Is It Safe to Travel Right Now? Navigating Global Unrest with Confidence
The world feels heavy lately. If you’ve opened the news recently, you’ve probably seen it: conflict in the Middle East, political unrest in the U.S., mass protests, closed borders, and canceled flights. For many travelers, this uncertainty stirs up one big question: Is it still safe to travel right now?
As the founder of Trekking Pals, a global women’s travel community, I’ve had countless conversations with travelers, first-timers, and veterans alike, who feel pulled between their desire to explore the world now and their growing anxiety about being far from home.
This post is for you if you’re feeling that tension. I’m here to walk you through real, actionable steps you can take to travel smarter, safer, and more mindfully right now. But more importantly, I want to remind you that your comfort level with risk is valid and personal. Whether you’re hitting pause or hitting “book,” there’s no wrong choice.
Let’s Normalize Travel Anxiety
First things first: If you’re feeling anxious about upcoming travel, or even the idea of planning something new, you are not overreacting.
The world is complex right now. Even experienced adventurers are re-evaluating their itineraries, checking advisories more closely, and questioning their plans. Feeling nervous isn’t weakness; it’s your brain doing its job to assess risk. The key is learning how to channel that awareness into smart decisions, rather than letting fear stop you completely from chasing your dreams of seeing the world.
I believe that empowered travel starts with self-awareness. Every traveler has a different threshold for uncertainty, and the more you understand yours, the better you can choose trips that feel aligned.
Ask yourself:
Does this trip support my mental, emotional, and physical well-being?
Can it wait?
Am I excited and informed?
Do I have the support or flexibility to handle changes if they happen?
If the answer to some of these is no, that’s okay. If you’re all-in, that’s okay too.
And if you’re unsure, talk it out. Reach out to a travel-savvy friend, a therapist, or even a trusted tour operator. Sometimes voicing our fears helps us navigate them more clearly.
Information is Power: Key Resources to Stay Informed
In times like these, staying informed is one of the best things you can do to travel safely and reduce anxiety. Here are the resources I use (and recommend to every Trekking Pals traveler):
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories (For American travelers)
This site is updated regularly and provides:
Travel advisories by country (levels 1–4)
Real-time safety and security alerts
Contact information for embassies and consulates worldwide
Information about entry/exit requirements and laws
Even if you’ve been to a destination before, conditions change. It’s worth checking the State Department’s guidance before booking and again before departure.
STEP: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
I used the STEP program for the first time when I traveled solo to Guatemala. It took me a few minutes to register. I entered my personal information, my travel dates, and the cities I’d be in. Within days, I started receiving direct alerts from the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City warning me of protests, demonstrations, and areas to avoid. Traveling alone and for the first time in Guatemala. I felt much more confident knowing what areas to stay away from.
This program is free and incredibly useful. When you enroll:
You’ll receive timely alerts about local events
The embassy can assist you in an emergency
You have a direct channel for support in case of evacuation or unrest
I can’t emphasize this enough, whether you're traveling solo or with a group, sign up for STEP.
Other Useful Tools:
Google Alerts: Set alerts for your destination so you stay up to date on relevant news.
Flight tracking apps (like FlightAware): Monitor potential delays or airspace issues in real time.
Travel forums: Sites like TripAdvisor, Reddit, and destination-specific Facebook groups can offer firsthand traveler insight, sometimes from locals which is very helpful.
Get Travel Insurance! Yes, Really
I’ll admit it: I used to be casual about travel insurance. If I wasn’t trekking in high altitudes or visiting countries with expensive healthcare, I often skipped it. But not anymore.
With the growing number of unexpected disruptions: natural disasters, political turmoil, airspace closures, travel insurance isn’t optional anymore.
Just yesterday, on June 23rd, Qatar temporarily shut down its airspace. Flights were canceled or rerouted. Travelers were left scrambling.
You don’t want to be stuck without coverage if:
Your flight is suspended
Your layover country closes its borders
There’s a sudden escalation in your destination
You get sick and need evacuation
When shopping for insurance, look for plans that include:
Trip cancellation/interruption
Medical emergencies and evacuations
Lost baggage and flight delays
24/7 assistance hotline
Also, consider Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, which gives you the flexibility to cancel your trip even if your reason isn't covered under a standard plan.
Book Smart: Avoid Third-Party Vendors
It might be tempting to save $100 by booking through an online travel deal site, but in this climate, flexibility matters more.
When you book flights directly through airlines:
You’re more likely to receive timely support in case of delays or cancellations
You may be eligible for easier changes, refunds, meals/hotels for delays
Your flight info is easier to track and adjust
Many third-party vendors have poor customer service and little recourse in emergency situations. Booking direct means less stress and more control.
Also:
Use credit cards that offer travel protection benefits
Read the airline’s cancellation and change policy before buying
Consider booking flexible or refundable fares
Talk to People on the Ground
Headlines only tell part of the story. A key part of preparing for travel, especially now, is understanding what the reality on the ground looks like.
Reach out to:
Your travel company or tour operator
Local guides, guesthouses and hotels
Friends or contacts living in the area
Travelers in Facebook groups, Reddit, or WhatsApp travel communities
Ask things like:
Are any areas currently being avoided?
Are protests or events affecting travel routes?
What’s the vibe in the city or region right now?
Also consider:
Calling your hotel or guesthouse directly to ask about local conditions
Checking recent reviews on Google Maps or booking platforms for real-time feedback
Accept That All Travel Has Risk—And Define Yours
Even in the most stable of times, travel has risks. There’s always the possibility of delays, illness, lost items, or miscommunication. The difference now is that the risks feel bigger and harder to predict.
But here’s the truth: you are still in control AND millions of travelers are still exploring the world.
You get to decide how much risk you’re willing to take. No one else.
Some people feel comfortable traveling to countries with Level 2 or 3 advisories, while others only want Level 1 destinations.
Some prefer traveling in groups for added safety; others feel more secure traveling solo where they can control the itinerary.
Some wait for the news cycle to settle before making plans; others travel with awareness and contingency plans.
You’re not more or less brave depending on your choice. You’re simply being responsible for your own wellbeing.
If you're unsure, write down your top 3 travel fears, then research or prepare for how you'd handle each one. This builds confidence and helps you make informed decisions.
What We're Doing at Trekking Pals
At Trekking Pals, safety isn’t just a checkbox, it’s embedded into how we plan, communicate, and operate. Here’s how we’re responding to the current global landscape:
Pausing new launches in the Middle East: We’ve decided to hold off on introducing new trips in the region for now, even though we love the cultures and people there. Instead, we’re focusing our 2025 and 2026 itineraries on countries we know well and where we feel confident guiding travelers like Morocco, Tunisia, Peru, Guatemala, Tanzania and Indonesia.
Daily communication with travelers: For travelers transiting through or flying over regions experiencing instability, we are in daily contact helping assess options and guiding decisions based on the most recent updates.
Local partnerships: We’re in close communication with our guides, hotel partners, and teams on the ground. Their real-time insights help us adjust logistics quickly and share safety updates with our clients.
No current risk to operations: As of today June 24th, all of our 2025 and 2026 group trips are moving forward as planned. There are no foreseen disruptions. We continue to monitor conditions closely and will always put the safety of our travelers first.
Why I Still Travel (And Why I’ll Keep Going)
Even with the challenges, I still believe travel is one of the most powerful forces for personal growth and connection.
I’ve seen it in myself when I backpacked solo around the world, and I see it in the women I travel with. Travel helps us:
Overcome fear
Embrace independence
Build lasting friendships
Experience joy and healing
Learn more about ourselves and the world
Yes, the world feels uncertain. But it’s always felt uncertain in some way. Right now just happens to be a moment where that uncertainty is more visible.
By staying informed, being intentional, and listening to our intuition, we can still experience the beauty, wonder, and transformation that travel offers.
Final Thoughts: Your Comfort Level is Sacred
Here’s the message I hope you walk away with:
You don’t need to justify your choices. If now isn’t the right time for you, that’s okay. If you’re ready to go, that’s okay too.
We each have different boundaries, responsibilities, and tolerances for uncertainty. Respecting that, especially as women, is an act of self-love.
Upcoming Trips with Trekking Pals
Want to travel in a way that feels safe, supported, and soul-nourishing? Join one of our upcoming adventures.
Stay safe and keep on exploring the world one trail at a time.
