The 2025 Approach Tours Travel Study
ScrollMature Canadians opt for budget-friendly travel to fulfill their dreams
Based on a survey of 1,054 Canadians aged 55+, travellers worried about cross-border currency fluctuations with the United States are turning to new destinations and tour operators where their often-fixed incomes will get them more bang for their buck. The rise of all-inclusive travel, group travel, and the ‘Buy Canadian’ ethos all indicate how travel is evolving in uncertain times.
76%
are more likely to avoid travel to the U.S. than previous years
86%
consider it important to pay in CAD when booking travel
40%
are likely to consider an organized group tour in the next year
43% of mature travellers with smaller travel budgets than in previous years are staying closer to home or are making other trade-offs to continue exploring the world:
- 64% plan to travel within Canada
- 53% are taking fewer trips overall
- 36% are choosing more budget-friendly options
- 30% plan on taking shorter trips
- 29% plan on travelling during off-peak seasons
Many see international all-inclusive group tours as the key to continued exploration without sacrificing experience
International destinations still top the list
The decline in U.S. travel will benefit domestic tourism, but international destinations remain highly desirable. Respondents overwhelmingly view Australia and the Pacific (60%) and Europe (55%) positively as travel destinations.
Group tours make international travel accessible
The 41% of respondents that have travelled in the group tour format previously share that among the most important benefits of a group tour is the predictable cost structure (70%). No surprises.
All-inclusive travel means costs are under control
Given the choice between paying a single all-inclusive price upfront or managing expenses while travelling, 73% prefer the former. A little bit of planning goes a long way.
Safety while travelling is a considerable concern for mature travellers
- 43% are very concerned U.S. politics will impact their safety while travelling
- 69% share that among the most important benefits of a group tour is the safety and security that comes from travelling in a group
Canada’s all-inclusive group tour company
Since launching in 2019, nearly 10,000 Canadians have travelled with Approach Tours on an all-inclusive group tour to one of 14 international destinations. Our tours include exclusive perks such as international flights, transportation abroad, emergency medical travel insurance, all meals, all tips, and more—valued at an average of $3,484 per tour. All our tours operate during off-peak seasons (Sept-Nov and Jan-May), are sold in Canadian dollars, and are proudly planned by our team located in Montreal, Quebec.
