New data shows that travel experts double the pre-trip excitement for Canadians, long before takeoff. The new study from Flight Centre Canada (based on data collected by YouGov) reveals that 25% of Canadians feel that their holiday starts during the planning and booking stage, with those who use travel agents being almost twice as likely to experience this early surge of excitement compared to their DIY counterparts.

Key insights from the study:

• Early Planners: One in four Canadians (25%) believe their vacation begins the moment they start planning their trip. This early onset of vacation vibes is particularly pronounced among Millennials, with 29% of this group reporting that their excitement kicks off during the planning phase, compared to only 19% of Gen Xers.
• Airport Enthusiasts: Nearly two in five Canadians (37%) find themselves slipping into vacation mode as soon as they arrive at the airport. This sentiment is especially strong among women, 40% of whom feel that their holiday begins at the airport, compared to 34% of men.
• Destination Arrival: For others, the journey truly begins upon arrival at their destination, with around 28% of Canadians saying they only consider themselves on vacation once they’ve reached their travel spot. Gen Xers, in particular, are more destination-focused, with 33% feeling the vacation vibes only upon arrival, compared to 24% of Millennials.
• Accommodation Check-in: Just under one in 10 (7%) believe their vacation starts when they check into their accommodation.

Intriguingly, users of travel agents are almost twice as likely (27% compared to 14%) to feel this early excitement compared to non-users. The personalized service and expert guidance provided by travel agents appear to play a pivotal role in transforming the often-stressful planning process into a seamless and enjoyable part of the vacation experience.

“Planning a vacation should be exciting, not stressful,” says Chadd Andre, Executive VP of Flight Centre Canada. “Our study highlights that 78% of respondents crave human connection, while 87% rely on agents’ industry know-how. With nearly three-quarters raving about an agents’ ability to provide the best experiences and access to hidden gems, it’s clear: travel experts turn complex bookings into seamless journeys.”

Where to Next? 

Meanwhile, when it comes to choosing travel destinations, Canadians lean heavily on the opinions of friends and family (65%), available sales and travel deals (52%), and the advice of travel experts (36%). Plus, the current market dynamics also offer a golden opportunity for budget-savvy travellers.