Article Highlights:

  • 72% of surveyed travelers believe US tourists will be perceived more negatively abroad in 2025.
  • Experts advise US travelers to stay informed, maintain a low profile, and be culturally aware.
  • Some travelers already report experiencing anti-American hostility and political confrontations overseas.
  • Travelers are encouraged to monitor security updates and obtain advisory services for safer trips.
  • Despite concerns, smart travel practices can help Americans continue to enjoy international experiences safely.

 

The majority of the world’s most experienced travelers expect US tourists will be less welcome and perceived more negatively while traveling internationally in 2025 due to recent international policy proposals introduced by the US, according to the results of a Global Rescue Snap Survey of more than 1,400 current and former members between March 5-6, 2025 following President Trump’s address to Congress.

Seven out of ten (72%) surveyed travelers said Americans will be perceived more negatively and less welcome when traveling abroad. Nearly a fifth (16%) reported there would be no difference in how Americans are perceived, 9% didn’t know, and 3% said Americans will be perceived more positively.

“The data is clear: US tourists are expecting a shift in how they are received abroad,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the US Department of Commerce. “This doesn’t mean Americans should cancel their travel plans, but they should be aware of their surroundings, practice cultural sensitivity, and take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks.”

 

US Tourists Expectations Abroad

Some respondents currently traveling internationally have encountered anti-American attitudes. “I have already experienced much more negativity,” said a California-based traveler. A Wyoming-based traveler reported having “numerous arguments about American policy with people I don’t know.”

Others are certain people around the world don’t associate traveling Americans as holding the same views as the US government. “They all live in countries with leaders they don’t necessarily agree with,” said a Virginia-based traveler. That sentiment was echoed by a London traveler who said, “I do not directly judge American citizens based on the actions of their government.”

Overwhelmingly, travelers suggest that different countries will have distinct sentiments toward American tourists. “It will depend on the specific country the traveler is visiting,” a Georgia-based respondent commented. I think this is very country-dependent. There will be negatives, but it depends on the country and situation,” said a Colorado-based traveler.

International travel veteran Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security operations for Global Rescue, advised it’s important to remember that locals may have strong opinions about international policies. Still, they often distinguish between a country’s government and its citizens. “They know it’s not you making the decisions and policies. Be a gracious guest, and don’t discuss politics,” he said.

 

Mitigate Potential Anti-American Sentiment

American international travelers can take several measures, all recommended during international trips, to travel safely and confidently despite growing anti-American perceptions overseas. “Americans traveling abroad should be aware there could be an increase in political demonstrations and should obtain security advisory services to keep them informed of anti-American protests,” Bush said.

  • Maintain a Low Profile: Avoid displaying overt symbols of American nationality, such as clothing with political slogans or nationalistic imagery. Blending in with local customs and attire can help minimize unwanted attention.
  • Stay Informed: Travelers should research the political and social climate of their destination before departure. Understanding local attitudes toward the US can help visitors navigate conversations and interactions more smoothly.
  • Be Culturally Literate or Aware: Demonstrating respect for local customs, traditions, and social norms is essential. Learning basic greetings and etiquette in the local language can go a long way in fostering goodwill.
  • Use Smart Travel Practices: Keep a low profile in public spaces, avoid discussing sensitive political topics, and be aware of your digital footprint on social media, as online expressions can sometimes lead to confrontations in person.

Despite the concerns highlighted by the survey, Richards emphasized that most international travel remains safe when travelers take the right precautions. “Being prepared and situationally aware is key. By exercising good judgment and respecting local norms, Americans can continue to enjoy safe and enriching travel experiences around the world,” Richards said.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Every day on our social media platforms, Global Rescue posts several events that may affect your travel. Global Rescue intelligence experts issue travel alerts, also called event reports, “to inform members of incidents in their area of travel that could affect their trip, cause an inconvenience, put them at risk of physical harm, or could potentially leave them stranded,” said Kent Webber, senior manager of Intelligence Products & Services at Global Rescue.

Travel alerts are issued for incidents of:

  • Civil unrest (strikes, protests, demonstrations, etc.)
  • Violence (terrorism, shootings, clashes, etc.)
  • Environmental events (earthquakes, floods, mudslides, storms, etc.)
  • Health issues (COVID restrictions, disease outbreaks, etc.)
  • Infrastructure events (bridge collapses, large-scale power/internet outages, fires, building collapses, airport issues, etc.)

“We run a virtual 24/7/365 ‘Intelligence Watch’ that combs the internet for information relevant to travelers. How and where we get our information is proprietary,” Webber said. “Although we are all generalists, we have team members with regional expertise: Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia.”

Consumer members may log in to the Global Rescue member portal and view travel alerts on a destination report. Enterprise members receive travel alerts via email by setting up their preferences in GRID, an online intelligence system for businesses and nonprofits. When employees are traveling, risk managers or HR managers can “tailor the alerts they receive according to location, type of incident and severity, so they get the information they most need to see,” Webber said.

Not a member? Global Rescue posts abbreviated travel alerts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn two or three times daily and, this spring, on our Travel Information Center. The Travel Information Center is the ultimate hub of resources — health, security, weather, to name a few — to serve as a one-stop travel information source. It will also host a Risk Map with risk ratings related to civil unrest, terrorism, crimes, diseases and more.

Travelers facing increased concerns or planning visits to high-risk areas should consider working with security professionals and travel risk management experts at Global Rescue to obtain invaluable guidance and support. One call, email or in-app message will connect you with a security team with years of military special operations expertise to provide the best advice for your situation.