As the threat of COVID-19 continues to diminish, most Canadians are ready to get back to travelling. However, lingering pandemic concerns and the current economic climate are paving the way for some new travel trends this summer. Here are some of the emerging trends being seen in Canada.

Most Canadians are Planning on Staying Close to Home

We may be anxious to travel after two years of varying restrictions, but more of us are planning vacations closer to home. That doesn’t mean nixing the quest for adventure or legit rest and relaxation. But bucket-list items that take us overseas haven’t bounced back to the top of our agenda just yet.

The leading online travel booking site, Expedia, finds interest in international travel climbing but domestic travel is what’s most in demand. Domestic flight searches on April 9, 2022 for instance, were 62 per cent higher than the same day three years prior.

Other 2022 Canadian Travel Trends

G Adventures surveyed 1,600 of its customers to find out some of the current travel trends and predictions are among Canadians.

  • Community tourism is important: Sixty-seven per cent of Canadians want their travel dollars to benefit locals. And nearly 28 per cent of survey respondents plan to travel more responsibly in 2022 by supporting local communities.
  • ‘Workcations’ are now mainstream: Twenty per cent of respondents (46 per cent of those aged 18 to 34) say they can work from anywhere. An increasing number plan to combine work and travel. However, more than half of respondents said they will be pulling the plug on their devices and social media.
  • A need for social connection: Sixty-three per cent of travellers aged 18 to 34 will consider a stay at a hostel over a hotel because it offers the chance to socialize.
  • Bigger budgets are a thing: Twenty per cent are planning to splurge on their travels this year.
  • Not everyone wants to stay close to home: About one-third of respondents planning to travel have no interest in a staycation – they’re planning trips much farther from home.
  • Being active is important: Whatever they do, or wherever they go, a majority of survey respondents want to incorporate physical activity into their summer holiday plans. And a whopping 94 per cent cite travel as a key component to maintaining their mental health and wellbeing.

The Price of Gas May Change Your Plans

Back in the day, or even a few months ago, it was easy enough to gas up, hit the road and follow wherever it goes.

Now? Not so much.

The “surging price of gasoline (that) shows no signs of stopping” is derailing some peoples’ summer plans — especially for younger Canadians.

Findings from a Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) survey show 66 per cent of drivers plan to cancel or limit road trips this summer — a number that soars to 75 per cent for those between the ages of 18 and 24 years.

What can you do to save on gas?

According to TRAC president, Carol Hochu, some penny-pinching moves can add up and help your car, truck or mobile home roll just a bit further.

It sounds like a little thing, but if you still have your winter tires on, that affects fuel economy.

“Once the temperatures are consistently above seven degrees Celsius … it's really time to make that change over from winter tires to your summer or all-season tires,” Hochu says.

Incorrect tire pressure – tires that are under or overinflated – also affect fuel economy.

“Monthly tire pressure checks are an effective way to increase fuel efficiency and extract the most value from your tires. Combined with the right driving habits such as reducing idling, maintaining a steady speed, accelerating gently and coasting to decelerate, these small, simple practices can add up to big improvements in fuel economy.”

Things Are Booking Up Quickly

If you plan to book a vacation rental this summer in Canada, get on it. You have competition. Demand for Vrbo properties is up by about 25 per cent from last summer and some favorite destinations from Ontario to Vancouver Island have less than 30 per cent of properties available for July. Check out some good spots to book vacation accommodations here.

Vacation Tax Credit for Ontario Residents

It’s a good time to live in Ontario where there’s a 2022 Staycation Tax Credit that gives you a break on taxes if you pay to stay at accommodations ranging from a hotel to a resort, bed and breakfast or campground. Keep your receipts and cash in, says Adriana Molina, who is Credit Canada’s education manager.

It saves you money and supports tourism across the province, including the hospitality sector which is still licking its wounds after the financial toll imposed by the pandemic.

Plan to be protected against the unexpected

Last but not least, don’t let your well-made plans be derailed by a sudden illness or accident, which is, of course where solid emergency medical coverage comes in.

Our TravelStar Emergency Medical Coverage offers protection from the high costs of emergency treatment while traveling outside your home province.

The long list of coverage includes up to $500,000 for emergency medical expenses related to COVID-19 and essential benefits like ambulance, emergency dental and hospital care. There’s even the option of virtual care for minor emergencies.

It’s a travel essential you don’t want to forget.