The majority of Canadians and Americans are planning to travel over the summer months, according to a new survey.
While summer travel dropped significantly in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the poll finds that 60 per cent of American and 61 per cent of Canadian respondents plan to travel in the months of July through September.
Generali Global Assistance (GGA) announced the findings of its poll, the 2022 Holiday Barometer, which is sponsored by parent company, Europ Assistance, and conducted by the consumer research firm Ipsos. The survey of 1000 people in each country was conducted between April 22 and May 13, 2022; it was the first year Canadians were included in the survey.
Report authors note that the results show summer travel is close to returning to pre-pandemic levels, however, travellers are taking longer to book. Only 50 per cent of Americans who said they would travel have already booked their trips, while only 42 per cent of Canadians have their travel plans nailed down.
But while travel budgets are back up in the United States, Canadian travellers are expected to "spend about 10 [per cent] less than their American counterparts."
Many respondents haven't decided on a summer destination, but of the ones who have, they are favouring North America over Europe. Europe's top destinations are France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Canada’s top destination types are a close race between cities (38%), countryside (37%), and seaside (35%).
Travel Canada: Insurance policies and coronavirus
Americans show an increasing interest in purchasing travel insurance (now at 38 per cent), according to the report authors. Canadians are more inclined to buy policies, with 60 per cent saying they'll purchase buy one for an upcoming trip.
American and Canadian travellers heading overseas are more likely to purchase insurance than those travelling domestically. Additionally, parents are more likely to purchase a policy than those without children.
“Even though travellers still need to take COVID-related precautions, it is reassuring that Americans are travelling again. Last year, the Americans who took the Ipsos survey were optimistic about travel returning to normal in 2022 and seem to have been proven right," said Chris Carnicelli, CEO of GAA.
"The number of Americans and Canadians who are travelling this summer is a great sign for the industry and, with increased travel budgets, the future of travel is looking up. We are even seeing an uptick in those who want to insure their travel against possible issues they may encounter here or abroad.”
Travel Canada: What Metro Vancouver residents need to know right now
Canada dropped its coronavirus testing requirement to enter the country and some vaccine requirements but many health restrictions remain in place following the federal government's announcement, particularly for cruising.
- Discover a tutorial on how to use the ArriveCAN app.
- Have a look at Canada's new cruising rules.
- Find out the best way to get a refund on your flight and not get taken advantage of by the airline with V.I.A.'s air passenger guide.
- Find out everything you need to consider as a B.C. resident booking travel in 2022, including important insurance considerations.
- This handy tool shows how long you'll wait in lines at Vancouver International Airport.
