Martinique leads Canadians’ holiday travel search growth: KAYAK

Canadians are showing growing interest in sun destinations closer to home this holiday season, with Martinique leading the increase in flight searches, according to new data from KAYAK.

The travel search company’s findings suggest a shift from last year, when destinations across Asia and Africa attracted Canadians’ interest.

Average international airfare is also down four per cent.

Flight searches for Fort-de-France, Martinique, have risen 117 per cent compared to 2025, while average airfare has fallen 23 per cent to $1,212.

“Martinique is emerging as this season’s breakout destination for Canadians. With new nonstop service from Toronto launching this winter, the island is easier to reach and more affordable, making it a compelling combination for Canadians looking to escape the cold,” said Kayla DeLoache, KAYAK Canada’s travel trends expert.

Costa Rica also has two cities among the season’s top trending destinations. 

Searches for Liberia are up 48 per cent, with average airfare of $1,126, while searches for San José have increased 15 per cent, with average airfare of $1,185.

Bangkok and Miami round out the top five, with search increases of 21 per cent and 12 per cent respectively. 

Average airfare is $2,323 for Bangkok and $687 for Miami.

Holiday flight pricing and airport crowds

KAYAK expects Dec. 19 to be the busiest day for international air travel, with Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver expected to be Canada’s busiest airports.

For domestic flights before Christmas, Dec. 18 is the most affordable departure date, with average airfare of $385. 

The same date is the most expensive for international travel, with average airfare reaching $1,462.

Calgary, New York, Toronto and Vancouver are among the season’s most affordable destinations, with average airfares below $600. 

Calgary averages $518, followed by New York at $523, Toronto at $524 and Vancouver at $580. 

Las Vegas also makes KAYAK’s affordable destinations list, with average airfare of $644.

For travellers considering a road trip, domestic rental car search interest is up seven per cent, while average rates are down 11 per cent compared to last holiday season.

Family visits influence travel plans

Separate survey findings from KAYAK suggest Canadians are also considering how much time to spend with family over the holidays.

More than half of Canadians surveyed (57 per cent) said they would adjust their holiday travel plans to limit family time, compared to 46 per cent of Americans. 

That includes 37 per cent of Canadians who would plan a shorter trip from the outset.

Canadians were less likely than Americans to book a hotel to give themselves some space during family visits, at 44 per cent compared to 50 per cent.

Meanwhile, 45 per cent of Canadians surveyed said they would prefer to stay at a nearby hotel rather than with their in-laws or partner’s family.

Among Gen Z women, 66 per cent said travelling to visit their in-laws or partner’s family over the holidays would cause them stress, as did 59 per cent of millennial women.

Cost, sharing bathrooms or other spaces and sleeping arrangements topped Canadians’ list of stressors when staying with in-laws.

KAYAK also highlighted its AskAI feature, which can help travellers find accommodation based on criteria such as proximity to family members’ homes and other preferences.

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