Top Reasons To Hold Off On Visiting The United States Right Now

Travelling to the United States of America is a dream for many. Visiting the countless iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon and the White House is on the travel bucket lists of many. The country is filled with stunning natural beauty, amazing national parks and endless opportunities for adventure. However, there are several reasons why you might want to reconsider your trip to the great country. From political tensions, gun violence and the cost of healthcare to unfavourable exchange rates and the risk of terrorism, the reasons to hold off on visiting are quickly piling up. Today we’re diving into some of the top reasons you’re going to want to put a pause on your travel plans to the United States. Get ready to learn because we’re unpacking a lot!

Political and Civil Unrest

Political and civil unrest is the top reason to hold off on visiting the United States right now. The country is filled with protests and demonstrations along with clashes over various political issues that can make it uncomfortable and maybe even dangerous for tourists. The country is filled with tense social tensions and a growing distrust in police and law enforcement. There are many disputes surrounding racial inequality, economic inequality and social justice issues.

Strict Immigration and Visa Policies

The United States has very strict immigration and visa policies that can be a huge deterrent to people wanting to visit. The policies can create substantial hurdles and cause a lot of headaches for tourists. There is extensive paperwork that is both complicated and lengthy, and even once all that is finished, there is a really high rate of refusal for visas. Even tourists with a valid visa stress about being denied entry.

Gun Violence

Gun violence is a significant factor when considering travel to the United States, and it could be a major contributor to the decision to hold off. There are a number of mass shooting incidents each year and a high number of gun-related deaths each year. The perception of fear and how the media takes hold of situations can catapult stories into being worse than they actually are. This can cause a lot of fear and make people choose to visit elsewhere instead of the United States.

Expensive Healthcare

The cost of healthcare is significantly higher in the United States than in other countries of similar stature. In fact, the country has the most expensive healthcare system among wealthy countries. Even simple medical issues can result in heavy and insane medical bills. The costs are unpredictable and unregulated, leaving a lot of it up in the air for travellers. There is a big risk of unexpected medical emergencies when travelling, and that can be a major reason for people to avoid travelling to the United States. Without adequate travel insurance, people could face financial ruin if they need medical services. (Even with adequate travel insurance, the premiums could be extremely high and the coverage limited.)

The President

The President of the United States is Donald Trump, and he comes with an exorbitant amount of scandals, controversies and more. Many people choose to visit elsewhere just to avoid being in a country ruled by Donald Trump.

Unfavourable Exchange Rates

Unfavourable exchange rates are a big reason why some people are holding off on visiting the United States right now. When exchange rates are unfavourable, it can substantially increase the cost of the trip and make everything more expensive. Entrance fees can be more expensive, as can hotels and accommodations, food, etc. Travellers get less value for their money when the exchange rates aren’t in their favour, and this could be a major reason why people choose to travel elsewhere instead.

Rights of the LGBTQ+ Community

The United States has an incredibly complicated landscape when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. While some states remain LGBTQ+ friendly, many are considered unsafe. In fact, some countries have issued warnings to their LGBTQ+ community to consider travelling to places that are more welcoming and safe for them. The United States is not considered to be welcoming for this community.

High Cost of Travel

Travelling to the States can bring a hefty price tag. The cost of airfare, hotels, food and dining, car rentals, public transportation, attractions, tours and more can deter people from travelling there and instead choose another country that is more budget-friendly.

Unfriendly Customs Experiences

Many people have reported unfriendly customs experiences while travelling to the United States, and that has made other travellers change their minds about visiting the country. Whether these unfriendly experiences are real or just perceived in that way, there are reports of the customs officers being rude, intimidating and dismissive. Travellers go through extensive questioning that can make them feel really nervous, along with slow processing times. These unfriendly customs experiences can make people want to travel elsewhere rather than to the United States.

High Tipping Culture

The United States has a notoriously high tipping culture, which can make people not want to visit for many reasons. It can catch travellers off guard with a significantly higher than anticipated bill. Most tipping can be anywhere from 15% to 20%, making it difficult to anticipate and plan for. The lack of transparency in pricing can make people feel uncomfortable and want to travel somewhere else without such an emphasis on tipping.

Risk of Terrorism

The risk of terrorism remains a concern for many. The country’s history of attacks and the dynamic shift towards “lone wolf” attacks can be unsettling for many and make them want to travel elsewhere.

The Takeaway

As you can see, there are many reasons to hold off on visiting the United States right now. The political tensions, strict immigration, gun violence and expensive healthcare are just some of the many reasons to avoid travelling to the country right now. The ruling of the country, exchange rates, and how minority communities like the LGBTQ+ ones are treated are major deterrents for tourists wanting to travel. Though these factors are subject to opinion and not without their own levels of controversy, they are all valid reasons to avoid travelling to the United States.