Some Canadians opting for summer staycations due to rising costs: Poll
· Toronto Sun
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Trip or treat? A new survey by email and SMS marketing platform Omnisend says that, as summer vacation and everyday expenses rise, many Canadians are skipping getting out of dodge and instead finding smaller ways to treat themselves.
The poll found that 40% are opting for a staycation this summer (either staying home or taking local trips.) Among those spending less on travel, 11% of those respondents say it simply doesn’t feel worth the cost right now.
Still, 60% say rising travel costs have made them more likely to treat themselves to smaller purchases instead, and the most popular “little treats” include local experiences (16%), restaurant meals (15%), apparel (14%), premium groceries (10%), and takeout (9%).
So-called ‘lipstick effect’ in play
“We’re seeing the ‘lipstick effect’ in action as consumers skip big-ticket purchases but continue spending on smaller luxuries that still provide a sense of reward,” Omnisend e-commerce expert Marty Bauer said in a statement.
“The difference is that those ‘little treats’ aren’t all that luxurious. They’re takeout, premium groceries, or a meal out. When everyday costs keep climbing, even ordinary comforts can start to feel like indulgences.”
The survey found that while 67% of Canadians are planning to travel this summer, only 17% of Canadians are going on major trips with flights and paid lodging.
People scaling back on their vacations or choosing to stay at home is due to high costs, said 45% of Canadians, and recent increases in gas prices were why 47% in Canada were altering their summer travel plans
“Gas prices have a ripple effect,” Bauer said. “It’s not just that traveling or flying are more expensive. It also inflates the prices of other commodities that we’re used to while vacationing. Plus, the more you spend on gas or flights, the more your vacation budget shrinks. People are then left with an uncomfortable conundrum. Is it worth it to sacrifice the quality of your leisure time, or is it more worthwhile to spend that money elsewhere?”
The poll found 26% are spending less on travel simply because they need that money for everyday essentials while another 24% of Canadians are also cutting back on everyday purchases as well.
The survey was commissioned by Omnisend and conducted by Cint in June 2026 and a total of 1,068 Canadian consumers took part in the survey and the margin of error is +/-3 per cent.