Category: Destinations

What Exotik can offer

With more than 58 million tourists visiting per year, Spain is among one of the countries most visited in the world. Its animated cities, the riches of its historic monuments, its paradise beaches, its hospitality and its joys of life give this country its reason to be explored. The birthplace of such great artists as Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Velázquez, Miguel de Cervantes, and Antonio Banderas, all add to the fantastic culture of Spain. For thousands of years, Spain has been one of the cultural centers of Europe. It has many beautiful cities and towns, offering thousands of monuments as well as a tremendous diversification of architecture.

Cities

Barcelona

Catalonia and Barcelona have become one of the first tourist destinations of Spain, it knows how to please the big majority : with a history among the oldest in Europe, a capital, Barcelona, which never sleeps and an inland full of charm not to forget beautiful beaches in La Costa Brava. The variety of artistic treasures, the Romanesque churches and the great names in modern art and architecture, Dali, Gaudi, Miro, Picasso… Barcelona sited between the sea and the mountains, has found a formidable balance: a foot in the traditional things and the other in the avant-garde.

Madrid

Madrid is often considered the European “capital of joy and contentment.” Although the city is a dynamic business center, Madrileños clearly enjoy life, taking time for long walks, extended evenings with friends over tapas, and dinner often as late as midnight. Madrid is a city of passion and drama, from the mournful beauty of flamenco to the intense baile of matador and bull. Madrid’s Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Centro Reina Sofia are world-class museums with works of El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo,Goya, and Picasso.

Costa del Sol

Mediterranean climate, more than 320 days of sun per year, the sea, small charming towns and a lot more… The Costa del Sol casts a spell over you and it has logically converted itself into a key international tourist destination since the middle of the last century. The Costa del Sol offers luxury and glamour, taking advantage of the frequent presence of film stars since the seventies. Today, between 25% and 30% of the large luxury hotels in Spain are found in Marbella and its surroundings, not to mention the first class golf courses. A luxurious and international character which contrasts the typical small Andalusia villages such as Ronda and Mijas, with narrow streets and white-washed houses adorned with flowers.

Language

Spanish, but many of its derivatives are also spoken, such as Catalan. English and some French can be spoken as well.

Weather

Spain is a sunny country with around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. The temperatures are mild, but there are still differences depending on the seasons and areas of the country. The mildest temperatures are in spring and autumn, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors practically the whole day long. Maximum temperatures are reached during the months of July and August, which are hot and dry throughout the whole country. The coldest temperatures occur during the months of December, January and February, which are the months with the most rainfall, mainly in the north of Spain.

It is essential to pack:

• Sunglasses, which you will use all year round.
• Comfortable footwear, especially if you visit museums, go sightseeing in cities or hike in nature.
• A light, comfortable backpack to carry your things, for example, sunglasses, sun cream, a bottle of water and a small travel umbrella for any eventuality.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries
you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.

Communication

International access code (exit code in Europe): 00 International dialing code: 34 If you are calling from any other European country, the international dialling code 34 is only required to call Spain from abroad. So it will be: 00 34 and local phone number. Concerning national calls made in Spain, it is not necessary to dial the 34 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 34 and finally the local phone number in Spain.

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What Exotik can offer

The French Riviera is a region in southeastern France. It has a land border with Italy and covers an area of 31,400 km2.

Cities

Marseille

Marseille, located on the Mediterranean coast of southern France, is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city known for its fascinating history, lively port and vibrant culture. The city offers a rich diversity of architecture, from the ancient remains of the Old Port to the modern buildings of the Euroméditerranée business district. Marseille is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, showcasing Mediterranean flavors in its many restaurants, markets and cafés. Visitors can explore picturesque neighborhoods such as Le Panier, stroll along the lively quays, or relax on golden sandy beaches such as Plage des Catalans.

Avignon

Avignon, located in south-eastern France, is a picturesque medieval city famous for its rich history and remarkable cultural heritage. Dominated by the majestic Palace of the Popes, once the residence of the pontiffs in the 14th century, Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also famous for its Pont d’Avignon bridge, which spans part of the Rhône River. With its narrow streets lined with historic buildings, lively squares and renowned cultural festivals, Avignon offers visitors an immersion in the history and culture of Provence.

Nice

Nice, on France’s Côte d’Azur, is an elegant, sunny city renowned for its pebble beaches, pleasant climate and Mediterranean charm. The city offers a captivating combination of history, art and culture, with narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, lively markets and numerous museums and art galleries. Nice is also famous for its Promenade des Anglais, a magnificent palm-fringed seafront boulevard offering breathtaking views over the Baie des Anges. Visitors can relax on the beaches, sample delicious cuisine in the many seafood restaurants or explore the picturesque alleyways of the old town.

Electricity

230V/50Hz, you will need an adaptor

Entry requirements

If you have a regular Canadian passport, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date from the Schengen area.  Customs officials may ask you to show them a ticket for a return or onward flight and proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay. 

Communication

If you want to call France from Canada 011+33+number without initial 0. If you wat to call Canada from France, 00+1+ area code+ 7 digit numbers.The emergency number for France is 112.

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What Exotik can offer

Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’’ – ‘‘The Smoke that Thunders’’. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. Columns of spray can be seen from miles away as, at the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, over a width of nearly two kilometers, into a gorge over one hundred meters below. The wide, basalt cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges.

Cities

Harare

Capital of Zimbabwe, it is located in the center-north of the country. More attractive than most other African capitals. You will be attracted by its modern architecture, mixed with British colonial influence and traditional African flair. You will enjoy strolling safely in the colorful avenues, decorated with jacarandas and flamboyant trees. Do not miss the cultural and natural attractions such as the National Gallery dedicated to African arts or visit the granite hill of Kopje, which offers a panoramic view of the city’s rooftops.

Binga

Region of Northwestern Zimbabwe, ideal for travelers whishing to visit Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba or Chizarira National Park. Binga is a cultural center based on the lifestyle and cultural values of the Tongas. It also has a perfect fshing and boating port, the best starting point for a cruise on Lake Kariba. Here you’ll fnd craft industries focused on basketry, beadwork, drum making, stools and carved doors.

Hwange

Hwange National Park is located in Zimbabwe, covering 14,620 km² and includes nine of the ten protected species in the country. There are more than 107 mammal species and 450 bird species. The park is composed of highlands which offers a mix of landscape ranging from sparse forest to grassy savannah. The main particularity of the park is that there are no major rivers, however, there are about 60 water points, making it the national park with the highest concentration of African animals.

Language

English is the official language in Zimbabwe, although the majority of Zimbabwe’s population also speaks Shona or Ndebele.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 263 Concerning national calls made in Zimbabwe, it is not necessary to dial the 263 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 263 and finally the local phone number in Zimbabwe.

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What Exotik can offer

Costa Rica is a rugged, rain forested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes and immense biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, rich with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds.

Cities

San Jose

The capital of Costa Rica, is located in the Central Valley region, bordered by the Talamanca mountain range to the south and by volcanoes to the north. The city is distinguished by its Spanish colonial buildings, such as the National Theater of Costa Rica neoclassical style overlooking the Plaza de la Culture, a popular meeting place. Below the square, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum exhibits hundreds of sparkling artifacts.

Monteverde

Monteverde is a town in the mountainous northwest of Costa Rica. It is known for the great biodiversity of its forests. Its famous biological reserve is home to numerous including jaguars, ocelots and the colorful quetzal. The reserve’s marked trails reserve, you’ll be able to wander through this incredible forest on suspension bridges through ferns and orchids. The presence of flora and fauna is extremely in this region. You’ll have the chance to visit butterfly and hummingbird gardens, orchid gardens, home to hundreds of plant species. If you’re a fan of outdoor activities you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of horseback riding and hiking tours, as well as canopy zip-lining the canopy or canyoning, including abseiling down jungle waterfalls. You can visit one of the many local coffee and sugar plantations and, for art lovers several galleries around Monteverde exhibit paintings and handicrafts by local artists.

Puerto Limón

Puerto Limón is a Costa Rican city, capital of the province of Limón. It is the most important port of the country, located on the Caribbean coast and a real economic and political center of the whole region. Its population is estimated at 105,000 in 2005.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a city belonging to the province of Guanacaste, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is known for its beaches with surf spots, such as Tamarindo Beach and Langouste Beach. To the north, Playa Grande is the main nesting site for giant leatherback turtles and is part of the Las Baulas Marine National Park. The mangrove-edged estuary protected by the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge offers a refuge for animals, such as howler monkeys and crocodiles.

Language

Spanish.

Electricity

The electricity is 110 volts.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information.
Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

nternational access code: 00 International dialing code: 506 Concerning national calls made in Costa Rica, it is not necessary to dial the 506 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 506 and finally the local phone number in Costa Rica.

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What Exotik can offer

Croatia is a country in the Balkans on the east side of the Adriatic Sea. Croatia has the privilege of offering a rich architectural heritage. Those traveling for the first time in this country will discover a unique and fascinating transition between Central Europe and the Mediterranean, a crossroads of cultures and influences quite exceptional! And then they will fascinated by the wonderful Croatian coast, protected by nearly 1,185 islands and islets about 1,750 km long. Multiply by 5 for the number of beaches and coves, by 10… These architectural gems are named Pula, Zadar, Sibenik, Trogir, Split and the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik.

Cities

Zagreb

Zagreb is a fascinating destination on its own, combining the best of Eastern and Western Europe. As the political, economic and cultural capital of Croatia, the city throbs with energy but has retained a good deal of old-world graciousness. The sober Austro-Hungarian buildings in the town centre house elegant restaurants and fashionable boutiques along with scruffy pubs and rowdy beer halls. A proliferation of galleries display the works of the artistic community, a parade of international stars perform in the concert halls, and local DJs fill clubs with the latest sounds.

Split

Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, is a great place to see Dalmatian life as it’s really lived. Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace to see dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split life has been going on for thousands of years. To top it off, Split has a unique setting. Its dramatic coastal mountains act as the perfect backdrop to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. You’ll get a chance to appreciate this gorgeous cityscape when making a ferry journey to or from the city.

Dubrovnik

Regardless of whether you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of awe and beauty when you set eyes on the Stradun never fades. Indeed it’s hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by the city’s marble streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic, or failing to be inspired by a walk along the ancient city walls that have protected this civilized, sophisticated republic for five centuries. Although the shelling of Dubrovnik in 1991 horrifed the world, the city has bounced back with characteristic vigor to enchant visitors again. Take the revamped cable car up to Mount Srd. Marvel at the Mediterranean lifestyle and the interplay of light and stone. Trace the rise and fall of Dubrovnik in museums replete with art and artifacts. Exhaust yourself retracing history, then plunge into the azure sea.

Language

Croatian and English.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information.
Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code (exit code in Europe): 00 International dialing code: 385 If you are calling from any other European country, the international dialing code 385 is only required to call Croatia from abroad. So it will be: 00 385 and local phone number. Concerning national calls made in Croatia, it is not necessary to dial the 385 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 385 and finally the local phone number in Croatia.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, is the economic and cultural heart of the archipelago. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it boasts spectacular scenery: majestic mountains, verdant valleys, black sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. The capital, Papeete, is a lively place where Polynesian traditions blend with modern influences. Tahiti is also the ideal starting point for discovering local culture, archaeological sites and enjoying a variety of water sports.

What Exotik can offer

Thailand is a country that will please everyone. Beach destination as much as cultural, modern and traditional, Thailand offers a range of diversity revealing its astonishing beauties. Starting from the north that turns to tradition and nature with its ancestral temples surrounded by mountains, then the center with its capital which is a more active and urbanized area conducive to shopping and finally the South and its incredible islands, its beaches of fine sand and its spicy cuisine will allow you to escape from your daily life

Cities

Bangkok

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital in every sense. It is where the Royal Family resides and is the focal point for virtually all major financial, commercial and industrial activities. It’s the country’s main port and home to one tenth of the kingdom’s monuments.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai presents a wonderful contrast to Bangkok and is the most attractive destination with abundant sights and charms. The “Rose of the North” remains a relaxing place with its welcoming and easy-going people who still hold to traditional ways and values.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 and was the first capital of Lanna Thai (Million rice fields’ kingdom). The province contains Thailand’s northernmost point at Mae Sai which is well known for its crisp mountain scenery, and hill tribes. North Chiang Rai falls with the region known as the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.

Pattaya

Asia’s premier beach resort, Pattaya occupies a coast characterized by cliff-hidden bays, palm-fringed beaches, innumerable fishing communities and lovely islands. Colorful and alive with activities, Pattaya is unrivalled as a beach resort, offering more attractions than any other single destination in Southeast Asia

Phuket

The dream of an idyllic escape into a tropical island world becomes a reality in Phuket, Thailand’s southern paradise isle. Fringed with white sandy beaches and lapped by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea, Phuket, gem of the Andaman coast, is Thailand’s top beach resort

Language

Thai, English and Chinese

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.
Effective May 1, 2025, to modernize and streamline border processing, Thailand will implement an online digital arrival card system, replacing the traditional paper card.

Communication

International access code: 001 International dialing code: 66 Concerning national calls made in Thailand, it is not necessary to dial the 66 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 66 and finally the local phone number in Thailand

What Exotik can offer

Costa Del Sol is the name given to the Mediterranean cost of southern Spain. Costa Del Sol has a surface area of 804 km2. This part of Spain does not have land border except for Spain.

Cities

Málaga

Málaga, on Spain’s southern coast, is a dynamic, sunny city renowned for its beaches, history and vibrant culture. It is famous for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and is home to the Picasso Museum, one of the city’s main attractions. Málaga also boasts a picturesque historic center, with narrow streets, lively squares and historic monuments such as the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress-palace. With its pleasant year-round Mediterranean climate, Málaga is a popular destination for sun, beach and culture lovers.

Marbella

Marbella, located on Spain’s Costa del Sol, is a luxurious seaside resort renowned for its golden sandy beaches, elegant marinas and cosmopolitan ambience. The town is famous for its glamorous lifestyle, with fashionable beach clubs, upscale restaurants and designer boutiques. Marbella also boasts a magnificent historic center, with cobbled streets, shady squares and traditional white buildings. Between world-class golf, water sports and lively nightlife, Marbella offers an unforgettable vacation experience for those seeking the luxury and sunshine of the Costa del Sol.

Language

Spanish

Electricity

230V, you will need an adaptor

Entry requirements

If you have a regular Canadian passport, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date from the Schengen area. Customs officials may ask you to show them a ticket for a return or onward flight and proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay. 

Communication

00 to call from Costa Del Sol, 34 to call in Costa Del Sol

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

Officially known as French Polynesia, Tahiti and her Islands are comprised of more than a hundred volcanic islands and atolls sprinkled over four million square kilometres of ocean in the South Pacific. By visiting even a select few you, too, can experience the allure and the inspiration that these islands have had for a wide range of visitors over the centuries. Bask in its warm sunshine, breathe deeply its fragrant scents fill your vision with verdant hillsides, turquoise lagoons or fiery sunsets

Cities

Tahiti

The island of Tahiti, towering over the ocean like a proud and royal Queen, is crowned by a circle of majestic peaks. The mountainous interior shelters deep valleys, clear streams, and high waterfalls, all bathed in the green iridescence of Mother Nature’s light. The flat coastal lands, edged with a rugged coastline, are home to fields of tropical flowers and most of the island’s population. Papeete, the invigorating capital city and gateway of the territory, boasts world-class resorts, spas, fine restaurants, nightclubs, and endless shopping at the vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora, with a lagoon resembling an artist’s palette of blues and greens, is love at first sight. Honeymooners and romantics from around the world have laid claim to Bora Bora where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky. Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where impossibly coloured fish animate the coral gardens. Simply said, Bora Bora is the most beautiful island in the world

Moorea

Moorea, soaring magically out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet, is what you would imagine a South Seas island to be. A wide, shallow lagoon surrounds the island’s vertical mountains where poetic threads of waterfalls tumble down fern-softened cliffs. Peaceful meadows flanked by pinnacles of green will fill your senses and renew your belief in the majesty of nature. Pastel-painted houses surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise, circle the island in a fantasy of happy, yet simple villages

Huahine

Huahine Island the least explored of the islands in French Polynesian Archipelago. The Island is a beautiful place, with a relaxed Polynesian lifestyle. Huahine is known for its vanilla plantations, lush banana groves, and taro fields. Huahine is actually two islands basking in one lagoon, encircled by a coral necklace. On Huahine’s shores, coconut palms wave in the warm ocean breezes over tranquil seas and soft white sand. Surfers and backpackers following the chill-out, beach-bum trail fall hard for its savage beauty. Despite being blessed with untouched beaches, isolated coves, enchanted lagoons, killer reef breaks and the most extensive complex of pre-European marae (traditional temples) in French Polynesia, Huahine has managed to escape the rampant package-tourist overdevelopment afflicting neighbouring isles.

Taha’a

If you’re in pursuit of a beautiful and completely untouched tropical paradise – like something you’d see on a postcard – then Taha’a is the perfect fit. Known as the “Vanilla Island,” Taha’a is as sweet as it sounds. The light, tropical breeze carries with it the scent of vanilla beans, making Taha’a one of the most fragrant of all the islands. True to its name, Taha’a produces more than 80% of the famous Tahitian Vanilla. And because it’s so abundant, vanilla is used in everything from local cuisine to natural products

Language

French and Tahitian but English is frequently spoken in most hotels and shops

Electricity

Most of the hotels use 110 or 220 volts AC 60 hertz. A converter/adaptor is usually available upon request.

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 33 Concerning national calls made in French Polynesia, it is not necessary to dial the 33 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 33 and finally the local phone number in French Polynesia

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What Exotik can offer

Taha’a is an island in French Polynesia, part of the Leeward Islands archipelago. Nicknamed Vanilla Island because of its vast vanilla plantations, it offers a paradise-like setting with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and verdant mountains. Taha’a is renowned for its tranquility and authenticity, far from the tourist crowds. The island is also known for its rich culture, Polynesian traditions and warm welcome, making it an ideal destination for travelers in search of unspoilt nature and local adventure.