There is so much beauty, history, and culture to experience if we leave the safety of our own homes and our state and national borders.
Currently, the United States doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being lovely to foreigners at home or abroad.
While this perception is unfair to millions of us, there are legitimate concerns about governmental policies that create tariffs/trade wars, higher inflation, and threaten personal safety whether you are an international traveler or a U.S. citizen who wants to vacation abroad or in another state. Many U.S. citizens are concerned about being detained or harassed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents when they re-enter the U.S. International travelers also report concerns about gun violence in the United States compared to other countries.
In 2024, tourism in the United States rebounded strongly, but was still below pre-pandemic levels. Over 72 million international visitors came to the United States, an increase of 9.1% over 2023. They spent an estimated $210 billion on travel and tourism-related goods and services. Preliminary data for March 2025 reflects a decline in international visitors with a noticeable drop from Western Europe, Canada, and Asia. This drop (according to the National Travel and Tourism Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce) is one of the sharpest declines on record excluding the COVID-19 pandemic.
California, New York, and Florida are among the most popular destinations for international visitors. Every 1% decline in international visitor spending results in a $1.8 billion loss in annual export revenue. If declining rates of tourism and a reluctance to travel continues, there will be negative effects for the U.S. economy and the global economy. It will also rob us of wonderful experiences including opportunities to understand other cultures and be understood by them.
If you’re saying to yourself, “I don’t live in one of those states, so I’ll be fine,” consider that in North Carolina in 2023, Canadians accounted for more than half of the international travelers to the state spending more than $210 million. For a state still struggling to rebuild in many areas after a national disaster (Hurricane Helene), losing any of that revenue is concerning, especially to small businesses.
In 2024, 90% of Americans planned leisure trips, 85% of these planned trips were out of state and 38% were international. Obviously, some of these trips didn’t advance beyond the planning stages and some people planned multiple trips. This accounts for the percentages exceeding 100%. The desire to travel was and is there.
How can you travel safely?
1. Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.
2. Careful planning is a must. Have an itinerary, stick to it, and make sure friends and family know where you are planning to be. Have a backup plan and make sure someone knows what that plan is.
3. Always be aware of your surroundings.
4. Know and respect local laws and customs. Free speech can be interpreted differently depending on where you are. In some countries public discussions or posting on social media about sensitive subjects can lead to arrests or fines. Countries make different determinations about which substances or items are illegal contraband. Be aware of this if you will be traveling to multiple countries.
5. Know where the American embassies and local police stations are located.
6. Keep your phone charged at all times.
7. Don’t take part in or photograph any political demonstrations or altercations
8. Stay in your own lane and don’t start or take part in discussions about politics, governments, or religion. Do not disparage local customs or cultural beliefs. Observe normal safety precautions about walking alone after dark. Keep valuables and money out of sight. Keep your identification in a safe place and have it with you whenever you leave your hotel room.
9. Ask for help from trusted sources only and do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Never leave your drink unattended.
10. Be careful taking public transportation, especially if you are traveling alone.
11. Don’t tell strangers where you are staying and avoid discussing specific travel plans.
12. Check out SaferTravel.org for travel safety tips and information for travelers about over 350 destinations.
How can you help international travelers feel safe in your country?
1. This is a tough one. There are a few commonsense things you can do, but always be cautious for your own safety and try to avoid any misunderstandings. If an international travelers approaches you for help, ensure they are also safe and get them to a safe location like a police station or tourist information center.
2. Be calm and polite. Prioritize finding out what sort of help they need.
3. Do not disparage people who are not fluent in English. Refrain from disparaging foreigners on social media.
4. Don’t discuss governments, politics, or religion with tourists.
5. Do your best to treat everyone as you would like to be treated. Don’t try to overcharge them or cheat them.
6. Most cell phones have language translation apps if someone asks you for help.
7. Your vote is your most powerful tool to make everyone feel safe and welcome in our country. Vote for leaders who do not disparage foreigners. Vote for leaders who support tourism, and enact policies that help international visitors feel safe.
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