TORONTO -   A Canadian tradition, Old Man Winter, has arrived for its long and extended stay in Canada.   But another Canadian tradition - escaping the winter climate for an extended holiday - is just as popular for hundreds of thousands of Canadians.   TripAtlas.com, a Diamond Group company, has announced its list of the Top Ten Hot and Exotic and Extended Stay Holiday Destinations.  No longer are people just looking at the traditional long-stay destinations like Florida (though still makes the Top Ten List) but also some surprise destinations - - Goa, India anyone!

TripAtlas.com selected these destinations not only for their warm climate and beaches but there are distinct cultural sights and attractions to explore and keep you busy for a few weeks or months.  Most offer long-stay furnished rental apartments and condos, flexible resort packages and extended stay rates at hotels.   Honourable and worthy options also go to Arizona, Australia's Gold Coast, Cyprus, Tunisia, Malta, Mauritius, the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and the many islands in the Caribbean.

Here are TripAtlas.com's list of its Top Ten Hot & Exotic Long Stay & Extended Holiday Destinations:

Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve on the south coast of Portugal is and has been one of the top exotic extended holiday spots for many UK and European residents for years.  Many Canadian tour operators offer packages.   The region offers temperate and mild warm weather, large resort areas surrounded by small villages, and four championship golf courses.  Besides its 150 beaches, be sure to visit some of the "Pueblos Blancos" or traditional villages like Monchique, for great views and authentic Portuguese arts and crafts.

Southern Spain: Costa del Sol
There's nothing like the Mediterranean beaches of the Spanish Coast to call on all sunbathers, the stylish rich and famous, and party people.  In Costa del Sol, you'll find exotic beaches, golf, luxury resorts, and Puerto Banus, one of our Top 10 Portside Cities of the Western Mediterranean, the most luxurious marina in the world.  Honorable mention on the coast also includes Costa Blanca & Costa de Almeria.

Morocco
From the magical streets and markets of Marrakech to the little-known beaches of Essaouira, Morocco is no longer a haven just for indulgent artists and poets.  As one of the best expressions of North Africa, there's something about Morocco that exudes an alluring and exotic culture that takes an extended holiday or long stay to really appreciate.  Visit Morocco before it expands into a resort-overloaded destination!

Goa, India
Goa is a hot holiday spot for Indian and South Asian vacationers and is best known for its beaches, festivals and ancient temples.  It was once a Portuguese colony and thus offers an eclectic mix of both east and west.  Calangute and Candolim are the most popular beach towns but Goa's capital and city, Panaji (also Panjim) is worth a visit, as is Ponda, a sacred site of Goan temples.  

Florida, United States
While Florida may not be the most exotic destination on the list, Florida is home to hundreds of thousands Canadian snowbirds each year.   Stay in the Florida Panhandle area which is less crowded  or the attraction-filled Orlando.   Perfect your "Captiva Crouch" on Captiva Island or your golf game at the hundreds of golf courses throughout the Sunshine State.  Many condo rentals with numerous flight options and tour operators offer great deals.

Canary Islands. Grand Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura
Located off the northwest coast of Africa between morocco and Western Sahara, the Canary Islands are a set of volcanic islands that are the perfect hideout for Europeans and visitors looking to stay away from snow and chilly winds.   Destinations include the bigger islands of Grand Canaria and Tenerife, while Fuerteventura is known for its windsurfing and La Gomera is best for its rainforest and walking trails.  

Bali, Indonesia
Stay for a month in Bali to get the best of enchanting Indonesian culture, cuisine, and beautiful beaches.  Popular spots in Bali include Benoa Beach, Legian and Sanur Beach.  This region is known for water sports enthusiasts including honeymooners, scuba divers and surfers. 

Phuket and Pattaya, Thailand
White shores and the most stunning aqua blue waters you'll ever see, Thailand and other coast-side spots in Southeast Asia like Penang, Malaysia, are popular holiday destinations. They bring together cultural heritage, mountain views, elephant camps, ancient temples and palaces, stunning beaches, water sports, resorts, restaurants and nightclubs - all in one place. Popular Phuket destinations include Karon, Patong and Kata Beaches.  Hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, or half/full board accommodation are all available.  

Mazatlan, Mexico
For fresh seafood and for sports fishing fans, Mazatlan offers exactly what you need for your extended holiday getaway.  While it's a great resort area with warm beaches that you could laze on for weeks, Mazatlan also gives its visitors a simple and taste of Mexico from the past, and today's Mexico, all at the same time.  It's such a nice place; many Canadians, Americans and Europeans now stay in Mazatlan to retire! St. Martin, Caribbean
Amongst the many paradisiacal islands in the Caribbean, we picked St. Martin because it offers a great mix of relaxation, culture, with a refined sense of exotic French and European flavours.  An extended holiday on St. Martin also allows time for you to explore the Dutch side, as well, or island hop to and from other nearby islands like Anguilla, St. Barts and Saba.

Discover the World.  Share your Experience.  With over 90 million pages of content, TripAtlas.com is the world's largest and unbiased online travel resource. TripAtlas.com has an annual global reach of over one million (and counting) travel enthusiasts looking to research their destinations, plan their trips, find local and international travel companies, learn interesting travel information and read award-winning travel articles. TripAtlas.com users can also write their own travel blogs, submit travel photos & videos and share their experiences with the world.

TripAtlas.com, a Diamond Group company, is located at 477 Richmond Street West, Suite 903, Toronto, Ontario  M5V 3E7; tel: (416) 546-8747; fax: (416) 972-0133; Toll-free: (877) 374-8747.

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For Further Information:

Travis Snelling Interactive Solutions Manager TripAtlas.com Tel: (416) 546-8747 Ext. 204 Toll:Free: (877)374-8747 Email: travis@tripatlas.com www.tripatlas.com

Chris Ryall Canadian PR Representative Travel Marketing Experts Inc. Tel: (416) 861-1022 Toll-free: (888) 423-3995 Email: chris@travelmarketingexperts.com www.travelmarketingexperts.com

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