Archive for the ‘What we want’ Category

After receiving two somewhat depressing press releases last week on how Canadians can neither afford their dream vacation or find the time to take it, I began to wonder just how vacation deprived North Americans are.

While 89% of French employees take all their vacation time, only 58% of Canadians do the same according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey. Considering the French have a total of 40 days off a year and Canadians only have 19, this marks a huge difference in work culture and the Canadian “workaholic” nature.

A survey from Westin Hotels & Resorts found that 58% of North Americans confessed they were in need of a vacation now more than ever before, though 64% said they cancelled a vacation due to work commitments, 30% admitted to checking in with work even while on vacation and 41% said they needed at least four days to unwind and begin enjoying time off.

While the health benefits of taking time off work are well-known (everything from reduced stress levels to improved marriages have been reported), perhaps the results of the recent Framingham Heart Study will drive the point home. According to the study, men who take regular vacations are 32% less likely to die from a heart attack, while women who don’t vacation are eight times more likely to die from heart disease than those who do.

Still, even if Canadians were to take more vacation time, a recent TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card poll indicates not all would even be able to afford to get away. Of Canadians surveyed, 74% said they had a list of places they wanted to visit in their lifetime, but were unable to afford travel at this time. Only 47% of Canadians have taken a vacation lasting a week or longer in the past year.

“Eighty-three per cent of Canadians say they would travel more if they could afford it. However, only 42% of those surveyed have redeemed rewards points for flights over the last 12 months, and only one-quarter have redeemed points for hotels,” Stacie Pearson, associate vice president of TD Canada Trust Credit Cards, said in a statement. “By taking better advantage of travel rewards programs, Canadian travellers may be able to go on more vacations.”

The United States, Italy, France and the United Kingdom topped Canadians’ travel bucket list, though 51% of respondents indicated their next trip would likely be in Canada. Residents of Quebec, Alberta and Atlantic Canada are most likely to vacation in their own province.

What is your dream destination? Is money, work or another commitment keeping you from visiting this place?

- Nicole Feenstra

A recent Harris Decima survey reveals Canadians are frugal vacationers and save and budget before heading out on a trip.

More than 69% of Canadians polled said they saved money before going away on a trip. An amazing 66% said they stick to their budget while on vacation and come home without overspending.

The survey, commissioned by Thomas Cook Financial Services, also revealed that 28% of Canadians feared losing cash or having credit cards stolen while abroad. This number increases to 38% when the tourist is going alone.

A simple solution? The new Thomas Cook Visa TravelMoney Card.

“Thomas Cook Financial Services is committed to offering innovative and secure financial tools so Canadians can minimize stress and enjoy their vacations,” Kevin McAdam, director of financial services for Thomas Cook North America, said in a release. “Thomas Cook Visa TravelMoney Cards are non-personalized and PIN protected, providing welcome security features for protecting ones finances while travelling.”

The card costs $14.95 to purchase and can be used at any location that accepts Visa or at a cash machine. Point-of-sale transactions are free of charge, while ATM fees range from $2 to $3.50. Cards are currently available in American funds, with Canadian dollars, Euros and British pounds coming soon.

The best part? No bills or bank statements waiting when you get home.

“The new Thomas Cook Visa TravelMoney Card eliminates many anxieties and fears Canadians face,” McAdam continued. “Unlike cash, if your Thomas Cook Visa TravelMoney Card is lost or stolen while travelling, we will issue a new card and refund the balance. Plus, the card is not linked to your bank account, so the traveller’s money remains completely safe.”

Visit www.thomascook.ca/prepaid for more information.

- Nicole Feenstra

One of the few problems with living in a country the size of Canada is the cost and time required to travel within our own boundaries.

A one-way Air Canada flight from Montreal to Vancouver costs $799 with the Latitude fare and takes 5 1/2 hours. A flight from Montreal to London, England is just 1 1/2 hours more.

It’s no surprise, then, that Canadians only visit an average of four provinces in their lifetimes, despite 8 of 10 Canucks telling Travelzoo Canada that seeing the True North coast-to-coast was important to them.

Travelzoo also discovered cost was a major hindrance to domestic travel, with 67% of Canadians saying it was sometimes more expensive to travel within Canada than to take a trip abroad.

“Travelling in Canada can be affordable, if you know where to find the deals,” Lara Barlow, country manager of Travelzoo Canada, said in a release.  “We are coming into the prime Canadian travel season, so our travel deal experts are focusing on publishing deals that can help Canadians see more of their own country.”

The Travelzoo survey also found the Maritimes was the domestic destination of choice for 60% of Canadian travellers, while 53% of Quebecers wanted to travel their own province more.

The poll also revealed 75% of Canadians have visited Ontario, while 67% have visited Quebec and 57% have visited British Columbia. Northern Canada was the least visited area, with just 9% of Canadians having visited the territories.

I count myself among the 60% of Canadians who want to see the Maritimes more than any other spot.  What is your dream Canadian destination?

- Nicole Feenstra

The Victoria Day weekend is finally here, and with it comes the unofficial beginning of summer and the roadtrip season.

The latest Michelin Meter survey reveals that just 33% of Canadians plan to reduce the number of kilometres they travel this year, compared to 42% last year. This suggests would-be roadtrippers are more confident in the economy and happier with the price of gasoline.

Even still, 53% of drivers compare gasoline prices before filling up at the station. Proper vehicle maintenance, cutting AC in the city, and maintaining a consistent speed on the highway can also help save gas.

“If drivers took the time to check their tires and adjust the pressure once a month when cleaning their car, for example, they’d be surprised at the gasoline savings they could be making each week,” Nadine Lussier, communication manager for Michelin North America, also says in a press release.

What does your car say about you?

While touring Canada’s roads this summer, take a look at the vehicles around you. They can tell you a lot about the people sharing the highway with you.

The Michelin Meter reveals 64% of Canadian car drivers feel their vehicle reflects their personal style, while 78% of pick-up truck drivers feel the same. Pick-up drivers are also more likely to listen to country (45%) or hard rock (45%) music, “[reinforcing] the stereotypes that they’ve long been associated with,” says Michelin. 

Forty per cent of pick-up drivers also admit to eating in the vehicles several times a month, though any Canadian on a roadtrip should feel no shame in using their vehicle as an on-the-go restaurant.

Happy trails!

- Nicole Feenstra