Is It Safe for Americans to Travel Abroad Right Now?

Here’s What You Really Need to Know

By Cassandra Harvey, Intrepid Travel’s Head of Sales, North America

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Intrepid. Read our full disclosure statement here.

Let’s be real. If you work in travel—especially as a creator or advisor—this is the question that keeps coming up: “Is it safe for Americans to travel abroad right now?”

You’re not alone. At Intrepid, we’re hearing it daily from travelers. And while it’s tempting to hit pause and stay close to home, I want to unpack what’s really going on—because the answers are more nuanced than the headlines suggest.

First: Let’s Talk About Reentry Misconceptions

One of the biggest fears we’re seeing—especially from first-time travelers or green card holders—is around getting back into the U.S. after international travel. Confusion is everywhere.

Let’s be clear:
-There are no current reentry bans for U.S. citizens or green card holders.
– Customs delays? Occasionally. But not grounds for panic.
– Border shutdowns? There are none.

This tells me the real issue isn’t logistics—it’s perception.

It’s true that some global tensions and political rhetoric are fueling anxiety. But from where I sit, working with 25+ DMCs (destination management companies) and thousands of North American travelers, the biggest barrier isn’t safety—it’s misinformation.

My Advice?

Talk about this openly with your followers and clients. Help them understand that, while caution is always wise, the U.S. government has not restricted citizens or permanent residents from returning home.

Encourage smart planning, but don’t feed unnecessary fear.

What Our Teams Are Hearing

At Intrepid, we’re not guessing—we’re listening. Every day, we get real-time updates from our local teams across 100+ destinations.

Here’s what they wish American travelers knew:

Most destinations are ready and excited to welcome respectful travelers.
Smaller groups and local-led trips aren’t just sustainable—they’re safer.
Showing humility and curiosity goes a long way. No one expects perfection—just kindness.

Travelers at PDX airport, decorated with signs touting Portland Oregon’s foodie scene. Photo by Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.

At the same time, we’re seeing a real pivot back to domestic travel in 2025, especially among younger families and solo travelers.

Here’s what’s hot:

“Slowcation” culture: More Americans are opting for longer stays closer to home—think multi-day road trips through the Southwest

National parks, but smarter: Travelers are skipping peak-season Yosemite or Zion for lesser-known gems like Lassen Volcanic or North Cascades. Searches for “off-the-beaten-path national parks” are up 38% since January.

Quick flight wellness getaways: Eco-retreats and Indigenous-led experiences within a 2 hour flight or 6 hour drive of major US cities are booming.

Cultural microtrips: Food-driven day trips in places like New Orleans, Chicago, and Brooklyn are growing in popularity—especially among Gen Z and Millennial travelers.

As a creator or entrepreneur, this is your chance to rethink how you tell the domestic story.

Where’s the depth? Who are the communities behind these experiences? What local businesses are making it special?

So… Is It Safe?

Here’s what I tell travelers: travel is more complex than it was last year. But that doesn’t mean it’s less safe—it means it requires more thought. And that’s not a bad thing.