Travelers worried about how America is perceived abroad aren’t imagining things – especially in Europe, sentiment has clearly worsened
Apr 8, 2025
Raj Gyawali, a veteran travel professional and founder of socialtours in Kathmandu, recently faced a first in his 20+ year career: an American client canceled a confirmed trip to Nepal due to fear of traveling abroad under the current U.S. administration. Gyawali notes a growing trend of American travelers expressing discomfort or fear about how they might be perceived abroad.
Key takeaways
- Shift in American traveler sentiment: More Americans are canceling or hesitating to travel internationally, citing fears about how they’ll be received under Trump’s second term.
- Perception of the U.S. abroad has declined: European favorability toward the U.S. has dropped significantly, especially in countries like Denmark, where political tensions are directly felt.
- Fear and embarrassment among travelers: Experienced travelers report feeling nervous, conflicted, or even fearful about how they’ll be perceived, with some wanting to distance themselves from U.S. politics.
- Tourism industry impact: There’s a measurable decline in international travel to the U.S., and some international tour operators are also seeing U.S. client cancellations.
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