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I'm not saying most or everyone, but from some people I talked to who have been all around the world (I live in Northern CA) they've been to various continents but never went to Canada. Some people I've known who were fortunate enough to travel to Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia (because they had a relative that was a flight-attendant, had relatives doing business in said countries, or just saved money to travel, and have an interest in traveling), but they also said they've never been to Canada. They never said why, but they just said they never went.
While everyone has their interests on where to go, I'm curious as to why. It's next to the US, and makes a very easy trip. It just doesn't seem to be on their minds. I have a feeling it's because they think it seems too similar to the US culturally, although there are some differences (Quebec obviously is pretty different and some other areas that are mostly French-speaking), as well as it may seem cold and not "interesting." I'm not saying I know that for sure, but even my friend who loves to travel and goes to Canada said he admits it probably wouldn't be a priority for somebody who wants to travel to exotic, foreign places, except for maybe Quebec. Sometimes when I ask people of the places they want to visit around the world, Canada isn't mentioned much. That doesn't mean they don't like Canada, but it doesn't sound like it'd be a place they're dying to go to. I agree Canada may not seem very exotic to people here, but it's definitely a different country.
I've been to Canada (BC) and had a good time, and I'd recommend it for anyone. So I'm wondering, why do some people in the US don't bother to go to Canada but manage to go to many far away countries? However, most of the people I've known who haven't been out of the country much at all, have only been to Mexico and/or Canada. Some people go to certain countries because of family, but the people I know who traveled worldwide did it for fun from what I known.
canada makes it hard to get across the border, not worth the hassle
canada makes it hard to get across the border, not worth the hassle
Go to any countries border crossing and you will get asked questions,if thats too much hassle fine dont travel to other countries.
Up here in Montreal i'm seeing a lot of American license plates, many Americans thought a visit to Quebec was worth the hassle.
In general, I don't thin Canada is different enough or as well positioned for tourism. I myself have been many times to Canada and I enjoy it. When I think taking vacations, I typically go to Arizona, Florida, Thailand, Spain, Peru.
I guess they see canada as america light. Their is really nothing canada does better than america other than hockey, health care and low crime. I figure Americans would he as willing to come to Canada as much as they want to see Minneapolis or Milwaukee.
Two out of three of those are pretty important to most people!
canada makes it hard to get across the border, not worth the hassle
It works both ways. It's much more of a hassle getting across the border into the USA. They even make it a hassle for returning American citizens, particularly those who can't be bothered to get a passport.
Generally speaking, if somebody feels that Canada makes it hard to get across the border then that person wants to hide something incriminating from the border authorities or has a record for something that would disqualify them from entering.
There is really nothing canada does better than america other than hockey, health care and low crime.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Acajack
Two out of three of those are pretty important to most people!
Sure, if they live there, but maybe not so much to tourists. When I go on an international vacation, whether or not the country's citizens have state-subsidized health care is not really the first thing on my mind. And of course no one wants to be a victim of crime, but oddly enough most Americans don't live their daily lives in constant fear of crime. It's not like they cross the border into Canada and go, "Ah, at last I can relax, I'm in a country with low crime!"
Or maybe hockey was one of the two important things you were referring to?
Sure, if they live there, but maybe not so much to tourists. When I go on an international vacation, whether or not the country's citizens have state-subsidized health care is not really the first thing on my mind. And of course no one wants to be a victim of crime, but oddly enough most Americans don't live their daily lives in constant fear of crime. It's not like they cross the border into Canada and go, "Ah, at last I can relax, I'm in a country with low crime!"
Or maybe hockey was one of the two important things you were referring to?
Anyone American who passes up Banff National Park because of the tiny hassle you get at the border is really missing out. One of the most spectacular places I've ever seen. Many other worthy destinations as well. And really nice, helpful people.
I found out, while taking the ferry to Alaska, that a whole lot of Americans don't go to or through Canada because they have a minor criminal record. Apparently a 20 year old DWI will give you some big time headaches. It's their prerogative but that seems somewhat unreasonable to me.
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