Summer Staycations That Won’t Scorch Your Wallet
- Jordan Defazio
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
Travel costs are up, border delays are back, and more Canadians are asking: should I stay closer to home this summer?
Even though it might be a bummer for some, a well-planned staycation could be one of the most financially strategic decisions you make for your retirement future.
According to a recent Deloitte survey¹, 74 percent of Canadians are choosing to stay put this summer - not just to save money, but to reduce stress and simplify their lifestyle.
Long-distance trips can bring delays, jet lag, and exchange rate surprises that can turn a relaxing break into something that feels more like work.
Staying closer to home removes a lot of that baggage.
Not sure where to go?
With help from The Travel Lady, Lesley Keyter, we compiled five Canadian destinations worth exploring:
Sunshine Coast, British Columbia - Just a ferry ride from Vancouver, this region offers quiet towns, beaches, and forests. It’s a less hectic alternative to the Okanagan.²
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta - A few hours south of Calgary, Waterton provides the mountain scenery of Banff with fewer crowds and a peaceful pace.³
Quebec City, Quebec - If you're craving a European feel without the international flight, this is it. Amazing food, cobblestone streets, and friendly people - all with direct flights available from Calgary.⁴
Victoria, British Columbia - This walkable coastal city offers mild weather, ocean air, and just enough charm to make you forget you're still in the country.⁵
Churchill, Manitoba - For a truly unique adventure, Churchill offers wildlife experiences like polar bear viewing or beluga whale spotting in summer. It’s remote, but unforgettable.⁶
What’s the real cost of international travel?
According to Yahoo Finance Canada⁷, the average international vacation costs about $4,200. If you take a trip like that every year for the next 10 years, you're spending over $42,000. And that doesn’t include inflation. If that same money were invested with moderate growth, it could exceed $55,000.
That’s why travel should be part of any retirement plan
You don’t need to give up travel because of the cost - but you do need to be thoughtful about how it fits into your long-term plan in retirement.
Whether it’s across the world or just a few hours from home, the key is planning ahead.
How can your retirement lifestyle support more travel, not less?
We cover how to plan for travel and other lifestyle goals in our retirement seminar. Join us at our next in-person event to learn how to build a plan that supports your lifestyle goals.
Click here to Register
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