Canadians Willing to Make Lifestyle Changes for Affordable Travel: Key Insights from Recent Study

Canadians are finding creative ways to travel despite financial hurdles, according to a recent study. A survey conducted by Arlington Research in March 2025 for FlightHub, questioned 1,500 Canadians who have flown within the last two years. It revealed that travel is still a priority, even as people adapt to changing financial situations.

Interestingly, younger adults are more committed to travel. About one-third of Gen Z (34%) and Millennials (30%) allocate 11-25% of their disposable income to adventures. This trend shows their willingness to invest in experiences over material goods.

Over half of those surveyed (61%) reported changing how they travel to afford it. Gen Z respondents especially felt this, with 76% noting adjustments in their travel plans. Many Canadians are taking advantage of discounts (67%) and changing travel dates (54%) to save money. Four in ten are also opting for less popular travel destinations.

Rising living costs—like rent and groceries—have significantly impacted travel budgets. One-third of Canadians say they’ll reduce their travel frequency, and 35% are looking for budget-friendly options. However, only 21% prioritized savings over travel. Surprisingly, 10% are willing to travel as much as possible, regardless of cost.

To finance their trips, 62% choose to save ahead of time. Meanwhile, 37% stick to strict budgets, and 28% prefer “travel now, pay later” credit card options. Just 14% can afford to travel spontaneously without budgeting.

Henri Chelhot, CEO of FlightHub, noted, “Canadians are weighing their options to keep travel in their lives. While some won’t compromise, many are adapting to make it work.” His statement highlights that the desire for travel persists even amidst inflation.

The study also revealed that 20% of Canadians are seeking jobs with more travel-friendly flexibility. A related survey by Corporate Traveller Canada and YouGov found that “bleisure” travel—combining business and leisure—is growing popular across all age groups, not just Gen Z.

This reflects a broader trend where Canadians are valuing lifestyle flexibility alongside income. When asked if they’d accept lower-paying jobs for more travel opportunities, 27% answered “yes.” Almost one-third of that group would accept pay cuts of 11% or more. However, 38% would not accept lower pay, suggesting a cautious approach.

In short, Canadians are rethinking their careers and travel plans to align with their priorities. Chelhot emphasized that affordability pressures are prompting Canadians to make intentional choices that protect what matters most to them.

According to Statistics Canada, in 2022, travel spending rose by 20% compared to the previous year, showcasing the continued importance of travel in Canadians’ lives.

For more insights into travel trends, you can read the full report from FlightHub here.

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