Faced with inflation, Canadians want to save on travel

It’s an undeniably expensive time for Canadians in an environment of high inflation and rising interest rates. Yet after more than two years of pandemic restrictions, many still want to stay away.

According to Mecca Shirifi, editor of the travel blog “An Adventurous World,” hotels are now often cheaper than apartment rentals offered by Airbnb, whose prices have risen significantly during the pandemic.

“You can usually get great deals at the last minute if you’re willing to wait,” Sharifi says. However, keep in mind that accommodations sell out quickly during the high holiday season. »

When traveling to Canada, Sharifi recommends choosing a shorter trip of three to four days rather than a longer two-week trip when considering budget vacations.

When choosing a short trip, plan a vacation around one of Canada’s many winter festivals, suggests Marsha Walden, president of Destination Canada.

From Quebec City’s Carnival to Fredericton’s ice sculpture show, FROSTival, there are plenty of festivals across the country to make the most of the short getaway, Ms.^me Walden. “The best thing about fruits is that they are often free and last for days. »

When planning a flight to Canada, the ideal window to purchase airline tickets is two months before departure, explained Expedia spokeswoman Melanie Fish. Passengers can save up to 40% on flight costs, she said.

For international travel, M^me Fish suggests booking at least three months in advance, as booking too early or too late won’t give you access to the same savings.

A recent report from Expedia recommends booking flights on Sundays to save up to 15%. Friday is the cheapest day to fly, the document says, allowing travelers to save up to 20% on flights within Canada.

According to the report, domestic flights departing on Thursdays are also a great alternative, saving around 10%.