TORONTO — A new Sunwing survey has highlighted the value of vacations, with most Canadians recalling their fondest travelmemory was from a trip taken as an adult. 

Seven in 10 respondents (71%) said that their fondest vacation or travel memory was from a past or recent vacation as an adult, compared to one in six (16%) who said their fondest memory is from a childhood trip. One in eight (13%) said their favourite memory was from a trip as a teenager.

When it comes to the lasting impact that vacation had on them, half (51%) of respondents said it helped them get closer to and share experiences with friends or family members, while 55% said it made them more eager to explore more destinations or parts of the world. Nearly two in five (37% of respondents said it helped them learn about a new culture or language, while another third (34%) said it helped them grow as a person. A similar proportion (36%) said it gave them a more positive outlook on life.

“Our research highlights the growing importance Canadians place on travel for creating lasting memories and cultivating deeper bonds with their loved ones,” said Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer for Sunwing Travel Group. “Going on vacation also helps inspire a feeling of wanderlust, encouraging Canadians to travel more and explore more destinations in future. 

“At Sunwing we’re all about making vacation dreams come true and, with an assortment of over 700 resorts offered across 30-plus destinations, there are no shortage of beach escapes to experience this summer. Whether looking to relax on the beach, indulge in a romantic retreat or plan action-packed excursions, when booking with Sunwing more Canadians can create feel-good experiences in destination and vacation memories to last a lifetime.”

Conducted by Sunwing in both English and French, the survey ran between March 28-30, 2023 with a nationally representative sample of 1,509 Canadians.

Additional survey highlights include:

• Three-in-five (59%) Canadians say it’s likely they’ll travel internationally in the next year, rising to two-thirds (66%) in British Columbia.
  
• Among those looking to travel internationally, about three-in-ten (31%) plan on doing so within the next three months.
  
• Approximately two-thirds (63%) of prospective international travellers intend to plan an upcoming trip to a sun destination in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America or the U.S.
  
• Respondents aged 35-54 are most likely to travel to a sun destination (71%) followed closely by those aged 18-34 (65%).
  
• Among those who have travelled to a sun destination before, respondents made the most of their vacation by relaxing on the beach or by the pool (73%), trying out new activities or going on guided excursions (56%), taking in the local culture (55%) and trying out local dining experiences (52%).

Canadians looking to make new vacation memories can take advantage of affordable rates on all-inclusive packages during Sunwing’s Summer Starts Now promotion, including under $999 deals on vacation packages to Cuba. Travellers can secure prices on vacations booked by April 30, 2023 for travel by Aug. 31, 2023, Plus, with the Sunwing Guarantee*, they’ll receive more perks when they book an all-inclusive vacation with Sunwing, including the first checked bag free (a value of $100+ roundtrip), hotel transfers and the lowest price on change and cancellation protection with Sunwing’s Worry Free coverage options.