A new survey suggests that savvy Canadian travellers are becoming more strategic and turning to technology for their vacation planning.
Rising fuel costs and new technologies like AI chatbots have created a new type of international traveller, the study noted, one that is more strategic and resourceful when it comes to getting the most out of their trips and, more importantly, their budget.
More than 15,000 consumers in 11 countries were surveyed in Mastercard’s 2026 Travel Trendline, conducted in partnership with the Harris Poll. The survey explored how travellers are optimizing their trips from the early planning stages to their final destination.
Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Canadian international travellers said they have used or would use AI to find the best travel deals to maximize value, with 69% revealing that the top reason they use tech-assisted travel planning tools is to save money.
It is no longer just about being frugal; rather, it is about going where your cash goes the furthest.
Nearly one-third (32%) of Canadians say they trust AI recommendations for travel planning, with 29% admitting they would allow AI to spend up to $1,000 on travel bookings without their approval.
A whopping 83% said they have chosen or would choose a destination based on the best exchange rates.
Meanwhile, 73% said the idea of vacationing alone is more appealing, reflecting the growing popularity of solo travel and the continued rise of “soft travel,” which focuses on wellness, flexibility, and overall personal fulfillment, according to the data.
Another 60% are interested in travelling for the betterment of their well-being, whether it be anti-aging therapies, full-body diagnostics, or biomarker testing — essentially, wellness services that may be costlier or less accessible at home.
Medical tourism is no longer a fringe consideration, the data points out, as travellers are not only cost-conscious but health-conscious.
In fact, 35% of respondents said they have extended a business trip to end their time away with wellness activities or spa treatments.
“Travel is no longer simply about where people go, but why they go and what those journeys enable them to feel, express and become,” said Cheryl Guerin, Mastercard’s executive vice president for global brand strategy and innovation. “For brands, understanding the new rules of travel in this evolving landscape is no longer optional — it is essential.”
