95 per cent of Canadians avoiding travel to the U.S. still plan to travel elsewhere, with nearly half using AI to manage rising costs
The 2026 Blue Cross® Travel Study reveals that geopolitical instability and rising costs, particularly in the United States, are significantly reshaping where and how Canadians travel. Yet despite these challenges, Canadians remain committed to exploring, with many turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to plan more cost-effective trips and make informed decisions about where and when to visit.
“Canadians are not travelling less – they’re travelling smarter” says Sylvain Charbonneau, President & CEO, Quebec & Ontario Blue Cross. “We are seeing a shift toward using the latest AI tools to plan travel with greater awareness and flexibility, showing that Canadians’ desire to explore remains strong even in an uncertain world.”
AI is reshaping how Canadians plan their trips
Nearly half (49%) of Canadian travellers now use AI to plan trips, especially for comparing prices, finding destinations and building itineraries. While adoption is highest among younger travellers – 70 per cent of Gen Z and 63 per cent of Millennials – surprisingly it is also growing across generations, with 42 per cent of Gen X and 23 percent of Boomers also using AI tools.
As global uncertainty drives up travel costs, particularly in the U.S., Canadians are turning to AI to help them make informed choices and stay within budget. The majority (87%) say they are cutting back on travel expenses such as shopping, trip length and premium upgrades, and are using digital tools to find more affordable alternatives.
These findings suggest that as Canadians grow more comfortable using technology to personalize their experiences, AI is emerging as a key enabler of smarter, more confident travel decisions.
Geopolitical instability is influencing destination choices – not deterring travel
More than three-quarters (76%) of Canadians are less likely to travel to the U.S. in 2026 due to concerns about political tensions, trade issues and unfavourable exchange rates – a sharp increase from 2025, when just under half (47%) said the same.
Boomers are especially hesitant, with more than half (54%) cancelling all U.S. travel plans in 2026, up from only 12 per cent last year. Gen Z travellers, however, remain more optimistic, with 62 per cent expecting sentiment toward U.S. travel to improve over the next five years.
Still, Canadians’ determination to travel is unwavering: 95 per cent of those avoiding the U.S. plan to explore elsewhere – including destinations within Canada (68%), Mexico and the Caribbean (38%) and overseas locations (35%). This shift underscores Canadians’ resilience and evolving travel mindset, as they prioritize new experiences without compromising safety or value.
Confidence and protection remain central to Canadian travel habits
Canadians continue to take a thoughtful approach to managing risk while travelling. The majority (86%) report having some form of travel insurance, whether purchased directly (56%) or through workplace plans and credit cards (30%). This widespread use highlights the role of financial protection as a key part of responsible trip planning.
Younger Canadians, in particular, are increasingly prioritizing peace of mind: 42 per cent of Gen Z and 47 per cent of Millennials now consider travel insurance a key part of planning, up from 39 and 43 per cent, respectively, last year.
Additionally, awareness of potential medical costs abroad remains high, with 83 per cent of Canadians recognizing that an overnight emergency room visit could cost more than $3,600 CAD. Together, these findings suggest Canadians are integrating some sort of coverage into their planning process, ensuring they can travel with greater confidence even amid rising prices and global uncertainty.
“The key takeaway here is that travellers are thinking more intentionally about their trips,” says Charbonneau. “Canadians are weighing the financial and emotional factors that make travel rewarding, and AI tools are transforming how they plan. Access to increasingly sophisticated technology is helping travellers make more confident decisions – finding the right destinations, balancing budgets and maximizing every experience.”
Learn more about the Study.
Manitoba Blue Cross funds warehouse space for Sleep in Heavenly Peace
The Sleep in Heavenly Peace building, sponsored by Manitoba Blue Cross, will provide ample space for bed construction, assembly and storage, streamlining the entire process and ensuring that more kids have access to a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
“A warm, safe bed should not be a luxury – it is a fundamental right. That’s why Manitoba Blue Cross is stepping up to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace for years to come,” says Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “We are providing essential resources that Sleep in Heavenly Peace needs to expand their operations and reach more children in the community. This investment aligns with our own commitment to support the health and well-being of all Manitobans, and we are proud to play an ongoing role in ensuring no child sleeps on the floor.”
This new facility will allow SHP to:
- increase production capacity: With a large, dedicated space and the ability to build beds in the colder months, SHP volunteers can now build and assemble more than twice as many beds, reducing wait times for families in need.
- improve storage capabilities: The facility will provide secure storage for completed beds before delivery can occur while allowing for more efficient and timely delivery.
- enhance the volunteer experience: The workspace will create a more comfortable and efficient environment for volunteers – who are the backbone of SHP’s operations – to build and store beds all year long.
“This generous support from Manitoba Blue Cross is a game changer for us,” says Jim Thiessen, co-president of the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. “This new space will allow us to drastically increase the number of beds we build and deliver, ensuring that more children in our community have a safe and comfortable place to sleep. We currently build approximately 400 beds a year and we hope to now increase that to 1,000. We are incredibly grateful for Manitoba Blue Cross’s continued commitment to our mission.”
Join us in helping local children find comfort: Manitoba Blue Cross holds annual bedding drive
Support this valuable cause during our annual bedding drive. Donate new, twin-sized bedding items, including comforters, pillows and sheet sets for local children. Donations can be dropped off weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Manitoba Blue Cross (599 Empress Street in Winnipeg) until June 20.
Online donations toward bedding purchases can be made at https://bit.ly/50beds.
“Our focus at Manitoba Blue Cross is the health and well-being of all Manitobans. We’re committed to building healthier communities – one bed and one good night’s sleep at a time,” says Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “The outpouring of support that Manitobans showed last year did not disappoint and this generosity helped to create safe havens for local kids. I’m certain the same community spirit that Manitoba is known for will be seen again this year.”
Manitoba Blue Cross holds second annual bed build event
“The bed build event that was held in 2024 to celebrate our 50th anniversary had a profound impact on our staff and myself. Building those beds at Blue Cross Park was incredibly inspiring. We had to turn away staff who wanted to participate,” says Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “That hands-on work really connected us to this important cause, and I believe it also helped us build stronger bonds within our team.”
Employee volunteers from the health benefits provider, along with SHP volunteers, will be constructing 50 beds for local kids on June 6, 2025 at Blue Cross Park.
To encourage the community to support this valuable cause, Manitoba Blue Cross is also holding a bedding drive once again. Donate new, twin-sized bedding items, including comforters, pillows and sheet sets for local kids. Donations can be dropped off weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Manitoba Blue Cross (599 Empress Street in Winnipeg) until June 20.
Online donations toward bedding purchases can be made at https://bit.ly/50beds.