Canadians Eye Winter Getaways Despite Cost Pressures

A new Allianz survey finds 41% of Canadians are planning a winter trip, with cost cited as the main obstacle.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Canada

Flat gouache-painted editorial illustration of a single ochre suitcase with a dusty rose scarf in a snowy field beneath pine silhouettes. — A new Allianz survey found 41% of Canadians plan a winter getaway, with 66% of non-travellers citing a lack of money or unwillingness to spend. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Are you planning a winter getaway this year despite rising costs?

Allianz Global Assistance Canada released its winter Allianz Global Travel Confidence Index, showing 41% of Canadians plan a winter getaway while many others are holding back. Among non-travellers, 66% said they lack the money or do not want to spend it.

Why it matters

The findings point to financial pressure shaping travel decisions across the country. Travellers are cutting non-essential spending and scaling back plans rather than cancelling them outright.

The Ipsos survey of 1,001 Canadian adults, conducted September 25 to October 9, 2026, found an average anticipated winter vacation spend of $2,592 per person. Spending expectations vary sharply by age, from $1,790 among Gen Z to $4,306 among Baby Boomers.

The players

Allianz Global Assistance Canada

The Canadian arm of the global travel insurance provider, which released the winter Allianz Global Travel Confidence Index survey.

Ipsos

A global market research firm that conducted the online survey among 1,001 Canadian adults.

The details

Among Canadians not planning to travel, 66% said they don't have the money or don't want to spend it, and 30% said travel has become too expensive. Sixty-three per cent of travellers are cutting back on non-essential spending to afford a vacation, while 62% cited travel delays as a concern.

September 25 to October 9, 2026: Ipsos conducted the survey among Canadian adults.
November 9, 2026: Travelpulse.ca published the article on the survey results.
Coming year: 33% of Canadians say they plan to spend more on luxury travel experiences.

Seasonal Patterns

The Allianz Global Travel Confidence Index tracks Canadian travel sentiment across seasons, and this winter edition shows cost remaining the dominant barrier to travel. Winter trips are being planned against a backdrop of tightening household budgets and persistent travel delay concerns.

Travellers weighing a winter trip may want to factor in cost and delay risk when booking. Those scaling back can consider shorter or closer-to-home options rather than cancelling plans entirely.

The takeaway

Cost is the main factor holding Canadians back from winter travel, so planning around budget limits and delay risk can help keep trips on track. Even modest adjustments, such as trimming non-essential spending, can make a getaway more affordable.