Many Americans are experiencing heightened anxiety and uncertainty about traveling abroad as Donald Trump embarks on his second term as president. Personal safety concerns are an added layer of burden for American tourists. Unfortunately, the international perception of the United States only deepens this complex environment. Times are changing, and as global attitudes shift, travelers are more willing to cater their behavior and expectations.
Travel industry experts are calling for Congress to act before the situation grows worse, making it even more challenging to respond. Industry leader Raj Gyawali describes how speaking empathetically about the impacts of climate change resonates with one key U.S. client. According to him, the travel sector must embrace this shift to ensure clients feel secure and understood during their journeys.
Concerns about safety are not unfounded. It is these swirling realities that have led some Americans to report an intense sense of conflict over their American nationality while overseas. Inquiries about how to wear the right clothing in Germany are extremely common. They know that cultural awareness can make all the difference in blending in with the locals. As the world moves in unpredictable directions, so too must our travel guidance. Travelers may want to shy away from clothing that features outwardly American designs or displays, such as flag shirts.
Lisa VanderVeen is a global educator who travels five to seven weeks a year. She notes that the focus on Americans has increased due to the impact of Trump policy. “I don’t want to make anybody notice me as a lone traveler. I know I have a big responsibility to be the face of my country,” she explained.
The view of America is changing too across the pond especially in European countries. In Brazil, for instance, only 32 percent view Americans positively, and in a European country such as Ukraine it’s just 12 percent. In Denmark, the image is even more pronounced, with only 1 in 5 Danes viewing the United States positively. Currently, many European countries have released advisories. Even worse, they’re advising that trans and non-binary citizens not travel to the U.S., which has put a wrinkle even for American travelers.
The impacts of these shifting perceptions are already being felt across our nation’s most important economic engine—the tourism industry. As Canadian tour operators report cancellations running up to 30%. Even with these considerations, the latest projections from the U.S. At the same time, spending from these visitors is projected to decrease by 11%.
Jessica Flores has recommended that Americans find themselves in dangerous situations overseas sometimes because of misunderstandings about their national identity. She encourages that “many times, just being nice, patient and inquisitive can calm charged moments and create relationships.” Advocates recommend that travelers learn how to address locals’ concerns, or even have their behavior changed in the process.
Emotional toll of these issues Regardless of the cause, the emotional toll of these worries is clear. There is enormous sentiment among all Americans to live up to their countries best selves and do well in a very difficult international, complicated narrative. One would-be world traveler insisted on carrying a placard that read, “I’m American, but I’m not that American.” This is indicative of a growing sentiment among those who fear being discriminated against simply for their nationality.
Gyawali doesn’t deny that the travel sector need to change. Time to figure out how we’ll protect tourism in this Trump-collapsed universe,” he tweeted. That’s bad news, because lots of Americans feel just the same. They know that overcoming the challenges of perceived safety is key to rebuilding travelers’ confidence.
A local example nearly two weeks ago underscored these fears. One person canceled a fully paid, nonrefundable reservation because they were no longer comfortable traveling within the US given the outcome of the election. Such incidents expose the dangerous underbelly of the Trump presidency, and how it is shaping the experience of Americans—within the United States, and increasingly without.
Her analysis of these challenges differ for each traveler. Thousands of Americans go abroad and become passionate advocates for their individual experience, individual values. Political party affiliation aside, they want their roads to reflect their uniqueness. Other people say no, because they don’t want to be attacked or confronted because of where they’re from.
“Indeed, it’s important for people around the world to meet as many different types of Americans as possible and see that we all represent more than just our passports.” – Leighton
This belief is at the heart of anyone who believes that engaging in one on one personal relationships can overcome cultural barriers and bring people together from different backgrounds.
Recent shifts in global opinion have highlighted the need for American tourists to rethink how they present themselves while traveling. As attitudes change, increasing numbers of Americans are changing their travel preferences. They’re dressing differently, treating flexibly, and just in general connecting more carefully with the local communities.
“Last time [Trump was in office], it felt embarrassing; this time it feels terrifying,” – Malone
Even more Americans fear international travel with the current administration in place. This discomfort leads to a deeper question about our national character in times of division and discord. The risk of conflict has caused a number of people to reconsider their travel. This in turn forces them to desire to insulate their country’s actions on the world stage.
“I completely understand the sentiment because people feel uncomfortable coming from a country where they’ll have to defend [themselves] or be apologetic for where it is right now.” – Gyawali
