A recent Business Insider article painted a vivid picture of what many Americans are experiencing as they travel abroad in today's climate: skepticism, awkward political conversations, and a sense that, in some places, the welcome mat may be slightly rolled back. From a passive-aggressive ski tip in Whistler to quiet side conversations on cruise ships in South Africa, it's clear that the current political landscape is having ripple effects far beyond our borders.
It's uncomfortable, no doubt. But it also raises an important question:
What should we, as American travelers, do when we're met with frustration, confusion, or even resentment abroad?
Some might take this as a reason to stay home. But we believe the opposite: now is exactly the time to go.
At JetSet Meds, we know the transformational power of travel. And while global politics may ebb and flow, one thing remains constant: the opportunity to connect as human beings—across cultures, countries, and perspectives. If anything, this moment gives us the rare opportunity to be more than tourists. It challenges us to be ambassadors.
Not for a political party. Not for a headline or a social agenda. But for the kind of Americans we want the world to know still exist:
Respectful. Curious. Grateful to be guests in someone else's home.
Sure, the side-eyes might come. A waiter might ask, "So, what's going on in your country?" And yes, someone might tell you they don't understand how or why certain things are happening in the U.S. But here's the gift in that: you have the chance to respond not with defensiveness, but with grace. You have the chance to lean in, to listen, to share your perspective without trying to change theirs—and to leave them with a different impression of what an American traveler can be.
In fact, this is a unique moment to travel with purpose. It's a chance to remind people across the world that while we may not agree with every policy or political decision made in our country, we're still deeply interested in understanding their cultures, honoring their customs, and building authentic, people-to-people relationships that transcend political divides. Travel as diplomacy is not a new idea—it's a powerful one. Through travel, we have the opportunity to wield soft power through tourism, influencing perceptions through our actions, our openness, and our cultural sensitivity abroad.
It's also an invitation to redefine what it means to be an American abroad. Not the caricature—the entitled, loud, oblivious tourist—but the thoughtful, curious traveler who asks questions, tips well, tries the language, respects traditions, and seeks connection over confrontation. Traveling with cultural awareness has never been more essential.
Cross-cultural communication is one of the most valuable skills an American traveler can cultivate. In a world that sometimes views us through the lens of media or politics, your behavior and cultural sensitivity can be a quiet, powerful rebuttal. Being a respectful tourist and representing America abroad in a positive light doesn't mean hiding your identity—it means being mindful of how that identity is expressed in someone else's space.
Many travelers are already familiar with political conversations while traveling. These discussions, while uncomfortable, can be moments of profound connection. Navigating anti-American sentiment with humility and understanding can leave lasting impressions. International travel during political unrest is not only possible; it can be transformative.
Remember, travel is also about listening. It's about cultural exchange, about sharing stories and experiences in ways that enrich both parties. American expat experiences often highlight how much can be gained from living or traveling abroad with openness and intention. Global perceptions of Americans are complex and ever-shifting, but we can all influence them one interaction at a time.
So yes, maybe the world is a little more complicated right now. Maybe the conversations are a little heavier. But that's no reason to hide. In fact, it's all the more reason to pack your bags.
Let's keep showing up. Let's keep listening. Let's keep learning.
Because you—the American traveler—might just be someone's reminder that the best parts of our country aren't confined to borders or politics.
They're found in how we carry ourselves, how we treat others, and how we move through the world.
Travel well. Travel with purpose. Travel aware. And know that in doing so, you are part of something far bigger than yourself.