So, like, President Donald Trump has been causing a stir up in Canada, and it’s got American tourists wondering what the heck is going on. Travel expert Jen Rose Smith has some thoughts on the matter, so let’s dive in.
I’ve chatted with some folks in Québec, and they don’t seem to pay much attention to Vermont, the smaller state to their south. But hey, they know about it! I mean, one Montréaler even mentioned visiting Jay Peak back in 2004. And then there’s the classic surprise when I mention Vermont’s maple syrup. Who knew, right?
But back to Trump. His whole tariff thing and the whole “Canada should be America’s next state” deal has really ticked off Canadians from British Columbia to Newfoundland. They’re boycotting American goods and even renaming their coffee drinks. “Canadianos,” really? Watered-down espresso is the worst, for sure. But hey, I’m all for Canadians standing up against the nonsense our government is pulling.
Now, where does all this leave American travelers? Well, there’s definitely some anxiety brewing on our side of the border. People on the r/Montréal subreddit keep asking if it’s cool to head north. The consensus seems to be: just don’t go shouting “51st state” or “god bless our president” and you’ll be fine. Canadians aren’t mad at individual Americans, just the overall situation.
Despite all the chaos, my trips to Québec post-Trump have been pretty smooth. Speaking some French helps, but overall, I’ve been welcomed with open arms. It’s a reminder that people around the world can see past politics and treat visitors like human beings. A good lesson for these divided times, don’t you think?
The way I see it, I’m not gonna let the political drama keep me from traveling. If anything, I believe it’s more important than ever to explore the world and break down barriers. We can’t let Trump’s isolationist views win. Traveling teaches us that what’s different is actually interesting, not scary. And it’s a way to show support for our neighbors during tough times.
So, yeah, traveling won’t solve all the world’s problems. But it’s a small way to make a positive impact and show that Americans aren’t all on board with our leaders’ decisions. And hey, it’s a chance to be better representatives of our country than those in charge right now.
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Jen Rose Smith, the travel guru, is out here living her best life in Richmond, Vt., exploring places like Morocco, Turkey, and Tanzania. She’s all about sharing her adventures and insights with the world.
