Why Canadians are packing bags before buying homes

Six in ten Canadians now consider travel an important life milestone—more than those who prioritise homeownership, high income, or career advancement—according to a survey conducted by Arlington Research for FlightHub. 

The survey polled 1,500 adults in Canada who had flown at least once in the past two years and revealed a shift in how Canadians define success.  

Travel (60 percent) narrowly edged out homeownership (58 percent), followed by earning a high income (44 percent), having children (41 percent), and advancing a career (38 percent). 

This reframing of success includes trade-offs in how Canadians allocate budgets.  

The survey found that 70 percent prioritise saving for retirement, followed by home buying (66 percent), debt repayment (62 percent), and travel (58 percent).  

Travel ranked ahead of car purchases (32 percent), highlighting the continued importance of experiential spending even under financial pressure. 

When addressing inflation and budget constraints, travel remained one of the least likely areas Canadians would cut.  

Only 18 percent named it as their top cut, while 41 percent ranked it among their top three. Before scaling back on travel, most would reduce spending on restaurants (62 percent), entertainment (58 percent), and gift-giving (46 percent). 

Essentials such as clothing (33 percent), transportation (10 percent), groceries (8 percent), and utilities (6 percent) ranked higher than travel for possible reductions. 

The survey also found that 62 percent of Canadians would willingly reallocate funds from material purchases—such as clothing, electronics, or furniture—in order to fund a trip.  

This further signals a growing trend of valuing experiences over possessions. 

For 32 percent of respondents, travel is now viewed as a necessity, not a luxury. Another 46 percent described it as a luxury, and 22 percent as a “nice-to-have” but non-essential.  

Among those who considered travel essential, 88 percent believed it to be an investment in personal growth. Across all respondents, 67 percent shared that view. 

While 54 percent currently own a home, 30 percent are saving for one and 14 percent have no plans to buy. Still, 61 percent agreed that if real estate were more affordable, they would prioritise homeownership over travel. 

Generational and financial differences also surfaced.  

Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers—who typically have higher incomes and homeownership rates—were more likely to view travel as necessary and a key measure of success.  

Gen Z, in contrast, leaned toward material purchases and prioritised real estate, citing affordability challenges as a factor in delaying travel plans. 

Henri Chelhot, CEO of FlightHub, said Canadians now view success through a broader lens that includes experience-based milestones.  

While traditional goals like work and home ownership remain important, he noted the survey shows many people are finding success in life’s experiences.  

“Travel is no longer just about leisure – it’s a powerful tool for personal growth, exploration and creating memories,” he said. 

Chelhot concluded that despite economic uncertainties, many Canadians are showing a strong appetite for investing in experiences. He noted that prioritising travel over everyday entertainment like restaurants signals a financial commitment to mobility and adventure.  

“Travel being prioritised over daily and more easily accessible entertainment spendings, such as restaurants, points to the financial commitment to mobility and adventure as a fuel for personal growth,” he said.  

He also called on the industry to work together to offer affordable travel options for all budgets, especially for younger generations.