Thinking of cancelling your trip to the U.S.? You’re not alone

Heather Austin and her husband were supposed to be enjoying the warm Florida sun this week, but their sense of duty to their country took precedence. The couple from Nova Scotia made the difficult decision to cancel their trip just over a week before their departure date. The reason? U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent actions targeting Canada’s economy and sovereignty.

“I felt like I needed to stand up for my country and my community,” Austin shared in a recent interview with CBC Radio’s Information Morning Nova Scotia. The Austins are part of a growing trend of Canadians choosing to boycott travel to the U.S. during the Trump presidency, with many individuals pledging not to cross the border.

Since assuming office, President Trump has imposed significant tariffs on Canada and has even suggested that the country should become the 51st state. These actions have left many Canadians feeling disillusioned and concerned about the future of the relationship between the two countries.

A recent poll conducted by Narrative Research revealed that a majority of Maritime residents, about 62%, are planning to reduce their travel to the U.S. in the coming year. This sentiment is largely driven by dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership and fears related to safety, including concerns about violence, crime, and public unrest.

The potential impact of this shift in travel behavior is not lost on industry experts. The U.S. Travel Association, a non-profit organization representing the travel sector in the U.S., is bracing for the consequences of fewer Canadian visitors. Canadians account for the largest number of international visitors to the U.S., with over 20 million visits recorded last year. A 10% reduction in Canadian travel could result in two million fewer visits, $2.1 billion in lost spending, and 14,000 job losses.

Margaret Chapman, COO of Narrative Research, emphasized the importance of understanding Maritimers’ sentiments towards traveling to the U.S. She noted that many individuals cited their disagreement with Trump’s policies as a key reason for avoiding travel to the country.

On the other hand, the weakening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar may have a silver lining for Canadian tourism. Lorn Sheehan, a management professor at Dalhousie University, pointed out that a weaker Canadian dollar makes travel to the U.S. more expensive for Canadians but could attract more American tourists to Canada.

Despite the disappointment of canceling their trip to Florida, Heather Austin and her husband were pleasantly surprised by the understanding and support they received from their travel providers. Both Disney and Universal Studios offered them full refunds for their non-refundable tickets. The couple has now decided to explore British Columbia in the spring and embark on a trip to Spain in the fall.

“I truly believe that every decision we make as individuals can have a collective impact,” Austin remarked. By choosing to redirect their travel plans and vote with their wallets, the Austins are contributing to a larger movement of Canadians reevaluating their relationship with the U.S. and seeking alternative destinations for their vacations.