If you’ve been wondering whether to book that international trip (or quietly talking yourself out of it), you’re not alone. It’s one of the questions we’re hearing the most from families right now, and it deserves an honest answer.
So here it is: yes, Americans can absolutely still travel internationally in 2026. But the landscape has shifted, and going in informed makes all the difference between a trip that feels stressful and one that feels like the escape you needed.
Let’s break down what’s actually happening, where Americans are welcomed with open arms, and how to travel smart right now.
What’s Actually Going On
A few things are true at once, and it helps to hold all of them.
The US State Department issued a Worldwide Caution in March 2026, advising Americans to exercise increased vigilance abroad—particularly in the Middle East, where tensions related to the US-Iran conflict have created real flight disruptions and security concerns in some regions. That’s not nothing and it’s worth knowing.
At the same time, a recent Global Rescue survey found that 53% of American travelers report moderate to high concern about anti-American sentiment when traveling internationally—but 67% are continuing with their international travel plans anyway. People are nervous, but they’re still going. An most of them are coming home with great stories.
According to a TravelAge West survey, 73% of travel advisors say clients are voicing concerns about how they’ll be perceived or treated as Americans abroad—and 39% have had clients change their plans because of it. These feelings are real and valid. But they don’t tell the full story.
The truth is that anti-American political sentiment and anti-American traveler sentiment are two very different things. Most people around the world can separate the two. A family from Georgia showing up in Portugal or Japan or Costa Rica is not a geopolitical statement—they’re tourists bringing money, curiosity, and goodwill to a local economy that wants them there.
Where Americans Are Still Very Welcome
Some destinations are genuinely, enthusiastically welcoming American visitors right now. These are ones we feel good recommending to families:
Portugal — Consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, and the Portuguese are famously warm toward visitors. Lisbon and Porto are incredible for families, and the Algarve coast is pure magic.
Japan — One of the safest countries on Earth, full stop. The culture is deeply hospitable, the food is extraordinary, and it remains one of the most jaw-dropping destinations for first-time international travelers.
Greece — The Greek islands are thriving tourism-wise, and Americans are genuinely well-received. Santorini gets the Instagram fame, but Crete and Rhodes are incredible for families and far less crowded.
Costa Rica — Stable, beautiful, family-friendly, and extremely accustomed to American visitors. Adventure travel, beaches, and wildlife all in one place.
Caribbean & All-Inclusive Resorts — Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Lucia—these destinations are built around tourism and remain very welcoming. All-inclusive resorts in particular create a seamless, stress-free experience that sidesteps a lot of the logistical complexity of international travel.
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Bali) — These destinations remain warm toward American travelers, are extraordinarily beautiful, and offer incredible value given the current dollar strength in those economies.
Where to Be More Thoughtful
This isn’t a list of places to avoid—it’s a list of places to go into with your eyes open.
Western Europe’s Major Cities — Paris, Amsterdam, and Barcelona are dealing with real overtourism frustration right now, and that can sometimes color interactions with visitors. They’re still wonderful—just go in respectful, aware, and willing to venture off the obvious tourist path.
Canada — This one surprises people. YouGov’s data shows a notable Canadian cooldown in sentiment toward US travel amid current political tensions. It’s not dangerous per say, but some Americans traveling north right now are encountering a chillier reception than they’re used to. Worth knowing, especially if you’re planning a driving trip across the border.
The Middle East — The State Department’s heightened caution is specifically relevant here. This isn’t the moment to plan leisure travel to that region unless you have a specific, well-researched reason to go.
How to Travel Smart Right Now
The answer to most international travel anxiety isn’t to stay home—it’s to go prepared. Here’s what I recommend to every family I work with:
Enroll in STEP
The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is free and registers your trip with the nearest US embassy. If something happens, they can reach you. It only takes five minutes to set up at step.state.gov.
Get Travel Insurance.
This is non-negotiable right now. Airspace closures, flight disruptions, and last-minute itinerary changes are more common that they were a few years ago. A good travel insurance policy protects your investment and your peace of mind. We help all of our clients find the right coverage for their trip.
Travel Like a Guest, Not a Guest Star
This sounds simple, but it matters. Learn a few words of the local language. Dress in a way that fits the culture. Be curious, not demanding or judgmental. The Americans who have the best experiences abroad are almost always the ones who show up with genuine respect for where they are.
Be Prepared For Direct, Sometimes Emotional Conversations About American Politics
This is something we’d be doing you a disservice to leave out. In 2026, many Americans traveling abroad, particularly in Europe and Canada, are being approached by locals who want to talk about what’s happening in the United States. These aren’t casual small-talk moments. People around the world are watching what’s happening in America closely, and many have strong feelings about it. If you’re not prepared for that, it can feel jarring.
Here’s the honest advice: don’t go in expecting to stay neutral and have that be enough. Locals who feel strongly about current US policy aren’t always satisfied with “I’d rather not say”—and in some cases that response has lead to heated public confrontations. What tends to go better is genuine openness. Acknowledge that much of the world—and much of the United States—shares serious concerns about the current direction of the country. You don’t have to deliver a speech. But going abroad right now with defensiveness, or an expectation that politics won’t come up, isn’t realistic.
The Americans having the best experiences right now are ones who travel with humility, genuine curiosity about other perspectives, and an understanding that the rest of the world has earned the right to have feelings about what a powerful nation does. Meet those conversations with honesty and grace, and most of the time, you’ll find connection on the other side of them.
Book Flexible When Possible
More than a third of travelers say they’re more likely to travel during shoulder seasons in 2026, and for good reason. Off-peak travel means smaller crowds, better value, and a more authentic experience. It also gives you more flexibility if something shifts.
Work With a Travel Agent
We know we’re biased, but hear us out—this is genuinely where having a human advocate in your corner matters most. When flights get disrupted, when an itinerary needs to be rerouted, when you need someone who knows the destination and has supplier relationships to lean on—that’s the moment a travel agent earns every penny. And for most trips, we don’t charge a planning fee at all.
The Bottom Line
The US State Department classifies the majority of countries in the world at Level 1 or 2, meaning they’re safe to visit with normal precautions. The world is bigger and more welcoming than the headlines suggest.
Is travel in 2026 exactly what it was five years ago? No. Does that mean your family should skip the trip you’ve been dreaming about? Also no.
Go to Portugal. Take your kids to Japan. Book that all-inclusive in the Caribbean and don’t think about your inbox for a week. The world is still out there, and it still wants to be seen.
If you’re ready to start planning—or just want to talk through what makes sense for your family right now—we’d love to help. Reach out and let’s start planning your adventure!
Information in this post reflects conditions as of April 7, 2026. Travel advisories and destination conditions can change—always check travel.state.gov before booking international travel.
