Canadians ready to make lifestyle trade-offs to keep travel within reach: study

Canadians are discovering alternative ways to keep travel within reach despite financial challenges and uncertainty in the marketplace, according to a new study.

A recent survey fielded in March 2025 by Arlington Research for FlightHub polling 1,500 adults living in Canada, who had flown at least once in the past two years, reveals that travel remains important – even if it now requires greater flexibility, trade-offs and financial planning.

Younger generations are also slightly more likely to spend a greater percentage of their revenue into their yearly adventures, with around a third of Gen Z (34 per cent) and Millennials (30 per cent) saying they dedicate between 11-25 per cent of their disposable income to travels.

The survey, conducted by Arlington’s team, was in field from March 12-17, 2025, and engaged a sample of 1,500 Canadians who have flown for business or leisure in the past two years.

Travel workarounds

Canadians – and especially young ones – have been finding workarounds to make travel more affordable, says FlightHub.

While many (61 per cent) agreed that they had been adapting the way they travel over the past two years so they could afford it, Gen Z respondents were significantly more likely to say so, with three quarters (76 per cent) adapting to costs.

READ MORE: Bleisure travel booming among multiple age groups: study

Of the Canadians who report adapting to increased travel costs, 67 per cent say they are taking advantage of discounts, over half (54 per cent) are changing travel dates and four-in-ten (42 per cent) are opting for alternative destinations for a trip on the dime.

These changes reflect broader trade-offs or financial planning as four-in-ten Canadians say that the cost of living (rent, mortgage, utilities, food) has a significant impact on their travel budget.

One-third (34 per cent) of all respondents also say they would reduce how often they travel and 35 per cent are seeking more budget-friendly travel options.

However, only a fifth (21 per cent) said they would prioritize financial goals over travel and 10 per cent said they would continue to travel as much as possible, regardless of the cost.

When it comes to financing their adapted travel plans, Canadians are more likely to use caution and save up ahead (62 per cent), all while sticking to a strict travel budget (37 per cent), or opt for a travel first, pay later solution through their credit card (28 per cent).

Only 14 per cent of respondents say they can afford to travel spontaneously without strict budgeting.

“Canadians are weighing their options to avoid cutting travel from their lives. While some are unwilling to compromise, others are finding ways to adapt to make travel plans a reality,” said Henri Chelhot, CEO of FlightHub, in a statement. “Our survey reveals that some Canadians are adjusting the timing and style of their trips, underscoring that for many, travel remains essential for many even as inflation places more barriers to affordability.”

Willing to take a pay cut

Canadians are also reshaping their professional paths to make room for travel

The commitment to travel extends beyond budgeting. According to the survey, a fifth (20 per cent) of respondents are actively seeking jobs that offer more flexibility to accommodate their travel plans throughout the year.

This aligns with another survey that was recently conducted by Corporate Traveller Canada and YouGov, which found that bleisure travel—combining business with leisure—is no longer just a Gen Z thing. It’s gaining traction across all age groups, including Gen X Canadians.

For many, lifestyle flexibility is becoming just as important as income.

When asked whether they would accept a lower-paying job in exchange for more travel flexibility, 27 per cent of respondents would choose the trade-off, with nearly one-third of that group (29 per cent) willing to take a pay cut of 11 per cent or more.

However, 38 per cent of respondents say they would not choose a job with lower pay, while 35 per cent said that it would depend on how much lower the pay is.

This shift highlights a rising trend: more Canadians are assessing their careers not solely based on pay, but on how well their jobs align with the lifestyle they desire — including the flexibility to travel.

“As affordability pressures grow, we’re seeing Canadians make deliberate choices to protect what matters most to them,” stated Chelhot. “Whether it’s adjusting their budget, seeking more flexible careers, or exploring new destinations, travel remains a priority, and that commitment speaks volumes about its role in Canadians’ lives.”

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