Canadians eager to travel despite security & economic concerns: survey

Canadians remain committed to travel despite rising concerns about global security and economic uncertainty, according to new findings from Redion's 2026 Holiday Barometer.

The survey found that 66 per cent of Canadians plan to travel this summer, down from 72 per cent in 2025 but still indicating strong demand for leisure travel.

This stands in contrast to the U.S., where travel intent has continued to rise, underscoring a somewhat more cautious Canadian outlook.

The report suggests Canadians are becoming more deliberate in how they plan and book trips rather than abandoning travel altogether.

"Canadian travellers continue to demonstrate a strong desire to explore, even in a more complex and uncertain global environment. What is changing is how they travel — with greater emphasis on safety, flexibility, and trusted support throughout their journey," said Rob Iafrate, CEO, head of branch Canada for Redion (formerly Europ Assistance), in a press release. 

The findings show travel remains a regular part of Canadians' lives, with more than four in five respondents taking at least one leisure trip each year.

While slightly below the European average, the figure highlights continued demand for travel services, assistance and insurance.

Safety an important factor

Safety is emerging as an increasingly important factor in travel decisions.

Nearly one-third (32 per cent) of North American travellers surveyed said safety is a key consideration when choosing a destination, while a growing number cited safety and security concerns as reasons to avoid travel altogether.

The survey also points to a continued shift toward domestic travel, with Canadians increasingly choosing destinations closer to home.

The trend mirrors broader global patterns, even as international travel remains the preferred option for many travelers.

Technology adoption for travel planning also lags behind other markets. Just 19 per cent of Canadians reported using artificial intelligence tools to plan or book travel, placing Canada among the lower-adoption countries globally.

According to the report, many travellers continue to prefer human interaction and express concerns about the reliability and trustworthiness of AI-powered travel tools.

Travel spending remains resilient

Despite ongoing uncertainty, travel spending appears resilient.

Globally, respondents were more likely to say they plan to increase their travel budgets in 2026 than reduce them, suggesting spending per traveller could continue to grow even if overall trip volumes soften.

The survey was conducted during a period marked by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, factors the report says are influencing destination choices, shortening planning timelines and increasing demand for rest and relaxation.

Even so, the findings indicate travel remains a priority for many Canadians, with decisions increasingly guided by safety, value and peace of mind.

About the survey

The 2026 Holiday Barometer surveyed representative samples across 26 countries.

In Canada, the research included 1,000 respondents aged 18 and older, with fieldwork conducted between Feb. 27 and April 7, 2026.

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