Francisco Ayala and his wife cancelled their planned cruise to see the Northern Lights this year, reflecting a broader shift in American travel behavior driven by fear and uncertainty. Although Ayala is a natural-born U.S. citizen and his wife is naturalized, recent reports of legal travellers being detained at U.S. borders have made them wary of international leisure trips.
Economic concerns also played a major role; Ayala cited market volatility and a sense that the economy is slowing, making spending on travel feel much more risky.
Travel advisers are witnessing similar caution among clients. Over 80% of surveyed advisers expressed concern about a potential economic downturn, and more than half were “very” worried about government policies impacting travel.
Top client anxieties include economic instability, safety abroad, rising costs from tariffs, stricter immigration and border policies, and travel restrictions. This environment has led to a notable drop in bookings: summer flights from the U.S. to Europe are down nearly 10%, with inbound European flights to the U.S. down 12%. Domestic U.S. travel has also declined by about 5%.
The pattern isn’t a steady decline but more of a “bouncing ball,” with travelers booking closer to departure dates and opting for less expensive, more flexible trips, such as road trips instead of flights.
Deloitte’s 2025 survey found a 5% increase in Americans planning leisure travel this summer, but with a shift toward cheaper or shorter trips. Many travelers are waiting to see how the economy evolves before committing to major expenses.
Despite these challenges, opportunities exist for last-minute deals, especially as cruise lines and theme parks offer discounts to fill capacity. Some destinations, like New England and Florida, are seeing unexpected availability and lower prices.
Ultimately, travelers like Ayala are weighing risks carefully, prioritizing essential trips over leisure, and adapting to a travel landscape shaped by economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
