As Franck Verhaeghe and his friends prepared for a trip to Mexico City, they not only planned their accommodations and museum visits, but also decided to communicate in French during their travels. Mr. Verhaeghe, who resides in California, explained that he didn’t feel it was unsafe for Americans in Mexico, but he could imagine that locals might not be pleased with the U.S. Therefore, he and his friends chose to speak French to each other on this trip.

Since President Trump started his second term, there has been a growing fear in Europe that alliances may collapse. This has led to boycotts of American products, increased tensions between Denmark and Greenland over the latter’s independence, and protests in Istanbul and Panama over potential U.S. territorial expansion. These developments have made some Americans reconsider their travel plans.

While there hasn’t been a significant drop in international travel bookings by Americans, tour operators have noticed a growing concern among customers about how they will be received overseas. The risk management company Global Rescue conducted a survey that found 72 percent of experienced U.S. travelers expect Americans to be less welcome abroad this year.

Christine Bauer, a retiree from New Hampshire, shared her anxiety about traveling to France amidst changing U.S. foreign policy, expressing hope that travel won’t become more dangerous. Vicci Jaffe, another traveler, is reconsidering her trip to Berlin due to the rise of the far-right in Germany and political changes in the U.S.

Many travelers, including Mr. Verhaeghe, are adjusting their behavior as a precaution. Cheryl Carlson from Chicago, for instance, will reveal her nationality to accommodation owners before staying with them in Canada to ensure they won’t host her uncomfortably. Others, like Peter Serkian, try to hide their American identity when traveling.

Although no interviewees for this article have experienced anti-American sentiment, their nervousness is affecting the travel industry. Guidebook sales have dropped, and some tour companies are experiencing a decline in bookings. However, many travelers are still interested in exploring destinations like Greenland and Panama, whose popularity has increased since President Trump’s political remarks.

Many foreigners show welcoming behavior towards American tourists, even those who criticize U.S. politics. The fear that individuals will equate travelers with political actions is a peculiarly American anxiety, reflecting a broader historical trend where countries have grappled with rulers whose actions they’re not proud of.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/travel/american-travel-anxiety.html