Afraid to Travel? It’s Much Ado About Nothing!
by David McGuffin
I spend several months on the road in Europe each year. I’m either leading tours, checking in on my tour groups, or doing my own travel and research. One of the joys of travel, especially when I’m on the road in Europe, is avoiding the never-ending doom-and-gloom news reports from around the world, especially from the USA. At home, I have friends who have those cable news channels running 24/7 and believe everything that’s put out on the daily talking points. Then there are others who believe everything that appears on social media sites is the gospel truth. I can’t tell you how many times I get asked, “Is it ok to travel over there?” or “Don’t you feel unsafe with all that’s going on in the world?”
This year, all the negative media hype about travel seems worse than usual. I’ve been reading these headlines, listening to the hand-wringing, and watching friends and acquaintances second-guess their travel plans. I spoke to a friend the other day who usually takes his students on a music performance tour with us every few years. So, when I reached out to him about his 2027 plans, he said there was no interest in his community to go anywhere with all that’s going on in the world. It’s frustrating, because I know it’s nonsense.
The real story…
In 2025, I crisscrossed Europe, from Ireland to Italy, from Portugal to Budapest. Not once did I feel unsafe or out of place. I found Europeans living their own lives. Tourists from all over the world enjoying themselves. Streets filled with laughter, cafes buzzing with conversation, and Christmas markets sparkling under winter lights.
The idea that Europeans are sitting around waiting to give Americans the cold shoulder because of our political situation back home is laughable. In my almost fifty years of traveling Europe, I’ve witnessed plenty of political ups and downs on both sides of the Atlantic. Europeans have seen it all before, too, and they, just like us, are too busy living their own lives to spend time judging American tourists. Sure, there might be occasional political conversations if you bring them up. But Europeans are welcoming people, and tourism is a vital part of their economy. They want you there. Your dollars, euros, and presence are appreciated.
Recently, I’ve settled in for 30+ days in a small Bavarian town near Munich. This is a first for me, because my overnight stays on tour are typically two to three consecutive nights. My point is, here in this town, I’ve begun to feel like a local. The grocer knows me, the lady at the pizzeria knows what wine I like, the hotel staff are very kind, and on and on. Everyone recognizes the “Amerikan” whose wife is in the hospital up the hill. But, instead of grilling me on politics or the state of the world, most folks like to use me as a chance to try out their English!
I was in Portugal for Easter. I’ve walked the streets of Florence, Siena, and Palermo. I explored Christmas markets in Prague and Munich. I stood on O’Connell Street in Dublin, wandered down Grafton Street, and ate Shepherd’s Pie in Temple Bar. Not once did anyone treat me differently because I’m American. Not once did I feel unwelcome.
Year after year, the Europeans I encounter are warm, friendly, and eager to share their culture. They asked about where we were from, recommended their favorite restaurants, and helped us navigate their cities. I’ve been doing this for almost fifty years, through multiple US presidential administrations from both parties, and I can tell you that European hospitality toward Americans remains as strong as ever.
It’s more expensive to travel in 2026.
It’s true, Europe is more expensive than it was a few years ago. Prices have gone up everywhere, from hotels to restaurants to admissions. Economic uncertainty and rising costs have affected international travel planning, and many Americans are indeed adjusting their travel habits. But just like at home, European destinations have expensive options and budget alternatives. A spritz with a view costs the same whether there’s drama at home or not. A morning cappuccino in a quiet piazza doesn’t care about the state of the world or its politics.
Forget the media hype and trust the boots-on-the-ground information.
There are many like me who spend a good part of our lives traveling outside the USA. Without exception, each will tell you, “Go while you can and travel without fear.” We live in a world hyped up and driven by a media that thrives and makes money on anxiety and fear. The headline, “Americans are Having a Wonderful Time in Europe,” doesn’t make for a clickable headline. But “Should Americans Be Afraid to Travel to Europe?” does.
I recently encountered a fellow in Italy who was on one of those big bus group tours visiting Rome. He was worn out, hot, and overwhelmed, but you know what he wasn’t? Scared. He wasn’t worried about being American. He was just tired from trying to see too much too fast, which is a completely different problem and one I help people avoid with our small group tours.
OK, just go!
If you’ve been dreaming of seeing the Eiffel Tower, walking through the ruins of the Roman Forum, standing before the David in Florence, or sipping a pint in an Irish pub, don’t let these overblown stories stop you. Don’t let fear-mongering headlines steal your dreams. Instead, book your trip, seize the moment, and go have the time of your life!
I’ve built my entire career on encouraging Americans to broaden their cultural horizons through engaging and exciting travel experiences in Europe. I wouldn’t do that if I thought it was unsafe, unwelcoming, or unwise.
Europe is open for business. The cobblestone streets are still there. The museums are still filled with masterpieces. The cafes still serve excellent apertivi. The views from mountaintops still take your breath away. And the Europeans are still welcoming visitors without judgment. So pack your bags, book that flight, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Europe is waiting. I’ll see you there.
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David McGuffin has been leading small-group tours to Europe for nearly 50 years. His mission is to encourage Americans to broaden their cultural mindset through engaging and exciting travel experiences. Learn more about his tours at davidmcguffin.com.
Prost from the Hofbraühaus
