Canadians cancel U.S. travel in favour of these spots | News
The weak Canadian dollar and anger toward the new U.S. administration has led Canadian travellers to rethink their American travel plans.
Amra Durakovic, head of communications for Flight Centre Travel Group, including Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller, and more, said cancellations haven’t been abrupt — but rather part of an overall trend for Canadians reconsidering travel options and opting for other non-U.S. destinations.
“We’ve seen that some Canadians are reconsidering their U.S. travel plans,” she said. “The combination of the U.S. administration’s 25 per cent tariffs and the weak Canadian dollar has created both financial and emotional barriers for travellers, which has prompted some Canadians to reconsider their travel options.”
What popular U.S. travel destinations are seeing cancellations
Durakovic said Flight Centre Travel Group has seen some cancellations across a variety of popular U.S. destinations, particularly in southern U.S. states, where Canadian snowbirds traditionally travel — such as Florida and Arizona — most likely due to the variety of alternative sun options available to Canadians.
“Major tourist hubs like Chicago, Las Vegas, and New York City have also experienced cancellations, as some travellers shift their focus to destinations where their dollar stretches further,” she said.
The beach, in early February — that’s the draw of Florida in winter.
Cancellations not just about economics — it’s a shift in mindset
Durakovic said many Canadians are revisiting options to travel locally and explore domestic destinations such as Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island or exploring the western part of the country on road trips through the Rockies.
“This isn’t just an economic decision — it’s also a shift in mindset,” she said.
Durakovic said their travel experts are encouraging Canadians to book sooner rather than later, especially for East Coast tours, which tend to be booked out earlier and are already filling up quickly for spring, summer and fall travel.
Where are people travelling instead of the U.S.?
Durakovic said there’s a growing interest in alternative destinations — both domestic and international — where travellers can find better value for their money.
East Point Lighthouse is one of the sights along the 700-kilometre Island Walk, which loops P.E.I.’s perimeter.
Travel within Canada
Durakovic said they’re seeing interest in travel within Canada to places such as Prince Edward Island, Banff and Jasper, the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia and Quebec City.
Popular non-U.S. international destinations
Portugal, with its affordable luxury, beaches and history, has experienced a surge in demand, Durakovic said.
“The Caribbean, particularly Antigua, along with other sun destinations such as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Thailand, are also trending among Canadian travellers this year,” she said.
Durakovic said these choices reflect Canadians’ resilience and passion for sunny escapes, as they aim to maximize their travel budgets while avoiding U.S. tariffs and challenges posed by the weaker exchange rate.
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