Kayak, a popular travel search engine, has recently unveiled its annual summer travel trends report, shedding light on Canadians’ travel preferences for the upcoming summer season. The report indicates a growing interest in Calgary and South America as top travel destinations among Canadian travelers.
Based on searches conducted for travel dates spanning from May 17 to Sept. 3, 2024, the Kayak report highlights a notable increase in domestic travel costs, with prices up by nine percent compared to the previous summer. Despite the rise in expenses, there has been a 29 percent surge in searches for Canadian holidays, indicating a strong inclination towards local vacations. Calgary emerges as the leading domestic destination, capturing the attention of travelers across the country.
Calgary, renowned for its iconic Stampede event that attracts tourists from all corners of Canada, continues to draw significant interest. The city has witnessed a 30 percent increase in flight searches compared to the summer of 2023, positioning it prominently on the list of trending destinations. The Kayak report anticipates a notable influx of travelers to Calgary in 2024, further solidifying its appeal.
For those exploring travel options to the United States, Kayak highlights affordable airfares to cities like Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Additionally, renting a vehicle presents a cost-effective means of reaching domestic or U.S. vacation spots, with average daily rental rates experiencing a 22 percent decline.
South America emerges as a favored vacation region for Canadians, with searches for the area showing a significant 31 percent increase from the previous year. This surge aligns with a 14 percent year-over-year reduction in average airfares for the region, making it an attractive proposition for travelers.
While London retains its position as Kayak’s most-searched-for international destination, the report underscores the high vacation costs associated with the British capital. As an alternative, affordable European destinations like Athens, Lisbon, Rome, and Amsterdam are recommended for summer getaways.
Kayak advises travelers to consider booking vacations in mid-May when airfares are typically more budget-friendly, as prices tend to escalate leading up to late June and July. Moreover, avoiding travel during holiday weekends such as Victoria Day and Canada Day can yield cost savings, as these periods often witness price hikes on airfare and accommodations.
With the summer travel landscape evolving, Canadians are exploring diverse options for their upcoming vacations, with Calgary and South America emerging as top choices. As travelers gear up for their summer adventures, Kayak’s insights provide valuable guidance on navigating the changing travel trends and optimizing vacation plans.
