Keeping travel alive in a complicated landscape: How Canadians are overcoming barriers to stay on the move – FlightHub survey

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Facing growing economic uncertainties, trade wars and many other moving pieces, Canadians are adapting how they travel and seem ready to make lifestyle trade-offs to keep travel within reach.

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MONTREAL — As tensions and uncertainties mark the global landscape, Canadians’ household budgets continue to be impacted. Despite the financial strain, Canadians are finding alternative ways to sustain their ability to travel. A recent survey fielded in March 2025 by Arlington Research for FlightHub polling 1,500 adults living in Canada who had flown at least once in the past two years reveals that travel remains important, even if it now requires greater flexibility, trade-offs and financial planning. The younger generations are also slightly more likely to spend a greater percentage of their revenue into their yearly adventures, with around a third of Gen Z (34%) and Millennials (30%) saying they dedicate between 11-25 per cent of their disposable income to travels.

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(Young) Canadians are adapting the way they travel amid growing economic pressures: Alternative destinations, savings and credit cards

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Canadians, and especially young ones, have been finding workarounds to make travel more affordable. While many (61%) agreed that they had been adapting the way they travel over the past two years so they could afford it, Gen Z respondents were significantly more likely to say so, with three quarters (76%) adapting to costs. Of the Canadians who report adapting to increased travel costs, 67 per cent say they are taking advantage of discounts, over half (54%) are changing travel dates and four-in-ten (42%) are opting for alternative destinations for a trip on the dime.

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These changes reflect broader trade-offs or financial planning as four-in-ten Canadians say that the cost of living (rent, mortgage, utilities, food) has a significant impact on their travel budget. One-third (34%) of all respondents also say they would reduce how often they travel and 35 per cent are seeking more budget-friendly travel options. However, only a fifth (21%) said they would prioritize financial goals over travel and 10 per cent said they would continue to travel as much as possible, regardless of the cost. When it comes to financing their adapted travel plans, Canadians are more likely to use caution and save up ahead (62%), all while sticking to a strict travel budget (37%), or opt for a travel first, pay later solution through their credit card (28%). Only 14 per cent of respondents say they can afford to travel spontaneously without strict budgeting.

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“Canadians are weighing their options to avoid cutting travel from their lives. While some are unwilling to compromise, others are finding ways to adapt to make travel plans a reality,” says Henri Chelhot, CEO of FlightHub. “Our survey reveals that some Canadians are adjusting the timing and style of their trips, underscoring that for many, travel remains essential for many even as inflation places more barriers to affordability.”

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Canadians are reshaping their professional paths to make room for travel

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The commitment to travel extends beyond budgeting. According to the survey, a fifth (20%) of respondents are actively seeking jobs that offer more flexibility to accommodate their travel plans throughout the year. For many, lifestyle flexibility is becoming just as important as income.

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When asked whether they would accept a lower-paying job in exchange for more travel flexibility, 27 per cent of respondents would choose the trade-off, with nearly one-third of that group (29%) willing to take a pay cut of 11 per cent or more. However, 38 per cent of respondents say they would not choose a job with lower pay, while 35 per cent said that it would depend on how much lower the pay is.

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The shift points to a growing trend: more Canadians are evaluating their careers not just through compensation, but through how their jobs support the life they want to live, including the freedom to travel.

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“As affordability pressures grow, we’re seeing Canadians make deliberate choices to protect what matters most to them,” adds Chelhot. “Whether it’s adjusting their budget, seeking more flexible careers, or exploring new destinations, travel remains a priority, and that commitment speaks volumes about its role in Canadians’ lives.”

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About the Survey

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The survey, conducted by Arlington research team, was in field from March 12-17, 2025, and engaged a sample of 1,500 Canadians who have flown for business or leisure in the past two years. For comparison purposes only, a survey of this size would have a margin of error of +/- 3% at a confidence level of 95%.

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About FlightHub

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FlightHub™, a Momentum Ventures subsidiary, is a leading North American online travel agency (OTA) based in Montreal, Canada. FlightHub proudly serves millions every year, enabling more people to visit new places and explore new cultures. FlightHub’s goal is to offer travellers the most affordable flights, optimal itineraries, and exceptional customer service. The leading online travel agency (OTA) believes that broadening travel possibilities and connecting people across borders increases human consciousness, reduces fear, and inspires positive change. Founded in 2012, FlightHub has facilitated more than 30 million connections.

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