Three Weeks Stateside: Expensive, Chaotic, Completely Worth It

Three Weeks Stateside: Expensive, Chaotic, Completely Worth It

by | Aug 12, 2026 | Blog, Expat Perspectives, U.S.A.

I told my kids we were going to Publix. They gave me the kind of blank stare usually reserved for high-school algebra. If you have ever lived in Florida, you know Publix isn't just a grocery store; it is a religion where the high priest wears a green apron, and the holy sacrament is a Chicken Tender Sub with the Publix iced tea. My kids, however, didn't remember being there, even though we go EVERY time we are in the US. That was the exact moment I realized this "repatriation" trip was going to be a wilder ride than any jungle trek we had ever survived.

It only got more ridiculous from there. We walked through those sliding doors and my offspring stood frozen in front of the cereal aisle, looking like they'd accidentally wandered into a museum exhibit they weren't qualified to curate. There were 37 different cereals. There were 57—yes, fifty-seven—varieties of turkey bacon. In our life abroad, you get a handful of solid options, you pick one, and you move on with your life like a functioning adult. Here, Choice is its own full-blown spectacle. Watching my children try to process that one building could hold that much "stuff" was easily the highlight of my summer. 

Then there was the grid. The glorious, predictable grid. My kids are finally at the age where they care which direction the car is pointing, and explaining Florida street logic to children raised in cities where roads are laid out like someone threw a bowl of wet spaghetti at a map was pure joy. I got to say things like, "Just take Biscayne Boulevard (aka US 1) straight up to Delray," and actually watch their brains click. Numbered streets? Logic? No one-way alleys designed specifically to sabotage your GPS? It felt like a mathematical revelation

Publix, Camps, and Cousins:

Inside Our Very Expensive American Summer

In the Foreign Service, families get what is called repatriation time in the United States, time meant to help you reconnect with what it actually means to be American after years away. I have done versions of this before, but always split across multiple cities, always in between postings, with our belongings sitting in a shipping container somewhere between one life and the next. The last time we spent this much time stateside, before we moved to Panama in 2024, it was split across Detroit, Washington DC, and Florida, and it never once felt like it landed anywhere. This trip did require a weekend in Detroit, for my stepfather's funeral, which was its own hard, necessary thing. But outside of that one weekend, we stayed put. One location. And staying put, for once, made all the difference in how much we actually got to enjoy ourselves and the family we came to see.

That difference matters more than I expected going in. If you are a Foreign Service family trying to figure out how to structure a meaningful summer stateside, here it is plainly: the version of repatriation that actually works is the one you get to design yourself, and staying in one place beats bouncing between three every single time.

REPATRIATION: A FANCY WORD FOR "WHERE AM I?"

In the Foreign Service world, families get "repatriation time," which is meant to help you reconnect with your 'Murica roots. Usually, we spend this time bouncing between three different cities while our life's belongings sit in a shipping container somewhere in the Atlantic. Before we moved to Panama in 2024, our stateside time was a blur of Detroit, DC, and Florida. This time, despite a quick, necessary weekend in Detroit for my stepfather's funeral, we stayed put. One location. One home base. And let me tell you, "staying put" is the secret sauce for not wanting to pull your hair out by day four.

The lesson here is simple: the version of repatriation that actually works is the one you design yourself. If you have the choice between seeing ten relatives in ten cities or one relative in one city with a pool? Pick the pool. Every. Single. Time.

Summer Camps and Lessons Learned

We chose Miami for our daughter, who is teetering between her destiny as a fashion designer or marine biologist – yes, I know - wildly different. Naturally, we booked her into a high-octane two-week stint at the Miami Fashion Institute. My son's science camp was essentially the "consolation prize"—an add-on so he wouldn't spend the whole trip staring at a screen while his sister draped fabric. Both camps were "intentional," even if only one was the actual reason we drained the savings account.

In the interest of full transparency, the science camp was a bit of a bust. It cost north of $500 dollars, and my son's review was a four-word shrug: "It wasn't that exciting." Cool. Great. Glad I spent half a grand on a lukewarm "meh." Apparently, a parent's primary job description is "Failing Forward on Behalf of Very Opinionated Children."

Hindsight is 20/20, but he's eleven. At eleven, his ideal "enrichment program" is just wrestling with his cousins at the trampoline park. I could have dropped him at my sister-in-law's for the price of a pizza and gotten more enthusiasm. #MoneyWellWasted.

On the flip side, my daughter loved the Fashion Institute—to the tune of $2,000 worth of "loved." She came out of it genuinely inspired for tenth grade. Watching them both—one thrilled, one totally unimpressed—reminded me that flexibility isn't just about liking everything. It's about having the guts to say, "Mom, that was boring, please don't book it again."

Being in Miami also kept us close enough to our Broward and Palm Beach family for real quality time, but far enough away that I didn't have to share my morning coffee every single day. It was the perfect "grandparent-cousin-connection" balance.

THE PRICE OF BEING A GUEST IN YOUR OWN HOMELAND

Nobody warns you that playing tourist in your own country is basically a financial stress test. The rental car alone was $2K. Toss in the FIFA World Cup surge pricing for an Airbnb in the Design District (three thousand plus), and my bank account started making a high-pitched whistling sound. Add in food, gas, and a little shopping, and you've got a total that requires a very strong glass of wine to review. This is why thorough family travel planning is non-negotiable.

Sustainable Family Travel

Of course, we brought our own reusable water bottles and containers for camp snacks and day trips. We looked like we were prepping for a survivalist trek while just trying to buy yogurt at Publix. It was a running joke, but hey—at least we weren't drowning in single-use plastic while we were drowning in credit card charges. 

Was the 305 Worth the Cost for Us?

If we had stayed in Panama, my kids would have spent three weeks becoming one with their mattresses and video games. Instead, we dropped a small fortune so they could chase their interests, learn that Florida streets actually make sense, and hug their cousins and grandparents. I'd pay for it all again—the overpriced rental car and the boring science camp included—just to see them actually *experience* America with family and friends. 

If you're trying to figure out how to survive (and enjoy) your own stateside trip, I'm here to help. Head over to expatstraveling.com/planning and fill out a Strategic Leisure Travel™ form. Let's chat to help you build a trip that's actually worth the credit card bill.

Family Connection

Raising kids abroad, away from family, makes these reconnection times so important to their development and sense of belonging within the larger family structure. 

Gratitude

I'm so grateful to our FL, MI, NY, DC and LA family for always embracing our kids and us.

Cousins

Built-in best friends! 

Joy

Sleeping Without Walls: Citizen Science, Culture, and the Peruvian Amazon

Sleeping Without Walls: Citizen Science, Culture, and the Peruvian Amazon

by | Jul 22, 2026 | Blog, South America

My first night in the Peruvian Amazon, I lay under a mosquito net, which was very effective, by the way, with no real barrier between me and the jungle. Picture this: a locked entry door, two connecting side walls and the fourth wall, which in a hotel usually opens into a balcony or window, was completely open to the beautifully wild rainforest.  

Our rooms were elevated a few feet off the ground for the larger animals who may make their way across the land, so we did have a railing, but otherwise that "wall” was open. No net. No screen. Just the sound of an entire rainforest doing its nighttime business a few feet from my face & ears. Can you say sensory overload? I have lived on four continents. I have hauled my family across oceans more times than I can count on both hands. And I had never once slept that close to wild, undomesticated nature without a wall between us. It rearranged something in me, so that is where this story has to start.

I went to Peru this year through AdventureELEVATE Latin America 2026, an ATTA conference partly sponsored by PromPeru. This conference is meant to elevate thinking and expand connections between sustainably minded travel and tourism companies and media professionals. The 40 of us split into four pods before regrouping for the conference the following week. This trip came about because PromPeru, Peru's Tourism Bureau, partnered with ATTA to fly down a group of professional travel buyers and media to show us a Peru that has nothing to do with the version everyone already knows. Machu Picchu gets all the attention, and fair enough, it earns it. But it is also, at this point, seriously overtouristed, and Peru has entire worlds of history (pre-Inca) and experiences beyond that one Instagram shot. This trip was built to prove it. My pod landed in the Peruvian Amazon, based around the lodges run by Rainforest Expeditions: Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas, and the Tambopata Research Center. 

Don't think that by watching the videos I've linked, you've seen it all or understood the depth of the place, the people and the nature. If you value sustainability, love nature and have Peru on your bucket list - contact us so we can help you choose the right lodge for your travel group.

CITIZEN SCIENCE IN THE AMAZON

When I saw the pods being offered by ATTA & PromPeru for this FAM (Familiarization Trip), I knew almost immediately that I wanted to join Rainforest Expeditions! These are not resorts built in the jungle meant for you never to leave the property. On the contrary! They've built adventure and citizen science activities straight into daily life at the lodges instead of offering them as an optional add-on for guests who ask nicely. Every guide we had could speak to the monitoring work in detail, and travelers get pulled directly into the work: logging wildlife sightings, recording bird species, feeding real research on the Tambopata region - it's citizen science at it's best! Your tourism dollars support indigenous communities, the destination's ecology, and the research that helps keep it wild and thriving! That's truly tourism dollars at work! 

AFTER THE CONFERENCE: PISCO, WINE, AND AFRO-PERUVIAN HISTORY IN ICA

Once the conference wrapped, I gave myself a bonus round and headed to Ica on my own time. This was not part of the official itinerary; it was mine, and I am so glad I made the call. Ica put me in the Pisco region for wine tastings that had absolutely no business being that good. It also gave me the chance to dig into Peru's Afro-Peruvian culture and history, communities historically rooted in this part of the country whose influence on Peru's music, dance, and food never makes it onto the postcard version most travelers picture. Experiencing that firsthand as an African American woman added a layer to this trip that I refuse to leave out of the story. It was not why the tourism bureau brought me down. It was something I found on my own, and it became one of the most meaningful stretches of the entire journey. I can't wait to use this information to help shape another traveler's trip into Southern Peru.

Tabernero Vinyard Tour

Mia @ Museum of Afro Peruvian History

El Refugio de Mamainé,

historic cotton processor

Hacienda San José

WORLD FAMOUS PERUVIAN CUISINE

Let's talk about the food, because the variety and the freshness genuinely wrecked me in the best way. Peru's culinary reputation is earned, full stop. What stood out most was how directly the meals connected back to where we actually stood, ingredients pulled from the ground we were walking on, prepared with a freshness you forget is possible once you have gotten used to a grocery store supply chain. This deserves more than a passing mention, so let me actually walk you through it.

Start with pisco, because you cannot talk about Peru without it. Here is the short version of a genuinely wild history: Spanish colonizers planted grapevines in Peru not long after arriving, and Peruvian wine got so good, so fast, that it started eating into sales back in Spain. The Spanish crown responded as empires do, by restricting Peru's ability to continue producing and exporting that wine to protect its own winemakers back home. Peruvian producers, sitting on grapes they could no longer sell as wine, started distilling them instead. That distillate became pisco. To this day, there is a genuine rivalry between Peru and Chile over whose pisco is the real one, even though the two countries make it in completely different ways. Peru keeps it simple: one distillation, no additives, no barrel aging, letting the grape speak for itself. I know which side of that argument I landed on. Do you think differently? 

JOIN OUR 2027 TRIP TO PERU

We're currently accepting bookings to join our inaugural Kismet Journey™ to Peru! Discover Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley through a sustainable and immersive itinerary.

LEARN MORE

One thing to know about me is – I love Spice! In the Amazon, I got to try a hot sauce made fresh from what locals call the fish eye pepper, ají ojo de pescado, also known regionally as ají charapita. It is tiny, it is fruity, and it will absolutely humble you if you are not paying attention. I also tried the jungle's own twist on the classic pisco sour, a coca sour made with coca leaves instead of the usual bitters. Coca gets a bad rap outside the Andes because of what it can be turned into. Still, in Peru the leaf itself is sacred, used for thousands of years in ceremonies, offerings, and daily life, chewed by farmers and travelers alike to fight altitude sickness and sustain them through long hours of work in the mountains. Tasting it folded into a cocktail was a small, unexpected way to touch that history.

Then there was the ceviche, which was obviously top-tier. The real star of any good ceviche is the leche de tigre it swims in, the citrusy, spicy marinade that actually cooks the fish, and I could have had it served to me in a shot glass and called it a full meal.

But my favorite dish of the entire trip, one I had never even tasted before landing in Peru, was causa (pictured above), especially filled with minced shrimp or fresh crab. Here is a fact that will change how you look at every potato you have ever eaten: Peru has more than four thousand documented potato varieties- yes, 4,000+. Causa is built specifically on papa amarilla, the yellow potato, which is soft, buttery, and practically melts into the dish when mashed. The recipe itself is deceptively simple: boiled yellow potato mashed with lime juice and ají amarillo paste, layered around a cold filling, chilled, and served. That is genuinely most of it. The potato is doing almost all of the work, and it does it beautifully.

PACING, PLANNING, AND THE MACHU PICCHU I DID NOT SEE

UNAMUSED OWL IN PERUVIAN AMAZAON

Here is where I have to be honest with you, because this is the part that will actually save you money and heartbreak. I went in assuming two and a half weeks in Peru would comfortably include Machu Picchu, on top of everything else – without advanced planning. Reader, it did not.

Peru is enormous, and getting to know any one corner of it well means slowing down rather than speed-running a checklist, which is how I prefer to see any destination. My actual trip looked like this: a day in Lima to catch my breath, five nights deep in the jungle, back to Lima for a four-day conference, a spontaneous swing through Ica, and suddenly zero days left standing. Getting to Machu Picchu would have meant locking in tickets, including the train, before I ever packed a bag. I know this. I am a travel adviser. I say this exact thing to clients every week. And I still took it for granted on my own trip, assuming I would find a way to squeeze it in. I did not, and Machu Picchu is going to have to wait for round two in 2027 - join the journey! If you take one thing from this section, let it be this: Peru rewards travelers who pick fewer places and actually commit to them, and it punishes anyone who waits too long to lock in the logistics that matter most.

THIS TRIP WAS SIGNIFICANT & YOURS CAN BE TOO!

This was not a vacation. It was days spent learning to notice things I had spent a lifetime walking past, wrapped around a culture and a history that live in me differently than they do for most people who visit Peru. It was a conference well curated to provide me with the contacts needed to bring any South American trip to life for my clients in a sustainable and meaningful way, centered on luxury, romance, soft or mild adventure, cruising, local culture and, of course, the coveted downtime or any combination of those based on your need and interests! 

Machu Picchu will still be there. But so will the jungle, the wine country, and the Afro-Peruvian history that most travelers never even know to look for. If you want your travel to mean something, if you want to leave a place better informed instead of just better photographed, this is your kind of trip.

Ready to build something like this for yourself? Complete a Strategic Leisure Travel™ planning form at expatstraveling.com/planning and let's get started.

JOIN OUR 2027 TRIP TO PERU

We're currently accepting bookings to join our inaugural Kismet Journey™ to Peru! Discover Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley through a sustainable and immersive itinerary.

LEARN MORE
The Peloponnese Answer: Rethinking Greece Beyond the Islands

The Peloponnese Answer: Rethinking Greece Beyond the Islands

by | Jun 13, 2026 | Blog, Europe

Everyone wants to talk about Santorini. The whitewashed cliffs, the blue domes, sunset crowds packed shoulder to shoulder fighting for the same photo. Crete gets the same treatment. Both islands earned their fame, and both are now buckling under its weight. The overtourism crisis in Greece is real, and it is happening almost entirely on the islands your feed is obsessed with, not on the mainland most travelers never think to Google.

That is exactly why I went to the Peloponnese instead.

I traveled there as a hosted buyer for ATTA AdventureWEEK Peloponnese 2026, and the assignment was simple: walk the region myself, eat everything, sleep in the properties, and come home with real answers for clients asking a smarter question than which island to book. The real question is where in Greece they can actually get what they are looking for- the ruins, the coastline, the culture- without piling onto islands that are already straining, often for a lot less money.

STOP KILLING THE GREEK ISLANDS

When a destination is overwhelmed by love, we cannot treat sustainability and overtourism in Greece as two separate conversations. They are the same one. Sending a client to the Peloponnese instead of funneling them onto an already overwhelmed island is a sustainability call. It spreads tourism dollars to communities that actually want and can handle them, instead of piling more weight onto places already sagging under their own popularity. Supporting a destination instead of squeezing it dry is what responsible travel looks like in practice, and Greece right now hands you the clearest example of that choice you will find anywhere.

Here is a detail that surprised me and that I think more travelers need to hear: Greece has a real single-use plastic problem, and water is the biggest culprit. Greece's environment ministry put national consumption at roughly 2 billion plastic bottles a year when it moved to restrict single-use plastics in 2019. The government has openly admitted the country was lagging behind the rest of the EU in recycling before it finally moved to restrict single-use plastics and roll out a bottle deposit return scheme. A lot of that demand comes straight from tourism, especially on the islands, where much of the water is desalinated seawater that tastes off, so both visitors and hotels default to bottled water without a second thought.

The Peloponnese flips that script, and I found myself wondering why it was a hidden gem instead of the highlight it is! The mainland pulls its water from mountain catchments and aquifers instead of desalination plants, and towns across the region- Nafplio, Kalamata, Tripoli, Corinth, Sparta- meet EU drinking water standards straight out of the tap. The other hosted buyers on this trip and I made a point of it again and again, refusing single-use plastic bottles and asking properties for refill stations or a simple glass instead. It was not a hard sell. The water was already good. It just took travelers actually asking for it, which tells you something about how much of this problem is habit rather than necessity. If you are headed to the Peloponnese, skip the case of bottled water and bring a refillable one instead. The tap water will not just be safe; it will probably taste better than what is sitting in plastic on the shelf. In fact, we were taken to refill our reusable bottle at a mountain-fresh catchment station. Delicious and cold!

Our itinerary through the region was run by Trekking Hellas, working alongside the Greek Tourism Bureau, and you could feel the difference in how deliberately our days moved. Nafplio. Mycenae. Leonidio. Elona Monastery. Monemvasia. Every stop was handled with real care despite the hurried schedule built for volume, and our guide brought serious depth to both the history and the sustainability work happening in each place. We're a group of travel professionals - we can handle it, but I'd never ask you to change hotels every single night!

Overtouristed Spot Peloponnese Alternative Why It Works
Santorini's caldera sunset crowds Monemvasia A medieval clifftop town on its own rock island, with sweeping sea views and a fraction of the foot traffic.
Mykonos whitewashed glamour Nafplio The same postcard whitewashed and neoclassical charm along a real working waterfront, without the velvet ropes.
Crete's Knossos ruins Mycenae Ancient citadel walls and the Lion Gate, one of the oldest and most significant Mycenaean sites in Greece, explored at your own pace.
Rhodes' medieval Old Town Methoni and Koroni Venetian fortress towns on the coast with the same layered history and stonework, minus the cruise ship crowds.
Zakynthos and Navagio Beach Voidokilia Beach A crescent of turquoise water and soft sand that rivals the postcard, tucked into the Peloponnese coastline.

THIS TRIP CHANGED HOW I RECOMMEND GREECE

I came home recommending Greece differently. Santorini and Crete will always have pull, and there is nothing wrong with wanting to see them. But when a client comes to me chasing what they assume only the islands can give them, I now have a real, firsthand alternative to put on the table, one that treats the destination and the people who live there with more respect, and often costs less while asking for more of their attention in return.

Ready to experience a version of Greece built around depth instead of crowds?

Complete a Strategic Leisure Travel™ planning form and let's design a Peloponnese trip that fits you!

Plan Your Astrotourism Adventure

Plan Your Astrotourism Adventure

by | Mar 23, 2026 | Blog, Guides

The night sky is calling you to look up!

Dark Skies, Eclipses, and Aurora Travel

Why Astrotourism is Booming?

Why Astrotourism is Booming?

Why Astrotourism is Booming?

Astrotourism has exploded from a niche pursuit to a mainstream travel trend. Recent data show that 62% of surveyed travelers plan to visit dark-sky destinations in 2025-2026, making stargazing one of the top travel trends. Tour operators report a 68% year-over-year increase in enrollment for astronomy programs, while the northern lights tourism sector alone generated $834.5 million in 2023.

The timing couldn't be better. We're in a solar maximum cycle that peaked in 2024-2025, creating spectacular aurora displays visible as far south as Florida and the Canary Islands. Two total solar eclipses are coming: August 12, 2026 (Iceland, Greenland, Spain) and August 2, 2027 (Egypt, Morocco, Spain)—with the 2027 eclipse offering up to 6 minutes of totality in Egypt, the longest of this century!

Solar Eclipse 2026

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Eclipse Travel: 2026 It's not too late to plan. Get in touch!

Solar Eclipse 2027

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Schedule your Eclipse Travel: Consulatation Here

Understanding Dark-Sky Destinations

What Makes a Dark Sky Place Official?

What Makes a Dark Sky Place Official?

What Makes a Dark Sky Place Official?

DarkSky International has certified over 250 International Dark Sky Places worldwide across 22 countries on 6 continents, protecting more than 196,000 square kilometers of land. The program includes five distinct designation types:

      1. International Dark Sky Parks: Protected lands with exceptional night skies and public access. As of early 2025, there are 125 Dark Sky Parks globally, with 88 located in the United States.
      2. International Dark Sky Reserves: Dark core zones surrounded by populated areas with strict lighting policies, such as Alpes Azur Mercantour in Nice, France.
      3. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries: The most remote and darkest places with minimal threats to sky quality, like Aotea Great Barrier Island located on New Zealand's North Island.
      4. International Dark Sky Communities: Cities and towns with comprehensive lighting ordinances. Flagstaff, Arizona became the world's first in 2001.
      5. Urban Night Sky Places: Dark oases within light-polluted regions, such as Timpanogos Cave National Monument near Salt Lake City.

How this Dark Sky Guide is Different

While many well-known dark sky destinations are in cooler climates, this guide highlights warm-weather alternatives perfect for travelers seeking celestial wonders without the cold.

Click the Right/Left side of the image to scroll through the destination guide. 

We hope you enjoyed these Warm-Weather Dark Sky Gems by Expats Traveling Group™
Key Aurora Viewing Facts

The aurora viewing season runs from September to April in the Northern Hemisphere, with the darkest months (October to February) offering the most consistent nights. March often provides the best combination of darkness and milder temperatures. Current solar maximum conditions (peaking through mid-2026) mean enhanced aurora displays, potentially visible at lower latitudes.

For optimal viewing, plan to stay at least 3-4 nights and be outside between 9 PM and 2 AM when activity typically peaks. Activity often spikes around the equinoxes in September and March.

How and Where to Book

Of course, we suggest you contact us so we can organize your trip from start to finish. However, if you landed on our page and you'd prefer a DIY trip, here are a few companies that may be able to help you.

Current 2026 and 2027 eclipse experiences are already over 75% sold at the time of writing this article, with some luxury cruise departures completely sold out more than a year in advance. Specialized operators like TravelQuest International, Eclipse Travel, and Smithsonian Journeys offer comprehensive packages with expert astronomers onboard.

Remember, we're here to take the planning stress off your plate and find solutions to ensure your astrotourism adventure is fulfilled. 

Booking Timeline Recommendations
For 2026-2027 Eclipses:
  • Book 12-24 months in advance minimum
  • Luxury cruises and all-inclusive packages: 18-24+ months
  • Independent travel to eclipse cities: 12-18 months for accommodations
  • Last-minute options will be extremely limited and expensive
For Aurora Travel:
  • Popular destinations (Tromsø, Reykjavik, Fairbanks): 4-6 months advance
  • Specialty accommodations (glass igloos): 6-12 months advance
  • Winter peak season (December-February): Earlier booking essential
  • Shoulder seasons (September-October, March-April): 2-3 months may suffice
For Dark Sky Parks:
  • U.S. National Parks (peak summer): 6 months for camping, 3-4 months for nearby hotels
  • State parks: 2-3 months typically adequate
  • Specialty dark sky lodges: 3-6 months
  • Meteor shower peak dates: Book 3-4 months early

Making Your Dark Skies Destination Decision

The perfect astrotourism destination balances several factors:

  1. Prioritize weather reliability if seeing the celestial event is non-negotiable. Spain for the 2026 eclipse, Alta for northern lights, and established dark sky parks with historical clear-sky data reduce weather risk.
  2. Consider accessibility against the remoteness you desire. Tromsø and Reykjavik offer easy access and infrastructure but more crowds; Scoresby Sund and Big Bend offer pristine isolation but require significant travel logistics.
  3. Match accommodation level to your needs. A glass igloo creates unforgettable memories but isn't necessary to see spectacular aurora. Conversely, extremely remote locations may require accepting whatever accommodations exist.
  4. Factor in the complete experience. The best astrotourism destinations offer compelling activities beyond stargazing—whether that's Iceland's geothermal pools, Egypt's ancient temples, or Alaska's dog sledding.
  5. Budget realistically. Astrotourism can range from affordable camping trips to ultra-luxury experiences. Determine what level of comfort and expertise you need, then allocate funds accordingly.
  6. Book early. The surge in demand for astrotourism means popular destinations and dates sell out far in advance. If you're targeting a specific eclipse or peak aurora season, don't delay.
Look Up. The sky is waiting.
The World Is Still Worth Exploring: A Practical Guide to Smart, Safe International Travel in 2026

The World Is Still Worth Exploring: A Practical Guide to Smart, Safe International Travel in 2026

by | Mar 4, 2026 | Blog, Guides, Tips & Tricks

Your Practical Guide to Smart, Safe International Travel in 2026

The world hasn't stopped being extraordinary.

The world hasn't stopped being extraordinary, although the news makes it difficult to see. The ancient souks of Marrakech, the thermal springs of Iceland, the colonial grandeur of Cartagena, the spice markets of Zanzibar: none of that magic has gone anywhere. But the landscape surrounding international travel has shifted considerably, and the savvy traveler in 2026 is one who stays informed, plans with intention, and builds flexibility into every itinerary.

From TSA staffing disruptions and a weakening U.S. dollar to geopolitical flashpoints and the growing pushback against overtourism, there is no shortage of headlines designed to make you second-guess your passport. This guide cuts through the noise. The goal here isn't to scare you off the plane. It's to put you on it, prepared, protected, and confident.

Whether you're a corporate expat managing a multi-country assignment, a military family relocating overseas, a multi-generational group finally booking that legacy trip, or a luxury traveler accustomed to seamless experiences, this is the briefing you need before you book.

What's Actually Happening: The 2026 Travel Landscape

  Click each box below to read the details!

TSA and U.S. Airport Disruptions

Let's start at home. The partial government shutdown that began in February 2026, impacting the Department of Homeland Security, has placed TSA officers in a painfully familiar position: working without pay. As we saw during the historic 43-day shutdown in fall 2025, which cost the travel industry an estimated $6.1 billion and resulted in over 1,100 TSA officer departures, the effects compound over time. On average, during that shutdown, the U.S. saw 88,000 fewer trips per day, a stark signal of how quickly disruption suppresses confidence.
TSA PreCheck was initially announced as suspended during the current partial shutdown, though the agency subsequently confirmed it would remain operational on a case-by-case basis as staffing constraints arise. The situation remains fluid.

What this means practically:

  • Add buffer time to your departure day.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than usual.
  • Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
  • Have your boarding pass and identification ready before you reach the checkpoint. If your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry lane is unexpectedly closed, know your alternate ID options and keep your patience at the ready.

These disruptions are temporary, but they're real.

The Weakening U.S. Dollar

This one requires honest acknowledgment: your travel budget doesn't go as far as it did two years ago. In the first half of 2025 alone, the dollar fell around 10%, the largest six-month drop since 1973. The euro, the British pound, the Swiss franc, and the Japanese yen have all strengthened relative to the dollar, and that gap is expected to widen further into 2026.

To put it in concrete terms: $500 in the eurozone in 2024 gave you approximately 463 euros; heading into 2026, that same $500 yields closer to 400 euros.

This is real money. But here's the flip side that most of the doom-and-gloom coverage misses: weakening international demand for flights to the U.S. could mean fantastic deals in 2026 as airlines try to fill existing seats. Airfare is down in many corridors. And the dollar stretches remarkably well in destinations like Brazil, Southeast Asia (when conditions allow), much of Latin America, the Eastern Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa. The traveler who pivots smartly can actually come out ahead.

Luxury travelers with household incomes of $100,000 and above are also proving more resilient, with premium cabin demand holding steady. If you're committed to the experience, book it with intention and a currency strategy: pay for big-ticket items like hotels and tours in advance, in dollars, before exchange rates shift further.

Geopolitical Instability: Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Beyond

The conflict landscape across the Middle East remains elevated, with ongoing tensions affecting Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and neighboring regions. A global travel caution alert issued in June 2025 remains in effect, citing the Israel-Iran conflict and rising global tensions. Travelers with itineraries touching any part of this region should treat pre-departure research as non-negotiable, not optional.

In Southeast Asia, flooding and border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand prompted elevated U.S. State Department advisories for both countries. Natural disaster risks are not just inconvenient; they can strand travelers, damage infrastructure, and trigger humanitarian crises with little warning.

Overtourism Sentiment in Europe and Japan

Perhaps the most nuanced challenge of 2026 is the growing resistance from local communities in places like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Kyoto, Venice, and the Greek islands. This isn't simply a political issue; it's a signal that the mass tourism model is reaching its limits. Entrance fees, tourist caps, visitor time restrictions, and protests are becoming part of the travel planning calculus in ways they weren't a decade ago.

The smart traveler reads this as an invitation to go deeper, not to stay home. Seek out the second city instead of the capital. Book the boutique hotel in the local neighborhood instead of the tourist-facing property. Eat where the locals eat. Hire a guide from the community. This is, frankly, a more rewarding way to travel anyway, and it positions you well regardless of what policy changes emerge.

The State Department's travel advisory system is one of the most useful tools available to American travelers, and one of the most misunderstood. A Travel Advisory is a report that describes the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens (not foreign nationals) in a foreign destination. Every country in the world is assigned one of four color-coded levels:

  • Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (green): The lowest risk designation. This doesn't mean zero risk; all international travel carries some degree of uncertainty. Think New Zealand, Japan's major cities, and much of Northern Europe.
  • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (yellow): Generally safe, but specific risks exist and warrant your attention. Popular European destinations, including France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, mainland China, South Africa, Morocco, and Peru, all carry Level 2 advisories. This designation does not mean you shouldn't go; it means you should go informed.
  • Level 3: Reconsider Travel (orange): Significant risks are present. Countries with Level 3 advisories include Colombia, Egypt, Guatemala, and Jamaica, among others. Many Level 3 countries include specific sub-regions that are higher risk while other areas remain relatively accessible. Read the fine print and check in with your personal risk tolerance. Do you know the language? Are you “winging” it, or do you have an organized trip with a local English-speaking guide? The difference can be trip-defining in some of these destinations.
  • Level 4: Do Not Travel (red): The highest designation, issued when life-threatening risks are likely, and U.S. government assistance may be severely limited or unavailable. Current Level 4 countries include Russia, Ukraine, North Korea, Syria, Iraq, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Venezuela, and Haiti.

The Risk Indicators: What the Letters Mean

Advisories at Levels 2 through 4 include letter codes explaining the specific threats. Here's what to look for:

C: Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present, and local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond. This code appears frequently in Caribbean and Central American destinations.

T: Terrorism: Specific terrorist threats exist or attacks have recently occurred. This applies to portions of Western Europe, East Africa, and much of the Middle East.

U: Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, or ethnic instability may cause violence or prevent safe evacuation.

H: Health: Disease, inadequate medical infrastructure, or public health crises are elevated concerns.

E: Time-Limited Event: A short-term situation such as an election, major protest, or sporting event has temporarily elevated the risk level.

O: Other: Risks that don't fit neatly into the above categories, often including natural disaster vulnerability or infrastructure concerns.

How to Stay Current

The State Department reviews Level 1 and 2 advisories every 12 months and Level 3 and 4 advisories at least every 6 months, but conditions can change any time, and updates may come without warning.
Three things every international traveler should do before departure and during their trip:
  1. Register with STEP. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (travel.state.gov) is free and allows the U.S. Embassy in your destination country to contact you directly during an emergency, facilitate family communication, and provide timely alerts. This takes 10 minutes and could make an enormous difference in a crisis.
  2. Follow @TravelGov on social media. The State Department issues alerts, press releases, and updates through its social channels, often faster than formal advisory revisions.
  3. Check the CDC's Travel Health Notices. Beyond security, the CDC tracks disease outbreaks, vaccination requirements, and health-related risks by destination. These are updated continuously and are separate from State Department advisories.
This is the conversation no one wants to have before a trip, and the one everyone should. Destinations can escalate quickly. A peaceful election month can turn volatile overnight. A natural disaster can render infrastructure inaccessible within hours. Here's how to respond when conditions deteriorate:
Before you go, build your contingency framework:
  • Know where the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate is located and have their emergency number saved.
  • Identify at least two international airports near your destination.
  • Have a meeting point established with your travel companions if you become separated.
  • Carry physical copies of your passport, travel insurance documentation, and emergency contacts.
When a Level 2 or 3 advisory is issued for your destination:
  • Don't panic, but do investigate. Read the full advisory, not just the headline level.
  • Contact your travel advisor immediately. A good advisor monitors destinations actively and can rapidly assess whether your specific itinerary, property, and schedule are in affected zones or not.
  • Review what your travel insurance covers for trip interruption or advisory changes.
When a Level 4 is issued and you're already there:
  • Register with STEP immediately if you haven't.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy and follow their instructions.
  • Do not delay departure unnecessarily. Commercial options often disappear quickly.
  • Know that the U.S. government cannot guarantee evacuation; this is precisely why private evacuation coverage matters (more on that below).

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For U.S. citizens living abroad, whether as corporate assignees, diplomatic spouses, educators, or retirees who have chosen an international life, the risk landscape looks different from that of the leisure traveler passing through for two weeks. Your home is there. Your routine is there. Your risks are proportionally higher and more varied.

Renters' Insurance in Your Host Country

Many Americans abroad assume their U.S. renters' or homeowners' policy extends internationally. It often does not, or it provides severely limited coverage. If you're renting in your host country, look into a local renters' insurance policy. Coverage typically includes personal property theft and damage, liability protection if someone is injured in your residence, and temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable. In some countries, landlords require it; in many, expats simply don't think to get it. Don't be among the latter.

Corporate Repatriation Frameworks
If you are an executive on an overseas assignment or a corporate expat managed under a mobility program, this conversation must happen with your HR and security teams before you're ever deployed. Every multinational company with overseas staff should have a formalized repatriation framework that addresses:
  • What triggers a mandatory evacuation (specific advisory level? Violence within a defined radius? Employee request?)
  • Who authorizes the decision and who communicates it to employees?
  • What travel and temporary housing expenses are covered?
  • Is the policy consistent for employees across different host countries?
  • Does it cover accompanying family members?
Many companies have these policies in writing but have never walked their employees through them. Ask for the document. Read it. Know the answer before you need it.
Travel Insurance That Actually Covers What You Think It Does

This is perhaps the most critical and most overlooked element of international travel preparation. Not all travel insurance is created equal, and the gap between what travelers assume their policy covers and what it actually covers can be costly, sometimes catastrophically so.

For travelers venturing into less stable regions, remote destinations, or engaging in active adventure travel, your policy must include:

Security evacuation coverage. This is separate from medical evacuation. If civil unrest, terrorism, or a natural disaster forces a mandatory evacuation, you need a policy that covers the cost of getting you out, including ground transportation, charter flights, and temporary accommodation. Standard medical evacuation coverage will not typically apply to security events.

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades. In a world where advisories can shift suddenly, CFAR riders allow you to cancel your trip for any reason not otherwise covered in the policy and receive a partial refund (typically 50 to 75 percent of prepaid, non-refundable expenses). This must generally be purchased within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit.

"Cancel for Work Reasons" coverage. For corporate travelers and executives, this is particularly relevant. Standard policies don't cover business-related cancellations; specific riders do.

Pre-existing condition waivers. If purchased promptly after your initial trip deposit, most comprehensive policies will waive the pre-existing condition exclusion. Buy early.

Destination-specific exclusions. Always read the fine print regarding your specific destination. A policy that covers Level 2 destinations may exclude Level 3 countries entirely, or may void coverage if a Level 4 is issued before you purchase.

Recommended resource: work with a licensed travel insurance specialist or a travel advisor who can compare policies across providers. We like Allianz, but AARDY, InsureMyTrip, and Squaremouth are comparison platforms that allow you to filter by coverage type. For high-risk or adventurous itineraries, consider providers such as Global Rescue, IMG Global, or GeoBlue for more robust security and medical coverage.
Before every international trip, work through this list:
  • Check the U.S. State Department travel advisory for your destination at travel.state.gov
  • Register your trip with STEP (free at travel.state.gov/STEP)
  • Check CDC travel health notices for your destination
  • Verify that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date
  • Make photocopies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and emergency contacts; store copies separately from originals
  • Notify your bank and credit cards of your travel dates and destinations
  • Ensure you’ll have cell phone service. Consider an eSim with Airalo.
  • Download offline maps and translation apps before departure
  • Share your itinerary with a trusted contact at home
  • Research the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in each country you'll visit
  • Confirm that your travel insurance covers the activities and destinations on your itinerary, and purchase it within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit to ensure maximum coverage.
  • Know your airline's change and cancellation policies
  • Arrive at the airport earlier than usual, given current TSA staffing conditions

The world is complicated right now. It has always been complicated. What changes is how prepared you are to navigate that complexity, and whether you have the right team, tools, and protections in place before you leave home.

The clients who travel best in environments like this one are not the ones who ignore the challenges. They're the ones who understand the landscape clearly, make decisions from a position of information rather than anxiety, and work with experienced advisors who monitor conditions continuously and advocate fiercely on their behalf when plans need to pivot.

At Expats Traveling Group™ LLC, that's exactly what we do. We plan with your safety as the foundation, your values as the compass, and your experience as the destination. Whether you're navigating a corporate relocation, planning a milestone family reunion abroad, or crafting a culturally immersive luxury escape, we bring the research, the relationships, and the contingency thinking that turns ambitious travel dreams into memories you'll carry for the rest of your life.

The world is still out there. Let's explore it, wisely, beautifully, and on purpose.

Connect with us to begin building your custom travel strategy.

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