Not Feeling the USA's Vibe: Canadians Opt for Mexico Vacations Over Trump's Policies
Tourists from Canada venture to Mexico due to Trump's policies
When it comes to vacations, more and more Canadians are choosing Mexico over the USA. This shift can be traced back to former U.S. President Donald Trump's policies and rhetoric. Here are the key components and repercussions that shed light on this trend:
Economic and Tourism Impact
- The political tension stemming from Trump's administration, marked by controversial statements and protectionist trade measures against Canada, has discouraged Canadian tourists from visiting the USA [1][2][3].
- Data from Airbnb shows a whopping 27% increase in Canadian bookings for stays in Mexico between March 2024 and March 2025, a clear indication of their preference for Mexican vacations [1].
- Travel by car and air from Canada to the USA has significantly decreased: car travel dropping by 32% and air travel by over 13.5% in early 2025 in comparison to the previous year. This downward trend is a sign of the impact of tariffs, increased costs, and lengthy border wait times [3].
- These changes have left U.S. border towns and associated tourism businesses struggling, as they rely on Canadian visitors for their survival. Many establishments have been forced to raise prices due to diminished Canadian customer numbers and heightened costs [4].
- The stronger U.S. dollar compared to the Canadian dollar has made travel to the USA more costly for Canadians, exacerbating the decline in cross-border tourism [2][4].
Airlines' and U.S. States' Responses
- States highly dependent on Canadian tourists, such as California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts, are initiating targeted campaigns to draw Canadian travelers back. These initiatives consist of emotional appeals and hefty discounts—for instance, California's "California Loves Canada" campaign offering up to 25% off hotels and attractions [2].
- Airlines and travel businesses witnessing reduced demand from Canadian travelers flying to the USA are now focusing on routes to Mexico, where they expect to see an influx of tourists as an alternative to the USA [5].
- Mexico capitalizes on this shift in Canadian tourists, as they perceive Mexico as a more welcoming destination amid the period of uneasy U.S.-Canada relations orchestrated by tariffs and polarizing political rhetoric [1][3].
The Final Word
The increase in Canadian tourists to Mexico is a direct consequence of the strained relationship between the USA and Canada, brought about by Trump’s policies, such as tariffs, inciting rhetoric, and economic aspects like currency exchange rates and inflation [3][4][5]. This shift has negatively affected the U.S. travel industry, particularly border states, prompting states and airlines to form marketing campaigns and discounts geared towards luring Canadian travelers back [2]. Meanwhile, Mexico cashes in on this trend, with increased numbers of Canadian travelers booking stays on platforms like Airbnb [1].
This phenomenon serves as a prime example of how geopolitical and trade policies can reverberate throughout tourism economies and airline traffic patterns in North America.
- In light of Donald Trump's policies and vocational rhetoric, especially with regard to tariffs, many Canadians are opting for vacation travel in Mexico over the USA.
- The decrease in Canadians traveling to the USA is reflected in a significant drop in car and air travel, with car travel dropping by 32% and air travel declining by over 13.5% in early 2025.
- Guadalajara, Mexico, is capitalizing on this shift, as many Canadians perceive it as a more welcoming destination amid the period of uneasy US-Canada relations.
- Political establishments in US states like California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts, highly dependent on Canadian tourists, are launching targeted campaigns to encourage Canadians to travel and vacation there.
- WhatsApp groups and general-news platforms among the Canadian community are buzzing with discussions about this lifestyle shift towards Mexican vacations due to travel-related costs and a political-economic environment that feels more inviting in Mexico.
