Are Americans still welcome overseas?

With the political changes happening in the US, the question is often asked whether Americans are still welcome in places such as Europe, Mexico, and Canada.

I’ve taken groups to Mexico and Costa Rica this winter and I’m currently in Croatia after visiting Germany, Switzerland and Slovenia.  I’m very glad to report that we are indeed still welcome to visit.

The world is closely watching developments in the US and certainly they are concerned, but I find that the people I meet make a careful distinction between American politics and the American people. They understand that we are not one and the same as our government.

“The fear that people in other countries will equate them with their politicians’ action is a peculiarly American anxiety,” wrote the New York Times in a recent article.  The article quoted one traveler this way: “What I learned was that people make a distinction between the American people and the American government.”

My personal experience matches this 100%. I had thought more people would want to talk to me about what’s happening in the US, in an attempt to better understand it, but I didn’t even experience this. I suppose there is so much media coverage, there is no need to ask me anything more.

The world is a constantly changing place, but I’m pleased to report that US travelers are still welcome..