Are you set to travel this summer?

Canadians are definitely in the mood to enjoy a satisfying summer vacation. The travel industry hasn't seen such enthusiasm for summer travel since 1996. The Conference Board of Canada's annual survey of summer-vacation intentions indicates that nearly 60 per cent of Canadians expect to take a summer vacation trip. Reports from the Canadian Tourism Research Institute confirm the trend, describing the current season as a 'hot summer for tourism'.

With salaries rising and personal income taxes lowering, for many Canadians the buoyant economy is boosting their interest in travel either at home or abroad, with 'at home' an increasingly popular choice.

'O Canada'...still our favourite
Canada continues to provide our favourite seasonal destinations, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of all summer vacation trips by Canadians. Second place goes to the United States where fifteen per cent of those surveyed are headed. An additional twelve per cent are divided about evenly between Europe and 'other' destinations.

Canadians who once summered in Canada strictly for budget reasons are now finding every type of vacation available to them in their own country. From rail and air reservations to motor home rentals, domestic travel in every area is up dramatically. Bookings for virtually every category of vacation from spa weekends in the Rockies to golfing in PEI are reportedly up more than 50 per cent over 1999.

Canadian train travel has become exciting again. Canadians who once travelled by EurailPass are switching to CANRailPass. City stays, too, are on the increase. Landmark hotels like the Royal York in Toronto and the Château Frontenac in Québec City, longtime favourites of European and Asian visitors, are enjoying a resurgence in popularity among Canadians.

From sea to sea, Canadians are enjoying new travel adventures. In P.E.I. they're 'pedaling and paddling', combining biking tours with 'easy' kayaking. They're horseback riding in Alberta, eco-adventuring at remote lodges on Vancouver Island, or taking leisurely wine-tasting tours across southwestern Ontario.

We can't resist European charm
Mirroring the current increase in vacation trips within North America, there's a positive turnaround in summer travel between Canada and Europe, particularly for inclusive prepaid charter packages.

For Canadians taking European vacations, prepaying is the name of the game. Canadians do not like 'sticker shock'. They prefer to plan and pay for their travel package in advance – in Canadian funds – so there'll be no unpleasant surprise when confronted with a hotel bill in Europe.

Signature Vacations has responded to the European hotel accommodation pricing issue with an innovative program designed to reduce the cost of staying in downtown Paris or London. Hotel rooms are priced from $50 per person per day in Paris and from $80 in London (three-star and two-star, respectively). But to obtain these rates, travellers are informed of the hotel where they'll be staying only days before leaving Canada. For those who can cope comfortably with the 'last-minute' aspect of this plan, savings can be significant.

Summer bookings to Europe with major tour packagers like Signature Vacations, Sunquest Vacations, Air Transat Holidays and Air Canada Vacations continue to increase dramatically. The spokesperson for Signature Vacations described the current season as 'the best summer ever for travel'. Although Canadians are definitely in a travelling mood and are ready to 'spend and go', they want real value for their vacation dollar, and that's where the expertise and worldwide capabilities of American Express Travel come to the fore.

The personal, professional touch
When planning a major vacation investment, Canadians want the reassurance of sound advice and accurate information from a seasoned travel professional. The superbly trained counsellors at American Express Travel are constantly working on each client's behalf to create vacation packages that will suit every adventurous desire as well as every budget.

To locate an American Express Travel Office, simply call 1-888-414-TRIP or visit our Web site www.americanexpress.com/canada to find the location nearest you. Online and in person, you'll find American Express Travel your best source of vacation planning... this summer, and in the seasons ahead.

Peter Drutz is Vice President and General Manager
Travel Service Network, Amex Canada Inc.

Back to top