Planning Summer Vacation? You're Not Going to Grandma's House

With the recession behind us in Canada, and summer on the horizon, vacation plans for June, July or August are the next order of business.

In past years, which saw many families decide they wanted to be frugal about their holiday spending, instead of trips to Disney World or to Banff National Park, travellers made plans to visit family or friends.

At the recent Leisure Travel Summit held in Toronto sponsored by Best Western Hotels, panelists discussed the return of the leisure traveller and agreed that Canadians are making plans for a summer vacation that may include trips to major cities, hiking, cycling or visiting national parks."Canadians consider it a God-given right to vacation," stated Tony Pollard of the Hotel Association of Canada. Pollard has seen reports from members that Canadians have started making plans for summer vacation, with a seven to 12 per cent increase in hotel bookings compared to last year.

Most plans start online, with the average traveller looking at 20 different websites in their search for information said Dorothy Dowling of Best Western International. Dowling explained that travellers have a top four when it comes to making the choice for accommodation: friendly service, free parking, soundproof rooms and a free breakfast. With 90 per cent of Best Western guests coming to the hotel via car, Dowling added that Canadian travellers are still doing road trips despite the recent increases in gas prices.

Glen MacDonell of the Canadian Auto Association (CAA) said that their research has also shown that travel plans are going ahead and that quick dramatic increases in gas prices may affect some travellers, but overall, despite higher gas prices in comparison to last year, families aren't letting this stop them from their summer holiday plans.

Dowling also added that due to the strength of the Canadian dollar, travellers will consider heading south into the United States.