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You deserve a vacation, but travelling isn’t feasible right now. If you want to avoid international travel’s high costs and challenges, a staycation in Canada could be the holiday you want. A staycation can mean exploring your own city or town, experiencing things that you usually do not take part in, or, it could mean travelling within the country. Canada offers many opportunities for exciting adventures and there are many travel hacks that will help you plan a fun and relaxing holiday right where you live!
Why Vacation in Canada?
While you may have been dreaming of a summer vacation on a beach or overseas, the good news is that Canada is a treasure trove of adventure. There are many incredible places to see and things to do. It’s a destination that people from all over the world are eager to explore. Regarding international travel, Canada ranked as the 11th most popular destination in 2024.
So, why not embark on a new adventure right here at home?
One of the best benefits of staying in Canada is that you support the local economy. Some Canadian businesses are seeing less demand from other countries, like the US. Taking your vacation at home allows you to support Canada and Canadian services.
Your holiday budget may be limited because you’re saving money for other priorities. If you are in debt, spending money on a trip may not be in your budget. However, one advantage of a staycation is that your holiday costs can be affordable if you plan for it. This is especially true if you don’t need to pay for airfare, a car rental, or too many ‘eating-out’ restaurant meals.
Make the most of your time and money with careful planning. There are practical steps you can take to achieve this. Start by setting a budget, planning your activities, taking advantage of travel deals, and using rewards like credit card points. With these tools at your disposal, you can confidently plan a memorable staycation.
Set your budget
Take a moment to review your income and expenses. Set a budget that you can comfortably allocate to your staycation. The goal is to avoid going into debt, as large credit card bills after a vacation can be stressful. By sticking to your budget, you’ll not only enjoy your staycation but also feel a sense of accomplishment in managing your finances responsibly.
Consider the number of people you need to pay for. A single person or a couple may be able to spend less than a family of five.
You can plan accordingly once you know how much you want to spend. Do you have the budget for airfare, hotels and meals? Would a driving destination be better for your budget, or would you rather explore a different area closer to where you live?
Plan your activities
One of the best things you can do to get the most out of your staycation is to take some time to plan your days. Your summer holiday can slip away if you don’t make specific plans. It’s easy to get distracted by tasks like cleaning your basement if you don’t have a solid vacation plan.
Deciding how you want to spend your time will help you choose the right destination. British Columbia or the Maritime provinces would be the right choice for seeing the ocean. Acadia Broadcasting in Atlantic Canada has recently created a site with information on activities and places to stay close to home:. https://staycationatlantic.ca/ . A valuable resource for ideas. If you want to explore a vibrant city, consider Toronto, Montreal, Calgary or Vancouver. Places like Quebec City or Niagara-on-the-Lake combine history, European charm, and remarkable scenery.
Research the destination you choose to plan out your days while you are there. Resources like the Canadian Automobile Association, Tripadvisor, and Google reviews offer great information. You’ll learn about prices and other travellers’ experiences. You’ll find information about tourist attractions, museums, historical sites, parks, and restaurants that you can plan to visit.
For example, if you are looking for a camping or ‘glamping’ experience in BC, you can visit: https://glampinghub.com/rentalsearch/staycations-british-columbia/
Choosing activities in advance and making reservations will ensure you get to see and do the things you want. It will also help you budget because you’ll know how much you will spend in advance.
Staycation ideas
Finding inexpensive things to do can be challenging, regardless of whether you vacation at home or take a trip. Here are some budget-friendly travel ideas you could include in your holiday:
- Explore a provincial park by hiking or biking.
- Pack a picnic lunch to take to a favourite outdoor spot.
- Go to a local beach.
- Check out local museums.
- Walking and ghost tours.
- Shop at a local farmer’s market.
- Attend free festivals, concerts or street parties.
- Take the tour bus.
- Ask the locals about a favourite breakfast or lunch spot.
- Visit a pioneer village.
- Attend a creative workshop.
- Take a foodie tour.
- Visit historic buildings and learn the history of a different city.
- Tour a nature reserve.
How to save money
It’s easy to overspend on your holiday. Having a budget and taking advantage of travel deals will help you have a good time and keep your spending in check. Many areas offer travel discounts and deals to help you maximize your dollar.
Discounts and deals
You could find a reasonable price for your holiday on travel sites that bundle your airfare and hotel. Some offer a rental car as well. Research prices before buying a bundle to ensure you get the best deal.
Your vacation destination may offer passes or coupon booklets for a discounted price. Some examples are Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Niagara Falls. Buying a travel pass is cheaper than paying for the activities separately. Sites like groupon.ca or wagjag.com offer discounts and coupons as well.
Some attractions and restaurants offer deals depending on the time of day. Restaurants, for example, may offer a discount if you arrive earlier. When dining out, lunch is often less expensive than dinner.
Free or low-cost activities
Another way to save is by taking advantage of free or low-cost options. Public transportation is less expensive than renting a car if you’re travelling to a city. Heading to the beach, hiking, or biking is a way to enjoy the scenery without breaking the bank. Some places may allow children under a certain age to enter or eat free, or offer a significant discount for kids.
Travel rewards
If your credit card offers travel rewards or perks, use them. Some offer points you can redeem for travel. Your card might give you various types of travel insurance, like lost luggage or trip cancellation insurance. Carefully review what your card offers. If their insurance coverages work for your situation, you’ll save money by not having to purchase extra.
Some hotels and airlines offer travel rewards to put towards future trips. Signing up for their programs can reduce your costs in the future.
Travel in the off-season
July and August are the most popular and expensive times to travel in Canada. You could save money by taking your staycation in Canada during the off-season. The weather is usually pleasant in June and September. Other months of the year also offer excellent opportunities to enjoy activities like seeing the fall colours, skiing, or snowshoeing.
Businesses that cater to tourists, like hotels and restaurants, often offer lower prices during off-season months.
What if You Can’t Afford a Staycation?
Sometimes, no amount of budgeting or planning will free up the funds you need for a well-deserved vacation. If you’re in financial distress, we can help. We offer programs to help with debt and money management to relieve your financial stress and worry. Debt solutions like a Consumer Proposal or Bankruptcy may be an option. If you’re struggling because of too much debt, contact us online or call 1-888-371-8900. At Allan Marshall and Associates, our Licensed Insolvency Trustees will help you turn your financial situation around.
