A new national survey from Flight Centre, conducted by YouGov, reveals a telling truth about Canadian travel habits: nearly all Canadians (96%) consider cost a critical factor when planning their vacations. As inflation and economic pressures continue to shape consumer behavior, value-driven travel has become the new normal—reshaping not only where we go, but when and how we get there.
This evolving mindset is driving a more strategic and savvy approach to travel planning. According to the survey:
- 43% of Canadians are booking flights and accommodations only when they’re on sale
- 40% are planning far in advance to secure better deals and availability
In other words, spontaneity is giving way to strategy. Travelers are becoming increasingly intentional with their choices, looking for ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing the quality of the experience.
While sunny beach destinations remain popular, another trend is quietly gaining momentum: cruise travel. In fact, 42% of Canadians say they plan to take a cruise in 2025—a significant uptick that underscores the appeal of all-inclusive, multi-destination vacations that offer exceptional value.
“From the temples of Japan to the beaches of the Bahamas, cruising gives travellers the chance to visit multiple destinations in one trip, and Canadians are jumping on board,” says Amra Durakovic, spokesperson for Flight Centre Canada. “People want to travel smart and dream big, and early bookings help them do both.”
Supporting these findings, recent data from Statistics Canada shows that return trips from overseas destinations rose 9.9% this spring compared to last year. It’s a clear sign that Canadians are not only resuming long-haul travel, but they’re also prepared to go farther and stay longer—as long as the value makes sense.
From bucket-list cruises to meticulously timed flight deals, Canadian travellers are embracing a new era of value-conscious adventure—one where smart planning unlocks bigger, better experiences.
