2) Loonie vs. Greenback

After years of enjoying a strong loonie particularly against the American greenback, Canadian travellers got a rude awakening in 2015. Following highs above 90 cents in the first nine months of 2014, the Canadian dollar started on its fast decline in September 2014 and unfortunately, it hasn’t looked back since. We’ll be lucky if it sees out the year above 70 cents.

Even if the dollar recovers somewhat in 2016, to 80 cents as some economists predict, your clients might not be interested in a U.S. getaway any time soon. So where are the bargains? Brazil is a veritable bargain these days, and some travellers may want to beat the rush before the summer Olympics. Visa exemptions should make travel to Brazil easier too. The relaxed requirements are for travellers who wish to visit the country for 90 days or less between March and September. Other bargains include Mexico, Australia, Colombia, Argentina and South Africa.

Some U.S. destinations are rolling out the welcome mat for cash-strapped Canadian travellers, but not many. Myrtle Beach has a ‘Dollar for Dollar’ promotion offering discounts worth up to 60%. When it was launched, Myrtle Beach reps said they were surprised more U.S. destinations weren’t launching deals for Canadians.

Sunwing Vacations’ $30 currency surcharge came into effect Aug. 11. The move was attributed in part to strong demand from the U.S. market as well as emerging markets in Latin America affecting room availability over peak winter travel dates.