Time to start travelling again? Yes, but the CAA-Quebec travel plans survey shows Quebecers will be proceeding with caution
According to the latest CAA-Quebec travel plans survey (1), Quebecers want to start travelling again but are in no rush and would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to COVID-19 risks.
Asked about their plans once the government travel advisories have been lifted for six months, two-thirds (66%) of respondents say they are excited about taking a vacation, proving once again that travel is sacred.
After safety measures come travel health measures
Stringent health precautions in airports, on cruise ships, and at attractions, such as mandatory masks and temperature checks for airplane passengers, should give future travellers peace of mind. Such measures are important, and people will need to understand what they involve before deciding where to go and how to stay safe. CAA-Quebec travel agents know what will be required and make a point of telling each client exactly what to expect. The role of travel counsellors will be more important than ever.
In recent weeks the number of visitors to the CAA-Quebec Travel website has tripled, and CAA-Quebec travel counsellors report that more and more would-be travellers are impatient to pack their bags. Counsellors stand ready to assist with vacation planning and help their clients adapt to the tremendous upheavals in the travel industry.
– Philippe Blain, Vice President of Travel Services, CAA-Quebec
The survey shows that COVID-19 has changed how people expect to travel. After the crisis:
- 80% will avoid crowded destinations, even six months after the government advisories are lifted.
- 73% will stay closer to home, even six months after the government advisories are lifted.
- 41% will expect special health precautions.
- 40% will make safety a higher priority.
- 27% will look for destinations that bring them closer to nature.
Travellers are excited about a COVID-19 vaccine
It’s no surprise that the biggest factor in restoring traveller confidence is the arrival of a vaccine. The survey reveals how many respondents say that within six months of the government advisories being lifted, they will probably travel:
- To Europe: 19%
- To the United States: 30%
- To another part of the world: 23%
- By plane: 38%
- Mostly by car: 76%
The government advisory on avoiding all non-essential travel outside Canada is still in place. While it’s a good idea to go ahead and plan your next trip, you may want to wait to book. Insurers don’t cover risks related to COVID-19 as long as the government advisory to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada is still in effect.
Travel counsellors, a valuable resource
Until our 14 CAA-Quebec Travel Centres reopen, travel counsellors are working remotely to help their clients plan vacations and make dreams come true. They also provide advice on the new health requirements and all the latest on what travellers can and cannot do. Travellers who are ready to start planning their next escape will find a mine of information in the COVID-19 FAQs section of caaquebec.com.
About CAA-Quebec
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.
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(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.