Travel in 2025: Follow the guide!
Autumn is well and truly here. To warm your heart, CAA-Quebec is sharing the results of its second annual survey on members1 travel intentions. And many of our members will be travelling, with 44% of respondents planning to leave Quebec for personal vacations in the coming year! Of those people, almost a quarter of them intend to travel twice rather than once.
The U.S. is still very popular: 39% of travellers want to go there. Mexico and the Caribbean are the second most popular destinations for travellers (36%). Almost as many people chose Europe (35%), while Canada (excluding Quebec) rounded out the list of most popular destinations (25%), down 5 points from 2023.
Responsible tourism guides the choices of older travellers
The majority of travellers surveyed (61%) said they prefer responsible tourism options that take into account economic, social and environmental impacts. But this trend is strongest among travellers 55 or older (67%) and women (66%). Protecting the environment is still the main reason given by travellers (60%) for choosing responsible tourism options, although it was mentioned less often than in 2023 (66%). Other reasons include supporting local communities (50%) and preserving culture and heritage (48%).
Endless possibilities, increased complexity: How do you make sense of it all?
The travel industry is changing, and people’s expectations are shifting rapidly. That’s why CAA-Quebec is constantly adapting, thanks to our team of travel enthusiasts and a strong network. In light of these changes, CAA-Quebec Travel’s teams are ready to respond to economic demands and travellers’ desire to adopt a more responsible tourism approach.
“Not surprisingly, Quebecers are curious and eager to experience new things. We also know that safety, climate and social concerns, technological changes and economic demands are significant challenges for travellers. That’s why CAA-Quebec is going above and beyond to understand their needs and respond to them. Our experts and counsellors are committed to delivering top-notch services.”
– Philippe Blain, Vice President, Travel Services
Cost of living effects are decreasing
In an indication that the impacts of inflation are gradually declining, the number of people who say they don’t intend to travel outside Quebec for budgetary reasons is decreasing (34% in 2024 compared to 38% in 2023). Furthermore, 59% feel that inflation has an impact on their travel budgets, but that figure is down 6% compared to last year. Also, the average budget per traveller for their main trip is up $324 from 2023, climbing to $2,646.
Well advised, well insured
Many CAA-Quebec members still want to benefit from the sound advice of a travel counsellor, especially when planning a cruise or a trip to Mexico or the Caribbean. In fact, 34% of members turn to a travel agency to leverage the agency’s expertise on various destinations.
With respect to travel insurance, the majority of CAA-Quebec members who intend to travel in the near future say they already have health insurance included either in a group insurance plan or with a credit card. However, only 38% intend to inform themselves about their travel insurance coverage before they leave.
Key figures
Main destination activity:
Go to the beach: 44%↓
Learn about history and culture: 38%↓
Rest, do nothing: 34%↓
Discover the local cuisine: 31%↓
Urban exploration: 31%
Experience the culture like locals: 28%
Do summer sports activities: 17%↓
Attend one or more cultural events: 17%↓
Shop: 15%↓
Visit friends or family: 15%
Wellness tourism: 8%↓
Top destinations for the next 12 months:
• United States: 39%
New England: 16%
South Atlantic: 13%
Mid-Atlantic: 9%
• Mexico or the Caribbean 36%
Mexico: 10%
Dominican Republic: 10%
Cuba: 8%
• Europe: 35%
France: 12%
Italy: 9%
Spain: 7%
Portugal: 5%
• Canada outside Quebec 30%
Ontario: 11%↓
Atlantic provinces: 9%
Western Canada: 5%↓
Types of accommodation on main trip
Traditional accommodations (hotel, motel, inn, B&B): 42%
With friends or family: 9%
In a second home: 2%
In a resort (cruise ship, vacation centre, seaside resort): 14%
Rental residence (house, villa, apartment, etc.): 18%↑
Vacation period of the main trip
Fall 2024: 19%
Winter 2024–2025: 29%
Spring 2025: 19%
Summer 2025: 21%
Duration of main trip
Long vacation (7 to 13 nights): 44%
Extended trip (14 or more nights): 29%↑
Short stay (4 to 6 nights): 15%
Quick getaway (3 or fewer nights): 7%
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec provides a wide range of assistance services in a variety of areas based on a people-focused approach. The organization is committed to society and to defending its members’ day-to-day interests. It pursues its organizational values—trustworthiness and benevolence—by fostering responsible resource use and promoting road safety.
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