Money not spent on plane tickets spent on home improvements, reveals CAA-Quebec travel plans survey

Press release
Published on June 25, 2020

Faced with the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many Quebecers are making lemonade out of lemons by allocating their vacation dollars to other things, with home improvement the big winner in this spending reshuffle.

 That’s the trend revealed in the annual travel plans survey (1) CAA-Quebec has been conducting for the past ten years. Just over one person in four (26%) will spend their vacation budget on something else this year.

Soaring demand for heat pumps

Most of the 11% increase in the  time CAA-Quebec Residential Advisory Services experts are spending giving advice can be attributed to just one piece of equipment. The number of queries about heat pumps has jumped by 67% in recent weeks compared to the same time last year. Advisors also refer members to CAA-Quebec Approved Residential Suppliers who can help them with their projects. Some 600 companies in the province meet CAA-Quebec’s high reliability standards and offer discounts to members.

The number of referrals to heat pump installation companies in the CAA-Quebec network has seen a massive fourfold increase over last year. Referrals for roofers and plumbers have also risen, but to a lesser degree.

csm_Nadine-Bernard_bb99f3000f.png

“Swimming pools, air conditioners, renovations... Quebecers are not short on ideas! Our Residential Advisory Services experts take pride in helping members make their plans happen and referring them to local companies with a proven track record.

– Nadine Bernard, CAA-Quebec Residential Advisory Services Manager

Managing budgets (and vacations) differently

The pandemic and phased reopening make it harder to plan vacations. Close to 50% of respondents who had travel plans have been forced to cancel or postpone their trip. What’s more, 31% of would‑be travellers are now planning a staycation. And not surprisingly, vacationers have had to tweak their budgets. Here’s how things have changed:

Spending up this summer

Savings or debt repayments (27% of respondents), interior renovations or improvements (19%); exterior improvements (19%); on-demand videos and video games (14%); cooking, DIY, sewing (14%).

Spending down this summer

Attractions (46% of respondents), cultural and sports events (46%), travel (45%), clothes and recreational equipment (34%), vehicles (20%).

CAA-Quebec’s Residential Advisory Services experts are available to help members with their projects. Likewise, our travel counsellors have countless ideas for getaways, even in these trying times. They’re eager to start meeting with clients again in CAA-Quebec’s 14 Travel Centres, which will be reopening soon in compliance with public health guidelines.

What’s open? What’s allowed? If you have questions about COVID-19 and travel, insurance, or CAA-Quebec’s services, see our FAQs.

About CAA-Québec

CAA-Quebec is a not-for-profit organization that assists each of its members by providing mobility, travel, insurance, and residential benefits, products, and services. CAA is the most trusted brand in Canada according to the 2020 edition of the Gustavson Brand Trust Index published by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.

— 30 —

(1) The survey was conducted by Léger on behalf of CAA-Quebec among an online panel of 1,000 respondents representative of the Quebec population, between May 19 and 23, 2020.