nternational travel is one of life’s great privileges. It connects us to different cultures, opens our eyes to new perspectives, and brings families, friends, and communities closer together. But like everything else, travel doesn’t exist in a bubble. It responds to global events—including the economic ones.

In 2025, trade tensions between the world’s largest economies are having a noticeable ripple effect on the travel landscape. For travelers across the U.S., this means shifting costs, changing priorities, and in some cases, a bit of hesitation before booking that next big trip.

But here’s the thing: travel doesn’t have to stop. In fact, understanding what’s going on and how it affects your choices can actually empower you to travel smarter. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a solo retreat, or a family vacation, knowing how trade tensions influence the industry can help you make better decisions—and still see the world.

What Exactly Are Trade Tensions—and Why Should Travelers Care?

Trade tensions arise when countries impose tariffs (import taxes) or other economic restrictions on each other, usually in response to disagreements about trade policies. These disputes can impact everything from agriculture to electronics—and yes, even travel.

While it may seem like airline tickets and hotel stays are separate from the price of steel or microchips, everything is connected. When parts become more expensive to import, it can cost airlines more to maintain or expand fleets. When tensions impact oil or fuel prices, transportation costs go up. And when goods get pricier across the board, consumers often feel it in their wallets—leading them to rethink major discretionary expenses like vacations.

So while you won’t necessarily see a line item on your flight booking that says “tariff fee,” you might notice that prices are creeping up, packages feel a bit less generous, or your dollar isn’t stretching quite as far as it used to in certain destinations.

How Trade Tensions Impact Different Age Groups of Travelers

Let’s break this down by age and lifestyle stage, because economic uncertainty affects us all a little differently.

Young Adults (18–35)

This age group is known for their love of experiences over things. They’re adventurous, open-minded, and often comfortable with more budget-friendly or off-the-beaten-path travel. But they’re also more financially vulnerable. Many are still early in their careers, carrying student loan debt, or saving for big milestones like a home or family.

When trade tensions raise the cost of travel—or increase day-to-day living expenses—young travelers are often the first to hit pause. Instead of flying abroad, they may pivot to road trips, national parks, or exploring new cities closer to home. That said, they’re also resourceful: travel deal sites, low-cost carriers, and hostel networks still make it possible for this group to scratch the wanderlust itch without breaking the bank.

Midlife Professionals (36–55)

This demographic often has more stable income and paid vacation time, but they’re also balancing a lot—mortgages, car payments, raising children, aging parents. Travel for this group often comes in the form of family vacations, short escapes, or milestone celebrations.

Trade tensions and economic instability can make this group more cautious. They may delay longer or more expensive international trips, especially to countries directly impacted by political or financial friction. Instead, they might prioritize domestic travel, cruises (where costs are more predictable), or all-inclusive resorts that help them control expenses.

Interestingly, many travelers in this bracket use uncertainty as a reason to become more intentional with travel—focusing less on “doing everything” and more on meaningful, well-planned trips that offer true value.

Older Adults & Retirees (56 and up)

This group often has both the time and the savings to travel, and for many, retirement is the season of life when long-awaited journeys finally happen. They may have a lifetime of travel experience and know how to get the most out of their time abroad.

However, older travelers are also more sensitive to economic downturns—particularly when it comes to retirement investments. If trade tensions create stock market volatility, retirees may scale back travel plans to protect their financial security. Instead of luxury tours or long-haul flights, they may choose to travel domestically, spend more time at second homes, or opt for slow travel that stretches value over a longer stay.

Still, this is also the group most likely to say, “If not now, when?” They’ve seen enough cycles come and go to know that holding off too long isn’t always worth it. For many, health and mobility matter more than minor shifts in pricing.

Travel is Still Possible—Here’s How to Make It Work

Even if trade tensions continue or evolve, that doesn’t mean you need to shelve your passport. It simply means making more thoughtful choices. Here are a few tips for navigating travel in uncertain economic times:

1. Get Creative with Your Destination List

If airfare to Europe spikes, consider looking at destinations in Central or South America. If you’re worried about fluctuating exchange rates, look for countries where the U.S. dollar is strong. There are incredible places to explore that may not be on your radar yet—and they might just surprise you.

2. Think Off-Peak

High season pricing always reflects demand, but during economically uncertain times, those gaps can be even more noticeable. Traveling in shoulder season (spring or fall) or mid-week can save hundreds of dollars—and often leads to a more relaxed experience overall.

3. Price Lock When You Can

Some travel providers let you lock in today’s prices for a future trip. If you’re confident you’ll travel, this can be a smart way to hedge against future increases without committing fully right away.

4. Lean on Your Travel Advisor

This is where personalized travel planning really shines. A good advisor can help you find the best value, navigate last-minute deals, and ensure your trip has flexibility built in—important if economic or political situations shift unexpectedly.

5. Consider a Payment Plan or Travel Savings Account

Rather than giving up on a big trip, try planning farther ahead. Spreading the cost out over time or setting aside monthly travel funds makes even a higher-cost vacation feel more manageable.

Why You Should Still Say Yes to Travel

Yes, travel is a discretionary expense—but it’s also one of the most rewarding. It’s a way to rest, grow, learn, connect, and find perspective—especially when the world feels uncertain. And perhaps that’s the very reason not to wait.

The impact of trade tensions on international travel isn’t insignificant, but it’s also not insurmountable. Across every age group, travelers are adapting. They’re making more intentional choices, exploring new places, and rediscovering the value of quality over quantity.

So don’t cancel your dreams—reshape them. If the global landscape is shifting, let your travel plans shift with it. The world is still out there, full of beauty, generosity, and wonder. And with the right guidance and a little flexibility, it’s more accessible than you might think.

In times of tension, travel reminds us that connection matters. That cultures are meant to be shared. That stories need to be told across borders. And maybe now, more than ever, that’s reason enough to go.