Is it Safe to Travel Internationally in 2026?

Happy New Year, everyone! (I spent the first week in Cabo San Lucas, so it’s still the New Year to me.)

Last week, I got a call from a client asking if it is safe to travel internationally this year after the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The answer to that question is Yes. No country has retaliated, as of January 12, 2026. Nor have any new countries banned travel of US citizens, as of January 12, 2026.

With that being said, I know that doesn’t make everyone feel safe. The political situation is constantly changing, and no one knows the future. However, it is important to live your life and create joyful memories. So if you still want to travel internationally in 2026, here are three things you can do to keep yourself safe and feel better.

1. Buy Travel Insurance, particularly travel insurance with a Cancel Anytime or Cancel for Any Reason policy, so you can get 80% of any nonrefundable expense refunded. I know no one likes spending extra money on something you may not need. However, if you are trying to decide if you need to cancel a trip, the last thing you need worry about is money. Travel insurance will give you an extra piece of mind.

   1. Bonus Tip: If you plan to take multiple international trips, there are annual travel insurance policies you can get, which are cheaper per trip.

   2. Bonus Tip: Some credit cards offer travel insurance. Review the terms and conditions to make sure you have the coverage you need.

2. Keep Track of Travel Advisories. We book international trips months in advance. And like I said earlier, the global political climate is fluid. The US Department of State constantly updates its travel advisory page. Check to see if there are any travel advisories for your destination at least 1 month and 1 week before your trip.

3. Subscribe to the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program. The STEP is a program where US citizens notify the US embassy that they are traveling in a particular country. The US embassy will then contact you and your emergency contact if there are emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or travel advisory updates. If you plan to travel internationally, subscribe to STEP after you book your flights.

Though I enjoy travel and want everyone to experience it, I will never ask anyone to risk their safety or do anything they feel uncomfortable doing. These tips should help you as you plan your 2026 travel.

Travel Deals

• Sandals is having its Winter Blues Sales now until February 2nd.

  • Stay 5 nights or more and get a $150 Spa Credit.

  • Stay 7 nights or more and get $350 Air Credit + Free Catamaran Cruise.

  • Plus, you can get a $100 bonus for booking online.

• Save $200 on nonstop flights and 3+ nights hotel stay packages to Mexico and Carribean if you book by February 5.

• Hyatt Zilara is Hyatt’s adult-only all-inclusive chain across Mexico and the Caribbean. If you book by March 31, 2026, and stay between January 8, 2026, and December 20, 2026, you will receive up to 25% off and the following perks.

  • 10% off spa services for next-level relaxation

  • 10% off cabana rentals for laid-back comfort by the pool or beach

  • 10% off private dinners for unforgettable moments

  • & More!

• Hyatt Ziva is Hyatt’s family-friendly all-inclusive chain across Mexico and the Caribbean. If you book by March 31, 2026, and stay between January 8, 2026, and December 20, 2026, you will receive up to 25% off and the following perks.

  • 10% off spa services for next-level relaxation

  • 10% off cabana rentals for laid-back comfort by the pool or beach

  • 10% off private dinners for unforgettable moments

  • & More!