Manitobans exploring Canada more for vacation: CAA

A plane is seen taking off from Winnipeg's airport.

The travel bug remains strong for Manitobans, but where they are looking to travel has shifted according to a new survey from CAA.

CAA found 60 per cent of Manitobans want to stay closer to home and travel within Canada.

“It’s very familiar, it’s very safe. So that’s a key destination,” said Susan Postma, a regional manager with CAA Manitoba.

If Manitobans are looking at international destinations, the United States is not the top location anymore, with only 20 per cent saying they were planning to travel to the U.S.

Instead, Postma said people are looking across the ocean.

“We are also seeing good European travel, people who are looking to maybe do something different. So lots to Scotland, Ireland, Italy, lots of Europe. Japan remains a bit of a new destination that’s been emerging.”

‘A lot to navigate’

Given recent events around the world, including cartel violence in Mexico and war in the Middle East, Postma said Manitobans and Canadians are pausing and thinking before choosing their destination.

“There’s a lot to navigate now as you’re planning to travel. We do see people asking a lot of questions. We do see some people making a purposeful change from where they were thinking of going.”

Whether travelling in Canada or abroad, Postma said the most important thing people need to have is travel insurance.

“Your provincial health care doesn’t necessarily cover a lot of things that you may experience in another province, like needing an ambulance.

“When you’re travelling internationally, that really does apply as well. It’s for those unforeseen expenses that may come up.”

She said people should pay attention to what is happening in the area that they are planning to travel to and plan ahead to combat any surprises that may arise.

She recommends people use Global Affairs’ travel advisory site to ensure you’re making an informed decision on where you are travelling.

“That could really help you determine maybe what your insurance coverage would be, but also help determine if that is the destination for you.”

For any future bookings that Manitobans plan to make, Postma said do your research and plan ahead before finalizing plans.

“Ask a lot of questions and if you can, prepare in advance and really make sure that your passport and all required documentation are up-to-date.”

More travel tips can be found on CAA’s website.