Travel Check-In: Summer 2024.

Here’s what the numbers tell us.

Let’s get into it. While on average, destinations within Canada are 9% more expensive this summer than last, that only means it’s a great opportunity to flex your passport this season. Currently, we saw price drops to regions like the US, Caribbean and Europe. But the biggest drops in average airfare are to Central and South America, where we’re seeing a 13% and 14% decrease, respectively, year-over-year.

And if you needed even more encouragement to put a destination in South America on your list – not only are airfares low, but interest is heating up. We’ve seen a 31% jump in traveler searches to the continent compared to last summer. Expect to see posts about coffee shops in Colombia, hiking in Peru, or surfing in Montevideo fill your feed this season. But also, interest in exploring destinations within Canada has seen an impressive jump too: up 29% vs. 2023. In fact, the only region that saw a decrease in year over year searching is Europe. So more sun and sand, fewer old castles is what you’re telling us. Got it.

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Here’s what the numbers tell us.

Domestic: For flights within Canada, May and early-June seem to be the sweet spot. Take advantage of the start of the season as temps warm up and flight prices are still low. By mid-June, however, you’ll hit peak travel season. Prices ramp up at this time and throughout July you’re seeing some of the most expensive travel weeks of the season. Things start to decline in August, but are still significantly more than May and June.

International: For international trips, we’re seeing a similar effect with some caveats. Mid-May has some of our cheapest averages airfares of the summer, with a steady increase until things peak in late-June/early-July. After that, flight prices slowly decline. By mid- to late-August, you’ll once again see lower flight prices (but it happens to be around the time many Europeans are off on their own holidays, closing down restaurants and shops. So do your research).

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Here’s what the numbers tell us.

International: As for international destinations, Europe is the top choice. But for those whose budgets might not want you to drop an average $1000+ on airfare, Las Vegas and Orlando are solid alternatives (they each have European-themed hotels too…). Your passport gets some action and you may not feel the same pinch in your wallet.

Domestic: We’re pleased, but maybe not surprised by the most popular cities this season. For destinations within Canada, all your mainstays are represented: Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Victoria. Whereas cities like Kelowna are getting their moment in the sun after seeing sudden, impressive spikes in interest.

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Here’s what the numbers tell us.

You may be wondering: how can South America be the top trending region, but only Lima is in the top 10? It’s math, dahling. Overall, we’re seeing more increases in searches to South American destinations than last year.

But when we drill into the data and go city-by-city, the spikes are really happening in those places that either more recently opened to international travel (Shanghai, Icheon, Toyko) or are popular European destinations (Frankfurt and Edinburgh).

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Here’s what the numbers tell us.

Destinations in the US continue to drop in price over the summer months, making it a great year to go south of the border. Hot destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix and LA are some of our cheapest fares. You can also find your city adventure on a budget in places like San Francisco and New York.

If you’re looking to stay closer to the home, metropolitan places like Toronto and Vancouver are good bets, as is staying close to the seaside in Halifax, St. Johns and Charlottetown.

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Here’s what the numbers tell us.

While dropping over $700 on a flight might not be considered “cheap” – if you think about the fact that the average price for that same destination was over $850 last year, you’re saving a ton. That’s like… the equivalent of a nightly rate for a hotel. A meal at a 5-star restaurant.

One really blurry night at a beachside bar with 4 of your newest friends. However you want to do the math, there is some satisfaction in knowing you’re getting the “sale price” on these destinations.

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Here’s what the numbers tell us.

Destinations throughout Canada are heavily represented on our wallet-friendly list. We looked at the cost of round-trip airfare plus a one-night hotel stay to come up with destinations that’ll get you there and back for under $770.

And while Calgary took the top spot, sun-seekers can find plenty of destinations on the list. So no matter what you’re looking for, it is possible to travel on a budget.

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Here’s what the numbers tell us.

Victoria Day: Generally speaking, the summer travel holidays are a bit pricier this year. For Victoria Day, we see a 15% increase in the average flight price and a 6% increase in hotel rates, when compared to 2023.

Canada Day: Flights and hotels for Canada Day are generally more expensive this year than last (+8% and +2% respectively). While there are still deals to find, you might want to balance your budget with the free fireworks shows.

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Here’s what the numbers tell us.

Domestic: The charts say it all. It’s more expensive this summer than last to rent a car in Canada (the average rate is up 15%). But let’s put this in context: last year we were likely still seeing the halo effect of travel ramping back up in Canada since the tentative post-pandemic years. So overall you’re likely to see higher costs when renting cars this season.

International: That all said, the good news is for travelers headed to international destinations – you’re actually seeing a decent drop in prices this year. The average daily rate has dropped by 22% this summer vs. last. Nothing like a summer road trip along the Amalfi Coast – or many consider Faro, Portugal instead.

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Here’s what the numbers tell us.

Domestic: The hotel story is similar to what’s happening with rental cars. If you’re looking to stay in destinations within Canada, there’s been a bit of a bump in prices. The average nightly rate has gone up 7% compared to last summer. So maybe reconsider that midnight room service order of french fries if you’re looking to save.

International: International hotel rates have also gone up (+10%) for Canadian travelers (*shakes fist at inflation*). But that doesn’t mean you won’t find a deal. According to our data, you can still generally find decent pricing for hotels in places like Thailand, Japan, Greece and Florida, to name a few.

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