"Surrendering American Territory for Expansion"
## Title: Quebecers Shift Travel Plans Amidst U.S. Commercial War
In the wake of the commercial war led by President Donald Trump, many Quebecers have opted to travel elsewhere this year, seeking alternative destinations within Canada and internationally.
### Popular Travel Destinations Avoiding the United States
For those looking to steer clear of travel to the United States, several appealing destinations await both within Canada and abroad.
#### Within Canada
1. **Quebec City** - Known for its historic charm, Quebec City offers a unique blend of French and Canadian culture, with attractions such as the famous Château Frontenac, cobblestone streets, and vibrant Place Royale.
2. **Montreal** - This city boasts a lively cultural scene, with Old Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica, and Mount Royal Park among its many attractions. Montreal's mix of French and Canadian culture makes it a popular choice for Quebecers.
3. **Banff National Park** - Located in Alberta, Banff offers breathtaking mountain landscapes and abundant outdoor activities.
4. **Vancouver** - Known for its scenic beauty, Vancouver provides access to outdoor activities and cultural attractions like Stanley Park and Granville Island.
#### International Destinations
1. **Europe** - Countries like France, Italy, and Spain are popular for their rich history, art, and cuisine, with Quebecers often finding a cultural affinity with European destinations, especially France, due to shared language and historical ties.
2. **Cuba** - A nearby Caribbean island with beautiful beaches and a vibrant culture, Cuba is a favourite among Canadians looking for a warm getaway without venturing into the United States.
3. **Mexico** - Known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, Mexico is another popular destination for Canadians seeking a warm, culturally rich experience.
### Notable Quebecers Boycotting the United States
Several Quebecers have decided to boycott the United States, not only in travel but also in their everyday lives.
Jean-Paul Desjardins, a resident of the Quebec region, has boycotted the United States for his vacations after a decade of visiting golf courses in Florida. His boycott has now extended to his grocery shopping, including avoiding Amazon.
Suzanne Michaud, a Quebec reader, is one of those who believe it's important to avoid closing off the rest of the world during this time. She compares her boycott of the United States to boycotting companies with business practices she doesn't agree with. Michaud, who has been visiting beaches in the United States for about 20 years, has decided to boycott the United States due to decisions made by President Donald Trump.
Jean Onesti, a retired artist from Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, has not been to the United States since last fall and has decided to boycott American products.
### Local News
In other news, the mayor of Mirabel, Patrick Charbonneau, passed away at the age of 46.
In a change to local transportation, a reserved lane will be added to the South Shore to facilitate the circulation of bus shuttles replacing the REM this summer.
Mr. Onesti will travel to Thessaloniki, Greece, in September instead of the United States, despite an unfavorable exchange rate with the euro. Meanwhile, Mr. Desjardins is considering playing golf in Spain next year instead of Florida.
Suzanne Michaud, in addition to boycotting the United States, regularly hosts travelers through the Couchsurfing platform, allowing her to experience cultural exchanges without traveling. For Michaud, maintaining contact with other cultures is a matter of coherence.
In light of the commercial war, some Quebecers have opted to diversify their travel destinations, choosing Canada and international locales as alternatives to the United States. For instance, Jean-Paul Desjardins, a Quebec resident, has boycotted American products beyond travel, extending his boycott to shopping on Amazon.
The change in travel plans has also led to changes in lifestyle, as seen in Suzanne Michaud's initiative to host travelers through platforms like Couchsurfing, enabling her to retain cultural exchanges without traveling to the United States. Moreover, the political decisions made by President Donald Trump have led some Quebecers, such as Jean Onesti, to boycott the United States and seek travel opportunities in Europe, such as a trip to Thessaloniki, Greece, despite an unfavorable exchange rate with the euro.
