Travel into the U. S. A. 2026
Being mindful. Chasing Wind, Not Headlines…
A number of us are heading (back) to the Outer Banks of North Carolina this April for two weeks.
Like many Canadians lately, we’ve felt the shift in tone between our country and the U.S. Politics is louder. Edges feel sharper. It’s easy to let the “what if?” questions grow legs.
So we did what seasoned sailors do: they asses the conditions carefully.
AI (ChatGPT) was used with questions that resulted in the following discourse…
The overwhelming majority of Americans - regardless of politics - are decent, welcoming, and busy living their own lives. The Outer Banks depends on visitors. Most conversations as we approach the Outer banks at gas stations and launch sites actually revolve around wind direction, water temperature, and where to get a good coffee and breakfast.
Could we encounter the rare loud personality looking to flex patriotic muscle? Perhaps. But the response is simple and time-tested:
Smile.
Be polite.
Stay neutral.
Pivot back to wind.
“We’re just here for the wind and waves.”
“Trying to keep up with the weather, not the news.”
Deflection beats debate. Always.
At the border? Be clear, calm, concise and most important - honest.
That’s it.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers:
Care about admissibility
Length of stay
Criminal history
Agricultural declarations
Visa compliance
They do not care about your views on tariffs in our research with AI.
Regarding phones and documents:
U.S. border agents do have authority to inspect devices.
In practice, routine tourists are rarely subjected to deep searches unless there is a reason.
Have travel insurance, a valid Canadian Passport, a Nexus Card.
Have return plans.
Be clear and concise in answers.
Answer questions simply and truthfully:
Purpose: windsurfing vacation.
Length: 14 days.
Where staying: a rental in Avon NC
Returning to: Canada, April 25th, 2026
No speeches. No commentary.
The only realistic pathway to conflict somewhere on the road would be:
Someone says or does something political.
Pride engages.
Tone sharpens.
Audience forms.
Ego escalates.
We already identified the antidote: don’t engage.
Especially at our age, not at home, a lot older, plus we have a superpower many younger men don’t: We don’t need to win conversations!
If someone postures:
Smile.
“So where’s the best breakfast around here?”
Disarm with ordinary humanity.
Bluster collapses when denied friction.
Here’s the deeper truth:
If we let headlines and breaking news shrink our world, we lose something far bigger than a sailing venue. The sound side of the Outer Banks is still shallow, forgiving, warm, and magnificent. The Ocean waves are splendid. The wind still blows. The sky is still blue and wide. The Atlantic beaches oceanside are of the best in the world.
We’re going for the wind and awesome windsurf/freeriding on the Sound. And maybe, just maybe, let Americans know it all begins in knowing there exists a willingness to engage peacefully.
All in all - Keep it simple. We are in a foreign country and we have no legal rights, only a border officer’s permission to be there. We are guests and visitors. Act accordingly. Be polite and mindful in whatever our response in any given situation.
Aside: we truly hope and believe that political attitude and conditions will become more amicable continuing into the future of our two countries…
