A new survey by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) says that among Canadians who plan to travel this year, nearly two‑thirds (61%) of the Gen Z generation (aged up to 29 years) say the U.S. is on their itinerary. That leads older generations, including Millennials (48%), Gen X (28%), and Boomers (14%).
Looking ahead, the ‘2026 Smart Traveller’ Survey reports that 45% of Gen Z Canadians say they’re likely to travel to the U.S. next year.
Other emerging trends from the survey:
- Europe now ranks ahead of the U.S. as a Canadian top international destination (24%). At the same time, over one out of three Canadians (36%) plan to stay domestic and travel exclusively within Canada.
- U.S. and Canada political tensions are a top barrier for 51% of Boomers.
- Rising costs are the main constraint for Gen Z’s (36%) and lack of paid time off a close second (22%).
“We’re seeing a clear generational split among Canadians as they consider both their political views and economic conditions when planning travel,” says THIA spokesperson Will McAleer, “Despite ongoing political tensions, younger Canadians still show strong interest in travel to the U.S., instead citing rising costs as their biggest barrier to travel.
“Meanwhile,” he adds, “older travellers continue to be deterred by cross-border political uncertainty. For Gen Z, this combination of cost concerns and desire for US travel – where medical costs are some of the highest worldwide – makes it especially important for younger Canadians to understand their travel health insurance coverage before they go.”
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