I often make one of my columns into a call to action to travel each year because I believe getting out of our own space is an important and worthwhile activity. But the last time I wrote about travel in this column, it was to lament the absolute craziness of popular destinations. Travel is no longer enjoyable for many people because the places they head to are often overrun with tourists. Popular cities around the world, like Florence, Italy, are looking for ways to cut back on the number of visitors per year.

We can thank Instagram pictures for the mad rush, along with the rise of upward mobility around the world. Americans were used to having the world to themselves once. Those days are gone.

An interesting trend in travel is the deficit of people visiting the United States. We’re running at a 3% deficit compared to pre-pandemic levels. Yes, it’s the strength of the U.S. dollar, and the Visa delays and restrictions, but let’s not forget the bad press. Where once San Francisco was a sought after tourist destination, a gleaming city on a hill–stories of an abundance of feces on the streets and overall decay certainly don’t help tourism.

I’m going to suggest Nova Scotia as a destination to people looking for a piece of un-crowded heaven. I led dozen of tours there in the past, and it’s truly a place where land and sea meet in a quiet dance, and where rugged coastlines still whisper old sailor’s tales. This Canadian maritime province is a world away from the hustle of modern life, offering travelers an escape into nature, history, and warm coastal charm. And while you won’t see impressionist paintings there, you will spend a week or two in some of the most beautiful spots on earth.

There’s the Cabot Trail, a winding ribbon of road that hugs the cliffs of Cape Breton, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic as you drive. Here, eagles soar overhead, and moose wander through the forests. In Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, colorful fishing houses line the waterfront, and the legacy of shipbuilders is everywhere.

For those seeking solitude, the windswept beaches of Sable Island, home to wild horses, feel almost otherworldly. Kejimkujik National Park offers a deep dive into indigenous Mi’kmaq culture, with ancient petroglyphs and starlit canoe trips.

And then there’s the seafood–succulent lobster, Digby scallops, and creamy chowders that taste like the ocean itself.

You can drive or fly to Maine and catch the ferry to Nova Scotia, or you can fly right into Halifax–the capital. You’ll want to rent a car if you fly. The whole province is only 360 miles long, so this isn’t a driving-intensive trip. It’s leisurely, a claim the hallowed cities of Europe can’t offer right now.

One day should be spent on Prince Edward Island, navigable by a bridge from Nova Scotia. It’s a storybook destination with rolling green hills, red-sand beaches, and charming fishing villages. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, PEI offers something for everyone, especially scenic coastal drives and lighthouses. And the seafood! Plates of mussels with drawn butter, lobsters on the cheap, and fresh oysters and cod. The Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant offers endless mussels on their salad buffet line.

The exchange rate makes this a no-brainer, with rates between the U.S. dollar (USD) and the Canadian dollar (CAD) standing at approximately 1 USD equaling 1.449 CAD. This means that for every U.S. dollar, you receive about 1.449 Canadian dollars, effectively providing a 44.9% increase in purchasing power when converting USD to CAD. There is no arguing with great exchange rates when you’re traveling.

If you want to drive to Bar Harbor, Maine, another charming place, there is a ferry service connecting Maine to Nova Scotia. The CAT, a high-speed car ferry operated by Bay Ferries Limited, runs seasonally between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The crossing takes 3.5 hours and you can bring your car along on the ferry. Passengers can enjoy various amenities, including cafes offering food and beverages, entertainment options like live music or trivia, and outdoor decks suitable for whale watching.

I’ve recently added the title of certified travel advisor to my resume because I feel being on the road for so many years as a tour director gave me a very realistic look at what travel is really like. My experience doesn’t come from behind a desk.

If you’re interested in traveling to the Canadian Maritimes, I’m happy to help you plan a trip at no cost to you. You can email me at Margot62@aol.com.