5 Reasons To Avoid Visiting The US This Year (Plus Great Alternatives)

As summer travel plans begin to take shape, many people are rethinking U.S. getaways. Here's why you should avoid traveling to America for your vacation, as well as some great alternatives!

Greetings from Europe! As we get settled into our new home (we're recent American Expats who just moved abroad to France), I wanted to share some thoughts & suggestions on the future of travel in the current political climate.

From the sun-drenched coasts of California, to the stunning National Parks of Montana & Wyoming, and bustling streets of New York City, America has long been a magnet for domestic and international tourists alike.

But this year feels different.

With rising political tension, a deeply polarized climate, and growing concerns about safety and inclusivity, some are opting out of travel to—and within—the United States altogether. And as an American I don't blame them one bit.

Whether it’s the tense election year atmosphere, state-level policy rollbacks, or just a desire for a more relaxing experience, now might be the perfect time to discover vibrant, welcoming alternatives around the globe.

Here’s why skipping travel to (and within) the U.S. this summer could be the smartest—and most refreshing—decision you make in 2025.

1. The Political Climate

2025 is shaping up to be one of the most politically volatile years in recent memory. Following a contentious 2024 U.S. election, the nation is steeped in political unrest. Rhetoric on both sides has intensified, with protests, rallies, and sometimes violence erupting in major cities and even suburban areas.

For many, this has led to a growing discomfort with traveling through politically charged environments during the summer travel season.

I want everyone outside the US to know that the Trump regime doesn’t represent the majority of Americans. Trump barely won the presidential election by a very thin margin, and half of all Americans didn’t even vote -- a huge problem on its own that must be fixed in the future.

Polls consistently show most Americans do not support what Trump is doing. Yet here we are.

Week after week, Trump threatens ridiculous tariffs on foreign goods. From 25% on steel & aluminum from Mexico & Canada, to 200% on European wine and alcohol. It's insane.

Why reward bullying like this? Maybe it's time to skip trips to Disney World, US National Parks, and American music festivals to send a message. Choose to spend your tourism dollars elsewhere.

2. Threats To U.S. National Parks: A Fading Treasure

For decades, America's national parks have been among the country's crown jewels—symbols of natural beauty and environmental preservation. One of my favorite parts of traveling in the US.

Yet today, even these iconic landscapes are under pressure.

Due to chronic underfunding, many parks are struggling with staff shortages, delayed maintenance, and overcrowding. Visitor centers are shuttered, trails are degraded, and park rangers are stretched thin. The current administration is even firing thousands of park & forest service workers, some who are EMTs responsible for saving lives.

The result? A diminished experience for travelers. Visitors may face long wait times, closed facilities, and a lack of safety oversight in remote areas. The very parks designed to offer serenity and wonder are now facing an existential challenge as they grapple with shrinking budgets and unchecked overcrowding.

Beyond logistics, the underfunding of national parks reflects broader governmental priorities. With climate change accelerating and ecosystems under threat, one would expect stronger investment in conservation.

Instead, these treasured public lands are being left to languish. Or threatened with being sold off to oil companies. For those who travel in search of awe-inspiring nature, it may be time to look to better-supported wilderness areas abroad.

3. The Inclusivity Factor: Feeling Welcome Matters

Travel should be joyful, eye-opening, and welcoming. Yet in many parts of the U.S., cultural shifts have made it harder for some travelers to feel truly comfortable.

Laws targeting transgender individuals, attempts to limit reproductive rights, and increasingly hostile attitudes toward immigrants and minority communities have all contributed to a climate of unease.

For LGBTQ+ travelers, for instance, state-level policies can impact everything from access to healthcare to basic public accommodations. Book bans, curriculum restrictions, and anti-protest laws further highlight a troubling trend toward repression.

These realities aren't just policy issues—they affect how safe and valued travelers feel while visiting.

In contrast, many international destinations are leaning into inclusivity, actively welcoming diverse travelers with open arms. Cities like Amsterdam, Toronto, Berlin, and Barcelona are celebrated for their progressive values, cultural vibrancy, and commitment to human rights. That kind of welcome can make all the difference.

4. Safety Concerns: A New Travel Reality

Safety has always been a priority for travelers, but in recent years, concerns around gun violence in the U.S. have made even routine outings feel uncertain. Mass shootings—once considered tragic rarities—have become disturbingly commonplace.

With incidents occurring at schools, shopping malls, parades, concerts, and other public events, the pervasive threat of violence is hard to ignore.

These safety concerns aren’t limited to major cities. Rural areas and small towns are not immune, and in some places, open-carry gun laws can make tourists feel uneasy.

For international travelers in particular, the uniquely American landscape of gun culture can be unsettling.

Many are asking: why risk it when there are safer options elsewhere?

5. Better Value Elsewhere: More for Less Abroad

Let’s talk numbers. Travel within the U.S. has become increasingly expensive. Between inflated flight prices, soaring hotel rates, and sky-high car rental fees, a domestic trip can cost as much—or more—than a vacation abroad.

Factor in tipping culture, resort fees, and taxes, and you may be looking at a trip that feels less like a getaway and more like a financial burden.

Meanwhile, international destinations in places like Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America continue to offer incredible value.

Countries like Vietnam, Colombia, and Portugal boast rich cultural experiences, stunning natural beauty, and budget-friendly travel infrastructure. Your dollar stretches further, and the experience often comes with better hospitality and fewer logistical headaches.

For travelers looking to make the most of their summer, the value abroad is simply hard to beat.

Refreshing Alternatives: Where To Go Instead

If you're skipping U.S. travel this summer, the world is wide open. Here are just a few destinations that offer an incredible experience without the uncertainty:

• Portugal – With its dramatic coastlines, charming cities, beautiful castles, and friendly locals, Portugal continues to be a top pick. Lisbon and Porto are full of life, while the Algarve offers a more relaxed beach vibe.
• Slovenia – Often overlooked, this Central European gem offers Alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and a capital city—Ljubljana—that feels both modern and fairy-tale quaint.
• Vietnam – From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers a stunning blend of history, food, and nature. It’s also one of the best value destinations in the world.
• Mexico – Mexico City is a vibrant cultural capital with world-class museums, street food, and neighborhoods. Of course you can't go wrong with the Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula either. There's even a Mayan train system now to make it easier to explore!
• Canada – If you're looking to stay relatively close, Canada offers a friendly, stable alternative with stunning natural beauty and culturally rich cities like Montreal and Vancouver.

Each of these locations provides a rich, immersive travel experience without the weight of political stress and uncertainty in the year ahead.

Final Thoughts: It’s Okay To Rethink The Familiar

In an increasingly connected world, more travelers are letting their values inform their choices. Supporting destinations that prioritize human rights, environmental sustainability, and social equity is not only fulfilling—it sends a clear message about the kind of world you want to support.

Travel is about discovery, connection, and stepping outside your comfort zone. But it should also be about peace of mind. If the idea of vacationing in the U.S. this summer brings more anxiety than excitement, trust that instinct.

You’re not alone. Many travelers are seeking something different—something calmer, safer, more connected. Whether that means sipping espresso in a Lisbon café, hiking the fjords of Norway, or wandering the markets of Bangkok, the possibilities are endless.

This summer, the world is calling. Maybe it’s time to answer from somewhere new.