Richard Turen
There has been a noticeable rise in hesitation around international travel, even among well-traveled clients -- though less frequently at the very high end. What was once an assumed pleasure is now, for some, a source of uncertainty.
These concerns surface in different ways. Sometimes, it's a conversation about canceling a trip already under deposit. Other times, it's more pointed: "Why travel to Europe to be insulted?" one client recently asked.
In moments like these, our role as advisors continues to evolve. We are no longer simply curators of exceptional travel. We have now added "political scientist" to the other requirements of our job.
When a client says, "I'm feeling anxious about going." The most important principle is a simple one: Do not force persuasion. If a client expresses genuine hesitation about a destination, it is not our role to overcome that concern.
There are practical considerations, and there is always some degree of liability in making assurances about safety. But most important is the relationship itself. It is very difficult to build long-term trust if we come across as advocating for a destination that is clearly causing discomfort.
Anxiety is deeply personal, and it's not something most advisors are in a position to resolve. When we see it, the best course is to respect it, and when appropriate, move on to something that feels more comfortable for the client.
The question of feeling welcomed. A common concern of clients is whether they will be warmly received abroad. The most honest answer is also the most reassuring: in the vast majority of cases, yes; it comes down to basic social courtesy.
There is also a broader perception at play. Some clients quietly wonder whether the U.S. is losing its long-held role as a kind of global protector, particularly in Europe, and whether that shift might influence how they are received.
In reality, these types of concerns rarely translate into personal interactions. One way to frame this is to bring it closer to home. Ask a client to imagine they are dining at a favorite restaurant and strike up a conversation with visitors from abroad. Would they introduce sensitive political topics into that exchange? Would they raise questions about their country's leadership or policies over dinner? Of course not. It would feel impolite in the extreme.
The same is true nearly everywhere. While American politics and personalities may be widely covered in international media, the vast majority of people our clients will encounter are far too polite to introduce uncomfortable subjects into casual conversation. Day-to-day interactions are guided not by headlines but by professionalism, courtesy and a natural desire to make guests feel at ease.
Understanding what's happening locally. Context is one aspect of travel that is often overlooked.
Many clients arrive in a destination without a clear sense of what has been shaping daily life there in recent weeks. What were the major news stories? What conversations have been unfolding locally?
Most tour operators respond that guides are just too uncomfortable discussing current events, so the subject is never brought up. You leave Seville not knowing what they talk about in their so-called "third wave cafes." To overcome this travel reality avoidance, I often engage local journalists as guides when I am planning something private.
Why this matters now. Today's travel landscape is layered with competing pressures: crowded airports, rising costs often accompanied by declining service levels and a general sense that the world feels more unsettled. All of this contributes to a broader reassessment of international travel while reinforcing the question that sits at the center of many client conversations:
Is it safe?
We'll explore that in Part 2.