A new Sunwing survey of Canadian travellers says seven-in-10 (71%) respondents’ fondest vacation or travel memory was from a past or recent vacation as an adult – an overwhelming margin over holidays taken as a child or teen.

Only one-in-six (16%) in the travel preferences and most memorable vacation experiences survey said their fondest vacation memory is from a childhood trip, while one in eight (13%) said it was from a trip as a teenager.

When it comes to the lasting impact that vacation had on them, half (51%) of respondents said it helped them get closer to and share experiences with friends or family members, while 55% said it made them more eager to explore more destinations or parts of the world.

Nearly two-in-five (37%) respondents said it helped them learn about a new culture or language, with another third (34%) saying it helped them grow as a person.

A similar proportion (36%) said it gave them a more positive outlook on life.

“Our research highlights the growing importance Canadians place on travel for creating lasting memories and cultivating deeper bonds with their loved ones,” says Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer for Sunwing Travel Group.

She adds, “Going on vacation also helps inspire a feeling of wanderlust, encouraging Canadians to travel more and explore more destinations in future.”

Additional survey insights:

• Three-in-five (59%) Canadians say it’s likely they’ll travel internationally in the next year, rising to two-thirds (66%) in British Columbia.

• Among those looking to travel internationally, about three-in-10 (31%) plan on doing so within the next three months.

• Approximately two-thirds (63%) of prospective international travellers intend to plan an upcoming trip to a sun destination in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, or the US.

• Respondents aged 35-54 are most likely to travel to a sun destination (71%) followed closely by those aged 18-34 (65%).

• Among those who have travelled to a sun destination before, respondents made the most of their vacation by relaxing on the beach or by the pool (73%), trying out new activities or going on guided excursions (56%), taking in the local culture (55%) and trying out local dining experiences (52%).

The survey was conducted by Angus Reid Forum in both English and French between March 28-30 with a nationally representative sample of 1,509 Canadians.