The 2024 Summer Vacation: Road Trippin' & Savin' (a little)

Summer, summer, summertime (ooh, summertime)

The summer vacation is back! That glorious tradition where we collectively decide it's time to escape the grind, embrace the sun, and forget what day of the week it is. It’s not just a break; it’s a necessary ritual, a mental reset that involves too much sun, OOO replies doing their thing, and consuming the perfect amount of Hawkins Cheezies and Twizzlers.

It didn't go too far, but in 2023, Canadians took a little breather with their summer vacations. The economy was at least partially to blame. Thankfully, we're re-embracing the summer vacation this year.

According to a Deloitte survey, over 80% of Canadians say they will be taking a summer vacation this year, with the average household expected to spend $2,405 on transportation and lodging.

This cautious optimism around vacation makes sense, as the Canadian economy is still the definition of a mixed bag. Although inflation isn't spiralling out of control, the job market is getting softer, with unemployment trending upwards, sitting 0.9% higher than a year ago. What's clear is no one’s popping champagne over their budget spreadsheets. The same Deloitte survey indicates that about a fifth of Canadians won't be travelling this year, with the majority saying they can't afford it.

How to Vacation Like a (Cost-Conscious) Pro

As a result of this economy, the road trip, that old standby of budget travel, is enjoying a renaissance. With flights priced like they’re trying to convince you to stay home, more Canadians are hitting the highways. 65% of Canadians are planning to take a road trip this summer and almost 60% of Canadians say they'd prefer to hit a non-urban destination for their summer vacation (source). It’s not just about saving money on transportation; it’s about rediscovering the charm of getting lost on a backroad and heading to a lake, beach, ocean or park.

And let’s not forget the fine art of being “budget-conscious.” Canadians are getting savvier about saving on the little things that add up. Bringing your food instead of splurging on overpriced restaurants, using travel rewards, and planning trips during the off-peak season are just a few of the tricks up their sleeves. It’s less about sacrificing and more about prioritizing what matters: relaxing, exploring, and spending time with loved ones.

The 2024 Summer Vacation Remix

So, what does summer 2024 look like? It’s a season where Canadians are proving that they can have their vacation and keep their savings, too. The economy might be nudging them to rethink how they travel, but it’s also opening up opportunities to explore in new ways. The bottom line? You don’t need a first-class ticket to have a first-class summer. The real value of a vacation isn’t in how much you spend, but in the stories you bring back.

As we dive into the heart of summer, Canadians are showing that a little economic turbulence can’t stop them from finding joy, adventure, and maybe even a little peace. The best vacations, after all, aren’t about where you go but how you get there—and with whom you’re sharing the ride.