Travel plans linked to the United States are changing fast. Many people now feel unsure about visiting the US, and those worries are starting to affect trips to other countries as well.
This year was meant to be a big moment for American tourism. In 2026, the US is marking 100 years of Route 66, celebrating 250 years of independence, and hosting the FIFA World Cup. In normal times, events like these would attract millions of visitors.
But the past year has not been normal.
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has taken a hard stance on foreign relations. His administration has raised tariffs on allies, made public threats toward Canada, detained foreign tourists at borders, and carried out large scale deportations. There are also reports that visitors may soon have their social media checked before being allowed into the country.
Because of this, several countries have warned their citizens about traveling to the US. Some travelers have even called for a boycott, saying the country now feels unwelcoming or unsafe.
Many travelers now feel that visiting the US is no longer just a holiday. It feels political, stressful, and costly. Nearly half of people surveyed last year said Trump’s leadership made them less likely to visit.
In early 2026, things escalated further. The US carried out airstrikes in Venezuela, captured President Nicolas Maduro, and announced plans to take control of the country. At the same time, Trump renewed interest in acquiring Greenland and issued threats toward Cuba, Iran, Colombia, and Mexico.
These actions are now affecting travel plans far beyond the US.
A Danish resident, Heather Storgaard, was planning to visit friends in Greenland but now feels unsure. Trump’s comments about taking the island by force made her pause. She says she may still go, but with caution.
Jackie Arruda, a hospitality marketer based in Brazil, was also planning a trip to Greenland. After seeing how quickly events unfolded in Venezuela, she is closely watching the situation. If tensions rise, she plans to cancel. Her main concern is the safety and future of Greenland and its people.
In Cuba, the impact has been immediate. Jesús Noguera, who runs a tour company in Havana, says travelers are already delaying or canceling trips. Trump recently described Cuba as close to collapse, and that language alone has scared visitors.
Noguera says tourism cannot survive when people feel afraid or uncertain, and he does not expect a recovery anytime soon.
So far, some destinations have not seen major changes. A Latin America travel company says bookings to Colombia and Mexico remain steady, despite strong statements from the US.
Still, many in the travel industry believe perceptions can change quickly. For now, politics is playing a bigger role than ever in where people choose to travel.
