Summer vacation is fast approaching and Estrie is not very far from the United States, so it is not surprising that many Estrie residents choose the American east coast for their summer vacation. Since the pandemic, the number of Estriens who go to the beaches of our southern neighbors has been increasing.
The Estriens will head to the American east coast this summer. “There is still a revival towards Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach,” underlined Christian Dubreuil, co-owner of Voyage Aqua Terra Sherbrooke.
According to a survey conducted by CAA-Quebec last December, 40% of Quebecers intend to travel to the United States in the next 12 months. This is particularly the case in Estriens according to the owner of the Alouette Beach Resort hotel in Old Orchard.
“We have a lot from the Sherbrooke and Magog region. “It’s probably the largest segment,” said Fred Kennedy, who joined there.
A similar situation is observed at Camping Virginia Beach. “During the construction holidays, between 75% and 80% are now Quebecois. There are people who are here from Estrie,” mentioned the campsite manager, Philip Upton.
But why do Estriens choose the east coast? A Sherbrooke resident on vacation in Myrtle Beach spoke of the variety that the destination offers.
“During the summer, a lot of people leave Quebec to come here. Myrtle Beach is so beautiful and there are lots of things to do. The people are friendly and there is something to do for everyone: golf courses, mini-puts, shopping centers,” said Nancy Guillette, joined live from her hotel room on the edge of the beach.
Furthermore, according to the CAA-Quebec survey, upon reaching their destination, Quebecers are mainly looking to take excursion trips. “Unsurprisingly, people’s goal is more to do exploration-type trips, so we’re not going to go to the south, we’re going to go to the United States,” explained communications advisor David Marcille.
The most popular activities are going to the beach, discovering history and culture, relaxing, discovering local gastronomy and doing urban discovery.
During the pandemic, people didn’t travel and since the borders reopened, the US East Coast has been popular. The car remains the most popular means of transport among travelers, which explains the enthusiasm of Estriens for the beaches of the east coast.
