by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Tue March 25, 2025
As summer approaches, Canadians are shifting their travel priorities, opting for "calm-cations," according to new data from Flight Centre Canada.
The trend highlights a growing desire for peace of mind and rejuvenation.
A recent survey by YouGov, commissioned by Flight Centre, found that 61% of Canadian travellers plan to prioritize “soft travel” this year.
“Soft travel, or the ‘calm-cation,’ looks different for different people,” says Ryan Bond, Travel Expert at Flight Centre Canada.
“It puts the emphasis on mental and physical well-being so you return from your vacation with renewed energy and purpose.”
“Soft Travel" to Transform the Way Canadians Vacation (Photo Credit: Flight Centre Canada)
Seeking Peace and Quiet
According to the survey, 76% of Canadian travellers crave destinations that offer respite from the hustle and bustle.
This preference spans all age groups, with Gen Z leading the way at 81%, followed closely by Millennials (80%), Gen X (77%), Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation at 75% each.
Prioritizing Mental Health
More than three in five (61%) Canadian travellers say travel is extremely or very important to their mental health and well-being.
Destinations with built-in opportunities for relaxation and self-care are increasingly in demand.
Flight Centre noted the Euphoria Retreat in the mountains of the Peloponnese, Greece, and Le Monastère des Augustines in Québec City, a historic monastery turned wellness retreat, provide ideal environments.
Rest and Recharge
A good night’s sleep is another key factor in the soft travel movement.
The survey found that younger generations (Gen Z, 80%; Millennials, 76%) and those with children (77%) are particularly focused on vacations that prioritize rest.
Options like the secluded Trout Point Lodge in Nova Scotia, known for its riverside eco-lodges and stargazing suites, or Masseria Moroseta in Italy’s Puglia region, which emphasizes slow living and minimalist design, cater to the growing demand for some R&R.
“In an uncertain world, Canadians are searching for meaning,” Bond says.
“Travel provides the opportunity to take a break from day-to-day life and focus on what really matters: taking care of our bodies and minds, savouring the moment with the ones we love, and making a positive difference in our global community.”
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