“America is only one country in a big, beautiful world,” says Rachel Lambert of Lambear Travel.
The travel manager is looking at the uncertain times as a trade war is underway between Canada and the United States with tariffs being the leading tool of choice.
Lambert notes the non-USA options.
“There are lots of travel suppliers with roots in Canada, Australia, and Europe. You do not have to purchase from a US-based company. Just because a company has an office in the USA this does not mean it is an American company.”
She also recommends choosing countries that do not deal in American dollars and order other currencies ahead to avoid using the USD.
With the uncertainty of the exchange rate of the Loonie to the Greenback, Roland Van Meurs from the Alberta Motor Association, says AMA Travel is seeing a few different scenarios when it comes to travelling to and leaving from the U.S.
“We’re seeing some people that have cruises leaving out of the U.S., especially Alaska. We’ve had some people question whether they want to go.”
He notes they have had some cancellations. But with vacations, there could be penalties involved for a cancelled trip.
“They may reconsider. They’re looking to see what any cancellation fees would be at this point.”
Some travellers, Van Meurs points out, are avoiding the U.S. altogether, which is a combination of the talk of tariffs between Canada and the U.S. and everything else going on politically.
“But also too, with the rate of exchange for the Canadian and U.S. dollar – it’s an expensive vacation when you’re there,” says Van Meurs.
Some people are even changing their airline itineraries if it’s a U.S. carrier going through the States, Van Meurs explains.
“They’re changing it and say they would rather fly Air Canada or WestJet instead, and they don’t’ want to support a U.S. airline.”
Ultimately, Van Meurs says, it’s the people’s choice, and what they would like to do.
“We get a lot of questions about ‘where else can I go if I want to just head out for three or four days?’ Instead of maybe heading to Los Angeles, Palm Springs or Las Vegas – ‘what are my other options?’”
Van Meurs says the agency is getting a lot more requests for Western Canada and Vancouver Island and Ontario and the Niagara region.
“We’re seeing a lot of people that haven’t been or say, ‘This would be something different to try’ and not have to support the U.S. dollar.”
“It just keeps the cost maybe a little bit more affordable or maybe destinations where they’re not having to transit the U.S. to get there.”
Usually, customers are not asked why they’re choosing not to go to a specific location, says Van Meurs.
“They usually divulge what it is. At the end of the day, we’ll support everybody’s choices and what they decide to do, and we go from there.”
But for those still planning on heading to the U.S., Van Meurs adds, people need to feel comfortable wherever they go. “There’s a lot of uncertainties moving forward with what we’re going to see or what we’re not going to see.”
“I think that puts stress on people’s minds, thinking ‘what if this happens or what if that happens?’ In all honesty, we see that in many countries with the ever-changing world as it is. Sometimes you just have to roll with it and get through the punches of it. But also, you have to make sure you feel comfortable, so you’re not thinking the entire time ‘what if this happens while I’m there?’ Because you’re not going to enjoy your vacation,” says Van Meurs.
These days, Van Meurs would love to have a crystal ball to see the future.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have one that works.”
Both premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan have issued statements advising pro-Canada buying and procurement practices in the ongoing trade war with the United States.
With files from: Stan Ashbee – Vista Radio
