Not sure what everyone’s travel plans are this summer or fall. Anecdotally, I’ve seemingly had more friends, family and clients who are taking trips to Europe or the rest of the world rather than to the US.

 

Indeed, April saw the steepest drop with number of Canadians flying back from the U.S. falling 20% year-over-year, while land travel from the U.S. slumped by an even larger 26%.

 

Falling travel to the U.S. doesn’t mean Canadians have stopped going abroad altogether—they’ve simply chosen other destinations.

 

While this too will pass, however it is an interesting ripple while these tariffs and negotiations continue to play out.

 

For us, we are staying local this summer. I’ve always felt the Summer Months in Ontario are great and represents our “reward” for the Canadian winters.

 

At the end what we hope will be a glorious summer, effective September 15, RBC (like many firms), has mandated that all employees are to be in the office at least 4 days a week.

 

Here at our office, like all wealth managers, we have been “back to office” for at least a few years, and its business as usual. Just thought it was interesting that for the entire firm, back to the office is only now mandated.

Speaking of travel, I’ve got an easy one this week. The Stanley Cup: it will be traveling back to Canada. There is no doubt that my beloved Edmonton Oilers will be bringing the Cup to Canada, for the first time since way back in 1993, which seems hard to believe…