Last-minute trips Canadians can book for around $500
For Canadians looking to squeeze in one last trip before summer ends, you can still find some pretty great deals.
From popular destinations in Canada to hotspots in the U.S., Kayak reveals where Canadians are planning to travel and how to get there without going over budget. With the last long weekend of summer just around the corner — Labour Day is on Monday, Sept. 7 — Kayak, the U.S. travel search engine, reveals that there has been a surge in the number of Canadians travelling during the first week of September.
The company states that searches for flights are up six per cent, while hotel searches have increased by nine per cent, and car rental searches are up 13 per cent.
And if you’re looking for a cheaper way to get away, timing could make a difference.
When’s the cheapest time to travel?
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For both domestic and international travel, Saturday, Sept. 5 is expected to be the cheapest day to fly over the Labour Day weekend. Domestic travellers could save as much as 19 per cent compared to flying on Thursday, while international travellers could save 18 per cent.
On the other hand, Friday, Sept. 4 is expected to be the busiest travel day of the long weekend, so if your schedule’s more flexible, that’s one way to avoid the crowds.
Where are Canadians travelling?
For those who’d rather stay a little closer to home, Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary top the list as the most popular domestic destinations for the long weekend, with airfares averaging around $500. Here’s an average of what travellers can expect to pay:
- Vancouver, B.C. — $385
- Toronto, Ont. — $391
- Calgary, Alta. — $357
But if you’re hoping to travel internationally, you can still get to hotspots like Los Angeles and New York for less than $500. Here’s an average of what you can expect to pay:
- New York, N.Y. — $382
- Los Angeles, Calif. — $413
And if you’re planning to rent a car in Canada, here’s some good news: domestic car rentals are down 33 per cent, which comes out to a daily savings of $36.
Whether you’re planning a trip to a city or a road trip, you can still make the most of the summer before it officially ends without completely blowing your budget.