Adjustments in Traveler Behavior
As Franck Verhaeghe and two companions planned a journey to Mexico City in March, their preparations encompassed not only lodging and museum visits but also their mode of communication: French. “It’s not that I perceive it unsafe for U.S. citizens,” stated Mr. Verhaeghe, 65, a California resident, “but I can imagine local populations may harbor resentment towards us. Consequently, my friends and I resolved to converse exclusively in French throughout this trip.”
Following the commencement of his second term, President Trump’s policies have generated apprehension in Europe regarding potential alliance fractures, sparked boycotts of U.S. products in Canada, amplified tensions between Denmark and Greenland over Greenland’s autonomy, and incited demonstrations in Istanbul and Panama concerning potential U.S. territorial expansion.
These proposals are also prompting some U.S. citizens to reassess their international travel plans.
Shifting Perceptions and Travel Trends
Since the inauguration, certain agencies have observed a decrease in international travel bookings from the United States. Travel operators are receiving inquiries from clients expressing concern about their reception in foreign countries. A recent survey by the risk management firm Global Rescue indicated that 72 percent of seasoned U.S. travelers anticipate a less cordial reception abroad this year.
While widespread cancellations haven’t materialized, social media and travel forums are replete with U.S. citizens posing questions centered around potential hostility.
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Christine Bauer, a retiree from New Hampshire planning a French vacation, sought advice on a Rick Steves’ Europe forum regarding French attitudes towards shifts in U.S. foreign policy. Her apprehension intensified after “Trump and Musk initiated criticism of NATO and allied nations.” While she and her spouse haven’t altered their plans “at least currently,” they are “concerned about potential escalations in travel safety risks.”
Vicci Jaffe, 68, is reconsidering a trip to Berlin this autumn, citing concerns not only about the ascent of the far right in Germany but also domestic political transformations. “How will I be perceived in Berlin?” she questioned. “At a minimum, I feel embarrassed, and now also fear possible retribution or acts of aggression.”
Adopting Precautionary Measures
Certain individuals, including Mr. Verhaeghe, who is traveling to Mexico utilizing his European passport, are modifying their behavior. Cheryl Carlson, 63, an educator from Chicago, intends to proactively disclose her nationality to accommodation owners in Canada “to ensure our presence wouldn’t make a small business uneasy about hosting us.” Peter Serkian, 60, a frequent traveler to Canada from Farmington Hills, Michigan, prefers using Canadian dollars instead of U.S. currency. “I attempt to conceal my American identity,” he admitted.
Underlying Unease Among Travelers
These actions are largely preventative; none of the individuals interviewed for this report have personally encountered anti-American sentiment. However, this unease is impacting the travel sector. Cameron Hewitt, content director for Rick Steves’ Europe, noted a reduction in guidebook sales, “starting precisely on inauguration day,” he observed.
Impact on Travel Industry and Bookings
Lisa Wirth, co-owner of Ataxito, a tour provider in Oaxaca, Mexico, stated that prospective clients are exhibiting apprehension. “We had several American travelers cancel their week-long February tour, either due to travel partners withdrawing over safety concerns in Mexico or because the current administration and related anxiety prompted them to postpone short-term travel decisions,” she explained. Others are delaying plans due to “inflation worries and potential job losses.”
Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond, a luxury travel firm based in New York, recounted a client canceling a Mexican trip. “They were organizing a birthday celebration and had reserved the entire hotel,” he said. “However, following the tariff discussions, their security team advised, ‘Do not proceed, there is anti-American feeling, it will be too dangerous.’”
Mr. Ezon clarified that this apprehension hasn’t been confirmed by other clients’ experiences, and Mexican bookings have since recovered. European travel is currently thriving. “Since the Covid-19 pandemic, recovery from crises is significantly faster,” he noted.
Identifying the precise cause of traveler anxiety remains challenging. Jeff Roy, executive vice president at Collette tour company, suggested that plane crashes, tariffs, and stock market instability may be contributing factors. “We’ve seen a slight dip in performance over the past four to five weeks compared to last year,” Mr. Roy stated. “With so much uncertainty, pinpointing the exact cause of this shift is difficult.”
Lingering Uncertainty
Mr. Roy characterized the situation as “mild trepidation” manifesting more in concerned inquiries than actual cancellations. Given the advanced booking nature of many trips, he expressed limited immediate concern for the current year. However, he cautioned, “If this uncertainty persists, 2026 could be a different story.”
Unexpected Surge in Destination Interest
Paradoxically, certain destinations have witnessed heightened interest since Mr. Trump assumed office. Following his suggestion that the U.S. should “buy” Greenland — a featured location on The New York Times’s 52 Places to Go in 2025 list — the Greenland tourism authority reported signs of “increased curiosity about the destination.”
Panama, whose canal Mr. Trump has expressed interest in reclaiming for the U.S., has experienced a similar effect. Carlos Ivan Espinosa, owner of Panama Canal Tours, confirmed a substantial rise in bookings from U.S. tourists. “President Trump’s pronouncements,” he stated, “are generating intrigue.”
Nuances in International Sentiment
While protests against U.S. rhetoric have occurred, notably in Canada concerning tariffs and suggestions of annexing the country, Donna Salter, a retired journalist in Vancouver, emphasizes that these aren’t directed at individual U.S. citizens. She, like many Canadians, is avoiding travel to the U.S. during the current administration but welcomes American visitors. “We appreciate Americans and the U.S. dollar, particularly now,” Ms. Salter commented.
However, not all international responses are welcoming. A TikTok user in Scotland explicitly told “MAGA tourists” they were unwelcome. Furthermore, a farmer on the Danish island of Bornholm terminated an agreement with a U.S. travel agency to host tourists, citing discomfort in discussing democracy with representatives of the current U.S. government.
Personal Encounters and Adaptations
During a trip to Italy, Rebecca Andersons from California and her family encountered a taxi driver who critiqued U.S. politics from Ronald Reagan to Mr. Trump. Ms. Andersons clarified they were Californians who had voted for Harris and were “too young to vote for Reagan.” Apparent reconciliation followed, culminating in a shared singalong to “Volare.”
Other U.S. citizens are adopting strategies to avert criticism, such as identifying their state of origin when asked about nationality. Sue Rook Nichols from California ordered buttons online stating, “I didn’t vote for him,” planning to wear them during a European trip.
These measures might be unnecessary. Mariana Hamman, a tour agency owner in Mexico, stated none of her associates have reported encountering anti-American sentiment. She attributed occasional “Go home, gringo” graffiti to overtourism, not political viewpoints.
David Rojas-Klein, also from California, during a recent trip to Mexico, found his expectation of encountering anti-Americanism unfounded. “I learned that people differentiate between the American populace and the American government,” he concluded.
Historical Perspective on Traveler Anxiety
Mr. Hewitt from Rick Steves’ Europe suggests this fear of being personally associated with political actions is a uniquely American anxiety, also observed during the Gulf War. He noted, “Historically, most European nations have experienced leaders they are not particularly proud of in retrospect.”
Bo Albertus, a Danish school principal, echoes this sentiment. He manages a large Danish Facebook group advocating for boycotting U.S. products. However, he clarifies, “The Danish populace has no issue with Americans; our issue is with the American administration.” He even asserts that a tourist wearing a MAGA hat would be treated respectfully in Denmark, “because in Denmark, we uphold freedom of speech.”