Jen Donahue, a skier from California, found herself reflecting on a rather tense encounter during a recent skiing trip to Whistler, British Columbia, in March. While enjoying the slopes with her husband, Donahue sat next to a Canadian couple on their first gondola ride, and the experience took a turn for the awkward.

The female half of the couple expressed her frustration with the United States' antagonistic stance towards Canada, demanding that Donahue and her husband commit to purchasing Canadian products while they visited. Donahue described the woman as “straight mean,” reflecting a sentiment she felt was emblematic of the current political climate between the two neighboring countries. “The woman took it personally, almost as if to say, 'How could you do this to us? We've been so kind to you,'” Donahue recalled.

Eventually, the woman’s husband attempted to diffuse the situation, yet before parting ways, she directed the American tourists towards a ski run that turned out to be a rather unfortunate choice. “Do you think she did that on purpose?” Donahue wondered aloud, questioning whether the woman’s advice was a subtle act of revenge.

As the spring and summer travel season nears, many individuals are eager to escape on much-needed vacations, often to foreign destinations. However, this year is marked by a unique and somewhat unsettling political backdrop, as the Trump administration has taken a notably hostile approach toward long-standing allies like Canada, as well as countries within the European Union. The imposition of tariffs and public outcries regarding trade and defense relations have added tension to international relations.

For Americans traveling abroad, the transformation of their home country into what feels like a global frenemy has fostered uncomfortable situations. Many travelers are reconsidering their plans, while those who choose to forge ahead are mentally preparing for potentially thorny discussions with locals. During recent conversations with tourists and expatriates, there was a consensus that although the political climate is not dire, it certainly has made interactions awkward. The phrase “wherever you go, there you are” rings especially true this year, as political realities follow American tourists even to distant slopes and sunny beaches.

Donahue, who revisits Whistler annually, noted that previous trips had never involved political discussions. However, this time around, politics seemed to permeate every interaction. Fellow travelers would often inquire about the state of affairs in the U.S., sharing hesitant laughter as Donahue and her husband expressed their shared discontent. “Everyone else almost felt sorry for us,” she remarked, highlighting the embarrassment many Americans feel in the current context.

Inbound travel to the U.S. from various countries is projected to decline sharply this year. Data indicates that flight bookings from Canada to the U.S. have dropped significantly, compelling Canadian airlines like Air Canada and WestJet to cut back on flights to American destinations. Bookings from Europe to the U.S. are also on the decline, as international travelers are discouraged by the U.S.'s insular approach and contentious politics. Compounding this issue are reports of stricter border security measures and instances of travelers being detained upon entry into the U.S., prompting advisories from governments in countries such as the UK and Germany.

American tourists, too, may be scaling back their international travel plans in light of these circumstances. An analysis conducted by Cirium, a data analytics firm specializing in aviation, revealed that bookings from major U.S. hubs to key European cities are down by 12.6% for the peak summer months compared to last year. The Airlines Reporting Corporation, which provides data on air transactions, has also indicated a downturn in both international and domestic flight bookings in February 2020 compared to the previous year. Although international bookings saw a smaller decline than domestic ones, both drops serve as worrying indicators in light of changing travel trends.

Bob Mann, an aviation analyst, suggested that economic factors might be influencing these trends. He noted that international travel typically sees bookings made earlier due to more substantial advance discounts, while domestic trips are often booked closer to the departure date. At a recent JPMorgan conference, multiple industry executives raised concerns about poor sales, emphasizing that while one month of data may not indicate a trend, they might reflect a significant shift.

Despite these travel declines, it is essential to recognize that political unease may not be the sole reason for any reductions in air travel this summer. Virgin Atlantic recently reported a slowdown in travel from the U.S. to the UK, a trend they attribute to broader economic uncertainty. Consumers are increasingly worried about their financial prospects, which may lead many to postpone plans or choose not to travel at all. Yet, for some travelers, the potential for negative international sentiment towards Americans may influence their decisions.

As travelers prepare for their journeys, they find themselves confronted with questions and interactions that they have not encountered in previous years. Renowned travel expert Rick Steves has even addressed concerns about American reception abroad on his blog, generating intense discussions among expats and tourists on platforms like Reddit regarding how to navigate these tense situations.

Leila Bulling Towne, a California executive coach, shared her decision to reconsider her travel strategies. She has upcoming trips planned to Mexico, Germany, and Belgium and intends to carry both her American and Irish passports to mitigate potential friction. With a wealth of travel experience, she expressed disbelief at the anxiety she now feels regarding her reception as an American. “In the past, I felt that the worst assumptions about Americans were that we were loud or inconsiderate. Now, it feels as if I’m carrying the weight of my country’s actions,” she admitted.

Bulling Towne has many friends and family in Germany, who have candidly conveyed a rising anti-American sentiment. Despite her attempts to speak the local language, she fears her American accent will still be unmistakable. “I want to blend in, but it’s tough,” she said.

Carol Harms, a retired teacher from Seattle who is indulging in travel during her retirement, expressed her desire to avoid political discussions while abroad due to her feelings of shame regarding the current U.S. administration. She recalled landing in London on the night election results were announced, where people greeted her with puzzled expressions. On a recent cruise in South Africa, she found that conversations quickly turned to the election, with many expressing their increased discontent towards American politics. “People feel let down,” she confided, noting that this sentiment has been echoed during her travels throughout Japan.

In the professional realm, Ambrose Conroy, a California management consultant, has experienced similar reactions from clients in Ireland and Germany, who seek clarity about U.S. policies. “They are confused and frustrated, especially with the divisive nature of current events,” he reflected.

Some American expatriates are finding themselves in a unique bind, living in countries where their homeland’s policies are increasingly antagonistic. Elizabeth Van Horne, an English teacher from Colorado residing in France, noted that conversations frequently turn towards Trump once her American identity is revealed. Some locals express concern, treating her as though she has endured a natural disaster. “It’s a pitying vibe,” she remarked.

Many of her students, who once aspired to travel to the U.S. for educational opportunities, are now choosing alternative destinations like Canada, Australia, or the UK. A colleague previously planning a family trip to America has since decided to postpone their journey. “It’s disheartening to see the country I love being viewed so negatively,” she lamented, as she considers her son’s future relationship with the U.S.

Reputation challenges for American tourists are not new. Historically, they have been stereotyped as loud and entitled travelers unwilling to engage with local cultures. This perception has led to age-old travel advice suggesting Americans downplay their nationality by claiming to be Canadian instead. (A humorous aside is that during interviews for this article, one Canadian expressed her own concerns about being mistaken for an American while traveling.)

However, political climates have always affected American travelers. For instance, during the presidency of George W. Bush, Americans were often questioned about the wars initiated by his administration. Even under President Joe Biden, travelers face the challenge of justifying policies that seem contentious globally.

Tom Predhome, a retired consultant who relocated to Malta in 2023, found that discussions around Trump are almost inevitable when meeting other travelers. He noted that under Biden, international observers have also voiced concerns regarding U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel and Gaza. “People often express the sentiment that there’s little difference between Biden and Trump,” he said.

The essence of travel is to escape the rigors of daily life, including politics. Travelers seek to immerse themselves in new experiences, to relax and rejuvenate away from responsibilities and obligations. Sadly, for many Americans this season, the weight of political tensions and international perceptions may follow them even to the most idyllic destinations. Back in Whistler, Donahue and her husband took the unfair ski advice in stride, ultimately embracing Canadian culture by purchasing local products and tipping generously. “We wanted to blend in,” she said, recounting how her husband sported a Canadian sweatshirt throughout their trip.

In a world where politics increasingly infiltrates leisure, the challenges faced by American travelers serve as a reminder of how global perceptions connect us all. Emily Stewart serves as a senior correspondent at Business Insider, focusing on business and economic trends.