The New Wild Card on Travelers’ Itineraries: Uncertainty

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Gabe Castro-RootJanuary 21, 2026 at 04:43 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

A January 2026 report indicates that uncertainty is a major factor impacting travel. Political tensions, potential military actions, and restrictive U.S. border policies are causing travelers to reconsider destinations, including the Caribbean and the United States. The upcoming World Cup in North America faces potential disruptions due to entry restrictions for citizens of qualifying countries. Climate change and extreme weather events are also increasingly disrupting travel plans globally. While the number of foreign visitors to the U.S. decreased in 2025, tourism professionals anticipate higher sales in 2026. Travelers are advised to book refundable options and understand their travel insurance coverage to mitigate potential disruptions.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tim Cook 30% Mexico 50% Canada 50% Caribbean 60% Terry Dale ×260% Greenland 60% World Cup 70% Venezuela 70% Cuba 70% United States Tour Operators Association 70% Donald Trump ×280% United States ×790%

Keywords

travel uncertainty 100% climate change 70% political instability 60% military action 60% extreme weather 50% tourism economy 50% travel planning 50% restrictive border policies 40% travel insurance 40%