March Break costs Canadians an average of $2600; Albertans most likely to travel

March Break is just around the corner, and according to a new poll, some Canadians are packing their bags for a getaway.

A CIBC poll released Thursday reveals that 12 per cent of Canadians plan on taking a vacation sometime this month. Forty one per cent of travelers say they’ll take a trip somewhere in Canada, while 36 per cent say they’ll head south to the United States.

"March is a special time of year for Canadians to take a break from school and work and enjoy some time with their families," says Cheryl Longo, executive vice president, of CIBC Card Products.

"Finding the time and money for family vacations can sometimes be a challenge, and when Canadians do get away they want to enjoy the experience and know they planned well, budgeted well, and are protected in the event of the unexpected.”

According to the poll, which was conducted via phone by Harris/Decima, the average Canadian vacationer plans to spend $2,665 on their March Break trip.

Those in Manitoba and Saskatchewan will be shelling out the most dough – planning to spend an average of nearly $3,200. Those in the Atlantic provinces plan to spend the least, about $1,550.

And while they might not be spending the very most, Albertans are the most likely to travel. Seventeen per cent of residents say they’ll travel this March. Those in B.C. are almost as likely, with 16 per cent of people saying they plan to take a trip.

People in Atlantic Canada are least likely to travel, with only 4 per cent saying they had plans to do so. Eight per cent of Quebecers say they’re vacationing.

The telephone survey polled just over 1,000 Canadians between Feb. 21 to Feb. 24.