Lynda Rousseau and her husband Joe had lived in Texas for 19 years prior to retiring in their home country of Canada. Their move back was scheduled for last summer, but was pushed earlier to February 2025 because of their anger over Trump's re-election.

"We just couldn't stand the idea of living there while he was running things," Rousseau, who now lives in Ottawa, said.

She and her husband then decided to boycott the US altogether after Trump began calling Canada "the 51st state" and its former prime minister, Justin Trudeau, "governor".

That summer, the couple cancelled a cruise that was due to depart from New York City and go through the Panama canal. Instead, they rebooked with the same company on a different cruise through Rome and Barcelona, where Rousseau said they enjoyed exploring ancient ruins and eating delicious food.

"I mean it's not New York's fault... but Trump is in charge of it all, and so it all takes a hit," Rousseau said.

The couple, who are dual US and Canada citizens, had also scrapped their plans of becoming "snowbirds" – a term used to describe Canadians who spend the cold winter months in warm US states like Florida and Arizona.

They now only cross the border occasionally to pick up their mail and come back, Rousseau said, avoiding spending any money while there.

Rousseau added that she mourns the loss of convenience of being able to drive and spend time in the US, which can be much cheaper to visit than most overseas destinations due to sheer proximity.

But through the boycott, she said she gained "a little more pride in Canada".