The willingness to spend more

April 16, 2026 Team Contributor

Canadians are redefining the luxury getaway. According to the latest data from the Allianz Global Assistance 2026 Vacation Confidence Study, travellers are now spending an average of $ 6,354 per long-haul trip.

This sharp increase reflects a fundamental shift toward intentional travel, where quality and depth of experience far outweigh the frequency of flights.

Instead of the traditional weekend hop across the border, travellers are setting their sights further afield. Market data reveal a significant surge in outbound travel to Europe and Asia, with many choosing to bypass closer destinations.

This redirection of funds is driving national vacation spending toward a projected record of 47.6 billion dollars this year.

The willingness to spend more

Several factors fuel this record-breaking increase in Canadian long-haul travel spending.

Intentionality: Many see travel as a non-negotiable for mental well-being, opting for one major, high-cost journey over several smaller ones.
Cultural Immersion: There is a growing demand for slow travel in places like Portugal and Japan, where longer stays naturally increase the budget.
Economic Prioritization: Even with rising costs, 81 percent of Canadians report a desperate need for a vacation, prioritizing these experiences in their household budgets.

The shift is palpable across the industry. Dan Keon, Vice President of Marketing and Digital Strategy at Allianz Global Assistance, observes that Canadians are showing a resilience that defies traditional economic cooling.

He notes that travellers are increasingly viewing these significant expenditures as essential investments in their personal well-being and family connections.

Planning for the 2026 surge

With Canadian long-haul travel spending reaching new heights, early planning has never been more vital. As more people commit to these big-ticket adventures, availability in top European and Asian hubs tightens quickly.

This evolution in Canadian long-haul travel spending proves that for many, the value of a transformative global experience far outweighs the cost of the ticket.

As the 2026 season unfolds, the trend of going big continues to define the national travel landscape. You can find more details on these trends at the Allianz Global Assistance Canada site.