As a UK resident, I have a deep fondness for the United States, having explored its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture on three separate occasions. My first trip was a memorable family vacation to Florida, where I introduced my children to the wonders of theme parks and the beautiful beaches that the state has to offer. Our second adventure took us to Texas, where we embarked on a delightful culinary journey through the state's rich Tex-Mex cuisine after a cruise. The final trip was a romantic getaway with my partner to Boston, even though the rain tried to dampen our spirits. We enjoyed cozy coffee shops and breathtaking views along the waterfront, creating lasting memories despite the wet weather.

Historically, I have always felt welcomed in the U.S., confident that any challenges I faced would be the usual travel-related inconveniences like long flights and fatigue. However, this year, my perception has drastically changed. I have been compelled to reconsider my travel plans, particularly a long-awaited trip to see the iconic Niagara Falls in New York this summer. Recent news headlines have fueled my growing apprehension.

The political climate and border security measures in the U.S. have taken a different turn, especially since the Trump administration ramped up national security protocols. Reports of travelers facing undue scrutiny and experiencing invasive searches of their devices by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have surfaced frequently in the media. A particularly alarming case involved a French researcher who was denied entry after officials examined his phone and discovered his critical views of the Trump administration. Although U.S. authorities later asserted that his denial of entry was not political, this incident raised serious concerns in my mind about what travelers may face at the border.

While such device searches have been a legal practice for some time, they remain relatively uncommon. Nevertheless, the frequency of these incidents has caused me to reconsider my travel intentions. Discussions with American friends have provided me with unsolicited advice, urging caution at the border. They suggested avoiding any mention of my profession as a writer and even recommended using a 'burner phone' a temporary phone with limited functions instead of my personal device when traveling to the U.S. This advice was echoed in various online travel forums and even by Canadian immigration lawyers, emphasizing a growing unease surrounding the topic.

Moreover, I have come across numerous accounts of tourists detained during their visits to the U.S. One particularly distressing story involved a British tourist who was held for 19 days at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility after traveling from Canada. She claimed to have been visiting a host family in exchange for completing household chores, yet she was accused of violating her visa despite not receiving any payment. Regardless of her circumstances, the mere thought of facing such a situation is disconcerting. I cannot shake the worry that a minor administrative error could lead to serious consequences, including detention.

As I further ponder the shifting attitudes and guidelines surrounding travel to the U.S., I realize that my enthusiasm for visiting is waning. In fact, I have decided to put my plans to travel to the U.S. on hold for the time being. It appears I am not alone in my concerns; flight bookings from Europe and Canada to the U.S. have reportedly decreased recently, indicating a broader hesitation among potential travelers.

In addition to my personal misgivings, multiple countries, including the UK, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, and Portugal, have issued travel advisories to their citizens considering trips to the U.S. The future of traveling to America seems uncertain, and I find myself grappling with feelings of anxiety and doubt. If I were to manage a trip in the coming weeks, I am left questioning my ability to enter the country without complications or the risk of being detained due to an innocent misstep.

Even if I were to enter the U.S. without issue, I can't help but anticipate how the political landscape may shift in just a short time. Reports of President Trump's anti-European sentiments and his comments about wanting to annex Canada and acquire Greenland have only added to my unease. As someone who tends to experience anxiety, the instability of the current situation heightens my worries of not feeling welcome in the United States.

While I am aware that countless foreigners visit the U.S. daily without any problems, the prospect of navigating this complicated atmosphere leaves me feeling stressed and unable to enjoy a trip. For now, my attention has shifted to planning a vacation to Italy, where I hope to find a more welcoming and relaxed travel experience. I look forward to a time in the future when I can comfortably revisit the U.S., perhaps once the relationship between Europe and America stabilizes.