If you’re concerned the recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will affect your travel to Mexico or Canada, here are some things to consider, according to the L.A. Times.
First of all, your airfare and hotel costs shouldn’t rise in the short term, but business travel between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico may experience a slump soon. With fewer business travelers, flights might be reduced which raises the cost for leisure travelers. And in the longer term, if higher tariffs continue, the cost of building, buying and leasing jets may cause airlines to boost airfare.
The tariffs affect goods traveling between the countries and not people, but of course the sensations of anger may trickle down. It’s important to be aware that Americans may not be seen as welcome visitors anymore. Practice cultural sensitivity and being a respectful visitor. The term "Ugly American," coined in 1958 by a book of the same title, refers to travelers being loud and arrogant with behavior that is offensive to the people of the country being visited. Speaking of “loud”…the idea of going on spring break to Mexico or Canada? Maybe tame your tequila intake this time.
If you’re visiting Canada and expecting to drink your favorite name brand liquors, you’ll be out of luck in Ontario. There, the prime minister has had all American alcohol taken off the shelves at government-run liquor stores. Additionally, Air Canada has reduced flights to some U.S. cities. Sadly, although 60 percent of Americans consider Canada an ally, only 31 percent of Canadians say the same of us—and 30 percent even said they see the U.S. as an enemy. It’s tragic to be losing our good relationship with our friendly neighbor to the north. According to a survey cited by the L.A. Times, 16 percent of Canadian respondents canceled upcoming trips to the U.S., while 1 percent of American respondents canceled theirs to Canada.
Airports in Ontario, California, and Oakland, California, will be adding nonstop flights to Los Cabos, Mexico, in June and March, respectively, which should increase tourism. However, if you’re taking a cruise to Mexico, there will be an additional $42 tax that takes place July 1 (airline passengers already pay a similar tax).
Although airfare and hotels should maintain their pricing, an interesting crinkle is that restaurants will be paying more for ingredients because of the tariffs and will have to pass that expense along to diners—and that’s in all three countries.