CIBC Poll: Affordability concerns shaping 2025 holiday travel plans

Executive Summary

• A CIBC‑commissioned Ipsos poll finds 79% of Canadians consider travel less affordable than five years ago, influencing holiday travel decisions.
• 62% of respondents plan to stay home for the holidays; only 38% intend to travel, down from 41% in 2024.
• Younger Canadians (Gen Z) are twice as likely to travel versus Boomers (50% vs. 26%), with a shift toward domestic trips and increased use of credit‑card rewards (18%).

Key Details

• Affordability perception: 79% say travel has become less affordable over the past five years.
• Travel intent: 62% will not travel this holiday season; primary reasons are budget limitations (31%) and prioritizing savings (22%).
• Travel plans: 38% plan to travel (down from 41% in 2024).
• Demographic split: Gen Z travel intention 50%; Boomers 26%.
• Trip destinations: 12% plan international trips, 13% within Canada, 19% within their province.
• Rewards usage: 18% of travelers intend to use credit‑card rewards points to offset costs.
• Poll methodology: Conducted Oct 1–9, 2025; sample size 1,500 Canadians aged 18+, online interview, ±3.1 pp confidence interval (19/20). Comparative data from Nov 8–15, 2024 poll with same methodology.

Notable Quotes

• “Canadians are showing both resilience and adaptability this holiday season… the focus is on connection, comfort, and making smart financial choices,” said Carissa Lucreziano, Vice‑President, Financial Planning and Advice at CIBC.