TORONTO — It’s the summer travel season no one in the travel industry expected – but by many accounts it’s going quite well, thank you very much.

For this mid-summer check-up, travel advisors told Travelweek that many clients chose big-ticket trips for summer 2025, and more than a few were relatively close-in.

Back in early spring there was so much doom and gloom about Canadian outbound travel and economic concerns, many experts were convinced this would be a staycation summer.

Exploring the world’s extremes with Lindblad

Did all the ‘Elbows Up’ patriotism and 51st state fury get some Canadians all fired up not just about national pride, but living life to the fullest too? Did a ‘seize the day’ mentality propel some Canadians to book bigger trips to destinations further afield?

Maybe it took this rift in Canada-U.S. relations for some to realize it’s a big world out there, with destinations aplenty.

Or maybe all the discussions about where people didn’t want to travel got them thinking about where they did want to travel.

Or quite possibly it came down to the cost – real or perceived – of domestic air travel.

Whatever the reason, Canadians had bookings on the brain – and for many, economic concerns took a back seat.

Here’s what we’ve been hearing from Canadian travel advisors …

“That ‘elbows up’ patriotism is translating into meaningful, memory-rich travel. I’m seeing clients actively avoid U.S. transits and lean into experiences that offer depth, connection, and perspective – like river cruises, expedition voyages and small ship luxury cruises. Bookings are strong. I’ve had last-minute splurges, major anniversary trips, and even multi-generational sailings. Clients are heading out with AmaWaterways, Lindblad Expeditions, Windstar, Explora and Ponant. I have clients enroute to Tahiti, exploring the Med in Windstar luxury, and preparing for Antarctica with Lindblad.”

Sheila Gallant-Halloran

Lush Life Travel

“We are hearing from our clients that they don’t want to travel to the United States. We’ve seen an increase in bookings within Canada and to Europe. We’ve also seen a lot of people booking early for this winter. People want something to look forward to, and a great vacation is a perfect thing to look forward to! We have had some clients who are just sitting back to see how all of this pans out with the U.S. tariffs. They’re waiting to book, but they haven’t ruled out travelling somewhere this winter.  All in all, the tariffs are just hurting travel to the U.S. Canadians are digging in their heels and are not going there!”

Robert Townshend

Total Advantage Travel & Tours

“Business has been very good. I’m seeing all kinds of bookings this summer. Low budget to big budget, from the Caribbean to luxury cruise, escorted tours and safaris. Our bookings are up compared to last summer. We definitely have last-minute bookings, to everywhere. The most standout booking: a church group booking a cruise through Italy and disembarking in Rome and participating in Jubilee celebrations. Last I heard they were trying to get a papal audience.”

Mary Tereshyn

510 Travel

“In general, I have not really seen a big surge or slump in client activities based on the ‘Elbows Up’ hoopla. More than half of my business is groups and customized itineraries so those tend to be more inelastic. Big events in the world tend to remind people that they only live once. People who can afford it have committed to ‘once in a lifetime’ trips even more this year. We have booked more family and milestone trips to Europe, Australia and Africa this year. Big events in the world also tend to cause people to save their money who may have more limited budgets. As a result, we have seen a flattening of bookings for all-inclusive vacations but that is not a big part of our agency. I’m finishing up a custom UK tour for a family that wanted a combo of Harry Potter and animal experiences for the kids so they have everything from themed walking tours to falconry to a castle stay.”

Jennifer McPherson

Turnkey Travel

“The overall sales have slowed, however  I have seen a bit of a bump in larger itineraries, i.e. multigenerational families traveling on longer, more detailed itineraries to Europe etc. I have also seen a bump in couples doing more exotic trips to destinations like Dubai and the Maldives. It seems that the people that have the money are splurging a bit. Given the economic environment, I’m guessing people are just saying, ‘I’ll put it on my credit card’ and if the uncertainty continues, ‘Well, I had a great trip and so be it.’ I think more people are living in the moment as the only certainty these days is uncertainty!”

Gilbert Manza

Executive Travel Services Inc.

This article appears in the July 31, 2025 edition of Travelweek; click here

View of St. Peter Square and Rome from the Dome of St. Peter Basilica, Vatican