar to Las Vegas, New York City is becoming a haven for Canadians. The number of Canadians living in the Big Apple doubled between 2000 and 2008 to some 21,000-plus people. That's in addition to the other 1 million or so that visit the city each year. Every June, the Canadians in NYC group holds its annual Canada Day event, a massive block party on Avenue B full of food, drinks and dancing. NYC is also a haven for cultural destinations, including the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Or, see the wonders of the city with a visit to the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center. You could just spend hours wandering through neighbourhoods like Gowanus, Brooklyn Heights and Murray Hill. Booking your trip Want to save both time and money when booking that dream vacation? The travel web site Kayak suggests these handy tips:

  • Domestic flights - Depart on a Tuesday and return on a Thursday. Sunday returns are usually the most expensive.
  • International flights - Depart on a Thursday and return on a Monday. The most expensive return dates fall on a Friday.

Additionally, cities like New York and Chicago are regularly less expensive when booked during the summer.