Being Abroad in Uncertain Times: A Warm Welcome for American Travelers

Guests enjoying a day on safari in Tanzania

With over 25 years of experience in small group travel, we know well the endless benefits that travel provides. Exploring treasured landmarks, marveling at nature’s sublime diversity, and immersing yourself in new cultures only scratch the surface.

We’re also keenly aware that the travel landscape is ever-changing, with economic, political, and social considerations all factoring into the decision over where and when to travel next.

We continually stay in touch with our travel partners and Odysseys Tour Directors all over the world, and solicit feedback from all guests upon their return. And even in today’s travel climate, this diverse array of voices tells us the same thing:  American travelers continue to be warmly welcomed throughout the world.

The testimonials below represent a small sample of the feedback we’ve received from both Odysseys Tour Directors and returning Odysseys guests since the beginning of 2025.

“We were totally accepted with open arms everywhere we went.”

—Seven-time Odysseys guest; traveled on Machu Picchu to the Galapagos; March 25, 2025

“Moroccans feel that the Americans are true friends and that United States is a great support to our country. This is something that all American visitors to Morocco witness, and this sentiment has not changed.”

—Seddik Aassim, Tour Director, Moroccan Discovery

“I have traveled to Australia, Iceland, and Peru with Odysseys, and there was nothing different or more challenging this time around.”

—Six-time Odysseys guest; traveled on Portrait of Italy, March 22, 2025

“My Odysseys group explicitly told me that they feel very welcome.  They said that everyone has been very kind to them!”

—Thamila Rudolf, Tour Director, Pearls of Dalmatia

“The people were very warm and welcoming, I did not see anything or hear anything out of the normal when compared to my last trips”

—10-time Odysseys guest; traveled on Insider’s Japan, March 24, 2025

Travelers on our Sicily in Depth tour enjoy a cruise off the coast of Syracuse

“Italians are Italians — we love and welcome American guests!”

—Gaetano Salemi, Tour Director, Sicily in Depth and Southern Italy & Sicily

“Local folks’ perception of Americans has always been very positive. They are well received wherever they go and are seen as benefiting the local economy at the grassroots. People here understand that governments are different and separate from their people.”

—George Omuya, Tour Director, Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania

“I have done a fair amount of traveling in the past few years…in Paris this year they were friendlier than ever, and I felt very welcome in Türkiye.”

—Four-time Odysseys guest; traveled on Legendary Türkiye, March 21, 2025

“Our American guests can walk into a bar, a gelateria, a restaurant and absolutely nothing has changed in the manner in which they will be received.”

—Igor Ribic, Tour Director, Portrait of Italy and Northern Italy

“I have had nothing that would cause me to have any concern traveling overseas …I felt quite welcome at all places. There was a time when I walked off and left my walking stick and a person came and ran it right over to me. Those kinds of kindnesses...I didn't ever get the sense that anyone was treating me differently. It was all good…

Odysseys is a wonderful company to go with, this is our fourth trip, and they have all been a wonderful time. We brag about Odysseys to a lot of our friends. You all check in with your travelers, and that’s why it works so well for you. Keep it up.”

—Four-time Odysseys guest; traveled on Paradores & Pousadas, March 27, 2025

“I have led two groups this spring with no issues at all.  I do not feel and haven’t encountered any negative or adverse reaction from locals regarding their perception of American travelers.  Americans continue to be welcome in Portugal!”

—Silvia Fialho, Tour Director, Discovering Portugal

“American groups are welcomed warmly, just like before.”

—Florence Hebert, Tour Director, Provincial French Countryside