Should Americans Travel Right Now? Here’s What to Know

With rising uncertainty and anxiety in the United States, one of the most common questions I hear in the travel world is: Should Americans travel right now?

Whether it’s due to political division, economic worries, or constant breaking news, many people feel hesitant about traveling internationally in 2026. But as someone who leads group retreats and travels extensively with Americans, I’m here to tell you: Yes, it is still a great time for Americans to travel, and it may even be essential for your mental health.

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Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering international travel right now.

1. The World Is Still Safe for Americans – Travel Smart, Not Fearful

Just because the U.S. is experiencing chaos doesn’t mean travel has become dangerous. In fact, most destinations remain open, peaceful, and welcoming to American tourists.
Despite the perception of global instability, the U.S. State Department classifies the majority of countries in the world at Level 1 or 2, meaning they are safe to visit with normal precautions. Places like Portugal, Japan, Thailand, and Costa Rica remain among the safest destinations worldwide. They are very far from the problems in Venezuela, Mexico, and the Middle East
As long as you exercise basic travel safety—like avoiding unmarked taxis, securing valuables, and researching your destination—international travel is just as safe now as it has been in years past.

2. Global Conflict Is Localized – The Whole World Is Not at War

If you’re wondering, “Should Americans travel right now with everything going on in the Middle East, Mexico, and Venezuela?”

Yes, it’s wise to avoid active conflict zones like Venezuela, Israel, Palestine, Iran, Yemen, or southern Lebanon. But the rest of the world? It’s operating as normal. Even within the broader region, cities like Istanbul, Dubai, and Muscat are functioning peacefully and welcoming tourists. There are 195 countries in the world so don’t let a few headlines make you think they’re all unsafe.

3. International Travel Can Improve Your Mental Health

One of the most underrated reasons why Americans should travel now is this: your nervous system needs a break. The nonstop barrage of bad news like climate catastrophe, mass shootings, economic turmoil, political dysfunction… is exhausting. And studies confirm it:

According to a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, international travel significantly boosts mental well-being, reduces stress, and enhances creativity.

Stepping away from the 24/7 news cycle can be a powerful act of self-care. You don’t need to disconnect from reality, you just need perspective. Sometimes the only way to gain this perspective is by physically leaving your bubble.

4. People Abroad Don’t Blame You for American Politics

Another common fear: Will I be hated as an American?
Short answer: No. In fact, most people are more curious about Americans than judgmental.

I’ve had countless conversations around the world that start with someone asking, “What’s going on with Donald Trump?” or “What do you think about your government?” But they’re not hostile, they’re just trying to learn and relate. People in countries with their own political chaos understand how little power everyday citizens have over leadership.

In places like Mexico, Colombia, and Indonesia, people know what it’s like to live under corruption and broken systems. They don’t see you as the government. They see you as a fellow human trying to make sense of it all.

5. Airlines Avoid Danger Zones – You Won’t Fly Through a War

If you’re worried about flying over conflict areas, don’t be. Airlines are hyper-aware of geopolitical risks and will reroute flight paths long before danger is imminent.

During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, for example, all commercial routes were immediately redirected. Commercial passenger jets are not targets as even hostile states avoid provoking international aviation disasters.

Flying is still one of the safest modes of transportation, statistically speaking.

6. Government Travel Advisories Are Often Alarmist

Let’s talk about U.S. travel warnings.

During the pandemic, Carrie and I led an all-outdoor yoga retreat in Costa Rica. Right before departure, several participants canceled. They were concerned about a Level 3 COVID advisory for Costa Rica. But when we checked the numbers, COVID cases there were vastly lower than in most major U.S. cities.

Often, U.S. government advisories prioritize political liability over real-time risk. Instead of relying solely on these warnings, check traveler forums, local news sources, or ask people who are actually in the country.

7. Travel Issues Are Localized – Not National Problems

One of the most misunderstood travel safety concerns is about Mexico.

We host multiple retreats and trips throughout Mexico most years. Yet people still ask: “Is Mexico safe for Americans right now?”

Yes – if you go to the right areas. Places like Oaxaca, Mérida, Sayulita, and Puerto Escondido are full of tourists, especially Americans. The actual crime data often shows that these regions are safer for tourists than normal life in many U.S. cities.

In fact, a 2023 World Population Review report showed that:
Detroit, St. Louis, and Baltimore had significantly higher homicide rates than most popular Mexican tourist destinations. And if you focus the data only on tourists, the numbers go way down.

Mexican cartels generally don’t target tourists, because they rely on the tourism industry to fund their businesses. In that twisted way, they’re incentivized to protect foreign visitors.

As always: avoid risky behavior (like drugs or illegal sex work), respect the culture, and stay in well-traveled areas.

8. Group travel can keep you safe, grounded, and less anxious.

Traveling in groups like organized tours or yoga retreats is a great way to stay safe while seeing a new country. Booking all-inclusive trips is also great for relieving anxiety about travel, as all the planning and worrying about safety is done for you by the leaders! These types of experiences allow you to show up and get right to the good stuff, without wasting your time or sacrificing your safety in the wrong destinations.

Group travel is also great because you can adventure with people who have similar mindset. Many appreciate traveling with people who are mindful and sober. Bigger Life Adventures events are always alcohol-free travels.  Being sober while traveling is possibly the best safety hack there is! Most unsafe situations happen late at night and intoxicated tourists are often the ones targeted.

Final Thoughts: So, Should Americans Travel Right Now?

Yes. With common sense, awareness, and flexibility, Americans can and should still travel internationally in 2026.

You deserve rest. You deserve wonder. And frankly, you deserve to remember that the world is still a beautiful, functioning place full of good people. Even if the United States is drifting in the wrong directions.

Don’t let the headlines steal your joy.
Don’t let fear cancel your passport.
The world is still open, go see it.

Quick Travel Safety Checklist for Americans in 2026:

✅ Check travel advisories and local travelers’ forums in the area you’ll be visiting.

✅ Buy comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case of an emergency or having to cancel.

✅ Avoid drugs, sex tourism, and becoming inhibited in any way (alcohol) while abroad.

✅ Respect local customs and laws.

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If you’d like to join a retreat, we are happy to make sure your next international trip is safe and easy. Book a retreat here .