March Break Travel Turmoil: Canadians Seek Alternatives as Mexico, Cuba, Florida Face Issues
With turmoil disrupting popular vacation spots like Mexico, Cuba, and Florida, Canadians planning March Break getaways are urgently exploring alternatives, ranging from Southeast Asia trips to cruises or even staying home. The situation has left many travelers in a bind as traditional sun destinations become less accessible due to safety concerns and logistical challenges.
Safety Warnings and Flight Cancellations in Mexico
Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a stark warning to travelers on Monday, urging them to avoid Mexico following violent incidents. The killing of a powerful drug cartel leader by Mexico's army on Sunday triggered widespread unrest, including burning cars and shootouts with security forces across multiple cities. This has added to the disruptions for Canadians seeking beach vacations during the March Break period.
Canadian authorities have advised exercising a high degree of caution in Mexico, with shelter-in-place orders implemented in several states, including Jalisco, home to the popular resort destination Puerto Vallarta. In response, Canadian airlines cancelled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta on Sunday. Air Canada stated it is monitoring the situation and working to safely bring customers back, though Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo indicated flights might resume as early as Monday or Tuesday.
Cuba's Aviation Fuel Crisis Impacts Travel
The turmoil in Mexico follows earlier disruptions in Cuba, where Canadian airlines suspended all flights from February 10 through the end of April. This decision stems from an aviation fuel shortage driven by U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, including cutting off fuel shipments from Venezuela—a Cuban ally—and threatening tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. The flight cancellations have affected thousands of bookings, with TripCentral.ca alone reporting 2,600 impacted reservations.
Limited and Expensive Alternatives for Travelers
Richard Vanderlubbe, president of TripCentral.ca, noted that the convergence of issues in the U.S., Cuba, and Mexico has created a perfect storm for March Break travel. He explained that spring break bookings typically occur months in advance, leaving limited and expensive options for last-minute planners. The cancellation of Cuba flights forced tens of thousands of tourists to seek affordable alternatives, such as the Dominican Republic, but prices surged immediately due to increased demand.
Vanderlubbe compared travel purchasing to a live auction, where hotels use dynamic pricing—discounts drop and prices rise as demand increases. Some travelers have opted for entirely different experiences, like cruises, while others are choosing to stay home because they cannot find comparable deals to what they originally booked in Cuba. He emphasized that Cuba's combination of white powdery beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and low prices is hard to match elsewhere, often requiring compromises on cost, beach quality, or even forgoing a beach entirely by taking a cruise.
Broader Implications and Traveler Sentiment
Mexico remains a major sun destination for Canadians, but Premier Ford's warning about instability has further dampened enthusiasm. Vanderlubbe observed that many people are simply taking refunds and postponing travel hopes for another time. The situation highlights the challenges faced by Canadians during peak travel seasons when unforeseen events disrupt plans, forcing quick decisions in a competitive and price-volatile market.
As March Break approaches, travelers are advised to stay informed about safety advisories and consider flexible options, whether exploring distant destinations like Southeast Asia, opting for cruise vacations, or embracing a staycation. The ongoing disruptions serve as a reminder of the unpredictability in global travel and the importance of having backup plans during holiday periods.
