Should Canadians Cancel U.S. Travel? Or Is There a Smarter Way?
I’m All For Supporting Local, But Sometimes “Local” Doesn’t Support Us. How to Outsmart High Costs and Keep Traveling Without Breaking the Bank
With rising political tensions and economic uncertainty, many Canadians are questioning whether to cancel their trips to the United States. With a weaker Canadian dollar and skyrocketing domestic hotel prices since COVID, it feels we can’t win here. Traveling within Canada isn’t always the better financial choice. Is canceling a U.S. trip really necessary? Or is there a smarter way to navigate these murky waters?
The Cost of Staying in Canada vs. Traveling to the U.S.
I’m all for supporting local, but sometimes “local” doesn’t support us.
Ever since the COVID pandemic, which is barely behind us, Canadian hotel rates have surged, making domestic travel increasingly expensive. Staying closer to home may not always be the answer. It can actually be cheaper to travel internationally—even to the U.S.—than to stay within Canada. This raises an important question:
Is Canada truly supporting “local”, or is it catering primarily to American tourists benefiting from the currency exchange?
While some Canadians are choosing to cancel their U.S. trips in protest or concern, others are finding ways to travel smarter instead of giving up travel altogether.
Renegotiating Instead of Canceling
Personally, I have an upcoming hotel stay booked at a property where rates had increased due to the “Canadian peso” not performing as well. Canceling wasn’t easy or ideal given the complex itinerary, so I took a different approach—I renegotiated the rate. By reaching out to the hotel directly, I was able to secure a 30% discount, making the trip far more affordable. Even if the Canadian dollar weakens slightly, the savings I secured will still leave me ahead.
This kind of strategy is something I cover extensively in my travel hacking resources, including my Freedom Project book and Travel Revolution course on hotel travel hacking. There are always ways to optimize your travel expenses—you just need to know where to look.
How Travel Hacking Can Help You Save
For those who love to travel but are feeling stuck between rising costs and economic uncertainty, now is the time to lean into smart travel strategies. Some practical ways to save include:
Renegotiating Hotel Rates: Call the hotel directly and ask if they can match or beat current offers. Chances are hotel owners don’t want to lose your business, and may sympathize with the increased cost for Canadians.
Leveraging Loyalty Programs: Many hotel programs offer free nights, upgrades, and perks that can offset the higher costs of staying at a nicer property.
Booking with the Right Credit Cards: Some travel credit cards offer significant rebates, free hotel nights, or points that can cover part or all of your stay.
Exploring Alternative Stays: Consider vacation rentals, boutique hotels, or even repositioning your stay slightly outside of tourist hotspots for better rates.
Let’s Stay Connected Beyond Borders
While economic factors and media narratives may make it feel like U.S.-Canada relations are in flux, the reality is that human connections transcend politics. Instead of fuelling division, we should focus on what truly matters: exploring new places, meeting new people, and making memories that last a lifetime.
Nobody knows exactly where things will go from here, but instead of canceling experiences outright, it’s worth exploring smarter ways to make travel work. Whether you're traveling within Canada or heading to the U.S., being informed and strategic can help you get the best experience for your budget.
If you want to learn more about maximizing travel value, check out my Freedom Project book and Travel Revolution course on hotel travel hacking. Travel doesn’t have to stop again—it just needs to be approached wisely. And that has never changed.
