Where Are All The Canadians?

Waiting till the last minute. Heading out in 2 weeks to try to spend as few $ as possible over the winter.

Ironically, hubby and I were talking about maybe spending more time this summer in the Maritimes versus our normal haunts would be in the Northern USA somewhere during the summer for several weeks. So we too are considering the exchange rate being less favourable right now. In all fairness though, we as humans do sometimes have very short memories, and quickly get used to more favourable rates on currency exchanges/mortgage interest etc.

It wasn't that many years ago that interest rates were more commonly accepted around 8% and folks were distraught when in the 80's they were paid down from 26% by the banks to 13% to stop folks handing in their keys here. Likewise I recall many years of getting a US$1 to C$1.5/1.65 exchange rate. Alas, like all things though one could say they remember when a loaf of bread was 50 cents and a gallon of milk was less than a buck, but we unlikely will ever see that again!

I dare say if the exchange rate for Canadians goes back up to $1.5 or $1.7 to the US$1 it'll make the current $1.3:$1 look like a steal of a deal in hindsight. I can remember buying a ton of US dollars when it dropped from $1.65 to $1.3 thinking I'd make a killing when it would switch back again, and that was several years ago (LOL).

Long term, I don't think you'll see a higher than on par exchange rate effect more than a small percentage of Canadians heading south for warmer climes - maybe an odd year or two, but when the cold temperatures start getting old again, most will find a way to readjust their budgets/compromise on other line items to enjoy the warmer locations.

Some say that they save enough on heating costs up North to pay for most of their camping fees in the South. Many campgrounds in the RGV are under $300/month and some much less.

lizzie wrote:
I am always sorry to hear when RVer's who want to travel cannot do so because of the exchange rate. Many families in the US live on very limited incomes and there are ways to cut expenses for food and other necessities. Is it the cost of staying in an RV park that is the problem? Florida has lots of National Forest and State Forest campgrounds that are inexpensive. They are not resorts, do not have swimming pools, shuffle board, or potluck dinners, but they are not in the frozen north either. I'm probably totally missing the mark here on what kind of experience you want to have but if you can live simply, come on down. lizzie

There are still RV parks with shuffle board? :)

I am always sorry to hear when RVer's who want to travel cannot do so because of the exchange rate. Many families in the US live on very limited incomes and there are ways to cut expenses for food and other necessities. Is it the cost of staying in an RV park that is the problem? Florida has lots of National Forest and State Forest campgrounds that are inexpensive. They are not resorts, do not have swimming pools, shuffle board, or potluck dinners, but they are not in the frozen north either. I'm probably totally missing the mark here on what kind of experience you want to have but if you can live simply, come on down. lizzie

We are heading to Florida end of Nov.
Truth be told, I am on a very tight budget and the exchange rate right now dictates that I shouldn't go.
I have heard many friends and folks with far superior pension and savings, say that they are not going south because of the high exchange rate!

So I suppose while they are sitting home cursing the weather, I will enjoy myself down south.
If I time it right, about the time me or DW can no longer buy medical travel ins, my travel funds will zero out. The extra costs now may cause me to lose a year a few years from now?

I suspect some of those who won't go this year will be looking at a huge bank balance and a declined letter from the insurance providers some day.
Saying I shoulda when I coulda.

Plenty of 'em in Mesa. Both sides of me and across the street.

We've had a great fall and looks like a mild winter. If it gets cold you may see a few more Canadians.
A 40% premium on our CDN $ will also have an impact. Our visit last winter had many Canadians concerned about the exchange rate when it was near 84 cents. We are headed to Yuma in early January ...if it gets cold here.

Lots of Canadians in Socal. We are currently in a resort of 1200 or so sites and there are hundreds here. Its gone up and down in the last 10 years but really hasn't changed that much. A few hundred bucks a month won't make me shovel snow. :)

Stored my TT for the winter exchange rate way too high. When you calculate the the exchange rate and then the added bank fees it's around 33% and more, not worth it. I have a few friends who are doing the same thing.

Next year I already reserved 80% of CG's as I'm heading out east so Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and P.E.I. be gone for the whole summer.