US Policy Reshaping Travel Costs and Itineraries

Article Highlights:

• 83% of experienced travelers expect travel costs to rise due to recent US policies.
• More than half of travelers are changing destinations or postponing international trips.
• Despite economic concerns, 65% have not canceled international travel—resilience remains strong.
• Over one-third of travelers feel less likely to travel due to US international policy initiatives.
• Travel enthusiasm is growing, with more than 50% planning more trips and longer stays in 2025.

As spring ushers in a new travel season, travelers across the globe are finding themselves at the intersection of wanderlust and worry. According to the Global Rescue Spring 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, shifting US policies and economic uncertainties significantly influence travel decisions this year.

From increased costs to altered itineraries, seasoned globetrotters are adapting their plans in response to a climate of political and financial flux. The survey, which gathered insights from more than 1,100 experienced travelers between April 8–12, reveals key behavioral shifts that speak volumes about the modern traveler’s mindset in 2025.

Travel Costs on the Rise

A resounding 83% of respondents believe that recent US policy changes will lead to increased travel costs. Nearly half (47%) of those surveyed are convinced that these costs will “definitely” rise, while another 36% say it’s “probably” going to happen.

“Travelers are clearly feeling the impact of evolving US policies,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “From anticipated cost hikes to shifting itineraries and delayed plans, US policy and economic signals are shaping traveler behavior and decisions for the rest of 2025.”

This anticipated increase in costs is prompting many to reevaluate their travel plans. While not necessarily staying home, travelers are tweaking their budgets and choosing different destinations to make their trips work under changing financial conditions.

International Travel Continues

Despite worries about a potential recession, travelers are showing a surprising amount of resilience. About 65% of respondents said they have not canceled or postponed international trips due to economic fears. Meanwhile, 31% indicated they haven’t changed domestic travel plans either, even amid warnings of a broader economic slowdown.

This suggests that while financial considerations are certainly a factor, they are not outright deterrents. For many, travel remains a priority, requiring more careful planning and flexibility.

“There’s a degree of resilience in today’s traveler,” Richards noted. “People may be modifying their destinations or delaying departures, but they are still prioritizing travel, especially internationally.”

US International Policy: A Travel Deterrent for Some

One of the most revealing findings of the survey is how US international policy is influencing travel intent. More than a third (34%) of travelers said they are generally less likely to travel due to these policies. Breaking that down:

• 6% reported being “much less likely” to travel.
• 18% are “somewhat less likely.”
• 10% indicated they are “less likely.”

While the majority (55%) said these policies wouldn’t impact their decisions, the fact that over a third are feeling hesitant speaks volumes about the sensitivity of travelers to political environments.

Moreover, 18% have already changed their plans because of US policies, and another 22% are still considering doing so. Among those making changes:

• 55% are adjusting the countries they intend to visit.
• 34% are postponing their travel.
• 24% are skipping international travel in 2025 altogether.

“Policies don’t operate in a vacuum; they influence real travel decisions,” Richards emphasized. “When travelers start revising their destinations or shelving international travel plans altogether, that signals to policymakers that the ripple effects of their decisions are being felt on the ground.”

US Policy Impacts Itinerary Choices

While travelers are still planning trips, where they go is shifting dramatically. More than half (55%) of those surveyed are changing which countries they plan to visit, with 34% postponing international travel altogether. A significant 24% have decided not to travel internationally at all in 2025.

These decisions are primarily rooted in responses to recent international policy shifts from the US. Richards emphasized that these policies, though perhaps not intended to discourage travel, are having real consequences on the ground.

“With nearly half of travelers altering their destinations in response to US international policies, the ripple effects of government decisions are clear,” Richards said. “There is a need for balanced policy approaches that support international trade and diplomacy without inadvertently deterring global mobility or discouraging tourism.”

Travel Enthusiasm Holds Strong — With Caveats

Interestingly, despite concerns over costs and global policies, traveler enthusiasm for 2025 remains robust. More than half of the survey respondents plan to take more trips this year compared to 2024, with 27% indicating they’ll spend more and extend their stays. Nearly a quarter (24%) plan to increase their travel spending this year.

One-third (33%) of participants, however, chose “none of the above” when asked if they would travel more, stay longer or spend more, highlighting a notable layer of caution within the travel community.

“Traveler enthusiasm for 2025 is strong, but it’s being tempered by the real-world impact of US policy abroad,” said Richards. “We’re seeing people express a clear desire to travel more, yet also signaling hesitations tied to policy developments that affect international mobility and destination choice.”

The Path Forward: What Travelers Can Do

For travelers, staying informed and flexible will be crucial. Here are a few tips for navigating the rest of 2025:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly monitor changes in visa regulations, travel advisories and currency exchange rates.
2. Diversify Destinations: Consider countries with favorable entry policies and stable environments.
3. Obtain Traveler Protection: Comprehensive traveler protection that includes medical evacuation and security extraction can provide peace of mind.

The Global Rescue Connection

Despite the challenges, the travel spirit remains alive and well in 2025. The data shows a traveler community that is thoughtful, flexible and ready to adapt. While US policy and economic uncertainty may influence the “how” and “where” of travel, the “why” remains strong: exploration, connection and discovery.

Global Rescue acts as a safety net for travelers, offering services like medical evacuation, security extraction and real-time guidance during emergencies. Global Rescue’s services provide travelers peace of mind, knowing they can access medical and security expert resources when needed.