A New York Times piece titled A Strong Dollar Means Bargains for Americans Traveling Abroad points out that the strength of the dollar against the euro, yen and other foreign currencies creates opportunities for U.S. travelers to find bargains.
The author writes: “Last August, a hotel room in Europe priced at 200 euros was about $224. Today, travelers spending American dollars would pay only $208. On the rise since last autumn, the dollar is strong compared with a number of foreign currencies, including the euro, the Japanese yen, and the Canadian dollar. And President Trump’s tariff threat is only making it stronger. For travelers, the exchange rate bonus makes trips abroad extra appealing.”
There’s no doubt the U.S. dollar has really gained in the past year or so, and even more so since President Trump took office. However, many commenters on the New York Times article expressed their fears that as Americans, they won’t be welcome abroad. Some say they plan to stay home because of this or plan to pose as Canadians by placing a Canadian flag sticker or Canada flag patch on their bag or backpack, or using a Canadian flag passport cover.
Here are a few of the comments:
S. Chubin, Geneva: The dollar may be strong, but I doubt that Americans are very welcome anymore in many parts of the world.
MD, Chicago: I won’t be traveling anywhere for a long while… maybe just road trips within the U.S. Going abroad, who will want to see an American in their midst?
George S., New York, NY: Even after but one month in office, Trump has changed my travel plans for Europe, as I fear our reception there (and elsewhere globally) will only get worse over time. He has truly given the term “Ugly American” a new and more dynamic and powerful meaning. Arrogant, hubristic, amoral, greedy, you name it. It stains all of us and may possibly endanger some.
KW, Bellingham: Cheaper, yes. But who’s going to want us? Not sure we can buy the world’s affection these days.
Mark P., Northville, MI: Sadly, once again, when you go abroad, you will have to apologize for the current U.S. government policy. This administration is great at making friends enemies. You may not feel as welcome as you did during the last administration.
JoeBftsplk, Lancaster, PA: My advice: Get a luggage tag from Canada. Try to avoid being identified as an American. We are not popular abroad anymore.
ALB, Maryland: Where can I get a Canadian passport cover to hide my American passport cover underneath?
Rick, New Orleans: Might want to sew some Canadian flag patches on your jacket and luggage, anyway.
As one Canadian (S. Johnson) pointed out in a reply to @MD: “As long as you don’t wear a MAGA or ‘Canada 51st State’ cap or t-shirt, you’re welcome to visit Canada.” I think that’s sage advice because my many Canadian friends and family (my wife is from Toronto), both liberals and conservatives, are ticked off at the President’s rhetoric about Canada becoming the 51st state.
As far as traveling out of the country and being afraid, I learned right after the Gulf War when Americans weren’t welcome in many places (and many did indeed add Canada flag patches to their backpacks), to not advertise you’re an American. In fact, you should never advertise that you’re a tourist period because it can just make you a target. It doesn’t matter what your political beliefs are, I would advise against wearing U.S. flag shirts and hats; it’s disrespectful anyway, according to my son’s Cub Scout leader.
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Hi John,
As far as I can tell, the commenters regarding foreign travel are making assumptions. Has anyone actually experienced anti American behavior in the past month since trump has taken over our country? I’m not debating the point that this is a possibility ….I just want to know if anyone has had this happen to them.
Good question! I will ask around
Sad that we’ve managed to make the world hate us so. I wish I could blame them but when staunch allies suddenly have reason to fear us invading them it illustrates that the USA is no longer the good guy.
my daughter travelled to the UK and has been there for 2 weeks, she hasn’t noticed anything. I am planning to join and I am not scared. They win if we are fearful.
And I do love traveling when the dollar is strong. Went to Canada twice last year and it’s quite nice to have a favorable exchange rate.