As many Canadians look to escape winter or plan a spring break, January is proving to be a crucial moment to lock in travel plans — especially for those watching their budgets.
According to a new analysis from Skyscanner, Canadians who plan ahead could find significant savings in 2026, with several domestic and international destinations offering average round-trip flight prices under $500.
Skyscanner’s research shows that 66 per cent of Canadians plan to travel abroad in 2026, yet only 48 per cent have booked flights so far. The biggest barriers to booking remain uncertainty over destinations and pricing. Nearly half of respondents said they are still deciding where to go, while 43 per cent are waiting for better deals.
“January is a key moment for Canadians to start thinking about travel,” said Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destinations expert. “With several destinations in 2026 offering average return flight prices under $500, we hope travel continues to feel accessible and worth planning for in the year ahead.”
The cheapest day to fly in 2026
Skyscanner says Sunday is the cheapest day to fly on average in 2026. The company has also launched a new “Cheapest Destination Planner,” allowing travellers to select a month and see the 10 most affordable destinations during that period.
After analyzing thousands of routes and millions of bookings, Skyscanner identified the 10 cheapest travel destinations for Canadians in 2026, factoring in airfare, hotel prices, and car rentals.
The 10 cheapest destinations for Canadians in 2026
1. Vancouver
A winter West Coast escape could be surprisingly affordable.
- Average return flight: $315 (February flights as low as $49)
- Hotels: From $107/night (three-star)
- Car rentals: From $38 for three days
2. Nassau
A Caribbean getaway at a lower-than-expected price.
- Average return flight: $484 (March flights from $313)
- Hotels: From $281/night (three-star)
- Car rentals: From $119 for three days
3. Punta Cana
A popular resort destination offering strong value for winter travellers.
- Average return flight: $555 (deals from $335)
- Hotels: From $216/night (three-star)
- Car rentals: From $41 for three days
4. Madeira
A mild European escape with spring-like weather.
- Flights: From $696 round-trip
- Hotels: From $118/night (three-star)
- Car rentals: From $27 for three days
5. San José
Culture, museums, and warm weather at a reasonable price.
- Average return flight: $573 (from $419)
- Hotels: From $94/night (three-star)
- Car rentals: From $32 for three days
6. Yellowknife
An April trip north offers unique experiences and competitive pricing.
- Average return flight: $597
- Hotels: From $215/night (three-star)
- Car rentals: From $272 for three days
7. Madrid
A European city break with culture and mild winter weather.
- Average return flight: $677
- Hotels: From $144/night (three-star)
- Car rentals: From $27 for three days
8. Fort-de-France
Caribbean travel with French flair at mid-range prices.
- Average return flight: $706 (from $526)
- Hotels: From $220/night (three-star)
- Car rentals: From $106 for three days
9. Rome
Iconic landmarks at reduced spring travel costs.
- Average return flight: $864 (from $662)
- Hotels: From $163/night (three-star)
- Car rentals: From $43 for three days
10. Tokyo
Long-haul travel becomes more affordable in March.
- Average return flight: $1,183 (from $584)
- Hotels: From $124/night (three-star)
- Car rentals: From $84 for three days
Planning ahead pays off
With airfare prices fluctuating and demand expected to rise as the year progresses, Skyscanner says early planning remains one of the best ways for Canadians to secure affordable travel in 2026 — whether staying close to home or venturing overseas.