Survey: Canadians reveal their least favourite things about holiday travel

What do Canadians hate most about travelling home for the winter holidays?

Skyscanner, using proprietary data and a specially commissioned survey of 2,000 travellers, has the latest insights.

Skyscanner Travel Expert, Laura Lindsay, has divulged exclusive data revealing unique insights for the upcoming holiday season aimed at Canadian travellers.

With many Canadians set to take flight and join their loved ones for the season, here’s what they’re not looking forward to.

According to the survey, here are the top 10 things Canadians find most stressful about holiday travel

1. Flight delays - 57%

2. Long lines at airport security - 46%

3. Losing Luggage - 41%

4. Hazardous road conditions due to winter weather - 37%

5. Losing something while travelling - 31%

6. Packing - 23%

7. Finding the right accommodations as a solo traveller or couple - 15%

8. Finding a parking spot at the airport - 12%

9. Booking a rental car - 9%

10. Finding a kid-friendly accommodation - 6%

“Flights departing in the morning have the lowest chance of delays as they are less likely to be affected by any scheduling issues but may be more expensive as they’re often the most popular,” Lindsay said in a release, sharing her advice.

Here’s how Canadians plan to master travel during the end of 2024-early 2025, according to the study:

Canadians’ Top Strategy for Surviving Holiday Airport Chaos

Arrive hours early and people-watch - 45%

Find the nearest airport lounge and relax - 30%

Avoid airports altogether and drive - 27%

Speed through security like a pro - 22%

Skyscanner has also listed the busiest destinations over the holidays:

1. New Delhi 

2. Toronto 

3. Vancouver 

4. Mumbai 

5. Cancun 

6. Calgary 

7. Paris 

8. London 

9. Fort Lauderdale 

10. New York 

Lindsay shared some key information for negating travel overwhelm: “Check security wait times online before heading out; many airports have apps or websites that update in real-time, so you can time your arrival to avoid unnecessary stress. Additionally, since packing ranks high on Canadians’ list of stressors, start early by creating a list, and pack versatile items. The less you overthink it, the less stress you’ll feel,” she said.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.