Despite 72% of Canadians feeling the impact of
inflation, Canadian travellers say they plan to travel in 2023 "no
matter what"
TORONTO, April 27,
2023 /CNW/ -- Today, Expedia released its
23rd-annual Vacation Deprivation report, finding that
global vacation deprivation levels have reached a 10-year high as
working adults navigate inflation, workplace labour shortages and
busy schedules. Despite these obstacles, a whopping 81% of
travellers worldwide plan to take as many—if not more—trips in
2023, pledging to travel "no matter what".
The 2023 report polled more than 14,500 people across 16
countries. Key findings on vacation deprivation in Canada include:
- 57% of Canadian working adults report that they are vacation
deprived, up from last year (55%), and the second highest rate seen
in the past 10 years (behind 63% in 2021 when restrictions brought
a halt to travel). Gen Z reported the highest levels of vacation
deprivation (74%) with Baby Boomers reporting the lowest levels
(37%).
- Globally, more than half of respondents (56%) say their
workplace or industry is battling labour shortages, and 54% of
Canadians say that staffing infrastructure prevents them from
taking time off work. 68% of Canadians wish their companies would
change their time-off policies, with 64% agreeing that they would
consider changing jobs for the opportunity to have more vacation
days.
- Despite 72% feeling impacted by inflation, Canadians continue
to prioritize travel. The majority (72%) also reported that the
stress from the economy makes them feel the need for a vacation
even more.
- Despite Canadians seeking less crowded destinations (79%), the
non-negotiable trip that Canadians were unwilling to give up is
peak summer vacation (41%). In alignment, Expedia flight data shows
searches for summer getaways are up 25% year-on-year.
- New Expedia tools including Price Tracking help
vacation-deprived Canadians reclaim their time off, as 61% of
Canadians say that they find booking travel stressful in their
search to find the best deal.
"Vacation Deprivation is feeling like you don't have enough
vacation time but it's a sneakier, more complex syndrome than
that," says Melanie Fish, head of
Expedia Group brands public relations. "Vacation deprivation is
also not taking all the vacation time you're entitled to because
planning feels overwhelming. Expedia is really focused on making it
easier for travellers to go, whether that's through flexible rates,
price tracking for flights or member savings."
To read more, download the global 2023 Vacation Deprivation
report here.
Notes to Editor
Visual assets: Destination images, Global Vacation
Deprivation report and infographics available for download on
request.
Additional findings on the state of Vacation Deprivation in
Canada:
- Millions of Canadian vacation days go unused
-
- Nearly half (45%) of Canadians left vacation days on the table
in 2022, while many used their vacation days for reasons other than
a vacation. Half (50%) of respondents reported taking at least one
annual vacation day for errands, 53% reported using at least one
day to take care of a sick family member, and 48% reported having
to use at least one vacation day when they were sick. On average,
parents used 2 vacation days annually in lieu of childcare.
- Ontario and British Columbia respondents reported the
highest levels of vacation deprivation (62%), whereas Manitoba and Saskatchewan reported the lowest levels (48%).
Respondents in British Columbia
and Quebec estimated taking the
most average days in 2022 (30 days), with Alberta respondents estimating they took the
least - an average of 7 days in 2022.
- Workers seeking flexibility from their employers
-
- Nine out of ten vacation-deprived Canadians feel that regular
vacations are a basic right (90%), and essential to general health
and well-being (92%). After taking a vacation, 85% felt refreshed
and more motivated to work.
- While most Canadians (72%) feel that their employers are
supportive of them taking time off, almost half (41%) still feel
the need to make excuses for taking vacation, and 47% experience
guilt over co-workers having to 'pick up the slack'. Overall, the
report finds feelings of guilt in the workplace on a steady incline
for younger generations with 68% of Gen Z respondents feeling the
need for excuses towards time off (compared to 21% for Baby
Boomers), and 68% of Gen Z feeling guilty over coworkers having to
make up for their absence. (compared to 28% for Baby Boomers).
- The majority (68%) wish their company would improve its
time-off policies or even implement a 4-day work-week (77%), to
give them more time for appointments, errands and travel.
- The 2023 report also examined the impact of unlimited time-off
policies, finding that Canadian workers wo receive unlimited time
off (12% of respondents) took an additional 8 days off in 2022.
They also reported being 19% less vacation deprived than those with
a set number of days - a compelling argument for small changes
making a large difference in attitudes.
- Canadians continue to prioritize travel
-
- Looking ahead, Canadian travellers seem determined not to let
economic worries hold them back this year with 48% reporting
they've already booked travel for 2023. This is supported by
Expedia flight data that shows searches for summer getaways are up
25% year-on-year.
- With all this to consider, it's no surprise Canadians want to
be reassured that they are getting the best value when travelling:
66% of those that are vacation deprived check 2-3 travel sites
before booking, with over half (61%) reporting the booking process
causes stress as they wonder if they've got a good deal. The
majority (81%) agree that they're willing to be flexible on the
destination if it's more affordable. To help vacation-deprived
Canadians reclaim their well-deserved time off, the latest Expedia
app features have been designed with the traveller in mind. Using
Expedia data, AI and machine learning, the in-app features
include:
-
- Price Tracking: View price history, receive alerts when
prices fluctuate, and understand when prices are likely to change
to help take the guesswork out of booking.
- Conversational trip planning: iOS users can use
Expedia's new in-app feature powered by ChatGPT to make travel
planning easier. Start an open-ended conversation in the Expedia
app and get recommendations on places to go, where to stay, how to
get around, and what to see and do.
- Packages: Book airfare, hotel and car at the same
time on Expedia, otherwise known as bundling, to instantly unlock
savings.
About the research:
- Expedia first commissioned its Vacation Deprivation
investigation in 2000 to examine the work-life balance of people
worldwide. The annual study is currently in its 23rd
year and was conducted online among 14,527 respondents across North
and South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Commissioned from February 9 to March 3, 2023, on behalf of Expedia
by Northstar Research Partners, a global strategic research firm,
responses were gathered using an amalgamated group of best-in-class
panels. Looking at the margin of error for the global average, a
1-4% difference is statistically significant at 90%
confidence.
About Expedia
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get the most out of every trip they take by providing everything
they need all in one place and, above all else, feel supported
every step of the way.
Our commitment to insights matched with our unprecedented scale
allows us to understand our travellers better than anyone else,
delivering exactly what they need, when they need it. Our
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to deliver the widest selection of product offerings across
accommodations, transportation, activities, and experiences,
helping you get the most out of your journey.
Use our mobile app or visit expedia.ca to plan your
journey with us.
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