Who is going to the USA, who has changed their travel and what will you do differently?

[kiwitripper64]

Bits of this are being discussed in other threads, but I was wondering how many of us are reconsidering USA for travel and why.
The US is massive with so much to see and individually most people are friendly and proud of the good things their country does.
If you are deciding not to travel there at the moment is it because of

The apparent change in US border officials "welcome" with more people being detained on entry.
At New York JFK alone, 194 arriving foreigners were deemed “inadmissible” in March, up from 135 in February, ViewfromtheWing reported.
Stricter screening on arrival including demands to see your phone, laptop and social media accounts?
Cost of travel in the US?
A stand against the current policies of the current US administration
Lack of money now my share portfolio down to a zero balance. ( I know this isn't true, but the media is trending on devaluation of shares)
Your employer has decided not to send staff to US
General safety concerns

And do we know of any friends or colleagues from LOTF who have decided not to come here for work or holiday.

Personally, I have chosen not to go to a US conference later in the year. I don't need the hassle, don't want my laptop with work stuff searched and don't feel like supporting their tourism.
This thread isn't meant to be politically inflammatory, I am just interested in what the AFF community is planning.

 

[mrsterryn]

My reasons for not planning USA currently and planning alternatives lol actually China
AUD is just sliding down the ladder
Husband can't go to USA due to huge travel insurance for himself approximately ten times higher than , for example, China
Also I have been there multiple times over the years and I do want to visit elsewhere
My interesting in the massive Walmart/Macy's shopping is definitely gone down way too many clothes and shoes lol
One good friend who is the other main reason for travelling has accepted that cost is a big factor and is going to meet me in Europe or perhaps shanghai (both of us love Disney and Shanghai is the last one for her to tick off )

 

[Quickstatus]

As I said elsewhere, those sentiments are overblown
IMO there is no reason not to go except maybe the AUD/USD pair and the price of a J ticket to the USA.
Border control everywhere have always been able to search your person, belongings and laptops. You do not have 4th amendment protection at the border.
Mountain out of a molehill...
Other words like Exaggerate, Overstate, Hyperbolise, Catastrophise also come to mind...

 

[RooFlyer]

I’m not planning to go but would not alter my plans if I were.

 

[justinbrett]

I've done 2 trips already this year, and another 3 planned. I did 5 in 2024 also.

I have no concern about the CBP scaremongering, haven't noticed any difference and I've just got Global Entry so shouldn't affect me anyway. Usually find more of a grilling from Canadian or Irish immigration, for whatever reason.

AUD/USD does concern me but considering the AUD is down by similar proportions with the EUR & GBP not much you can do about it other than stay home. My US trips this year are short and mostly combined with longer trips in other parts of the world so not a huge drama.

 

[jase05]

Still going in a few months and none of what’s happening really concerns me. Have prepaid for about 90% of accomodation, flights etc etc and our dollar has weakened against other currencies so no big issue for me.

 

[trooper]

Just back from a February trip and yes, going again in August. Poor exchange rate will mean a shorter trip than originally planned. Thats the only difference.
Entry procedure in Feb was no different to last year, or the year before..etc etc - have NEVER been asked to hand over phone/laptop etc and don't expect to be asked to in August.

Don't care much about another countries politics (other than places like North Korea who I do not want to give my money to) I think Starmer is a nong but will still travel to the UK... same for the US. Of course I think OUR pollies are pretty awful too!

 

[levelnine]

No change. If anything, the situation is improving for me. Weakening AUD makes my USD churning activities all the more valuable. A softening of demand will open up more award seats and points availability at hotels.

 

[maccaisking]

I have a Euro/USA family trip booked in July. I'll cry a little more everytime we pay for something, but no plans changed.

 

[Himeno]

I'm keeping an eye on it.
The current US gov and a number of "red state" governments want people like me to "not exist".
I could reasonably expect issues with CBP when my passport has a marker that they assume it shouldn't.

 

[cove]

We are going twice and we are looking for good shows in Las Vegas and New York. Instead of trips of 3 to 4 weeks we are changing to 2 to 3 weeks.

 

[n7of9]

I'm cancelling my late-June 2026 Alaska cruise because it's on at the same time as World Cup, on the assumption that J Rewards will be more difficult and paid seats more expensive. I also 'look Mexican' (according to them), my passport is different to the country I was born in, and I've been to the middle east multiple times. Nah, I'll go to Asia where I'm welcome.

 

[blackcat20]

No plans at the moment, but given we have family there, will have to go at some point. The cost is the biggest issue for us.

 

[Denali]

When we got our reward seats for 2025 travel I didnt get anything for the USA because, as I said to my husband, If that man gets in its going to be a poop show. Might go in 2029 but that depends on election results and travel insurance cost as we're getting older.

There are lots of other countries to enjoy without the stress of will your phone/social media be searched or if you would be declined at the border

 

[SydneySwan]

I am avoiding the US for now. There are plenty of countries I haven't yet visited and I would rather try some of them at the moment.

 

[Himeno]

Of course, I'm finding it hard to think of a way to get within Canada or from Canada to Mexico on oneworld without having at least a connection in the US.

 

[Dr Ralph]

No change to my US travel plans and I can't see any reason as to why I would make a change.

 

[I love to travel]

Still going to US in August, will consider travel for mid next year when flights need to be booked in July. AUD will be primary motivation for whether I go or not unless something dramatically shifts with immigration requirements/issues.

 

[NoName]

Absolutely no reason other than increased cost (lower AUD + higher prices) to reconsider. No plans currently but I certainly will be looking to visit again fairly soon.

 

[aplmac]

We're heading over end of this week for a couple of weeks in Alaska after touring in Canada first. Too far along the timeline to do anything without incurring financial penalties, so hoping it all goes well, and that there's enough money left in my Super investments to pay for the lower dollar and higher prices!