Bob Del Toro stared at his laptop screen. The price for a three-night hotel stay in a town four hours away had jumped another $80.

“Honey,” Bob called out to his wife, Sarah. “The hotel just added a carbon-offset resort-destination towel tariff. Also, gas just hit $2.50 a litre.”

The Great Summer Vacation Debate of 2026 was raging. Their two preteen kids, Leo and Maya, were demanding roller-coasters and hotel pools.

But reality was harsh. Global trade disputes had slapped tariffs on everything. Inflation and war in the Middle East had turned a vacation into a financial heist.

“Let’s look at flights,” Sarah suggested. Bob laughed, a broken sound.

“I checked. For the four of us to fly just two provinces over, I’d have to sell my truck, your wedding ring and lease Leo to a local farm.”

“OK, a road trip,” Sarah countered.

Bob opened a spreadsheet.

“If we drive........

© Peterborough Examiner