Canadian Snowbirds Rethink U.S. Winter Getaways Amid New Barriers

A recent survey indicates a significant decline in Canadian retirees planning to travel to the United States for the upcoming winter months. According to the Travel Health Insurance Association (THIA) of Canada, just 26 percent of respondents aged 61 and over, often referred to as the “snowbird” generation, expect to make the journey south between October 2023 and March 2024. This marks a notable decrease from 41 percent in the previous winter season.

The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll from September 24 to 26, highlights a sharp drop among older Canadians. Only 10 percent of Baby Boomers plan to visit the U.S., representing a staggering 66 percent decrease from the 31 percent who expressed similar intentions last year. This shift suggests that the allure of traditional destinations such as Florida and Arizona may be waning.

While older Canadians are pulling back, younger generations maintain a more optimistic view of U.S. travel. Among those aged 18 to 34, 45 percent still intend to travel to the U.S., though this is down 18 percent from last year. The poll reflects a growing generational divide in travel habits.

New Regulations Impact Travel Decisions

Compounding the decline in travel intentions are new regulations introduced by U.S. authorities. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that most non-citizens staying in the U.S. for 30 days or longer must complete an Alien Registration Form, which includes providing a photograph and fingerprints. Additionally, anyone entering the U.S. via land border will incur a $30 fee for a separate arrival-and-departure record.

Starting on December 26, 2023, new rules will require all non-residents, including Canadians, to be photographed upon entry to the U.S. for facial recognition purposes. These measures extend to minors under 14 and seniors over 79, who were previously exempt from some biometric requirements. This development may further deter Canadian travelers, especially among older populations.

The THIA survey also reveals a shift in winter vacation preferences. Of the 53 percent of Canadians planning to leave their home province this winter, only 12 percent identified the U.S. as their primary destination, a decrease of 23 percent compared to last year. Conversely, there is a growing interest in traveling to other Canadian provinces and the Caribbean, with the latter seeing an increase of 11 percent year-over-year.

Factors Influencing Travel Choices

When asked about barriers affecting their travel decisions, 40 percent of respondents cited political tensions with the U.S., while 24 percent mentioned global uncertainties. The cost of travel emerged as the primary concern, with 41 percent indicating it as a barrier, followed closely by exchange rates at 29 percent. Personal safety and potential travel disruptions were also mentioned by 20 percent and 13 percent of respondents, respectively.

Among Canadians still committed to visiting the U.S. in the next six months, 13 percent plan to do so for leisure, while another 13 percent are traveling to visit family or friends. Factors such as escaping the cold and seeking affordable destinations accounted for 7 percent each.

The random survey conducted by The Harris Poll has a margin of error of ±2.5 percent, 19 times out of 20. As the winter season approaches, the changing landscape of travel preferences may have lasting implications for both Canadian travelers and the U.S. tourism industry.