Americans: Traveling abroad is something most people anticipate annually. Visiting new cultures, lounging on foreign shores, or seeing relatives overseas are all usual purposes to venture overseas. But in 2025, more and more U.S. travelers are holing up their passports and reassessing their holiday itineraries.

So why is this happening? The reason is a combination of airline issues, political unrest, and the need for greater peace of mind while traveling.

Growing Concerns Over Americans Airline and Border Issues

For some, like Mary S., a marketing professional from Arizona, the decision to stay stateside has everything to do with avoiding stress. Mary used to travel frequently across the border into Mexico and had plans to visit Canada this summer. But now, she’s decided against it.

“There’s no way I’m going anywhere near an airport or border crossing,” she said.

Her concerns are those of many. Recent cases where American citizens were detained when re-entering the United States have caused alarm bells to ring. One such high-profile case was that of popular Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who was held at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport upon returning from France. He said that he was interrogated regarding his political beliefs, which has sent some travelers into a state of anxiety—particularly those who openly critique U.S. policy.

Americans Airline Safety Anxiety

Aside from border troubles, air safety is increasingly causing concern. Newark airport in New Jersey has been experiencing power losses and personnel shortages, resulting in delays and loss of communication. Such incidents are generating fears, although official statistics still reveal flying remains a very safe mode of travel.

Social media chatter about flying fear has exploded. Individuals are posting stories and concerns, and that has opened airline safety up as a topic of interest. Travel agents, such as Sarah Magnoni of Harmony Travel Collective, report clients are questioning flight security more than ever before. “In 2024, I hardly received any safety questions. Now it’s part of every conversation,” she said.

Shifting International Travel Policies

It’s not only U.S. borders that are growing more difficult to breach. Other nations are also making it increasingly difficult for Americans to gain entry. Shifting visa policies, particularly in destinations like the U.K., are catching even veteran travelers by surprise.

This is making travelers hesitant who don’t want to go through additional paperwork or surprises at the immigration. Most Americans now are not only inquiring whether a nation is safe, but also whether they will be received or treated differently due to their nationality.

Travel Advisors Report Mixed Trends

Travel agents such as Tamara Lidbom of Anytime Travel Agency are noticing a rise in cancelations of trips, especially among legal permanent residents concerned with reentry into the U.S. These tourists are choosing to go on domestic vacations instead, thinking it’s just safer and more predictable.

Tour operators are also feeling the slow-down. Europe specialist JayWay Travel reported that demand from American consumers has declined, partly because of economic instability and a faltering U.S. dollar. This has increased costs for international travel for many Americans.

Staying Close to Home Becomes the Trend

With all of these issues, more and more travelers are taking comfort in remaining within U.S. borders. Domestic travel remains healthy, and regional points of interest are struggling to draw visitors. Vail, Colorado, is just one example of a city that is marketing itself as an “Europe-style” destination, providing charm and culture without having to carry a passport.

Additional proposed travel dupes are Santa Fe for Spain, Sedona for Morocco, and the Florida Keys as a substitute for international beach vacations. These locations provide the vibe of global places but with fewer hassles.

Vacation rental business Whimstay also sees an increase in intra-state travel. People are looking at their home states instead of taking flights or crossing borders. Californians, for instance, are taking vacations within California, and Texans are staying within Texas.

Peace of Mind Matters Most

Emily Dreilich, a tourist who scrapped plans to go to Bolivia, captured the sentiment shared by many: “When that anxiety gets high enough to mess with your trip from day one, it’s just not worth it. When you only get one trip a year, you want a smooth entry and exit.”

Final Thoughts

While foreign travel is not out of the question for all, it’s obvious that a lot of Americans are taking more conservative choices in 2025. Whether due to airline issues, political unrest, or wishing for less complicated travel, vacations at home are becoming more attractive.

For the time being, road trips, beachside communities, and national parks can just be the right solution to relax without the tension.