In winter, we relax, in summer, we explore

This is the observation made by CAA-Quebec by surveying its members, as part of its first survey¹ on travel intentions, to outline the travel trends outside Quebec expected over the next twelve months. And many will escape: nearly half of the members (46%) plan to take at least one trip outside the province in the coming year.    

Not surprisingly, southern destinations (Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America) are more sought after during the cold season. In the summer, people tend to head to the United States, Europe, and Canada outside Quebec. It’s safe to say that Quebecers will go to warm up in the cold season, leaving more adventurous (and longer!) trips for the summer.

For more than a quarter of the members (29%), the trip taken in winter 2023-2024 represents the main stay of the next 12 months. And although the survey highlighted the impact of inflation on the wallet, members still plan to take an average of nearly two trips over the next year at an average cost of $2322 each.

But where will all these people go next year? The beach seems to be the most popular destination (58%). Although it is at the top in all age groups, this data is particularly striking for the 35-54 age group. The climate at the destination is, however, the deciding factor (73%), especially among those aged 55 and over.

I think… about getting insurance: the message is understood!

The importance of having insurance for emergency medical care while traveling has been well understood by members: only 2% say they travel without it. Nearly half of those with travel insurance included in a program (credit card, employer group insurance, etc.) plan to inquire about their coverage before leaving. Interestingly, 18-34-year-olds favor a good reading of their policy, while those 55 and over will rather pick up the phone to speak to a travel advisor, agent, or insurance broker. A quarter of the members have already made at least one reservation: the majority (64%) keep an exit option by choosing options that allow them to cancel or modify their reservation. The pandemic has taught us good lessons!

“Taking the time to read and understand the inclusions of your insurance policy before departure is essential. Although many travelers have access to protection through their employer and credit cards, the inclusions are not necessarily tailored to their needs.”

- Suzanne Michaud, Vice President of Insurance

Inflation: we adjust, but we travel!

Inflation has been on everyone’s lips over the past year. Gas, grocery basket, service costs: prices have exploded everywhere, and the travel sector is no exception. Thus, the vast majority of respondents (65%) consider that it will impact the travel budget. The mentioned consequences:  

• I will reduce the number of trips I take in the year: 33%
• I will travel outside the high tourist season: 24%
• I will stay in less expensive accommodations: 22%
• I will shorten my stays: 16%
• I will do fewer activities at the destination: 16%
• I will travel to the destination by road rather than by plane: 11%
• I will change my destinations: 11%

As a sign of economic gloom, the most cited reason for those who will not travel outside Quebec is budgetary (38%). We still wish them a moment of rest in Quebec when summer comes.

The survey at a glance:

Main activities at the destination:

• Going to the beach: 52%
• Discovering history and culture: 43%
• Resting, doing nothing: 39%
• Discovering local gastronomy: 35%
• Urban discovery: 31%
• Experiencing the culture like the locals: 26%
• Doing summer sports activities: 24%
• Attending one or more cultural events: 20%
• Shopping: 19%
• Visiting relatives or friends: 13%
• Wellness tourism: 11%

Main destinations for the next 12 months:

•    United States: 40%

• New England: 17%
• South Atlantic: 13%
• Mid-Atlantic Coast: 11%

•    Mexico and the Caribbean: 35%

• Mexico: 12%
• Dominican Republic: 10%
• Cuba: 10%

•    Europe: 31%

• France: 10%
• Italy: 7%
• Spain: 6%
• Portugal: 5%

•    Canada outside Quebec: 30%

• Ontario: 15%
• Atlantic Provinces: 11%
• Western Canada: 9%

Types of accommodation during the main trip

• Traditional accommodation (hotel, motel, inn, B&B): 46%
• With friends or family: 9%
• In a secondary residence: 2%
• In a resort (cruise ship, vacation center, seaside resort): 16%
• Rental residence (house, villa, apartment, etc.): 14%

Main trip vacation period

• Fall 2023: 16%
• Winter 2023-24: 29%
• Spring 2024: 20%
• Summer 2024: 22%

Main trip duration

• Long vacation (7 to 13 nights): 46%
• Extended trip (14 nights or more): 25%
• Short stay (4 to 6 nights): 16%
• Quick getaway (3 nights or less): 7%

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec offers a range of assistance services in various sectors, focusing on a human approach. Socially engaged, the organization acts daily to defend the interests of its members. In line with its values of reliability and caring, it encourages responsible consumption and the promotion of road safety.

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^{1.This web survey was conducted by CAA-Quebec with a panel of 2094 respondents aged 18 and over, representative of the Quebec population, between September 22 and October 1, 2023. For reference, a probabilistic sample of the same size would allow extrapolating the results with a margin of error of +/- 2.1% for CAA-Quebec members and +/- 3.3% for travelers outside Quebec.}