Vermont, NH, ME popular with Quebecers, just not as much

Vermont Business Magazine CAA-Quebec's traditional survey of Quebecers' summer vacation plans reveals that residents of the province are highly confident this year. Whereas many respondents in 2016 said they'd be staying at home (or close by), this summer people have clearly regained their thirst for adventure, with holiday plans that are more ambitious in every respect. The northern New England states will see many visitors from the north, but the strength of the US dollar will send others overseas if they decide to travel out of the country.

The flags of Quebec and Vermont fly side-by-side, a common site in the summer in Vermont, as tourists from the north are an important part of the travel economy and an imporant part of the state's heritage.

"Quebecers were more relaxed last year, and they seem to want to make up for that in 2017," explainsPhilippe Blain, CAA-Quebec's Vice President, Travel. "The statistics show the pendulum swinging back: vacationers are obviously itching to move."

The survey found that 7 out of 10 respondents intend to take some time off to recharge their batteries, a proportion similar to that recorded in past years (detailed survey results are available here). Among those who have to forgo a vacation, job constraints are the reason most often given. Financial limitations were cited less often this year.

Longer stays
If you're going to take a break, might as well make the fun last! This year, fewer Quebecers say they will be taking only a week's vacation or less (down 4 points versus 2016). Conversely, more of them (+5points) will be setting up an out-of-office autoreply that specifies a two-week absence. Once again, August is the most popular month for taking time off (46%), while around a quarter of respondents say their vacation will coincide with the two-week construction holiday.

More distant destinations
This year, Quebecers are less inclined to spend their holiday catching some rays on the back deck or doing home renovations: only 12% have opted for a "staycation" (down 5 points from 2016). And larger numbers of prospective vacationers want to get out and see the country (and not necessarily their own)!

Preferred destinations in 2017 (change versus 2016)

Uncle Sam has failed to win back shares lost over the past three years, due to the ongoing impact of unfavourable currency exchange rates. The number of Quebecers who'll be headed south of the border is stable compared with last year, but down a full 10 points versus 2014.

Trump and terrorism not key factors
"There's a sense that Quebecers want to get away," Mr. Blain notes. "Even the international climate has had limited impact:Donald Trump'selection victory was a deterrent for 12% of respondents, while only 5% said they were worried about terror attacks inEurope. The key takeaway is that budget is by far the determining factor in people's choice of destination—and the average amount that they are setting aside for their vacation is higher this year."

No insurance? Not a wise choice
One rather worrisome finding is that 12% of respondents say they will be vacationing without travel insurance to cover medical expenses. Many myths still linger, with people wrongly assuming that their Régie de l'assurance maladie duQuébec(RAMQ) insurance provides full coverage when they are travelling in another province, or that their credit card provider's insurance is enough. The bill for a health emergency outsideQuebeccan run into the tens of thousands of dollars, so the best strategy is to be well informed and leave with peace of mind.

Quick facts:

• 73% of respondents with children will be taking them with them on vacation;
• 20% of travellers say advice from family or friends influenced their vacation plans (up 5points);
• Websites like TripAdvisor are respondents' main source of travel information (36%, versus 22% for travel guides), and three-quarters of travellers pay attention to online comments and reviews.

About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization, provides all of its members with peace of mind by offering them high-quality automotive, travel, residential and insurance benefits, products and services. Its CAA-Quebec Travel division maintains a presence across most of the province with 14Travel Centres, marketing exclusive tours and cruises as well as custom-tailored products for all types of traveler.

SOURCE QUEBEC CITY,June 6, 2017/CNW Telbec/ -CAA-Québec.1Methodology:This 9th annual survey of vacation plans was conducted online CAA-Quebec by Léger – The Research Intelligence Group, which polled 1,002 Quebecers. A similar-size random-sample survey of Quebecers has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1%.