Authored by Russ Weiss, CFP® & Samantha Liss with Broadmoor Travel
With global headlines shifting daily, many Americans are wondering: Is now a good time to travel overseas? Will I be treated differently because I’m American? And what’s actually true about those travel advisories I keep seeing?
To help separate fact from fear, we spoke with Samantha Liss, a travel advisor with Broadmoor Travel. She helps clients plan international trips and has had a front-row seat to how global events — and their media coverage — are shaping how Americans approach travel.
Are you hearing any hesitation from your clients about international travel due to current U.S. politics?
“Yes, definitely, especially with what is going on currently in the Middle East,” Liss says. “There are two main issues creating hesitation: one is additional fear of unrest throughout the world, and the other is that some clients are concerned about how Americans are perceived abroad. We hear those concerns early in the planning conversations.”
That said, Liss adds that this hesitation rarely leads to outright cancellations. “For some, it has influenced destination or flight choice. Generally, clients are avoiding certain countries or regions with obvious political instability or strained U.S. relations, like the Middle East or Russia. But destinations like Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America are still very popular.
“We find that providing clear, specific information about destinations helps alleviate concerns. Of course, whether to travel and how comfortable one feels is a personal decision, so we always tell our clients to go with their gut.”
Have any of your clients reported being treated differently while traveling overseas lately?
“No,” she says plainly, but notes that some have been asked politically charged questions. Still, “Most travelers report positive and welcoming experiences. We’ve had no reports of poor treatment specifically due to being American.”
What about travel-related protests — are they impacting Americans?
“There are some protests happening in certain cities, but they’re not specifically targeted toward Americans. They’re more about mass tourism and overcrowding,” Liss explains. “This can create additional negative perception around travel and hesitation about visiting over-touristed destinations.”
With social media being what it is, how do you help clients separate fact from fear?
“Information is more accessible than ever, which is a blessing and a curse. People on social media will often report travel advisories, which can sound scary but sometimes advisories are based on broad political factors rather than real-time, on-the-ground conditions.
We tell clients to check trusted, verified sources. We personally follow travel.state.gov and share updates on our social channels like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We also recommend registering with the STEP Program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), which gives real-time updates and access to the U.S. Embassy in case of emergency.”
Liss and her team are also helping clients think creatively about their plans. “We educate clients on look-alike destinations — places that feel like the one they originally wanted but are less crowded, often safer, and sometimes more affordable.”
What’s the biggest myth about travel advisories?
“People tend to think a Level 2 ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ advisory means a destination is unsafe. That level is extremely common and often tied to petty crime — things that can happen in any major city.”
Instead of telling clients where they shouldn’t go, Liss helps them understand why a destination has a certain advisory and whether it impacts their specific trip. “We lean heavily on travel.state.gov and encourage our clients to do the same.”
What are your top three safety tips for international travelers — especially first-timers?
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to local customs and trust your instincts. If something feels off it probably is. Where possible remove yourself from a situation that is making you uncomfortable.
- Keep documents safe and copied. Store passports, visas, and other essential documents in a safe place, and have digital and physical copies separate from the originals. Always carry a copy of your passport on you as you can be asked to show identification at any time.
- Stay connected. Share your itinerary with someone at home, carry a local SIM card or make sure your phone plan includes international roaming, and monitor local news if possible. Sign up for alerts from STEP from the country you are visiting.
Have any clients specifically mentioned concerns about how they’ll be perceived as Americans abroad? What advice do you give nervous clients?
“Yes — some clients wonder if being American in a foreign country might lead to different treatment. But the truth is, individual behavior and respect for local culture are far more impactful than nationality.”
As for nervous travelers, Liss says, “We tell them to focus on being respectful and polite travelers. Learn a few basic phrases, dress modestly when appropriate, and respect the local culture. That’s how you get respect in return.”
Be aware of cultural etiquette like:
- Tipping norms (which vary widely)
- Local greetings and respecting personal space
- Dress codes, especially in religious or formal spaces
- Dining etiquette (utensils vs. hands, when to start eating)
- Always asking permission before taking someone’s photo
The Bottom Line When Traveling Abroad
Traveling internationally in 2025 might come with a few more questions than it used to, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s still entirely within reach. As Liss puts it, “The world is still open — and welcoming — to respectful, polite travelers.”
So if you’ve got the itch to explore, don’t let uncertainty hold you back.
About Broadmoor Travel: Samantha Liss is the founder and luxury travel advisor behind Broadmoor Travel, a boutique agency dedicated to crafting exceptional, tailor-made journeys for discerning travelers.
