Top Three Canadian Travel Trends this Holiday Season

The results of our 2014 holi-data survey are in and while one in two Canadians find the holiday season stressful, an overwhelming 71 per cent agree that a vacation would help relieve stress associated with the holiday season.

Travel is on the mind for six out of ten Canadians with 29 per cent planning to travel and another 29 per cent wishing they could be travelling. So the question is – when, where and how are Canadians travelling this holiday season?

Canadians travel to see their families

Spending the holiday with the in-laws isn’t always a bad thing. Survey results show that Canadians are most willing to travel this holiday season to see family and friends. For those planning to travel during this busy time of year, 49 per cent will be doing so with the family while another 31 per cent will be travelling with their spouse. And when it comes to what they’ll enjoy most about travelling during the holidays, 38 per cent said they look forward to getting away with family and friends. This isn’t only the season for giving, it’s also the season for spending time with those closest to you.

Canadians escape to warmer climates

Our neighbours to the south might notice an increase in Canadian representation over the next little while. According to our holi-data survey, Canadians travelling by plane are choosing sunny and warm destinations and the top 10 spots for the holiday season will have you dreaming of palm tree Christmas trees and tropical cocktails*:

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Orlando, Florida
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Miami, Florida
• Los Angeles, California
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Tampa, Florida
• Cancun, Mexico
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Las Vegas, Nevada

Canadians find travel deals via mobile device

As we all continue to live fast-paced lives, especially around the holidays. According to Google trending** the most popular way to search for travel options was via smartphone. More than half of Canadians (59 per cent) are expected to use their smartphone for holiday browsing and research. Good thing our free Expedia Travel App lets travellers search, book and check itinerary details right from the palm of their hands.

Are you planning on travelling this holiday season?

*Based on volume of flight bookings made on Expedia.ca between Jan 1, 2014 and Oct 31, 2014, from all Canadian origins combined for travel between December 20, 2014 and January 3, 2015

**Google Trends (November 2014)