International travel has always been influenced by a complex interplay of economic, political, and social factors. However, in 2025, global travel faces a particularly volatile landscape due to the impact of elections—in the U.S. and abroad—shifts in U.S. policy initiatives and concerns regarding overtourism.
The Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey of the world’s most experienced travellers revealed more than half of respondents (55%) expected no changes to their travel plans following U.S. election results in November 2024, while 30% expected to increase their international trips. These outcomes painted a positive picture for the travel industry.
While the U.S. elections indicated a favourable traveller sentiment, national elections in other countries create areas of potential risk for international travellers. Upcoming elections in Ecuador may trigger political tensions, corruption allegations, and violent gang activity. National polls in Tanzania could spark election-related violence due to past reports of human rights violations and political repression. Past elections in Ivory Coast have resulted in deadly political and intercommunal violence.
On the other hand, some countries holding elections in 2025—such as Sweden, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway—maintain strong democratic processes and stable governance, making them safe destinations for travellers despite their electoral events.
Beyond elections, overtourism is a factor shaping global travel in 2025. Three out of four survey respondents (73%) expressed concerns about overcrowding in popular international destinations. More than half (53%) of travellers reported they would actively avoid these locations, including Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Bangkok—each of which has long struggled with overwhelming tourist numbers straining infrastructure and local communities.
In contrast, several countries are positioning themselves as attractive alternatives with more accessible entry policies. Morocco, Kenya, Wales, Egypt, Cambodia, India, and Taiwan are actively promoting easier visa processes and tourism-friendly policies. These efforts are working, with notable percentages of travellers planning visits to these destinations in 2025.
The tourism industry is at a pivotal moment. Overtourism weakens destinations by straining infrastructure and depleting resources, leaving them ill-equipped to handle traveller and resident crises. As such, some governments are implementing visitor caps, encouraging off-peak travel, and investing in sustainable tourism infrastructure to mitigate these issues.
Recent U.S. foreign policy initiatives have contributed to concerns among American travellers regarding how they will be perceived overseas. Most travellers (72%) surveyed after several major U.S. policy announcements expect Americans to be viewed more negatively and less welcome while travelling abroad in 2025.
Despite these concerns, security experts emphasize that most people differentiate between the efforts of a country’s government and its citizens. They know it’s not you who is making the decisions and policies. Despite heightened concerns, travel remains generally safe when individuals take appropriate precautions. Being prepared and situationally aware is key. By exercising good judgment and respecting local norms, Americans can continue to enjoy safe and enriching travel experiences worldwide.
2025 presents a dynamic and evolving travel landscape. The impact of U.S. and international elections, shifting global sentiment, and the realities of overtourism all play crucial roles in shaping how people approach international travel. While some travellers embrace opportunities to explore more of the world, others re-evaluate their plans based on geopolitical risks and changing perceptions of American tourists abroad.
Governments and travel industry leaders must proactively address these challenges, ensuring that tourism remains a force for economic growth, cultural exchange, and global understanding. Meanwhile, travellers must stay informed, prepared, and adaptable to successfully navigate this new era of international exploration.
Written by: Dan Richards
BIO:
Dan Richards is CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. He serves on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce and is a Global Member of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
