Best buys for Summer 2026.

Nearly 1 in 3 of Canada’s most-searched flight destinations are under $600.

Think summer travel is out of reach? Think again. Prices have been climbing, but travellers can still score affordable getaways. We dug into KAYAK search data to reveal where to go for less and how to get your trips right this season.

Summer travel at a glance.

Travel costs are up, but people aren’t travelling less.

Overall flight interest is up 2% with domestic and international searches on par with last summer.

Trip timing can bring big savings.

The lowest fares can be found for domestic trips early to mid-June, averaging $380, and in mid-June or August for international trips, averaging $1100 or less.

Travel behaviors aren’t shifting that much.

As in year’s past, Europe and Asia remain the most popular regions for summer travel, outside domestic trips.

Bottom line: Travel is still going strong this summer, with flight interest holding steady. And while prices are higher, there are still plenty of opportunities to save if you know where to look.

A woman walks in front of colorful houses in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa.

Summer travel, mapped.

What does summer travel really look like this year? We analyzed flight search data to see where Canadian travellers are going and how prices compare across top destinations.

Where your budget can take you this summer

We mapped the most-searched summer flight destinations for Canadian travellers, along with their average round-trip flight prices. Nearly a third can be reached for under $600.

Portrait of young smiling woman wearing swimsuit, lying on a towel at poolside. Woman hanging out on a pool during summer vacations

Best buys of the summer.

Not all trips are created equal. This summer, some destinations are simply a better buy.

Summer’s cheapest getaways

Some destinations simply cost less than others to reach. From affordable domestic routes to cities like Montego Bay, Dublin and even Casablanca, these are the best-value options per region.

A picturesque lake with clear, bright blue water surrounded by tall bushes and snowy peaks against the sky.

A stunning white sand beach with crystal clear water, palm trees, and cabanas is visible in the background.

Young hikers sitting on rocks while taking a break

Time it right.

Timing is everything this summer. Based on current prices, these are the weeks when it’s cheapest and most expensive to travel.

When to fly

For Canadian trips, the most affordable travel window is early to mid-June, with average prices around $380, about 39% lower than peak weeks. For international travel, there are two windows of opportunity: early to mid-June or between August 3 and 30, when flights average $1100 or less, a 25% difference from peak weeks.

Not sure where to start? Chat with Ask AI on KAYAK for help planning your trip and finding the best value for your budget.

Four happy women sitting on a sandy beach next to a striped umbrella, with large rock formations behind.

The summer travel hotlist.

The popular crowd, by the numbers. These destinations lead in searches, alongside the spots seeing the biggest jumps in interest.

Most popular destinations

From Vancouver and Toronto to Paris, London and Lisbon, these are the destinations travellers are searching for most this summer, spanning top Canadian cities and global icons.

Trending destinations: Summer’s hottest picks

These destinations are seeing the biggest increase in flight interest. From Spain to Costa Rica to Asian cities like Ho Chi Minh, travellers are looking beyond the usual.

A woman ziplining through the woods across a shallow river.

Want a deeper look at what’s driving travel this year? Check our WTF What the Future report 2026.

Money-saving tips from KAYAK’s travel expert, Kayla DeLoache.

“Airfares are especially unpredictable this summer, with prices shifting quickly. That can make planning trickier, but with some flexibility and the right tools to compare options, travellers can still find affordable ways to get away. We created this guide to give travellers a starting point as they navigate these changes and plan their trips.”

– Kayla DeLoache, KAYAK travel trends expert

Travel costs are up, but a few smart moves can still go a long way. Here’s how to save more this summer.

Skip the usuals

Tourist hotspots come with peak prices. Instead, look for better-value alternatives like Dublin or Reykjavik over pricier European capitals.

Book now and time your travel right

Early or late summer are your sweet spots for traveling. Fares tend to be lowest from early to mid-June before schools let out, making it one of the most affordable windows to travel.

Catch the first flight out

Early flights are often cheaper, less crowded and more reliable. You’ll save money and gain more time at your destination.

Fly or drive? Do the math.

Use the Road Trip Calculator to compare total trip costs using real-time gas prices and KAYAK flight and rental car data.

Plan smarter.

Use Ask AI to build your trip in a simple chat and uncover better deals across flights, hotels, and cars in real time.

Looking at holiday weekends.

Planning around a holiday weekend? These are the best days to fly and the most affordable destinations.

Civic Day

Domestic flight searches are on par with last Civic Holiday weekend, even as average domestic airfares have risen 18% year over year.

For travelers looking to save, timing matters. July 31 is shaping up to be the busiest day for domestic Civic Holiday travel, while travelers who can shift their departure to August 1 may find lower fares. In fact, average airfare on August 1 is currently around $395, roughly 8% less than flights on July 31.

Here are some of the most affordable destinations for the holiday weekend.

A white lighthouse at the edge of a rocky coastline with crashing ocean waves.

Methodology

Insights in the Travel Check-in: Summer deals 2026 report are based on an analysis of flight searches made on KAYAK between Mar 1, 2026 and Apr 10, 2026 for travel between May 14, 2026 and Sep 8, 2026.

All flight prices mentioned are average prices for round-trip flights in economy class for the defined travel period, and departing from any airport in Canada. Prices may vary and may be no longer available.

To present price developments by travel dates over the summer weeks, the average flight prices per full week of summer (Monday to Sunday) from anywhere in Canada to domestic and international destinations are each calculated.

‘Trending destinations’ are defined as destinations with the biggest year-over-year increase in search volume.

All flight prices mentioned are average prices for round-trip flights in economy class for the defined travel period, and departing from any airport in Canada. Prices may vary and may be no longer available.

Civic Day insights are based on an analysis of flight searches made on KAYAK between Mar 1, 2026 and July 7, 2026 for travel between July 29, 2026 and Aug 5, 2026. They were compared to flight searches in the same search and travel period in 2025.

All flight prices mentioned are average prices for round-trip flights in economy class for the defined travel period, and departing from any airport in Canada. Prices may vary and may be no longer available.