What to know
- Nearly half of Toronto travellers are still taking vacations despite the affordability crisis, but many are changing destinations and budgeting more carefully to reduce costs.
- A YouGov study commissioned by Flight Centre Canada found 49 per cent of respondents said affordability is the biggest factor influencing where they travel, with people considering flights, accommodations, food and daily expenses.
- Lower-cost destinations in East Asia are becoming more popular, with travellers choosing places like Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam and China because of favourable exchange rates and cheaper experiences.
- Travel companies say destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and China can offer significantly cheaper stays, meals and attractions compared to traditional vacation spots, allowing Canadians to travel without spending as much.
A new study shows that despite an ongoing affordability crisis, nearly half of Toronto residents are still travelling, but are adjusting their destinations to save some cash.
Data by market research and data analytics company YouGov, commissioned by Flight Centre Canada, found 49 per cent of those polled said affordability is the single biggest factor driving where they choose to go, which beats out safety at 20 per cent and geopolitical concerns at 10 per cent.
Because of the higher cost of living in the country and around the globe, travellers are adjusting the way they explore.
Instead of quitting travelling cold turkey, those who like to fly out for a vacation are looking deeper into the overall costs of their trip, factoring in accommodation and food, and looking at where they can cut costs.
Almost three-quarters of Canadians polled expect rising fuel and/or flight costs to affect their ability to travel this summer. Another 61 per cent say the higher prices in travel and other sectors will have the biggest impact on their ability to go out of the country.
As a result of high costs, flights to East Asian countries, such as Japan and Thailand, have skyrocketed.
Around 52 per cent of travellers have opted to visit Japan, with another 50 per cent choosing Cambodia, 42 per cent to Vietnam, and 20 per cent to China.
According to the study, these destinations tend to be favoured for their lower exchange rates and cheaper daily expenses when visiting.
When looking at the numbers in some of these destinations, it’s clear why they are being favoured.
According to Flight Centre Canada, eight nights at a four-star resort in Phuket, Thailand, costs about $1,855 CAD per person with flights, an amount that is almost $150 more when choosing just seven nights at a four-star resort in Jamaica.
When looking at meal costs, pho at a street market in Ho Chi Minh City, or Hanoi in Vietnam, goes for less than $3 CAD, one-sixth of the cost when buying in some restaurants in Toronto.
When planning to sight-see at tourist destinations, a visit to the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, China, costs around $25 CAD, while accessing the Acropolis of Athens and its slopes is more than $48.
Canada is dealing with a major affordability crisis that’s affecting housing, health care, child care, food security, and education for residents, with the loonie dipping to a 14-month low, according to the Bank of Canada.
Choosing cheap travel destinations is a way for them to escape and rejuvenate during tumultuous times, without further breaking the bank.
This data is based on multiple factors, including a YouGov survey conducted between May 7 and 13, 2026, polling 1,036 Canadian adults aged 18 and over, not including Quebec residents, who intend to travel on a vacation in the next 12 months. It was also based on another YouGov survey between Feb. 19 and 22, 2026, asking 1,013 Canadian adults aged 18 and over who intended to travel for fun in 2026.
