Rising costs

and

tighter budgets

are reshaping how Canadians

travel

this summer, with many choosing destinations closer to home while still holding onto plans for long-haul trips to Europe, according to a new outlook from Expedia Group.

Expedia’s summer travel outlook, released Monday, suggests a continued preference for domestic travel as Canadians look to stretch their dollars in a weakening economy. Many are holidaying close to home, visiting other Canadian cities or choosing European destinations outside of the traditional capitals.

“Canadians are rethinking how they travel this summer,” said Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group brands. “We’re seeing travellers balance rising costs by choosing road trips, shorter flights and familiar destinations at home — while still making room in their plans for dream trips to Europe.”

While major cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal remain popular, there has been a surge in interest for smaller and nature-focused destinations. Among the top trending Canadian locations are Edmonton and Jasper, both up 35 per cent in search demand. On the East Coast, Halifax rose 25 per cent, followed by Charlottetown and Moncton at 20 per cent.

Cities such as Regina, Windsor, Edmonton and Saskatoon are also among the most affordable places to stay, while smaller cities like Abbotsford and Penticton rank among the cheapest destinations for domestic flights.

Despite the shift toward local travel,

international trips

, particularly to Europe, remain a priority for many Canadians. Traditional hotspots like Paris, London and Rome continue to top the list, but travellers are increasingly seeking alternatives that offer similar experiences at a lower cost.

In Italy, there has been a significant rise in interest for regions such as Sicily (up 115 per cent) and Puglia (up 80 per cent). Other European destinations gaining traction include the Balearic Islands in Spain, up 75 per cent, and Copenhagen, Denmark, which climbed 70 per cent.

The data suggests Canadians are becoming more selective about international travel, opting for cities or regions that offer the most impact without breaking the bank.

According to Expedia, the cheapest days to fly domestically this summer are June 5 and June 11, while international travel is most affordable on June 4 and August 31. Early June and late August, in particular, offer opportunities to avoid peak pricing.

To further reduce expenses, the company recommends bundling flights and accommodations, using price tracking tools and booking early for peak travel periods.

Travel experts say being flexible and planning ahead will be key strategies for Canadians navigating higher costs this summer.

  • Travel data from March show number of Canadians returning from trips across the U.S. border are stuck at depressed levels
  • Air travel to U.S. down again in February, while domestic and international trips rise