Goodbye Presents, Hello Holiday

Ninety-five per cent of Canadians would give up their gifts for travel this holiday season

TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - Sorry folks, but tablets, high-end blenders and video game consoles aren't topping the list this holiday season.  Hotels.com™ asked Canadians what they would really like to unwrap this holiday and the majority of Canadians were united in their response. Travel was so desired that 95% of respondents were even willing to give up all their presents to take their dream trip over the holiday break.

"Travel is the perfect gift because there truly is a destination for everyone. And now it's easy to give the gift of travel with the new gift cards available on our site," said Taylor L. Cole, APR, travel expert for Hotels.com.  "Not only will you be left with memories that can last a lifetime, but you don't have to worry about struggling with gift wrap either!"

The global survey examined preferences and travel plans throughout the holiday season. Canadian-specific findings included:

How many Canadians are travelling over the holidays?

• 26%, of Canadians are planning to travel abroad and stay in a hotel, as compared to 16% of respondents globally
• 15% plan to stay elsewhere in Canada in a hotel
• 44% plan to stay at home

What is the most important factor when choosing a hotel for the holidays?

• The most popular response was a hotel that offers a traditional Christmas celebration (28%), although most Canadians (64%) didn't seem fussed when choosing a holiday hotel.

For Canadians travelling internationally over the holidays, where are they going?

• United States – American cities continue to be popular among Canuck travellers and were also chosen as both the number one travel wish and destination for 2015.
• Mexico
• Cuba

Why are they travelling for the holidays?

• 38% want sun and warm temperatures
• 25% want quality time with their families
• 14% want to experience Christmas elsewhere

Aside from the weather, Canadians mostly preferred traditional holiday enjoyments, choosing:

• Sun over ski
• Family time over free time
• Christmas trees over palm trees
• Christmas turkey over a vegetarian meal
• Water over eggnog – this, like Christmas cake, is a tradition that has Canadians divided!
• A trip to Paris over presents

If travelling for Christmas (without their families), Canadians would most miss:

• Family (63%) – no surprise there
• Their usual Christmas food (31%)
• Local Christmas traditions/friends (29%)

Fortunately, if you miss Christmas with the family, you'll likely make up for it on New Years as more than half (57%) of Canadians plan to spend New Year's Eve at home this year.

If you're stuck on what to give your loved ones this year, consider giving the gift of travel with a Hotels.com gift card – afterall, Canadians have spoken and that's what they want.

* About the survey: Total global respondents – 8,722 in 28 countries in Europe, North America, South America and APAC. Survey was conducted via email to Hotels.com newsletter subscribers Nov. 1 – Nov. 25, 2014

About Hotels.com
Hotels.com L.P. operates Hotels.com, a leading online accommodation booking website with over 365,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals.

© 2014 Hotels.com, LP. Hotels.com, The Obvious Choice and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. CST # 2083949-50

Image with caption: "Travel experiences are the preferred gift for Canadians this year (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141210_C8241_PHOTO_EN_9287.jpg

SOURCE: Hotels.com

For further information: Press Contacts: Lauren Wasley, energiPR for Hotels.com, Phone: [phone] x 19, Email: [e-mail], @energiPR; Taylor L. Cole, APR, Hotels.com North America, Phone: [phone], Email: [e-mail], @TravelwithTLC