Published on September 9, 2025
The landscape of U.S. tourism is undergoing a significant transformation, shaped by the rising political turmoil and social unrest sweeping across the nation. According to the Global Rescue Summer 2025 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey, an overwhelming number of potential travelers are reconsidering their travel plans due to fears surrounding safety and stability. The insights from this survey reveal how these ongoing issues are affecting perceptions of the United States, especially among younger and international tourists.
Changing Perceptions of U.S. Travel
The survey, which pooled insights from over 2,900 Global Rescue members, highlights a stark contrast in how Americans and international travelers view the current situation. While 52% of people considering a trip to the U.S. indicate their travel plans remain unchanged, this high confidence plummets when focusing on travelers from outside the country. A significant 12% of international respondents reported canceling their trips to the U.S. due to concerns over political disturbances, in stark contrast to just 1% of U.S. travelers who have made similar decisions.
The evident divide suggests that overseas visitors perceive the rising political climate as a more serious threat, prompting them to prioritize their safety more heavily compared to their American counterparts. This sentiment reflects a growing unease about the potential for travel disruptions linked to protests and civil unrest.
The Influence of Age on Travel Decisions
Interestingly, the survey reveals that age plays a significant role in shaping travelers’ reactions to the current political landscape. Younger travelers, particularly those under 35, are noticeably more influenced by the unrest. Approximately 10% of this demographic indicated they have postponed their travel plans for political reasons, which is significantly higher than the 4% of those aged 35 to 54 and the 3% of travelers over 55 who cited similar concerns.
This growing wariness among younger vacationers is reflected in the cancellation figures, where 8% have outright scrapped plans to visit the U.S. Notably, these statistics underscore a shift in priorities for travelers in their 20s and 30s, favoring safety and stability as paramount when considering future trips.
Protests as a Deterrent
The specter of protests looms large over travel decisions. Recent findings indicate that 17% of travelers are actively avoiding U.S. destinations that are in the news due to anti-government protests. Moreover, 9% are still indecisive, facing the possibility of cancelling their trips based on recent events. This trend reveals a clear sentiment shift, with many potential tourists reconsidering their destinations in light of ongoing civil discord.
Notably, destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Chicago—where large-scale demonstrations are increasingly common—are particularly affected by this trend. Tourists who might have previously considered these cities must now navigate a new landscape of caution and uncertainty.
Survey Insights on Safety and Risk Assessment
The Global Rescue survey serves as a critical barometer for understanding how travelers evaluate safety concerns when contemplating U.S. trips in 2025. Safety and security have evolved from mere afterthoughts to central considerations when making travel decisions. The influence of political unrest, protest activity, and escalating social tensions is reshaping how tourists, both domestic and international, view various U.S. destinations.
Moreover, the survey highlights an emerging trend; disruptions surrounding protests or civil unrest are now integral factors in vacation planning. Travelers now show a pronounced preference for destinations with stable political climates, prompting government officials and travel organizations to rethink their approaches to safety measures. Ensuring a secure environment is becoming increasingly crucial for maintaining traveler confidence.
The Role of Global Rescue in Enhancing Travel Safety
Global Rescue is at the forefront of helping travelers navigate the complexities of medical, security, and evacuation emergencies. As an organization deeply engaged with trends and emerging travel risks, their insights underscore a growing need for travelers to prioritize safety. With an increasing number of vacationers becoming concerned about their well-being while abroad, the work done by Global Rescue and similar agencies is becoming indispensable.
Travel agencies and firms worldwide are now positioned to cater to this heightened interest in travel safety. Holidaymakers are likely to favor destinations that offer robust security measures and clear protocols to safeguard their safety, making the provision of reliable information vital in shaping travel decisions amid ongoing political uncertainties.
Navigating the Future of U.S. Travel
The data from recent surveys indicates that political unrest continues to affect international visitors’ attitudes toward traveling to the U.S. However, it’s important to note that these trends are dynamic and subject to change. U.S. tourism officials and travel companies may soon adopt new strategies in response to these challenges. Enhanced communication about ongoing protests, emergency services, and current events could provide travelers with the reassurance they seek.
The interplay between ongoing political and social changes in the U.S. and global travel choices remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear—political unrest is causing ripples that influence travel safety perceptions worldwide. Whether the U.S. manages to restore its place on the short lists of international travelers will ultimately depend on how effectively it communicates its commitment to ensuring a secure travel environment.