Is International Travel Welcoming for Americans in 2025? Here’s What We’ve Seen Firsthand

Table of Contents

• Travel with Confidence: Why the World is Still Welcoming American Travelers in 2025
• Why Now Is the Best Time for Americans to Explore the World
• How Vaya Adventures Ensures Personalized and Seamless Travel Experiences
• Discover Where Vaya Staff Are Traveling in 2025: Top Destinations Revealed
• Top Travel Tips for Americans Planning International Trips
• Adventure Awaits — and the World Is Ready to Welcome You

At Vaya Adventures, we specialize in crafting tailor-made journeys that align with your interests, values, and travel aspirations. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the Galapagos Islands, embarking on a safari in South Africa, or discovering the rich culture of Vietnam, our Destination Specialists are here to design an itinerary just for you. Experience travel that’s as unique as you are. 

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Travel with Confidence: Why the World is Still Welcoming to American Travelers in 2025

At Vaya Adventures, travel isn’t just our business — it’s our way of life. Every year, our team journeys across the globe, from the cloud forests of Costa Rica to the savannahs of East Africa, the fjords of Norway to the peaks of Patagonia. Along the way, one thing has become clear: the world is still open, still welcoming, and still eager for connection.

In 2025, we’ve seen firsthand that meaningful, enriching travel is not only possible — it’s more powerful than ever.

Why Now Is the Best Time for Americans to Explore the World

In a time of global uncertainty, travel offers something essential: real human connection. Across the destinations our team has visited in 2025, we’ve consistently found that Americans are still welcomed with warmth and curiosity.

Travel isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about building understanding, breaking down stereotypes, and supporting communities that rely on tourism. At a moment when headlines can divide, being face-to-face reminds us how much we all share.

This is not a time to pull back — it’s a time to engage more meaningfully, to explore with intention, and to remember that travel is one of the most powerful tools we have for connection and perspective.

How Vaya Adventures Ensures Personalized and Seamless Travel Experiences

From the moment you start planning with us, you’ll feel the Vaya difference. 

Every journey we design is a tailor-made adventure — built around your specific interests, pace, and comfort level. Whether you’re dreaming of tracking gorillas in Rwanda, tasting wine in Mendoza, or sailing the Galapagos in style, we match you with the best local experts and one-of-a-kind experiences. 

We work with: 

• Boutique, character-rich accommodations that reflect the local culture 

• Expert local guides who bring depth, context, and care to every moment 

• Vetted operators committed to your safety and wellbeing 

It’s this personalized approach — paired with our deep destination expertise — that gives our travelers the confidence to explore the world fully, comfortably, and meaningfully. 

Discover Where Vaya Staff Are Traveling in 2025: Top Destinations Revealed

At Vaya, we believe the best travel advice comes from firsthand experience — and our team makes it a priority to be on the ground, exploring the very places we send our travelers. In 2025, our destination specialists and Vaya team have already traveled — or are scheduled to travel — to a wide range of inspiring destinations across the globe. 

Our journeys span continents, climates, and cultures: 

• In South Africa, our team followed the famed Garden Route, enjoyed wine tastings under Cape Dutch gables, explored the rich history of Johannesburg, and tracked wildlife on safari near Kruger — where leopard sightings and sundowners by the fire brought the landscape vividly to life. 

• In Tanzania, we explored the classic northern safari circuit, from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater, and wound down on Pemba Island, a remote paradise perfect for snorkeling and solitude. 

• In Rwanda and Uganda, we hiked through misty mountain forests to encounter endangered gorillas up close — a humbling and awe-inspiring moment for even our most seasoned travelers. In Kigali and Kampala, we learned about local history, resilience, and modern culture firsthand from passionate guides. 

• In Patagonia, we crossed borders from Argentina to Chile, trekking beside massive glaciers and sipping Malbec with gauchos under southern stars. The dramatic landscapes — from Torres del Paine to the lakes of Bariloche — continue to be some of the most visually and emotionally striking places we send travelers. 

• In Peru, our Sacred Valley-based staff spend weekends uncovering hidden archaeological sites, while others explored Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lima — where conversations with locals reminded us just how much warmth and generosity this country offers. 

• In Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil, we strolled through street markets, jungle trails, and vibrant coastal towns. From Bogotá to Paraty, our team experienced authentic local hospitality, world-class cuisine, and the kind of cultural immersion that makes a trip truly memorable. 

• In the Galapagos, we sailed the western isles aboard a new luxury catamaran, snorkeling alongside sea lions and penguins, and comparing world-class eco-lodges in the cloud forest beyond. 

• In Asia, we wandered the historic alleys of Hanoi, cruised the emerald waters of Halong Bay, and stood in awe before the temples of Angkor. In South Korea, our team was deeply moved by a guide’s personal reflection on the country’s history and the role of American visitors — a moment of connection that added unexpected depth to the journey. 

• In Costa Rica, we plan to road-trip through lush green-season landscapes, from volcanic highlands to quiet beach towns — and discover that sometimes the most peaceful adventures happen on winding back roads. 

• In Morocco and Namibia, our team marveled at ancient medinas and Saharan dunes, explored remote desert lodges, and shared mint tea with local hosts who reminded us that hospitality is often strongest in the most unexpected places. 

• And in Europe, we’ve wandered the waterfronts of Copenhagen, stood under waterfalls in Norway’s fjordlands, and journeyed from Zurich to Zermatt by train — exploring the alpine heart of Switzerland with a mix of soft adventure and serious scenery. 

These journeys aren’t just research — they’re relationship-building. They allow us to stay current with on-the-ground realities, maintain deep local partnerships, and fine-tune every detail of the tailor-made adventures we design. When we recommend a destination, property, or experience, it’s because we’ve been there — recently — and we know what will make it extraordinary for you. 

Top Travel Tips for Americans Planning International Trips

Traveling with confidence starts with preparation — and a little know-how can go a long way. Here are some of our top tips for ensuring your international journey is smooth, meaningful, and safe: 

• Work with trusted experts. At Vaya, we partner only with top-tier, vetted local guides, boutique accommodations, and operators who prioritize safety, service, and sustainability. 

• Get personalized planning. Tailor-made adventures mean your itinerary is designed for you, with built-in flexibility and expert support. 

• Travel smart. We provide destination-specific briefings before every trip — what to pack, cultural etiquette, health considerations, and more. 

• Protect your investment. Comprehensive travel insurance offers peace of mind for unexpected delays, cancellations, or medical issues abroad. 

• Register with STEP. Enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive local safety alerts and allow embassies to contact you in an emergency. 

• Use secure internet connections. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks like banking. Consider a VPN for added online protection while abroad. 

• Be aware of local laws and customs. Take time to learn about local norms — from tipping etiquette to dress codes at religious sites — to avoid misunderstandings and show cultural respect. 

• Limit valuables and be discreet. Use a money belt or hidden pouch, and avoid drawing attention with flashy jewelry or large amounts of cash. 

• Stay connected. Share your travel itinerary with a friend or family member, and check in regularly — especially if traveling solo or off the beaten path. 

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Being prepared and aware is your best safety tool. 

• Stay open, curious, and respectful. A warm smile, genuine interest, and cultural awareness go a long way everywhere in the world — and often lead to the most memorable encounters. 

Adventure Awaits — and the World Is Ready to Welcome You

The truth is: the world remains incredibly open to those who travel with curiosity, humility, and respect. In every region our team has explored this year, we’ve been reminded that hospitality knows no borders — and that meaningful, personal connection is still very much alive. 

At Vaya, we see this moment not as one to hold back, but one to lean into. To travel with intention. To go deeper. And to experience places not as a passive observer, but as a thoughtful participant in something bigger — something shared. 

If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to explore, we’re here to tell you: it is. And we’re ready to help you do it, with care, confidence, and clarity. 

The best journeys aren’t one-size-fits-all — they’re custom-built around your curiosity, values, and sense of discovery.

Ready to begin? Let’s design your journey, together.

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