Travel Boycott: Countries Giving the US the Cold Shoulder

by Mell P

Forget Florida this spring—Canadians are crossing America off their vacation lists in droves, and airlines are scrambling to keep up. What started as quiet grumbling about weak exchange rates and Trump’s “annexation” jokes has exploded into a full-blown travel boycott, with flight schedules slashed and border crossings plummeting. But here’s the twist: Canada’s just the tip of the iceberg. From Amsterdam to London, travelers are giving the U.S. the cold shoulder—and the tourism industry is sweating.

The Canadian Snowball Effect

The Canadian Snowball Effect By the Numbers:

70% drop in Canadian advance flight bookings to the U.S. (y/y)
300,000 fewer road trips across the border in February 2025 (a 13% nosedive)
25% of flights axed by a budget Canadian airline (cough, Flair) and 7% fewer seats on major carriers like WestJet

“Why pay in USD when pesos go further in Mexico?”

Europe’s “Hard Pass”

It’s not just Canadians voting with their wallets. Europeans are also rethinking Stateside trips, with:

15% fewer hotel bookings by EU travelers
Updated travel advisories from 7+ countries warning LGBTQ+ travelers about border risks
Airlines quietly boosting transatlantic flights to anywhere but America (think: Caribbean all-inclusives)

“Between detention horror stories and weak exchange rates, the math just doesn’t math,” admits a Brussels-based travel agent.

The Domino Effect

With Canadians making up 28% of foreign visitors (and Europeans another 25%), the U.S. travel sector’s $52B deficit could soon look like chump change. The real question? Whether Biden’s team can flip the script before:

Hotels start shuttering in Orlando and NYC
Airlines permanently reroute planes to “friendlier” skies
Local economies from Niagara Falls to Miami Beach feel the pinch

The world’s travelers have options—and right now, America’s not making the cut. Cue the resort deals in Mexico and Costa Rica.

Conclusion

The US travel industry is facing a significant challenge as travelers from around the world, including Canada and Europe, are choosing to boycott the country due to various reasons such as weak exchange rates, detention horror stories, and border risks. The impact of this boycott is already being felt, with flight schedules being slashed, border crossings plummeting, and the US travel sector facing a significant deficit. It remains to be seen whether the Biden administration can take steps to reverse this trend and make the US a more attractive destination for international travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Canadians and Europeans boycotting the US?

A: The boycott is due to a combination of factors, including weak exchange rates, detention horror stories, and border risks.

Q: How is the US travel industry being affected?

A: The industry is facing a significant deficit, with flight schedules being slashed, border crossings plummeting, and hotels and airlines feeling the pinch.

Q: Can the Biden administration reverse this trend?

A: It remains to be seen, but the administration will need to take steps to address the concerns of international travelers and make the US a more attractive destination.