Both Skyscanner and Hotels.com have come out with handy suggestions for travel this summer, as well as information on where Canadians are heading for their vacations.
HOW TO SAVE ON HOTELS: TRAVEL TIPS FROM HOTELS.COM
As travellers watch their wallets, new data from the Hotels.com 2026 Hotel Price Index reveals travel lovers don’t have to sacrifice luxury to save this summer. New data shows savvy travellers are redefining high-end travel and saving big while doing it. Here are the top three takeaways for Canadian travellers:
-
Booking last-minute pays off: Reserving less than a week in advance nets Canadians an average of 30% off across all hotel tiers.
-
Sunday is the sweet spot: It’s the cheapest night of the week for both domestic and international stays, while Fridays and Saturdays remain the most expensive.
-
4-star is the new 5-star: Canadians are booking 4-star hotels and defining “luxury” by tangible experiences, specifically prioritizing gourmet dining (33%), private beaches (33%), and great views (29%).
A Coastal Suite at the Pierside Hotel in Santa Monica, California. Pierside Hotel Photo
CANADIANS LOOKING TO DOMESTIC TRAVEL AND EUROPE THIS SUMMER
According to new insights from the global travel app Skyscanner, Canadians are continuing to prioritize travel this summer, with major international cities and domestic escapes driving strong demand throughout the season. As travellers are planning their vacations, affordability remains top of mind. Nearly four in 10 Canadians (39%) say affordability is their biggest travel challenge this summer, while 29% say they are unsure when flights are at their cheapest.
As part of Skyscanner’s 2026 Smarter Summer Report, the travel company crunched the numbers to uncover when prices dip, so Canadians can swap the guesswork for good timing. With summer right around the corner, there are still opportunities to find great value. From domestic favourites to international hotspots, these are the destinations Canadians are searching for most this summer and the best time to go for the biggest savings:
The Top 10 most popular destinations this summer:
Le Grande Roue (Big Wheel) in Montreal. JIM BYERS PHOTO
- Toronto, Canada
- Cheapest week to travel: July 6–13
- Cheapest day to travel: Monday
- Average summer flight price: $446
- Average daily hotel price: $387
- Average daily car rental price: $88
- Calgary, Canada
- Cheapest week to travel: August 10–16
- Cheapest day to travel: Monday
- Average summer flight price: $426
- Average daily car rental price: $97
- Vancouver, Canada
- Cheapest week to travel: August 31 – September 6
- Cheapest day to travel: Friday
- Average summer flight price: $466
- Average daily hotel price: $622
- Average daily car rental price: $107
- Paris, France
- Cheapest week to travel: August 31 – September 6
- Cheapest day to travel: Monday
- Average summer flight price: $1,083
- Average daily hotel price: $327
- Average daily car rental price: $85
- Tokyo, Japan
- Cheapest week to travel: August 31 – September 6
- Cheapest day to travel: Tuesday
- Average summer flight price: $1,205
- Average daily hotel price: $201
- Average daily car rental price: $68
- Rome, Italy
- Cheapest week to travel: August 3–9
- Cheapest day to travel: Monday
- Average summer flight price: $1,077
- Average daily hotel price: $269
- Average daily car rental price: $60
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Cheapest week to travel: August 31 – September 6
- Cheapest day to travel: Wednesday
- Average summer flight price: $910
- Average daily hotel price: $269
- Average daily car rental price: $44
- Montreal, Canada
- Cheapest week to travel: July 6–12
- Cheapest day to travel: Friday
- Average summer flight price: $489
- Average daily hotel price: $255
- Average daily car rental price: $85
- Athens, Greece
- Cheapest week to travel: August 31 – September 6
- Cheapest day to travel: Monday
- Average summer flight price: $1,159
- Average daily hotel price: $246
- Average daily car rental price: $56
- Dublin, Ireland
- Cheapest week to travel: August 24–30
- Cheapest day to travel: Wednesday
- Average summer flight price: $723
- Average daily hotel price: $394
- Average daily car rental price: $62
Taking advantage of Shoulder Season
For Canadians looking for even more affordable options, shoulder-season travel periods in June and September can unlock further savings. As 21% of travellers look for ways to secure the best price and avoid overpaying, travelling during these months presents a smart opportunity to save.
CROATIA CELEBRATES RECORD TOURISM
Croatia is experiencing an unprecedented surge in interest from North American travelers, with U.S. arrivals up 9% as of May this year. This sustained growth is driven by enhanced transatlantic accessibility, deepened travel trade partnerships, and an increasingly compelling portfolio of authentic, premium experiences that extend well beyond the beach.
Dubrovnik, Croatia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Why Travelers Are Choosing Croatia
At the heart of Croatia’s appeal is a combination of safety, accessibility, and diversity of experience. The country consistently ranks among Europe’s safest destinations, with cities such as Zagreb widely recognized for their welcoming atmosphere for families, couples, and solo travelers. Across Croatia’s towns, villages, and islands, visitors are often struck by a simple but increasingly rare sight: children playing freely outdoors, a reflection of the country’s strong sense of safety and community.
Beyond safety, Croatia’s experiential breadth continues to drive demand. From the UNESCO-listed Old City of Dubrovnik and the Roman heritage of Split, to truffle-rich forests in Istria, more than 1,000 Adriatic islands, and a rapidly evolving Michelin-recognized culinary scene, Croatia offers a layered travel experience that extends far beyond a traditional beach holiday.
“What resonates most with North American travelers is Croatia’s ability to offer contrast,” said Leila Krešić-Jurić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board in North America. “It is a destination where world-class gastronomy, rich cultural heritage, and island life exist alongside a slower, more intentional way of living. That balance is what makes Croatia increasingly distinctive in the European landscape.”
