Whether booking a stay inspired by a favourite novel, or flying across the world for a viral snack, Canadians are seeking experiences that reflect their identities, according a new 2026 travel trends report by global travel platform Skyscanner, which declares, “This marks the year where travel becomes more personal than ever.”
The report, which draws a global survey of more than 20,000 travellers and trusted industry insights, provides insights into Canadian travel behaviour and spending in the year ahead and highlights everything from emerging travel behaviours to the top 10 trending and best value destinations.
“Travellers are planning with greater purpose, shaping trips that reflect who they are and what matters most, at a price that feels right for them,” says Skyscanner CEO Bryan Batista.
Trending destinations for Canadians
Canadian travel behaviour in 2026 shows a growing appetite for destinations that balance cultural discovery, coastal charm, and vibrant city life. From Portugal’s Azores to the Caribbean’s capital cities and dynamic urban centres in Mexico and Taiwan, Canadians are prioritizing warm weather, authenticity and accessibility. They are mixing international adventures with closer-to-home escapes, choosing destinations that celebrate natural beauty, cultural vibrancy and a sense of connection.
Destinations
Here are the top 10 destinations with the biggest year-on-year increase in searches:
- Terceira Lajes, Portugal: +209%
- Basseterre, Saint Kitts: +170%
- Castries, Saint Lucia: +160%
- Guadalajara, Mexico: +146%
- Comox, Canada: +145%
- Kaohsiung, Taiwan: +122%
- Victoria, Canada: +115%
- Gander, Canada: +105%
- Lyon, France: +99%
- Ponta Delgada, Portugal: +98%
These are the top factors determining budget-friendly travel destinations among Canadians:
- The cost of flights (62%)
- The cost of accommodations (58%)
- The cost of food and drink (37%)
The are the top 10 best value destinations:
- Lyon, France: -35%
- Dublin, Ireland: -29%
- Seoul, South Korea: -22%
- Bucharest, Romania: -21%
- Zurich, Switzerland: -21%
- Venice, Italy: -20%
- Ponta Delgada, Portugal: -20%
- Mexico City, Mexico: -16%
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates: -16%
- Marrakech, Morocco: -16%
Explore more, spend less
Travel demands amongst Canadians remain strong with 30% of Canadians planning on travelling more in 2026, and finding the best value destinations is a priority for travellers.
For 62% of Canadians, the cost of flights is the highest determining factor when it comes to choosing a destination, with 70% budgeting the same amount or more towards travel. Anticipated spending on car rentals and accommodations is expected to increase by 17% and 58%, respectively.
Trends in transit
The 2026 report uncovers seven key trends, all reflecting how this is the year travel gets personal, driven by a desire for community, authenticity, and new paths of exploration.
- Glowmads:Rising interest in beauty and skincare is influencing real-world travel behaviours. Gen Z is pioneering this trend, with 36% planning to seek out beauty treatments and skincare stores while travelling in 2026.
- Altitude Shift:Canadians are seeking a new point of view in their travel endeavours in 2026. Mountains are having their moment, with 74% of Canadian travellers considering or planning a mountain escape for summer or autumn 2026, highlighting that mountains attract visitors well beyond the winter season. Finding peak serenity is a priority, with 61% of travellers booking mountain travel for peace and quiet.
- Bookbound:Reading is having a global renaissance, translating into literary-led travel behaviours – from visiting destinations inspired by beloved books, to planning holidays around reading retreats. Fourty eight% of Canadians say that they have booked or would consider booking a trip inspired by literature.
- Family Miles:With the cost of living rising, many are embracing multi-generational travel, with 34% of Gen Z adults citing saving money as a core incentive to travel with family. This trend benefits the whole family, with 54% of adults saying family travel is a chance to make memories, and 29% saying that it’s a chance to truly connect with each other.
- Catching Flights & Feelings:Travel in 2026 is about the place and the people. Fifty% of Canadian travellers have gone or have considered going overseas specifically to meet new people. Connecting with others is a key driver for travel, with 24% hoping to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, and 21% to foster meaningful friendships.
- Destination Check-In:Travellers are increasingly choosing where to go based on where they want to stay. In 2026, hotels and accommodations aren’t just places to sleep; they’re becoming the destination itself. Forty-four% of travellers say they have picked a destination solely because of the accommodations, and 27% are planning to book a stay that is part of the experience. From striking architecture to transportive design, travellers are prioritizing unique stays that shape the entire journey.
- Shelf Discovery:58% of travellers say they always or often visit supermarkets abroad to stock up on local flavours. 2026 is all about exploring destinations belly-first, and 41% of Canadians are going to local supermarkets to discover meals, snacks or drinks they can’t get at home.
“Travellers are redefining what it means to explore, whether embracing self-care through beauty inspired trips, seeking serenity in the mountains, or letting literature inspire their journeys,” says Laura Lindsay of Skyscanner. “2026 is the year that travel gets personal, and it’s about more than the destinations themselves. Canadians are pioneering a travel landscape that is all about crafting unique itineraries that resonate on an individual level, making each trip a deeply personal adventure.”
If this article was shared with you by a friend or colleague, you may enjoy receiving your own copy of Travel Industry Today with the latest travel news and reviews each weekday morning. It’s absolutely free – just CLICK HERE.