Canadian “snowbirds” – retirees who head south every winter to flee the chilly – are reconsidering their annual American getaways. In keeping with a brand new one Winter analysis into sensible vacationers 2025 by the Journey Well being Insurance coverage Affiliation of Canada (THIA)solely 26% of Canadians plan to go to the US this wintermark one 37% drop in comparison with final yr.
This shocking decline comes regardless of many years of custom of Canadian retirees spending months at a time in sunbelt states Florida, Arizona, Texas and California. However this yr, many are selecting to remain nearer to dwelling or go elsewhere – and it isn’t nearly politics.
Rising journey prices high the checklist
The analysis confirmed that 41% of respondents quoted the rising journey prices as the primary cause to skip the US in 2025. Inflation, increased gasoline costs and hovering lodging prices have made longer stays south of the border considerably dearer.
Within the meantime, 40% talked about political tensionsthough the analysis made it clear that these considerations lengthen past occasion political points. Many respondents mentioned they had been extra involved about “social instability” and “unpredictable border insurance policies” than about any particular political determine.
Different essential elements included poor alternate charges (29%) And security issues (20%)which some linked to current studies of rising crime and excessive climate circumstances in fashionable US locations.
The place do they go as an alternative?
Whereas the US is seeing fewer Canadian snowbirds, locations resembling Portugal, Spain, Mexico and the Caribbean report elevated curiosity. These areas supply higher forex values, reasonably priced long-term stays, and a welcoming atmosphere for retirees.
European choices resembling Portuguese coast of the Algarve And Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol are particularly fashionable for his or her gentle winters, entry to healthcare and enormous expat communities. Mexico and the Caribbean stay enticing due to their proximity, tradition and cost-effectiveness in comparison with Florida or Arizona.
A shift in snowbird tradition
Maybe most placing is the demographic shift: child boomers – traditionally the core of Canada’s snowbird group – confirmed the biggest decline in US journey plans. Analysts counsel this might characterize a broader cultural change, with retirees changing into extra globally adventurous and fewer tied to conventional winter locations.
As a journey knowledgeable Lauren Veer explains: “Canadian snowbird migration is evolving. This era is extra budget-conscious, extra politically conscious and open to exploration outdoors North America.”
Whether or not this can be a momentary development or a long-term shift stays to be seen – however one factor is evident: for a lot of Canadian snowbirds, the American sunbelt not shines as brightly because it used to.
Key Takeaways:
- Solely 26% of Canadians plan to go to the US this winter (37% lower than in 2024).
- Essential causes for cancellations embody journey prices (41%), political tensions (40%), alternate charges (29%) and security (20%).
- Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean are seeing rising recognition amongst retirees.
Supply: Journey Well being Insurance coverage Affiliation of Canada (THIA) Winter Sensible Traveler Survey 2025