Despite facing growing economic uncertainties, trade wars and many other moving pieces, Canadians are finding alternative ways, including how they travel and making lifestyle trade-offs, to sustain their ability to travel, according to a recent survey for FlightHub.
The poll of 1,500 adults living in Canada who had flown at least once in the past two years by Arlington Research on behalf of the Montreal-based OTA, revealed that travel remains important, even if it now requires greater flexibility, trade-offs and financial planning.
According to the survey, the younger generations are also slightly more likely to spend a greater percentage of their revenue into their yearly adventures, with around a third of Gen Z (34%) and Millennials (30%) saying they dedicate between 11 to 25% of their disposable income to travels.
Alternative destinations, savings, and credit cards
Canadians, and especially younger ones, have been finding workarounds to make travel more affordable. While many (61%) agreed that they had been adapting the way they travel over the past two years so they could afford it, Gen Z respondents were significantly more likely to say so, with three quarters (76%) adapting to costs.
Of the Canadians who report adapting to increased travel costs:
- 67% say they are taking advantage of discounts
- Over half (54%) are changing travel dates, and
- 4-in-10 (42%) are opting for alternative destinations for a trip on the dime.
These changes reflect broader trade-offs or financial planning as 4-in-10 Canadians say that the cost of living (rent, mortgage, utilities, food) has a significant impact on their travel budget. One-third (34%) of all respondents also say they would reduce how often they travel and 35% are seeking more budget-friendly travel options. However, only a fifth (21%) said they would prioritize financial goals over travel and 10% said they would continue to travel as much as possible, regardless of the cost.
When it comes to financing their adapted travel plans, Canadians are more likely to use caution and save up ahead (62%), all while sticking to a strict travel budget (37%), or opt for a travel first, pay later solution through their credit card (28%). Only 14% of respondents say they can afford to travel spontaneously without strict budgeting.
“Canadians are weighing their options to avoid cutting travel from their lives. While some are unwilling to compromise, others are finding ways to adapt to make travel plans a reality,” says Henri Chelhot, CEO of FlightHub. “Our survey reveals that some Canadians are adjusting the timing and style of their trips, underscoring that for many, travel remains essential for many even as inflation places more barriers to affordability.”
Lifestyle flexibility
At the same time, the commitment to travel extends beyond budgeting. According to the survey, a fifth (20%) of respondents are actively seeking jobs that offer more flexibility to accommodate their travel plans throughout the year. For many, lifestyle flexibility is becoming just as important as income.
When asked whether they would accept a lower-paying job in exchange for more travel flexibility, 27% of respondents would choose the trade-off, with nearly one-third of that group (29%) willing to take a pay cut of 11% or more. However, 38% of respondents say they would not choose a job with lower pay, while 35% said that it would depend on how much lower the pay is.
The shift points to a growing trend: more Canadians are evaluating their careers not just through compensation, but through how their jobs support the life they want to live, including the freedom to travel.
“As affordability pressures grow, we’re seeing Canadians make deliberate choices to protect what matters most to them,” adds Chelhot. “Whether it’s adjusting their budget, seeking more flexible careers, or exploring new destinations, travel remains a priority, and that commitment speaks volumes about its role in Canadians’ lives.”
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