by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:30 AM ET, Wed December 17, 2025
Nearly eight in 10 Canadians say travel has become less affordable over the past five years.
According to a new survey conducted for CIBC, 79% of Canadians believe travel affordability has declined, with many households choosing to stay closer to home. More than six in 10 respondents (62%) said they are not travelling during the holiday season, citing budget limitations (31%) and a desire to prioritize saving (22%).
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Still, a significant minority plan to travel. About 38% of Canadians say they will take a trip this holiday season, a slight decline from 41% in 2024. Younger Canadians are more likely to travel, with Gen Z respondents nearly twice as likely as Boomers to have holiday travel plans (50% compared to 26%).
Domestic Trips More Common
The poll found that 12% plan to travel abroad, 13% plan to travel within Canada, and 19% will travel within their own province. Nearly one in five travellers (18%) expect to use credit card rewards points to help offset travel costs.
CIBC noted that budgeting remains a priority for many households this season, with Canadians increasingly weighing costs, rewards programs, and advance planning as they make holiday decisions.
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The findings are based on an Ipsos poll conducted online between Oct. 1 and 9, surveying 1,500 Canadians aged 18 and over.
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