Canadian “snowbirds” — retirees who flock south every winter to flee the chilly — are rethinking their annual U.S. getaways. In accordance with a brand new 2025 Winter Good Traveller Survey by the Journey Well being Insurance coverage Affiliation of Canada (THIA), solely 26% of Canadians plan to go to the US this winter, marking a 37% drop in comparison with final yr.
This stunning decline comes regardless of many years of custom that noticed Canadian retirees spending months in sunbelt states like Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California. However this yr, many are selecting to remain nearer to house or head elsewhere solely — and it’s not nearly politics.
Rising Journey Prices Prime the Record
The survey discovered that 41% of respondents cited the rising value of journey as their most important cause for skipping the U.S. in 2025. Inflation, increased gas costs, and hovering lodging prices have made prolonged stays south of the border considerably dearer.
In the meantime, 40% talked about political tensions, although the survey clarified that these considerations prolong past partisan points. Many respondents stated they have been uneasy about “social instability” and “unpredictable border insurance policies” moderately than any particular political determine.
Different key components included poor change charges (29%) and security considerations (20%), which some linked to latest experiences of rising crime and excessive climate occasions in standard U.S. locations.
The place Are They Going As an alternative?
Whereas the U.S. sees fewer Canadian snowbirds, locations like Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and the Caribbean are reporting elevated curiosity. These areas provide higher forex worth, inexpensive long-term stays, and a welcoming surroundings for retirees.
European choices like Portugal’s Algarve Coast and southern Spain’s Costa del Sol are notably standard for his or her delicate winters, healthcare entry, and enormous expat communities. Mexico and the Caribbean stay engaging for his or her proximity, tradition, and cost-effectiveness in comparison with Florida or Arizona.
A Shift in Snowbird Tradition
Maybe most notable is the demographic shift: child boomers — traditionally the core of Canada’s snowbird group — confirmed the biggest decline in U.S. journey plans. Analysts counsel that this might mark a broader cultural change, with retirees changing into extra globally adventurous and fewer tied to conventional winter locations.
As journey professional Lauren Feather explains, “The Canadian snowbird migration is evolving. This technology is extra budget-conscious, politically conscious, and open to exploring past North America.”
Whether or not this can be a short-term development or a long-term shift stays to be seen — however one factor’s clear: for a lot of Canadian snowbirds, the American sunbelt not shines as brightly because it as soon as did.
Key Takeaways:
- Solely 26% of Canadians plan to go to the U.S. this winter (down 37% from 2024).
- Prime causes for canceling embrace journey prices (41%), political tensions (40%), change 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) 2025 Winter Good Traveller Survey
