Passengers lining up at check-in counter at the modern international airport. © Can Stock Photo / ElenathewisePassengers lining up at check-in counter at the modern international airport. © Can Stock Photo / Elenathewise
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'Sustained interest' to travel abroad: CAA

Canadians are continuing to make vacation plans despite widespread travel issues over the holidays.

CAA Regional Manager Susan Postma said they have not seen a drop in people booking vacations and people certainly are expressing interest to travel.

"During those challenging times there may have been some cancellations where people made the decision to perhaps not go or delay, and so we had some but certainly not at a high volume, and we do see and predict that travel will continue to be quite busy."

In December, adverse weather and a lack of staff contributed to travel disruptions across the country.

Postma said this time of year is typically a busy time to travel and that they're really seeing a sustained interest.

"Sometimes there can be peaks and valleys in the booking season, but right now we're seeing people are expressing a real want to travel. Some are traveling in the short-term. They probably booked their spring break, and if they haven't, some are still looking for spring break, but we are seeing people making plans for summer, we're seeing people booking into even next year."

Postma said if it's not part of active travelling right now, people are certainly making those plans. She's also encouraging would-be travelers to look into travel insurance.

"They can cover things like cancelled flights or lost luggage or medical expenses. So, very important to ask those questions about what travel insurance coverage you need and how it best supports your trip planning."

Postma said in general, they are seeing some higher pricing due to demand, availability and some inflation.

A national survey conducted by luggage company Samsonite found that Italy is the top bucket list destination for Canadians if they could only take one more vacation in their life. Nearly 35 per cent of respondents chose Italy.

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