Canadians say accommodation costs are the top barrier to travel this year, but many are embracing home-swapping

Nearly half of Canadians say accommodation eats up over 30 per cent of their vacation budget, and 28 per cent are open to home swapping to cut costs

Vancouver, BC (Aug. 29, 2025) – A new national survey from HomeExchange reveals that in 2025, Canadians are travelling differently, driven by economic uncertainty and a desire to make their vacation budgets go further. With nearly half (46 per cent) choosing to stay within Canada and 22 per cent saying the Canadian dollar doesn’t go far abroad, travellers are getting creative to avoid rising costs – and for many, that includes rethinking where they stay.

Accommodation remains one of the biggest travel expenses, with almost half of Canadians reporting that lodging eats up more than 30 per cent of their total vacation budget. For 17 per cent, that figure rises to over 50 per cent.

In response, more travellers are looking beyond hotels and vacation rentals to find affordable, value-based alternatives. Twenty-eight per cent of Canadians say they would consider using a home-swapping platform with no nightly fees, such as HomeExchange, to make travel more accessible without sacrificing comfort or experience.

HomeExchange, the world’s largest and most established home-swapping community with over 30 years of experience, is helping travellers eliminate one of the biggest barriers to vacationing: accommodation costs. The platform operates on a nominal annual membership model with no nightly fees, offering access to over 360,000 homes in more than 155 countries.

Despite being well-established globally for over three decades, including a cameo as the go-to platform in The Holiday, home swapping is still gaining traction in Canada. Only 6 per cent of Canadians have tried it, but 64 per cent are either aware of or open to the idea.

“Canadians want to keep travelling, but they’re smarter about how they do it,” said Emmanuel Arnaud, HomeExchange’s CEO. “HomeExchange lets people travel without compromising. They get the comfort of a real home, the joy of authentic experiences, and the freedom to redirect their budget toward what matters most.”

At a time when affordability, sustainability, and trust matter more than ever, HomeExchange is emerging as a solution that helps travellers make the most of their budgets – while fostering connection and reciprocity in the process.

About HomeExchange

HomeExchange is the global leader in home exchange vacations, offering authentic, sustainable and affordable vacation opportunities for everyone. With over 240,000 members across more than 155 countries, HomeExchange makes vacations on a budget possible with a nominal annual membership fee, no hidden costs or cancellation fees and 24/7 assistance.

HomeExchange is a Certified B Corporation, part of a global community of businesses that meet and commit to high standards of social and environmental impact.

Travellers can browse available homes and sign up at www.homeexchange.com.

SOURCE: HomeExchange

Tags: HomeExchange, survey, travel